Our highest ever Approved Contractor Scheme score !!!

Professional Security is proud to have achieved our highest ever score at  this years' Approved Contractor Scheme audit

We are currently celebrating having scored an impressive +160 from a possible +174 in our recent ACS audit.

Professional Security holds SIA Approved Contractor Scheme status for the provision of Door Supervision and Security Guarding.

The object of the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities. Annually each participating company is inspected and audited on all aspects of the business. To achieve ACS status is widely seen as a sign of a professional company which buyers can take confidence from working with.

Although the scheme is voluntary we have participated since it's inception, regularly scoring within the top 5% of the scheme. The pyramid below demonstrates very clearly that this year yet again we will sit at the peak of the scheme.

Having scored so highly repeatedly over recent years we hope speaks volumes about our company, to help put it in context it is worth noting that the median score throughout the 2013/14 scheme was +64

To continue our ACS success story we are proud to be a member of ACS Pacesetters this year and also achieved finalist status at this year's Security Excellence Awards in the "ACS Champion of the Year" award

These results have been a fantastic achievement and credit and thanks go to all involved at Professional Security

Why should you choose an Approved Contractor?

Since the inception of the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme we have embraced it's existence and voluntarily participated every year.

The objective of the scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities.

Professional Security holds SIA Approved Contractor Scheme status for the provision of  Door Supervision and Security Guarding.

Over recent years we have regularly scored impressively, often seeing us within the top 5% of companies participating within the scheme.

Our current score of 142 is reflective of the professionalism you could expect to receive if you choose to work with Professional Security.

This year we are one of only around 100 companies who qualify to be part of the  ACS Pacesetters group, having met the criteria of companies who sit within in the top 15% of the scheme , +122 and above.

We would strongly recommend that any buyers of security consider using a company with ACS status, further details can be found on the SIA's website.

http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/acs-intro.aspx

Professional Security - Finalists at the Security Excellence Awards 2014!!

We are thrilled after being announced yesterday as a finalist in not one, but two categories at this year's Security Excellence Awards

Now in their 16th year the Security Excellence Awards have consistently broken new ground in highlighting the very best people, projects and processes the UK's security sector has to offer.

This year we are finalists in the following categories; "Contributions to Standards in the Security Sector" and "ACS Champion of the Year", the latter relating to the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme.

Professional Security holds SIA Approved Contractor Scheme status for the provision of Door Supervision and Security Guarding. The objective of the Approved Contractor Scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry.

Although the scheme is voluntary we have always participated and are keen to promote ACS at any given opportunity including on our uniforms.


Professional Security's Becki Pollard 

"This is our fourth year as a finalist and it's fantastic to be a finalist in two categories. As a company to be selected from the high number of quality entrants is an outstanding achievement"

This year's awards take place on Thursday 27th November at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane in London so it's all fingers crossed until then!

Congratulations to all of this year's finalists

Seeing stars!

In recent month's we've seen an influx of live appearances in our venues ranging from current chart acts to 90's revival acts, comedians to reality stars;

Comedian Chris Ramsey recently made an appearance at the Angel Hotel in Whitby where he spent the day meeting locals and ensuring all customers left with a smile on their face. Chris appeared as part of Channel 4's "Stand up to Cancer" which aired last Friday.

Adam Smith is at the helm of Funktion in Hull and has been enjoying success from regular PA's. Chipmunk who played the club's opening weekend was a big statement of what to expect moving forward. A couple of weeks ago they brought to Hull some of the most sought after reality stars in Gaz from Geordie Shore and Ricci of both Geordie Shore fame more recently Celebrity Big Brother

                                                                                                                                                           

Lethal Bizzle rocked the crowds in the local Walkabout bar in Watford..

Professional Security Area Manager Rob Tiffen

"From the start Bizzle had the attention of the room with his unique way of performing, even an old timer like myself found it hard not to enjoy"

We look forward to your rendition at this year's Christmas party Rob!

                                                                                                                                                          

On the 90's revival tip 5ive have been working hard at bars and clubs up and down the country. Don't be fooled by the name, they often now appear as a two piece but they are still as energetic and crowd pleasing as ever. 5ive have recently played at The Viper Rooms in Harrogate and Quids Inn in Scarborough having sold out to capacity both time

 "The guys from 5ive have been really well received by our customers who have enjoyed re-living all the old hits. Keep your eyes on our social media for more live PA's coming soon!"
Anthony Kinsey, The Viper Rooms

Bank on us!

