Tag: #securitylondon

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Front of House and security services for a premier London location

Written by George Oliver on September 29, 2021. Posted in Articles.

Gallowglass Security, working with Cluttons – an international firm of chartered surveyors – has been providing Front of House services and 24-hour security for the former MI6 headquarters in London. The 72,000 square foot, Grade A commercial property in the heart of London was originally constructed in the 1920’s as the headquarters for MI6. It was occupied under the guise of the “Minimax Fire Extinguisher Company” to maintain its secrecy.

Since MI6 and the latest tenants have left the building, it has undergone a complete refurbishment to provide high-quality, Grade A office space.

Gallowglass Security has been securing the property in advance of the next tenants moving in, with a focus on high calibre front of house services whilst managing the day-to-day signing-in contractors whilst ensuring a high-level of customer service is maintained when potential tenants arrive to view the building.

The on-site staff managing the property are supported by the head-office team. This ensures the new tenants have the appropriate risk assessments and method statements available to them prior to taking on the tenancy.

The short-term contract to secure the site and prepare the building for its new tenants has been underway for the last two weeks.

George Oliver, the Head of Gallowglass Security’s property division said: “This is an example of a high-quality team delivering a flexible and effective service for our clients. Our remit is not only the protection of the building, but front of house services, ensuring all guests and staff receive a warm and professional welcome. We take pride in our ability to deliver services above and beyond those you would expect from a security company. We ensure a consistent, professional and secure service throughout the building.”

Contestants at Tough Mudder, Belvoir Castle, 2021.

Tough Mudder at Belvoir Castle 14/15 August 2021

Written by Anna on August 13, 2021. Posted in Articles.

And so, the juggernaut that is Tough Mudder, moves on this weekend for the greatly anticipated Midlands leg of the UK 2021 series; located amongst the elegant splendour of the grounds of Belvoir Castle.

The Gothic inspired and imposing Belvoir Castle is the ancestral home to the Duke of Rutland; and is located on the nape of a steep high hill overlooking the Vale of Belvoir, which has been described as an unspoilt stretch of English Countryside at its patchwork green best.

This serene and beautiful backdrop and landscape gives little hint of the daunting challenges facing those hardy souls brave enough to take on the epic endurance challenges presented by Tough Mudder. The competitors are expected to cover 10 to 12 miles on foot whilst overcoming up to 25 obstacles located throughout the course, and some of which have a challenging twist in that they play on elemental human fears such heights, water and electricity !

Since inception the Tough Mudder obstacles have evolved, but some, notably the “arctic enema “, electric shock therapy”, and “hydrophobia” are time tested perennial challenges; and still remain to throw the gauntlet down to the competitors fighting spirit. New additions to test Tough Mudder vets include “well swung” which relies on sheer grit and strength.

At Gallowglass we are privileged to have been the security provider for Tough Mudder for so many years, and it is a great favourite for our guard force. Our security teams travel the length and breadth of mainland UK to provide a highly professionally run security guarding regime at each leg, that reflects the positive and up beat tone of this remarkable event.

The Gallowglass security team leader for Tough Mudder UK John Griffiths says of this event. “ Tough Mudder is a tremendous event to be involved in. A lot of prior planning and logistics are involved to ensure that we successfully meet our security objectives. These events have an incredibly upbeat and positive vibe, and its essential that our guards mirror that with high energy positive interaction with competitors and staff.

I am proud of our fabulous team who always work hard to deliver, and no one epitomise this better than Mike Ellis, who constantly impresses with his never say die and positive can do attitude, which is the Gallowglass Security way”.

Officers of Gallowglass Security on duty at the protest against the Police Sentencing and Crime Bill.

A Summer of Discontent ?

Written by Stuart Rae on July 7, 2021. Posted in Articles.

We live in fascinating yet turbulent, and highly unpredictable times. The convulsions in society, largely brought about by Brexit and the Covid pandemic, and aided and abetted by social media, have brought about seismic change and the polarising of attitudes that has challenged, and some would say shattered traditional divisions and loyalties.

We see this discontent play out in increasingly trenchant public protest in London and throughout the UK. This ranges from from disenchanted Brexit Remainers, Extinction Rebellion on climate change, BLM and their charge of systemic racism and the need for reparations to atone for slavery, the anti-lockdown and vax movement challenging government Covid policy, through to open government advocates with their desire to see the freeing of Julian Assange.

It was a great privilege therefore, to be invited by Steve Kennedy, a dedicated and committed criminal defence lawyer; to provide security support to him, his team of volunteers and speakers to speak, unimpeded, at Parliament Square in London against the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill.

Opponents of this Bill argue passionately that if this Bill enters the statute book, then cherished notions of the right to protest, and in turn free speech, will be curtailed, and without this vital pressure valve, disorder could take a far more dangerous and virulent turn. One thing is certain, 2021 will not replicate 1967’s Summer of Love, and we foresee turmoil ahead.

