Brian Riis Nielsen

Brian Riis Nielsen
Managing Director and Country President, Securitas Security Services LtdBrian Riis Nielsen is the Managing Director and Country President of Securitas UK. Denmark-born, Nielsen will be tasking with growing the UK market from its current position of strength, with an initial focus on ensuring a sound process management system for Securitas UK and embedding innovation and advanced technologies into the business. Nielsen takes up the helm as UK Country President following a seven year tenure in the same role in the Danish arm of the company, which has 900 employees. With several degrees, including Business Administration from Odense University in Denmark, Nielsen first pursued a career in in the insurance industry for over a decade, before entering the security sector in 1995.
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Securitas UK is delighted to announce it has been awarded Business Superbrands status for 2019. The Business Superbrands survey tracks the perception of a wide-range of UK business brands, evaluating almost 1,600 brands across 63 categories this year alone. 2,500 UK business professionals, supplemented by an expert council of senior business-to-business marketing leaders, judge the business brands against the three core Superbrand factors: quality, reliability and distinction. Fire Safety Solutions We are delighted to achieve Superbrand status for the second year running" Brand perception, marketing activities and new product and service developments, are also considered by the judges and only the most highly-regarded brands from each category are awarded Superbrand status. Brian Riis Nielsen, Country President of Securitas UK, commented: “We are delighted to achieve Superbrand status for the second year running. Securitas continues to lead the transformation of the security industry, delivering risk-based security and fire safety solutions that are continually evolving to meet our client’s needs.” Remote Security Officers “Securitas’ brand purpose is the promise we make to our clients to keep their people, property and assets safe. This promise, combined with our core values of integrity, vigilance and helpfulness, contributes to a safer society and is shaping the security of tomorrow.” “From our on-site, mobile and remote security officers who are our brand ambassadors at client sites, to our dedicated teams in different functions across the business, our recognition as a Superbrand is the result of all their hard work and commitment.” Remote Security Officers By blending people, knowledge and technology, the Securitas brand continues to excel" “Earlier this year, we were certified as a Top UK Employer, and as the only global security company to be recognized by the Living Wage Foundation, we’ve made a commitment to pay our Security Officers the real living wage by the end of 2020. By blending people, knowledge and technology, the Securitas brand continues to excel.” Stephen Cheliotis, CEO of The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA) and Chairman of Superbrands comments: “In unsettled times, businesses that are well-regarded and possess a positive reputation benefit from competitive advantage over weaker branded rivals, providing greater immunity against short-term market volatility.” “Being perceived by buyers and influencers as a leading Business Superbrand is a positive business signal, while also recognition of the hard-work and dedication of the employees of each business attaining Superbrands status.”
Securitas announces the acquisition of Allcoopers Ltd and its subsidiaries. Allcooper Group, founded in 1987, specialises in the installation, maintenance and monitoring of a wide range of security and fire systems. It operates from bases in Gloucestershire, the West Midlands and London with a complement of around 100 employees. Allcooper’s expertise in electronic security and its portfolio of long-term customers will provide excellent support in Securitas’ pursuit of its strategic objectives. As part of the Securitas Group, Allcooper will continue to deliver professional security services to clients in the UK and will operate under the Securitas brand by the end of 2019. Corporate Risk Management Securitas is a security services provider, specializing in protective services built on people, technology and knowledge, and operating in 59 markets worldwide. In the UK no other security provider layers six Protective Services: On-site Security, Mobile Security, Remote Security, Electronic Security, Fire & Safety Specialist Services and Corporate Risk Management to offer intelligent, value driven, total security solutions to its clients. “The Allcooper Group has been a valued trading partner of Securitas UK for several years and this acquisition further strengthens our portfolio, as we continue to build our Electronic Security services as part of our Vision 2020 strategy.” explains Brian Riis Nielsen, Country President, Securitas UK. Roman Cooper, Service Director, also commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Allcooper Group clients and employees. Both organizations are at the forefront of the latest industry trends and technology, and there are huge opportunities for development and growth.”
