The company – founded by Sukhi Ghuman – was originally established to provide bespoke security solutions for organisations in the Midlands region. Based in Nottingham, it employs one of the UK’s most comprehensive staff development programmes, with all employees receiving continuous training in a wide variety of disciplines (from explosives detection through to the meeting and greeting of VIPs).
Octavian’s client base includes Boots, Sainsbury’s, the BBC, ITV Granada, the Ascot Racecourse, The Royal Opera House and Nottingham City Council. The Security Division is part of the Octavian Group of Companies which includes Octavian Recruitment, Octavian Facilities Management, Octavian Law, Octavian Continental and Octavian Risk Management.
Speaking to info4security about Octavian’s award, James Ostler (managing director of information services at the National Britannia Group) stated: “Major end user organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who aren’t able to prove that they have sound Health and Safety practices in place. More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Octavian has done. The firm’s high standards have undoubtedly set an example for other companies within the security sector to follow.”
To gain accreditation from the National Britannia Group, businesses must undergo a vetting process which thoroughly examines Health and Safety procedures and their track record in relation to safe practices in business. Those companies awarded SAFEcontractor status are then logged on to a database which is accessible to registered users vetting potential new security solutions providers to ensure that they meet the standards required.
Jot Engelbrecht – Octavian Security’s operations and training director – told info4security: “This accreditation is a reward for the tremendous amount of hard work put in by the whole team to develop processes and procedures that ensure high standards in an industry that hasn’t enjoyed the best of reputations in this regard during years past. We recognise that we need to be exhibiting Best Practice techniques, and continuing to strive for excellence at all times.”
Octavian Security is already ISO 9001 UKAS-accredited and a Gold and Silver Fox member of The Security Watchdog scheme. The company is currently working towards Investors in People status.
