G4S Gurkha Services secures Thanet Earth

04 Jun 09

G4S Gurkha Services – part of G4S Secure Solutions – has been awarded the contract to secure Thanet Earth, the UK’s largest, most high-tech greenhouse complex.

By Brian Sims

The contract is described by G4S as a prime example of the company’s ability to use its specialist resources in providing a rapid response that will meet its customers’ requirements. In this instance, G4S was able to provide trained, licensed security officers on the Thanet Earth site the day after the request for security officers was made.

Thanet Earth is an exceptional greenhouse development based on the Isle of Thanet in Kent. The largest complex of its kind in the UK, with enough glass to cover 80 football pitches, Thanet Earth grows salad vegetables using state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated growing techniques.

Respect for the Gurkha culture and values

Steve McVickers – the managing director at Thanet Earth – told SMT Online: “We were impressed by the Gurkha officers who were guarding a site nearby, and recognise the skills that they will bring to securing our unique premises. A number of Gurkha women also work at Thanet Earth. We have enormous respect for the Gurkha culture and values.”

McVickers continued: “I’m confident that G4S Gurkha Services can provide reliable, unobtrusive security cover. The management team has proven that it has what it takes to deliver, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the company.”

In response, John Whitwam – the managing director of G4S Gurkha Services - explained: “I’m delighted to have secured this contract – the very fact that we received the enquiry after our officers were seen in action demonstrates that G4S Gurkha officers are recognised as highly effective operators.”

As the largest employer of former British Army Gurkhas within the UK, G4S employs a military-style management structure. “We have a proven ability to provide a high level of security at short notice,” added Whitwam, “and we’re able to relocate officers to start a two-week trial the very next day.”