Securitas UK has been officially recognized as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute for its commitment to delivering exceptional people management and HR strategies. Top Employers are organizations of the highest caliber that have worked hard to create, implement and progress people strategies, through innovative and engaging programs, that empower and develop their employees. In order to be certified as Top Employer, Securitas had to achieve the minimum standard as set out by the Top Employers Institute across ten key topics: Talent Strategy, Workforce Planning, Talent Acquisition, On-boarding, Learning & Development, Performance Management, Leadership Development, Career & Succession Management, Compensation & Benefits and Culture. Security And Protective Services Expert Securitas UK is the only security and protective services company to be accredited by the Top Employer Institute Securitas UK is the only security and protective services company to be accredited by the Top Employer Institute. Brian Riis Nielsen, Country President, Securitas UK spoke about what it means to be a Top Employer: “Securitas is leading the transformation of the security industry from traditional guarding to a much broader spectrum of protective services delivered by better trained and engaged teams. Although technology is an increasingly important part of our operation, our on-site, mobile and remote security officers remain the backbone of our business." He added, "Our people, and how we look after them, lay at the heart of this transformation. Our talented, professional officers excel at keeping our clients’ people, property and assets safe. In return we have made a commitment to provide the very best employee experience, offering a rewarding career pathway which will help shape the next generation of security professionals.” Securitas Employee Excellence Model We will continue to invest in our Securitas employee excellence model and offer our people the very best, industry leading, employee experience"Grainne Kelly, HR and Security Operations Center Director explained, “We are delighted to be officially recognized as a Top Employer. From our online, end-end recruitment and selection processes, to our in-house City & Guilds accredited Learning and Development Academy, and our focus on talent and career succession planning, we are proud of the collaborative and innovative working practices we are delivering for the benefit of all our employees. "We will continue to invest in, and refine, our Securitas employee excellence model and offer our people the very best, industry leading, employee experience. Our Top Employer certification proves that we are well on our way to achieving this.” David Plink, CEO, Top Employer commented, “We believe that the 2019 Certified organizations demonstrate exceptional employee conditions and encourage the development of these practices by putting their people first. These companies help enrich the world of work with their outstanding dedication to HR excellence and because of this, they are recognized as an employer of choice.”
Shaun Kennedy has been appointed as the new Country President and Managing Director of Securitas UK and will assume responsibility at some point in early 2019. Shaun will take over from current Country President, Brian Riis Nielsen, who having successfully led the transformation of Securitas UK, will move on to a new senior management position in Securitas Group. Shaun is an experienced leader with a proven track record in the security industry. After leaving the British Army in 1997 Shaun joined Chubb Security, where he spent 15 years, until it was acquired by Securitas in 2011. Taking Up New Responsibilities Since 2011, Shaun has held several senior management positions including interim Country President UK and more recently Director of Specialist Protective Services. Shaun has also been responsible for the successful implementation of Securitas’ Fire & Safety strategy across Europe. By blending people, technology and knowledge, Securitas is at the forefront of this innovative change" Shaun will commence the transition to his new role from 1 January 2019, working closely with Brian throughout the first half of 2019. During this period Shaun will continue to oversee his existing areas of responsibilities including Fire & Safety. Living Wage Foundation Commenting on his appointment, Shaun Kennedy said “Having spent over 20 years working in the security industry, I feel privileged to be taking over responsibility of the UK business at such an exciting time. The industry is going through an exciting period of transformation, moving from reactive to intelligent, predictive security. By blending people, technology and knowledge, Securitas is at the forefront of this innovative change.” Brian Riis Nielsen commented “I am extremely proud of how we have transformed Securitas UK over the past five years. We can offer real value through our six protective services, and we are leading the industry in our work with the Living Wage Foundation to bring an end to low pay in the sector. Under Shaun’s strong leadership and with a continued focus on Vision 2020 and absolute attention on customer and operational excellence, Securitas UK will continue to go from strength to strength, as we continue to establish ourselves as a trusted security advisor, offering intelligent predictive security to our customers.”
Cathryn will support its sales teams in the development and recognition of the company's brand Securitas has announced the appointment of a Marketing and Communications Director who will support its sales teams in the development and recognition of the company's brand. Cathryn Halton joins Securitas from FirstGroup plc, bringing with her over ten years' experience in marketing and communications across a wide range of business sectors. Previous Roles & Responsibility During her time at FirstGroup, Cathryn led the firm's internal communications strategy as part of the wider corporate strategic function. In particular, she was responsible for driving a company-wide cultural transformation program, incorporating strategic leadership communications, employee engagement and employer and corporate brand. Cathryn said: "I'm looking forward to joining Securitas at such an exciting time, as we seek to establish the brand in the UK market, differentiating ourselves as the first choice advisor and partner for customers seeking intelligent, risk-based security solutions. “Working with the regional teams, my aim is to enhance the local and national profile of the brand, positioning Securitas as one of the leading security companies in the UK. Critical to this will be connecting and engaging our external and internal stakeholders with our vision and demonstrating that we have the experience and expertise to deliver on this commitment." she added. Previously Held Roles At G4S Cathryn has previously held roles at G4S Secure Solutions (UK) delivering communications and employee engagement plans in support of the marketing strategy, and at ILLY Computer Systems, implementing marketing plans targeted at businesses in the finance and not-for-profit sectors. She holds a professional diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and has contributed to a number of professional publications and events. Brian Riis Nielsen, Country President at Securitas, said: “Cathryn has proved herself to be a highly-respected, competent and confident leader who can engage and influence people at all levels. I'm delighted to welcome her to the team and am looking forward to working with her to achieve our business priorities." In her spare time, Cathryn enjoys keeping fit, cooking and traveling. She will be based at the new Securitas Operations Center in Milton Keynes.
