Securitas first to extend ACS approval to include Northern Ireland

08 Jun 09

Securitas Security Services is the first private security company to gain an extension for the scope of its Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status such that it includes Northern Ireland.

By Brian Sims

That status was granted under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, of course, which is due to come into force in Northern Ireland from the end of 2009.

The ACS is the formal recognition of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), bestowed only upon those companies that can actively demonstrate Best Practice and continuity of quality service provision. Securitas also holds ACS status in England, Scotland and Wales, and is now delighted to be the first to bring this quality accreditation to Northern Ireland.

Securitas’ internal training facility has ensured that local staff are already able to demonstrate capabilities above the standards required. The company – which currently employs 120 staff across Northern Ireland – is now looking to build further on this success, greatly appreciating the recognition that ACS status will bring.

Demonstration of commitment to the region

Speaking exclusively to SMT Online about the news, Securitas Security Services’ managing director Geoff Zeidler commented: “We’re very pleased with the award of ACS status for Northern Ireland. It’s a demonstration of our commitment to the region, and testament to the quality of the security services we provide for the client base.”

Securitas has been operational across Northern Ireland for a number of years. The company's first branch office opened there in 2003. Since that time, Securitas has established a strong retail base. Indeed, this sector makes up 60% of the guarding solutions provider's overall client base. "We are looking to specialise and grow within this sector, and have specifically employed a business development manager with experience in retail sales," stated John Naughton, service development manager at Securitas Security Services.

Naughton added: "We specialise in providing guarding solutions, of course, but we're also able to offer mobile, system and monitoring solutions through established partnerships across the region from our Clarendon Dock offices."

Everything in place at the earliest opportunity

Commenting on behalf of the Regulator, ACS assistant director Andrew Shephard explained: “If a company has already been approved in the rest of Great Britain then attaining ACS status in Northern Ireland is a relatively straightforward process. It’s mainly about ensuring that all employees are licensed.”

Shephard went on to say: “Securitas has done a great job in having everything in place at the earliest possible opportunity, and they are the first company to receive ACS status for Northern Ireland. What will be interesting is when we see the first indigenous security company making their bid to be on the Register of Approved Companies. That will be very interesting.