As an organisation it is not our position to take a view on these profoundly important societal issues. Our only priority is to discharge our security obligations, to the very highest professional and ethical standards, to protect those who put their trust in us.

The members of local Brixton boxing club, Dwaynamics ABC, pose for a photo alongside members of Gallowglass Security in the gym with their fists up.

Gallowglass Security supports local Brixton boxing club, Dwaynamics ABC

Written by Giles Turnbull on May 26, 2021. Posted in Articles.

Gallowglass Security is proud to support local boxing gym, Dwaynamics, through a significant donation to the Brixton based foundation.

Dwaynamics ABC, or the Dwayne Simpson Foundation, was designed to steer at-risk youth away from gang-culture, knife crime and gun violence, and encourage individuals to see their future away from gangs. CEO and founder, Lorraine Jones tragically lost her son, Dwayne Simpson to knife crime in Brixton. Following this truly tragic event she vowed to overcome the issues within the community and ensure that other families and communities did not have to suffer the loss that she did.

Dwaynamics, was initially founded by Dwayne Simpson in 2013 on Brixton’s Angell Town Estate. Dwayne grew the club to teach over 50 kids the discipline of boxing before he became a victim of a knife crime. Since then, his Mother, Lorraine Jones, has worked tirelessly to continue Dwayne’s legacy, growing the club and teaching classes to the children, young adults, adults, and disabled, whilst also offering community services.

Giles Turnbull, Managing Partner and Founder of Gallowglass Security said: “Dwaynamics is a fantastic organisation in our local area of Brixton. The work Lorraine and the team do to help young people grow through valuable life skills is hugely important to our community. We are very proud to support Dwaynamics and help continue Dwayne’s vision.”

Beyond the classes, the Dwaynamics Foundation offers community services, such as employment programmes, mentoring sessions, bereavement support to those who have lost children to knife crime, art workshops and educational support, whilst also acting as a liaison between the community and police. The community also play an active part in stop and search workshops with the Police, as well as attending collaborative meetings at New Scotland Yard with the Metropolitan Police.

Giles continued; “Our head office is based in Brixton and we know the area extremely well and we are very fond of it. We have seen Dwaynamics’ influence grow in the community and the impact it has had on those involved. We are extremely pleased to contribute to the foundations ongoing success and the programs and support it offers to our community.”

Lorraine Simpson said: “Dwaynamics is able to continue its work through the generous donations of individuals and companies. We are extremely grateful to Gallowglass Security for their contribution, which will be focused on delivering fun, engaging and life changing classes to our young people.”

Stock image of a businesswoman using AR technology for a report.

Digital reporting for physical security

Written by George Oliver on May 19, 2021. Posted in Articles.

Gallowglass Security’s digital reporting technology gives clients an unrivalled level of insight and improved security solutions, while cutting costs.

Specialist digital reporting technology, designed by Gallowglass Security, provides an unrivalled level of insight into your building, street, borough, event, and enforcement security.

Unique security reporting system

Gallowglass Security’s ability to upload information on to a secure platform – capturing security related incidents and provide digital evidence – creates cost and time efficiencies for the end client.

The reporting technology also provides an unrivalled level of report detail, which shows historical incidents which are GPS located and time stamped.

^{Disclaimer. Please note that this is fictional report that has been produced for illustrative purposes only.}

The technology offers clients a specially created framework, designed by Gallowglass Security’s experts, for every security service Gallowglass Security offer. The service also allows you to tailor the framework to your insurance providers specifications or individual requirements.

Tried and tested digital reporting technology

The technology, which has been tried and tested and is in use across multiple jobs, has halved the reporting process of old, as well as increased the information that can be shared with the client at the click of a button.

Carried on mobile devices by our physical security staff, we capture information on a timestamped, GPS coordinated reporting technology which can be immediately uploaded. This allows us to cut reporting times by half and ensuring accurate in-the-moment information is uploaded alongside images.

Johan Du Plooy said: “Our reporting helps increase accountability on every job, as well as informing our customers’ decision making. It has the potential to save our customers security and insurance costs, which has been hugely appealing to our corporate and private clients, as well as security services.”

Security reporting app

The real-time reporting tool, carried by all personnel, allows our security experts to digitally track and log all incidents. We also provide photos, diagrams, site maps and a list of actions.

The simple to use tool, with over 60 different types of reporting forms for all the sectors Gallowglass Security work across, is designed to work in accordance with security services, allowing you to quickly access detailed information about any security incident when you work with Gallowglass Security.

Johan went on to say: “Providing proof and collecting data has never been more important. In the age of digital technology, capturing insights and providing time-stamped evidence of your security practices is critically important for insurance providers.”