The new center will be home to Securitas Alarm Receiving Center and Training Academy Building is now complete on a state-of-the-art Security Operating Centre (SOC) which will be home to the Securitas Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) - built to BS EN 50518 standards - and the Securitas Training Academy. Centralization Of Operational Teams The facility, located in Milton Keynes’ prestigious Wavendon Business Park, brings together Securitas’ communications, dispatch and ARC teams in a purpose-built, people-friendly environment which will be the hub of the Securitas solutions strategy. The new center will create over 100 local jobs across its technological, human resources and security functions as well as opening up opportunities for other local businesses to partner in areas such as catering and facilities management. Arthur Agnew, Chief Technical Officer at Securitas said: “This is a really exciting time for the company. Centralizing our operational teams into the SOC will provide us with the ability to deal with fast changing scenarios as they happen. Interdepartmental processes will be managed much easier with everyone under the same roof ensuring accuracy and efficiency when dealing with client incidents. “Whether it’s alarm activation, missed check call or an engineer request, our specially trained operators, supported by a bespoke call handling system, will take appropriate action to despatch an officer or mobile unit, or contact one of our many technology partners to respond to the incident.” Training Academy Alongside the ARC on the ground floor will be a remote technology support team and a uniquely designed customer area demonstrating Securitas’ technical solutions and providing visitors with a more hands on, interactive experience. The Training Academy will house two training rooms for the delivery of courses as well as a number of meeting/breakout rooms capable of accommodating up to 10 people. There will also an auditorium/conference room with the capacity to accommodate up to 100 people and an executive boardroom. Modern Open Workspace A feature of the first floor is a widening corridor leading to the auditorium. This glass-walled corridor has been overlaid with images of trees and shrubbery, giving the feeling of an airy, outdoor space. The first floor features a number of hot desk rooms which can accommodate up to four people with wall mounted screens, whiteboards and Apple TV to help facilitate meetings and presentations. Outside, there is a small garden for staff to enjoy and car parking spaces for over 100 vehicles. Securitas Country President, Brian Riis Nielson, said: “We believe it is our people who make the difference and, by bringing together our core support services into a single location and offering a modern open work space, complete with the latest in control room fittings, we will harmonise our processes and remain truly customer focused, with accurate and effective communication being at the heart of everything we do. “The investment we are making in this SOC is in line with our strategy for growth and demonstrates to our employees, customers and potential customers that we are progressing well on our security solutions journey.” The center will be officially opened by Brian Riis Nielsen and Securitas President and CEO, Alf Göransson later this month when a special event will be held for invited customers and members of the press.
Securitas will also manage some visitor facing services for the Gallery The National Gallery has appointed Securitas as its partner to manage some visitor facing and security staff services. This is part of its commitment to modernization and a move that will enable the gallery to operate with greater flexibility, allowing it to provide an even better service to its more than 6 million annual visitors and maintain its position as one of the leading global art attractions. The National Gallery is a public asset and as such it has a duty to ensure the collection and the Gallery is accessible as often as possible, to as many people as possible. Securitas has a proven track record in security and visitor engagement roles within the arts and culture sector globally. The key concern right now is to ensure that all gallery staff are kept fully informed about the partnering with Securitas, and that those people directly affected by this change are provided with all the relevant information and advice they may need at this time. No members of staff will be made redundant in this process and all affected staff will continue to be paid the London Living Wage. All those staff affected will have the option to move to Securitas with the same Terms and Conditions and remain a valued part of the National Gallery family (just like their fellow staff members who are employed by DOC, Antenna and Peyton & Byrne etc.). The National Gallery is one of the last major national museums and galleries to take this step of appointing an external partner to manage these services. Sir Nicholas Penny, Director of the National Gallery said; “The Gallery needs an experienced and competent partner to support it now and in the future and we believe that Securitas is the best possible partner for us. This is the right decision for all our staff and for the future of our Gallery.” Brian Riis Nielsen, Country President and Managing Director from Securitas UK said; “We are delighted that the National Gallery have chosen Securitas as their future partner and are looking forward to developing a strong partnership with both the National Gallery and their staff.”
