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| Axis Security is providing manned guarding services to the Institution of Civil Engineers |
With its location in the heart of Westminster, and the number of high profile visitors who come through its doors, security is a key priority, as Building Services Manager, Phil Ackers explains: "Being in close proximity to the Houses of Parliament, Parliament Square and other postcard terrorist targets, an emergency situation at the building could ultimately shut off Whitehall. Having an obvious security presence is therefore important as a strong deterrent to anyone trying to gain unauthorized access to the building."
"Moreover the building frequently welcomes high profile civil engineers, and is a recognized venue for conferences and business meetings, so again a visible security presence is essential to ensure the safety of visitors to the building."
Axis Security has been providing security services to the building since January 2009, with Axis Security winning the contract on competitive tender, as Phil continues: "We had been working with another supplier, but felt that the customer service element had slipped. We required a professional supplier in keeping with the standards and reputation of the ICE, and as we had worked previously with the Axis Security management team, and built up a good working relationship, we invited them to tender."
"Axis Security was successful on the grounds of the level of service we felt they could offer, the commitment to the individual, and also on cost. Axis Security officers have been at the building for 10 months now and we have been very impressed by the attention to detail and excellent customer service provided."
Axis Security is contracted to provide a core-presence of two officers during the day, and one by night, primarily in a security role, though the officers are also trained to help in front of house duties if required. Axis Security also works closely with the ICE to provide further security presence as necessary, as Phil continues: "The building often hosts the board meetings of large engineering and financial companies. Though the ICE is always careful to ensure that the companies match the ethos and values of the Institution, some of these functions may attract demonstrators. We work with Axis to ensure that additional officers are present if required."
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| Axis Security also works closely with the ICE to provide further security presence as necessary |
"At a recent meeting, for example, a shareholder protested inside the venue. As a shareholder of the company, the protester had every right to be present, but we had arranged additional security with Axis in advance, as the customer had identified an extra requirement. When during the meeting the protester stood up to make his protest, the security officers ejected him in a calm and professional manner with minimal disruption to the meeting. After the meeting the customer commended the professionalism with which the security officers handled the situation, which reflects well on the venue. As a result we are likely to be the venue of choice for the next shareholder meeting."
"We are delighted with the professional approach, responsiveness and attention to detail demonstrated by the Axis officers, and look forward to working with the Axis Security team further," Phil concludes.
Jonathan Levine, Managing Director of Axis Security added: "Axis Security is delighted to have this opportunity to work with the ICE and we look forward to a mutually beneficial long term relationship."
Located in the heart of London's cultural and political life, the One Great George Street conference and wedding venue is surrounded by many key London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and one of London's most ornamental parks, St James's Park.
This elegant and historical building has been described as a ‘monumental neo-classical design' and a ‘modern rendering of the late Renaissance'. The exterior, foyer and grand staircase are made of Portland stone and many of the rooms are ornately decorated with French Walnut and oak paneling, elegant carved plaster ceilings and elaborate crystal chandeliers.
The One Great George Street conference and wedding venue is a division of Thomas Telford Limited, which is a company wholly owned by the Institution of Civil Engineers.