The recent Bank Holiday brought with it the usual extra nights trade for our clients alongside increased staffing requirements. However, it was a particularly busy weekend for us, commencing supply of Door Supervisors to a number of new licensed premises on a permanent basis.

Here are just a few of our new clients;

Pitcher & Piano, Nottingham

Located within the heart of the Lace Market area of Nottingham in a beautifully restored church. This venue provides a stunning backdrop to dining and drinking. Complete with stained glass windows, exposed brick archways and beautiful new interiors it's a stylish place for socialising with friends.

                                                                     The Old Salt Quay, Rotherhithe

The Old Salt Quay is a fantastic old warehouse building that sits on the banks of the river giving you the most wonderful views to sit and enjoy your meal or drinks on the patio or first floor dining area.

"The Old Salt Quay is a fantastic addition to our client base offering a relaxed atmosphere with great views"
 Jason Henderson, Professional Security Area Manager 

The City of Quebec, London

Opened in 1936 The City of Quebec is the oldest gay venue in London. The team here pride themselves on delivering a "non camp", "non scene" venue with regular entertainment throughout the week, possibly the key to it's long term success. We look forward to contributing to this well established venue.

                                            

         

 BZR, Nottingham

Close to the Market Square in Nottingham this venue offers plush and sophisticated interior with a generous array of beers, wines and cocktails.

Professional Security Area Manager Adrian Paul,
 "We are pleased to have commenced supply to BZR and is one of two new Nottingham venues we have taken on this weekend, this signals the success we are having in the area by delivering a great service level"

Funktion, Hull

" The Bank Holiday was our launch weekend for the venue so I wanted to ensure we had the perfect security partner on board to ensure that we got the door policy right from the opening night. I am pleased and appreciative with the advice and support that Professional Security have offered us as a business. The weekend was a great success and I'm looking forward to working together to bring the people of Hull an enjoyable, affordable night out. Having Chipmunk perform on our opening weekend is just the start, watch this space!"

Operator Adam Smith

Tramlines 2014

It seems hard to believe it's over a week since Sheffield's Tramlines festivals took over the city centre seeing Professional Security provide a high number of Door Supervisors to our venues, day and night.

Between the 25th and 27th of July the sixth year of Tramlines was the biggest to date with a line up that included Annie Mac, Funeral for a Friend, Katie B, Matt Jam Lamont, Miss Dynamite, Public Enemy, The Rifles, Simian Mobile Disco and Sister Sledge to name just a few!

The festival sees several roads shut down and stages erected across the inner city bringing almost a carnival like atmosphere to Sheffield.

"This was my first year of visiting our teams during Tramlines and was a great experience for me. To be part of this vibrant event and to see all of our venues so busy, being run very well by our Door Supervisors on duty was a great reflection of the hard work the teams in South Yorkshire put into their role and responsibility. My thanks goes to all Door Supervisors and management involved"

Brett McMann,
Professional Security 

"Our clients had wisely increased their staffing requirements for the weekend and it was pleasing to see us deliver this with ease. Every team I visited portrayed the level of professionalism we expect at Professional Security"

Staxtonbury 2014

Earlier this month a 20 person Professional Security event team assembled to provide security with a smile to a family based festival, Staxtonbury, in the coastal resort of Scarborough and recently received great feedback.

The three day festival now attracts over 5000 attendees all keen for the best camping space and a great view in the main arena or acoustic tent. The music led event is very family friendly with numerous children activities alongside superb facilities throughout the site.

Organiser, Ray Roberts
"This year was absolutely fantastic for us and the security personnel selected by Professional Security were a credit to both their company and Staxtonbury itself."

"We've received multiple pieces of positive feedback regarding the friendly approachable security and would particularly like to thank Luke and Dan for their help and professionalism throughout the weekend"

Team leader for the weekend Luke Warner said "It was a pleasure to work with Ray and his team at Staxtonbury. Our team covered three camping fields, access control of vehicles as well as the main entertainment areas and stage. I was pleased with everyone's performance and thank them for their hard work. It was nice to hear we received favorable feedback with individuals efforts acknowledged"

                                                    

                                                         "All of the security team were friendly but in particular we would like to thank Cletus who stood out amongst the team, always proactively involving himself whilst remaining polite and friendly at all times. Hopefully we will see him again in 2015!"

