Guarding company

winner: Wilson James

Wilson James continues to challenge many of the conventional wisdoms associated with manned security provision. Founded in 1991, the company’s security division is headed up by director Stuart Lowden. For many years now, Wilson James has applied a standard 42-hour shift pattern for all officers working across the firm’s diverse contract portfolio. Although overtime is allowed, it’s strictly monitored and controlled in line with the European Working Time Directive. In addition, the company has developed a bespoke Front-of-House service that incorporates security, main reception, Help Desk and switchboard services – thereby adding real value to its clients’ businesses. Stuart Lowden has also instigated a Staff Welfare and Development Programme whereby each team member is afforded a monthly feedback meeting with line managers. Wilson James is the first-ever contractor to win this award for three consecutive years. A truly remarkable achievement.

“Wilson James embodies every edict the SIA was designed to create for guarding. If the industry could start all over again, it must use this company as its role model”
– JUDGES’ COMMENT

Runners-Up

Anchor Security Solutions
Anchor Professional Security Solutions is one of the leading providers of contract security to companies in the north of England (including the North West Development Agency and News International). It specialises in delivering manned security, remote monitoring, key holding and mobile patrol services to large blue chips, leading retailers and public sector organisations. Staff turnover stands at less than 25%, and the company provides an online web portal which affords clients ‘drill down’ access to command and control systems.

SectorGuard
SectorGuard was formed in 1998. Since then, organic growth and selective acquisitions have seen annual turnover rise to £12,752,659 generated by a 500-strong workforce (with single figure turnover rates). The company specialises in manned guarding, mobile patrol and keyholding services for public and private sector clients (including Shell and MFI). A pro-active approach to training has seen the company team up with LearnDirect to offer every employee the choice of over 300 courses in subjects including business and management, Health and Safety and IT security.

Noble Security Services
Based in Widnes, Noble Security Services concentrates on bonded warehousing and municipal protection – providing not only manned security services but also keyholding and mobile patrols for end users. The company boasts an annual turnover of £1.6 million, and operates as a SITO-approved Training Centre. This excellent contractor has been to the fore in groundbreaking schemes including Guardsafe and contracts with the British Transport Police. Noble won the BSIA Chairman’s Award in 2002 in the ‘Contribution To Training’ category for the Trafford Guardsafe scheme, and came top in SITO’s Training Awards that same year for ‘Outstanding Practice By A Training Provider’.

Securicor Security
Securicor Security is now merged with Group 4 to form Group 4 Securicor. The entry for the 2004 Security Excellence Awards was submitted on behalf of Securicor Security. The company is a great believer that investment in staff development is key, and thus offers a bespoke package of modular training programmes which supplement BS 7499.

Ultimate Security Services
Essex-based company Ultimate was formed in 1999, and has since grown to an £11 million business. The contractor specialises in large, managed contracts for high profile clients, more recently also supplying Health and Safety surveys and consultancy services.

VSG
VSG was established in March 2000. After just four years of trading, the company boasts an annualised turnover of £35 million and employs 1,400 people across its UK sites.