Consolidation is inevitable… and long overdue

SIR – SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A greater level of detail regarding the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) requirements for regulation, we have been inundated with approaches from independent firms seeking to form strategic partnerships or look at the acquisition process. I for one view the process of guarding sector consolidation as inevitable, overdue and ultimately a positive development for both the industry and its customers.

Many of the smaller solutions providers are now seriously contemplating selling out to larger companies as the reality of regulation begins to bite. While medium-sized companies like Frances Clarke are well-placed to adapt to the challenges of SIA regulation, there are many owner-managed businesses who have done an excellent job for years, but are terrified by the likely £600 per head cost of obtaining a licence for each member of staff.

Frances Clarke operates nationally in the retail, distribution and property sectors. The company achieved the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance standard in 1998. In 2003, we received the SITO ‘Outstanding Training in an Organisation’ Award at its National Training Conference, and hold the National Security Inspectorate’s prized Gold Award.

As a company, we recognise that consolidation in the security industry spreads the costs, enabling quality service providers to gain a stronger market position within a professional sector. To this end, we’d be keen to talk to quality firms willing to discuss partnership working or acquisition ahead of the challenges we all face.