If you are planning an event for the first time, or reviewing your suppliers' performance from this years' festival or event why not contact us to see what we can offer info@professionalsecurityuk.com

Sheffield Pride 2014

With our events season well under way we were excited to provide a handpicked event team to this years' Sheffield Pride.

Following successfully being awarded the contract for the 2014 Sheffield Pride we undertook several site visits to Devonshire Green in Sheffield to ensure we fully understood the unique logistics of this popular event. After several meetings with Oliver Robinson, Operations Director for Sheffield Pride, we could see how passionate Oliver and his team were to ensure their event was brimming with entertainment and ensure a fun atmosphere with all attending safe at all times.

"I felt like you made it your business to fully understand our event and our attendees, then hand pick the most suited members of staff" 

Oliver Robinson, Sheffield Pride

On Saturday 28th June our 30 strong event team enjoyed a day in South Yorkshire providing both male and female operatives to cover all security aspects ; access and entry control, search teams, localised density monitoring, pit teams, artist escort, response teams .... the list goes on with one common theme, security with a smile!

Operations Manager, Jim Nuttall who worked on the day to oversee the team said " It was a great day enjoyed by all. I felt our team performed really well which was echoed by the feedback I received on the day from attendees. Oliver and the team were great to work with"

"I would like to thank both Brett and Jim and all of your staff who worked on the day for the  tremendous job Professional Security did at Sheffield Pride 2014. The event ran smoothly and stress free and you guys definitely played a big part in this. Your clearly well briefed and experienced staff members were professional, courteous, approachable and helpful.", Oliver Robinson

"I was actually congratulated after the event for selecting a fantastic security company"

No penalties please

With the World Cup upon us we are hearing the usual mixture of opinions ranging from England not making it through the group stages to the squad replicating the success of '66 with Roy Hodgson's young guns' pace and bravery taking the tournament by storm.


One thing for sure is the country will get behind our national team with licensed venues across the nation leading the way to ensure they maximise footfall and revenue for as long as possible. There could be an argument that operators across the country may be some of the only people wishing for extra time !

The tournament will bring many people out who don't usually frequent licensed premises and we must ensure that these people don't become vulnerable. Be mindful that some of the kick off times are as late as 23.00pm. For example England's opening game against Italy, this will no doubt see fans out earlier and by 1.00am a considerable amount of alcohol may have been consumed. We will see groups of fans in high spirits and low during the rollercoaster of Group D, and hopefully beyond, all of which will need monitoring and managing at times.

Our existing clients know the increase in risk during such events and are wisely increasing their Door Supervision requirements, reviewing their deployment timings and determining how, together, we can ensure a safer tournament for all.

We have been receiving a number of calls from venues who don't usually have a requirement for security but due to the World Cup need adhoc security to help them through the next few weeks. We are happy to facilitate this and if you are pondering whether or not you will require security during the key games please do not hesitate to contact us 0870 405 2990 or email us at info@professionalsecurityuk.com

Keeping the streets safe

Street Marshals are fast becoming an increasingly common feature of the night time economy. Having proved over recent years to help reduce serious crime relating to the night time economy there is a significant increase of these often unsung heroes now patrolling our streets.

The role of a Street Marshal is often to patrol a designated zone of a particular night time economy and assist other partnership agencies. Working in partnership with other agencies is key for the success of any marshaling scheme. Whether it be assisting Door Supervisors by moving on an argumentative customer who has been refused entry, helping with crowds at times of dispersal, informing CCTV of potential situations arising or liaising directly with the police to assist them, the role of the Street Marshal is now invaluable.

North Yorkshire Police recently emailed us to thank us for the actions of some of our marshals saying,

 "Both marshals were immediately on the scene detaining the offenders and preventing what could have proved serious injury. Superb work and thoroughly professional in the actions, appearance and conduct"

Street Marshals will often be the first people to attend a situation with potential for conflict. There are a large number of reports to evidence that their early involvement has on multiple occasions prevented situations from escalating therefore decreasing the number of serious assaults.


In 2010 Professional Security played a lead role, working alongside the police, in establishing Leeds' first Street Marshal project, a scheme still implemented and succesful today. In the first three weeks alone serious violent crime within the designated zones during the night time was reduced by more than half.