The national awards pay tribute to the outstanding work of security officers over the past 12 months Securitas has scooped another personal best at the 2015 British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Awards. The national awards pay tribute to the outstanding work of security officers over the past 12 months and Securitas was honored with a record six accolades including two out of three honours in the 'Outstanding Act' category. For Vigilance And Integrity The first 'Outstanding Act' award went to Tim Prodger from Somerset for his vigilance and integrity throughout an 'intense incident' which happened during his shift at a major London supermarket. Tim took action when he overheard a man in the store's toilets attempting to take his own life. After breaking down the toilet cubicle door, Tim administered first aid to the man, who had already lost a great deal of blood. Tim stayed with him until paramedics arrived and a store spokesperson said that, without him, the man would have undoubtedly died. For Initiative And Professionalism 'Outstanding Act' number two was handed to Chris Fielding from Chesterfield. A Chesterfield Royal Hospital security supervisor of four years, Chris received the award as a result of his initiative and professionalism throughout a potentially dangerous and challenging incident. While on duty, Chris and a colleague were called to one of the wards where there were reports of a volatile and aggressive man. Shortly after arriving on the ward, the man managed to escape restraint, running away on several occasions and attempting to take his own life. Chris repeatedly prevented this from happening, firstly reasoning with the man and then physically stepping in. The man switched between pleading and aggression each time and, at one point, threatened the lives of the security officers. On his last attempt, the man locked himself in a room and, unable to gain access, Chris used his torch to strike the glass repeatedly in order to be able to get his hand through it and unlock the door from the inside. Once inside, he immediately restrained the man who was then escorted by three security officers and two police constables to a holding ward. In the same category, officer, Adam Murphy, was given a special commendation for his bravery in the early morning hours of September 2014. While driving to work, Adam witnessed a violent crime happening in the street involving a deadly weapon. He instinctively drove his van between the two brawlers in order to separate them. After several exchanges of the weapon and its subsequent discarding, Adam and a member of the public exited their vehicles to assist the wounded man. The attacker escaped, however Adam gave chase managing to restrain the offender shortly afterwards. Ensuring Integration And Relationship Building With The Customer "Our officers prove time after time that they are prepared to go above and beyond in their line of duty and we're very proud, once again of their achievements and recognition", says Brian Riis Nielsen, Securitas Country President. An award for 'Best Newcomer' went to Barrow in Furness security officer and emergency medical technician, Paul Wilson who joined the security team at BAE Systems in August 2013, bringing his past experience as an emergency medical technician with him. The introduction of Securitas personnel into BAE's existing in-house customer team was a new concept but Paul’s personal skills soon proved extremely important in not only dealing with employees in sensitive medical situations, but to ensure his integration and relationship building with the customer. In May 2014 Paul’s professionalism and attention to detail won him a Securitas Community Award for Vigilance after he identified a concern with a patient during a routine medical examination. During the patient's subsequent recovery, his surgeon informed him he was lucky he had been diagnosed quickly with Paul’s efforts, as a delay may have resulted in a major stroke. Receiving Outstanding KPI Results Bristol's Sainsbury's Emerald Park Team received a 'Best Team' award for greatly reducing damages in and around the site and receiving outstanding KPI results. The team manages the flow of traffic throughout significant gas tank installation projects, assisting in securing the site and making sure staff and visitors have the correct access cards and authorization. The team also supports the Emerald Park charity, Frenchay After Burns Club. Their dedication and enthusiasm saw five of the security team volunteer to participate in a charity walk, completing the Brecon Beacons peaks in one day. The team of five walked nine miles, climbed a total of 2,907 feet in six hours and raised £1,000 for the charity, which supports young burns victims and their families. Finally, the coveted ‘BSIA Chairman’s Award for Contribution to the Community’ went to the company's 'Tour of Securitas' - a charity initiative which raised over £3,000 for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). The virtual Tour began in Edinburgh on 8 September 2014 and involved over 800 officers and support staff across 21 branches, cycling on static bikes to help raise awareness of safety in the workplace and raise vital funds for the charity. Finishing in Uxbridge five days later, the Tour clocked up a total of 2,677 miles. The awards were announced at the BSIA's Annual Luncheon which took place at the London Hilton Park Lane on Wednesday 15 July. The haul was, yet again, a personal best for Securitas staff, who, earlier this year, scooped a record-breaking 14 awards at the regional stages. Brian Riis Nielsen, Securitas Country President, said: “Our officers prove time after time that they are prepared to go above and beyond in their line of duty and we're very proud, once again of their achievements and recognition."
