First Security (Guards) Ltd - one of the leading companies within the manned guarding sector - has won a significant new contract to protect the Edmonton Green Shopping Centre in Enfield, North London, one of two Shopping Centres it protects for the property development company St. Modwen Properties Plc.
The contract, managed by St. Modwen Developments (Edmonton) Ltd, is to provide a team of security personnel "to provide a safe and pleasant environment for both shoppers and retailers alike," according to Colin Chatt, Property Manager (London and South East).
The team - comprising nine officers who will liaise closely with the local Police Force - has been briefed not only to provide a security service, but also an element of customer care. The team will also be responsible for operating the sophisticated CCTV system that the Shopping Centre has installed, and patrolling the adjoining car park. They have also undergone specific terrorism training supplied by a company introduced by First Security namely Global Aware, who have tailored a course on education to the constant threat of terrorism.
First Security was awarded the contract - against fierce competition - "because it has a proven track record in retail security services," adds Mr Chatt. "First Security was able to put an innovative package of services and costs together which precisely matched our requirements. We have worked with First Security before but their services are continually benchmarked," he says. "We always go to competitive tender, and they constantly provide value added service which beats other suppliers not only on cost but provided services."
"First Security is one of a few companies that does what it says in its marketing portfolio. It takes a pro-active approach to security and has the support of a strong management team."
Edmonton Green Shopping Centre is currently nearing the end of the first phase of a major redevelopment programme including the construction of additional retail and residential units, primary care centre, bus station and leisure centre.
Work is about to start on the demolition of the existing leisure centre, refurbishment of the multi-storey car park, and the construction of additional retail, food store and bingo hall to be completed in 2007. St. Modwen's vision is to create a £100m mixed use development, providing over 410,000 sq. ft of retail space, 55,000 sq. ft leisure accommodation and 177 residential units, together with upgraded parking.
Jonathan Levine, Managing Director of First Security concludes: "We are delighted to have won this contract but never rest on our laurels. Selecting the officers most suited to a Shopping Centre environment is a significant part of our continued success."
