39-year-old Lowe was the sole trader of Progressive Security, and also the sole director and shareholder of Fortis Security (UK) Ltd.
Through both companies, he supplied door supervisors to bars and clubs in Derby city centre. However, he was working illegally as he did not hold the necessary Security Industry Authority licence to supply operatives.
Investigators from the Regulator requested information about the company but Lowe ignored the demands.
As a result, he was investigated on suspicion of operating as an unlicensed director and failing to provide information to the Regulator.
At Derby Magistrates’ Court last Friday, Lowe – of Collingham Gardens, Derby – pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging as an unlicensed director of Fortis Security (UK) Ltd.
He also pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging as an unlicensed employer of staff at Progressive Security, and two counts of failing to provide information to the Security Industry Authority.
Lowe was fined GB pound 2,000 for all eight offences. He was also ordered to pay the Regulator costs of GB pound 12,000, in part because his answering ‘no comment’ in interview had led to a longer investigation and therefore higher costs.
Prevented from operating in the private security industry
Security Industry Authority head of investigation Nathan Salmon said: “I’m pleased with the outcome of this investigation. Our investigators attempted to work with Mr Lowe to resolve alleged licensing offences; but he didn’t wish to work with the Security Industry Authority.”
Salmon added: “Mr Lowe continued this approach throughout the subsequent investigation, and attempting to mislead us in our enquiries proved to be a costly error. In addition to this large penalty, his conviction will mean that he will no longer be able to operate in the private security industry.”
Manchester security supplier loses ACS appeal
A security company refused accreditation through a Government scheme has been ordered to pay more than GB pound 25,000 after losing its appeal against the decision.
21st Security Ltd applied for membership of the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) but was refused on the grounds that it wasn’t considered fit and proper to hold the accreditation.
The company, based at Monsal Road, Newton Heath in Manchester, supplied security officers to premises in the Greater Manchester area.
Joint agency site visits involving the Security Industry Authority and Greater Manchester Police as part of the Salford-based initiative Project Gulf duly established that the firm had been deploying unlicensed operatives and individuals without the right to work in the UK.
Information to support the Security Industry Authority’s decision to refuse the company’s application for Approved Contractor Scheme status was provided by a number of enforcement partners including Greater Manchester Police, the Department for Work and Pensions and the UK Border Agency.
After 21st Security’s application was refused, the company lodged an appeal. At City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, a district judge dismissed this appeal and awarded the Regulator GB pound 25,269 in costs. 21st Security Ltd did not attend the hearing.
ACS assistant director Andrew Shephard said: “This was a complex ACS appeal case which required the co-ordination and gathering of evidence from a number of agencies working in partnership. The outcome upholds the Security Industry Authority’s decision to refuse this company Approved Contractor status, helping to ensure that the credibility of the ACS is maintained.”