Securitas has entered into 10-year partnership worth £31million to improve services Securitas has entered into a ground-breaking 10-year partnership to provide security and reception services to the University of Hertfordshire. The partnership, worth £31million over 10 years, was awarded as part of a long-term initiative that will see the organizations work closely together, improve service and save the University, based in Hatfield Hertfordshire, around £500,000 a year over the decade. £1million Worth Of Technical Investment As part of the partnership, Securitas has pledged around £1million worth of technical investment, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), a visitor management system, computerized radio communications and a Learning Resource Center access control system, all of which are designed to improve service to the staff, students and visitors to the University. The technology investment will be strategically implemented to provide three impact dates for the University, April 2015, September 2015 and January 2016 to mirror key milestones in the academic cycle. Enhance Student & Staff Experience David Pike, National Account manager (Education), said: "These solutions are to assist the University to enhance the student and staff experience and we are delighted to be working with the University.” "This partnership is a really important step for Securitas as we look to grow our education portfolio. It is the first time a University has committed to a 10-year partnership and we are delighted they've chosen Securitas as their long-term partner.” Manned & Mobile Guarding Solutions Officers will provide manned and mobile guarding solutions, support to students in residence, ANPR and parking lot monitoring and visitor management systems including access control barriers. "We have pledged to ensure the University attains a position in the top five in the list of safest UK Universities (as published by Complete University Guide) within the first five years of the contract."added David. Securitas will also provide the University's students with up to 70 positions worldwide, including short-term contracts, placements and work experience. Existing University receptionists will also transfer to a Securitas contract which will include TUPE and pension provision. Partnership With Securitas Will Respond Positively Andrew May, Director of Estates and Hospitality, at the University, said: "As the UK’s leading business facing University with aspirations to be internationally renowned, we are delighted to be working so closely with Securitas. In today’s environment student experience and employability are keys and the partnership we have with Securitas will respond very positively to these drivers”. Hatfield was recently named in the list of top 20 safest towns for students in the UK. The ranking, compiled from official police data, is based on how exposed a student will be to crime in 64 of England and Wales’ student towns and cities. Hatfield was rated at 18th making it safer than the neighboring cities of Cambridge, Luton and London. Research By Student Accommodation Search Portal The research was carried out by StuRents.com - a student accommodation search portal - and rankings are based on how many recorded crimes student areas experienced per thousand residents between February 2014 and January 2015. Securitas Country President, Brian Riis Nielsen, said: "This partnership confirms our new solutions strategy is working. We are moving from pure man-guarding to offering solutions which integrate remote and mobile guarding services with technology to achieve cost-efficiency, added value and long-term customer relationships."
As Human Resources Director, Valerie Dale will be responsible for the overall HR Strategy for the Company Securitas has announced the appointment of a new Human Resources Director who will support the business to achieve its strategy of growth and commercial success. Valerie Dale joins the security firm from G4S Secure Solutions (UK) Ltd and brings over 20 years’ HR experience to the role, 14 of which have been in HR management positions. A Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, Valerie will be responsible for the overall HR Strategy for the Company and has been in the security industry for over 6 years, during which time she has helped to develop industry standards. Brian Riis Nielsen, Country President at Securitas, said: “We’re really pleased to have Valerie on board. She will be a key service provider and, along with her team, will consistently support the business to attract, retain, motivate and develop our people to achieve their maximum potential and provide an exceptional service to our customers.” She said: “Securitas has a very well respected reputation in the industry and the appointment of Brian, following his success in Denmark, means we have a clear security solutions strategy and a structure that enables autonomy, accountability and innovation for our employees to deliver that strategy. We’re hoping to expand on the already well-established training and development programmes and ensure an overall HR strategy that is in tune with the business’s philosophy. We’ll also continue to work closely with industry bodies such as the BSIA, Skills for Security and SIA.” Valerie is the Vice Chair of the BSIA HR Committee, a Non-Exec Board Director at Skills for Security and the Chair for their Guarding Sector Consultation Group. “I’m really looking forward to being a key part of making the company successful through its people, systems and processes and there are lots of initiatives in all three areas that we can implement in order to achieve this.”
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