We currently supply a number of Street Marshal schemes around the country which are local council funded and led. In doing so we are proud to have played a role in decreasing serious crime figures and have even contributed to areas receiving the Purple Flag Award.

If you don't have a local scheme and would like to implement one we have a number of areas where we help run schemes which are organised and led by venue operators. We are fully insured to deploy Street Marshals and welcome the opportunity to speak with you and advise on how to launch your scheme. There is much to consider from the timings, hi visibility wear to increase their profile and presence as a deterrent to crime, to the unique training these individuals should receive to best equip them to tackle the conflict they will no doubt encounter. Please feel free to contact us info@professionalsecurityuk.com 

Sia-sters are doin it for themselves

 

For some time now we have championed the value of female security personnel and we are pleased to say a change is slowly creeping through the security industry. Finally the value of female operatives is being recognised within the Door Supervisor sector in particular.

Although often featured in event teams, within the bars and clubs sector the request for female Door Supervisors has historically been minimal. Times are changing with both the bigger operators and the independents now looking at the value of having a female included within their security teams.

Over the last 18 months we have seen the amount of females we deploy increase by 150%. The male - female ratio will always be a long distance apart as there are such a higher amount of badged males than females nationally , however it is fantastic to see female operatives increase their representation in the industry. What is yet more pleasing is the request for females is now higher than it has ever been.

We are very proud to say we have two female SIA licensed Door Supervisors who have worked very hard to achieve the position of Head Door Supervisor. It's important that we acknowledge hard work, in what historically was considered a male led industry.

If you want to discuss the value of having a female operative within your security team please do not hesitate to contact us 0113 2042410

Jessie J celebrates in style at Oslo

Jessie J recently celebrated her 26th birthday last week at Oslo in London where we are proud to be the security supplier.

Professional Security Area Manager Ben Kirkham said "It was great to look after the night for Jessie and all at Oslo. Our team did a fantastic job, and it's not every night that Tom Jones turns up to surprise everyone!"

We hope Jessie had a great night and wish her a very happy birthday.

Welcomed new client sites in North Yorkshire

Homing in on Harrogate......

Having long been a supplier to the Moko Lounge in Harrogate, North Yorkshire it's been great to see our hard work repaid having recently been appointed the security partner to both The Viper Rooms and The Kings Club.

"We called upon Professional Security at short notice and at peak trading time to assist us. We found their response time and level of service very impressive. They are now our official security partner in Harrogate, welcoming them to supply Door Supervisors at The Viper Rooms, Moko Lounge and Kings Club. One aspect that impressed me was their approach to the handover which ran smoothly without disruption to normal service. We strive to deliver high standards at all of our venues and expect the same from our suppliers. Professional Security are delivering these high standards."
Ian Harries, Harewood Leisure

Feel free to say hello when you are out and about, who knows where you may see us next in Harrogate !



Our first acquisition of the year!

Professional Security acquires MYL Security Ltd

We are pleased to confirm the successful acquisition of MYL Security Ltd and have just completed our third operational week.

Based in the North West of England MYL have lengthy history of successful trading with a fantastic client base covering Door Supervision, Events and Security Guarding.

"The reason I have chosen to partner with Professional Security is that I know my clients and staff will be in safe hands. As a company they have set their stall out and are well placed for the changing future of the industry. I am confident that the business' combined will go on to achieve much bigger and better things becoming stronger through the two entities combining" Mick Lyons of MYL.

 We look forward to working with our new clients and the new personnel who are now on board with us!

This is an exciting time for Professional Security with this acquisition being the first of the year for us, but by no means the last!

Anyone interested in joining our team in the north west please apply via our new look website www.professionalsecurityuk.com

New Website Launch

 

This month will see the launch of the new Professional Security website which we hope will be more user friendly, give greater access to our social media and deliver a true reflection of where we are as a business in 2014.

After much re-working the new site will have a number of improved features ,in particular, our on line recruitment process will become more targeted, allowing users to create their own profile whilst registering for work. We hope the ability to view people's unique profiles will enable us to deliver our clients requirements swiftly with ease.

The website will be regularly updated alongside the inclusion of an increased social media presence which we hope will keep you up to date with the week to week company news.

To be the first to be alerted once the site goes live simply follow our twitter account @Profsec , we look forward to your feedback.

New blog launches

New blog coming soon

 

ww.professionalsecurityuk.com