For those that are interested in finding out how Gallowglass Security’s reporting technology can improve and enhance their security experience, please contact: dutyops@galsec.com

A stock photograph of two hands shaking. One wears a suit, the other is made of plants.

Sustainability – The Gallowglass Security Approach

Written by Stuart Rae on April 28, 2021. Posted in Articles.

The concept of Sustainability is a complex one, and means different things to different people. At Gallowglass Security we believe that Sustainability is the balance between the environment, the economy and equity.

We recognise implicitly that addressing these underlying principles are essential if we are to leave the world in a better and fairer place than we found it. We believe that we have a responsibility to our people, customers and suppliers; to constantly strive and improve upon our processes so as to best achieve our sustainability objectives.

Environment

For several years we have rigorously adhered to a robust environmental policy. From this we have operated environmental management systems that are based upon minimising consumption.

Our successful approach is reflected by our being certified by a UKAS assessing body as meeting the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 Annual targets are set which were all achieved in 2020 by an impressive margin.

Our key objectives are to:

Reduce paper consumption. In 2020 we reduced this by 40.19% chiefly through migrating to new technology with our ultimate aim of becoming paperless.
Reduce energy consumption. The 2020 this was reduced by 17.98% largely through our internal culture of constantly promoting environmental awareness.
Reduce fuel consumption. Notwithstanding the increased mileage use on account of demand, we were able to reduce fuel consumption by 8.27% in 2020T This is because we constantly upgrade our automotive fleet with state-of-the-art hybrid technology. Once electric vehicles have the capability to deliver the mileage capacity that we require, we will eliminate dependence on carbon fuels.
Recycling. We aim to recycle all personal computers, paper, plastics and all consumables including coffee pods.

Our corporate social responsibility policy has seen a change of emphasis in light of the near universal awareness of the environmental crisis. With this in mind we are keen to donate to environmental projects that can make a tangible impact on improving the environment. We were delighted to have to made a contribution to the EARTHDAY.org Canopy Project to allow for the planting of 200 trees as part of their remarkable efforts to reverse the tide of deforestation.

Economy

It is accepted that SME’s are the drivers of the economy, and are chiefly responsible for employment opportunity. Sustainability objectives can only be achieved if SMEs play their part in recognising this and incorporating environmental awareness and sustainability practice in their business activity. Gallowglass Security has ambitious expansion plans where we anticipate creating employment opportunities without compromise to our sustainability objectives.

Equity

Our approach to equity can be described as follows.

Our people. Our foundational principles towards our staff are based upon respect, fairness and altruism. Discrimination of any kind, harassment and bullying will never be tolerated. All of our valued staff have a vital role to play in the quality of our service provision, and are encouraged to take responsibility for their roles. In return we strive to renumerate our staff generously, provide a congenial working environment that is safe, and promote and support flexible family friendly working conditions. Ours is a meritoctratic organisation where those individuals with talent and determination will always succeed regardless of race, gender and background. The effect of this approach has been to create a workforce that is remarkably diverse, and we regard our diversity as our key strength.

Our customers. We enjoy tremendously long business relationships with our customers, and much of business is repeat and reccomentaion. We believe that this is born of our capability, integrity and transparancey in all our dealings.

Our suppliers. We operate an ethical purchasing policy. So consequently our trusted supplier base is drawn those that we are satisfied meet the highest ethical standards. For us this translates as those who; treat their employees fairly, provide safe working conditions, and meet or exceed the national minimum wage. We expect to see an anti-bribery policy as well as a policy that supports the elimination of modern slavery and child labour.

We are conscious that there is more that we can and should do. As part of our culture of awareness and self-improvement, all aspects of our business activity will be evaluated so that we can create relevant environmental and sustainability objectives that we can work towards achieving and exceeding.

Planning for a public event? Security is more than just a guard on the gate…

Written by Jaco Nieuwoudt on April 19, 2021. Posted in Articles.

The security for public events has changed drastically over the last 10 years putting an increased premium on the role of Security and security planning for an event.

In years gone by, public event security was largely hired to check tickets at the gate and walk the perimeter, but a security presence all over the event is now key to ensuring the event is a safe and fun experience for everyone.

As events have become increasingly regulated and health and safety has become a critical factor at any event, security planning has become a corner stone of any public event. From your small free to enter community event in the local park, street parades or large music and entertainment events, the security planning process remains the same. Gone are the days that you would just calculate 1 guard per 100 visitors or just cover the emergency gates. Today’s planning is very thorough.

To help you think about how to plan your event and avoid the traps AJ Tracey fell into, in Manchester, here are some key points to consider, for example:

You must be familiar with your venue

By knowing the venue inside out you will be able to determine how porous the venue is, and this a key factor when determining the amount and type of event security you would need. This will also enable you to put your plan on paper by creating a diagram by position and task. Once you have created this dot plan you will be able to brief the guard deployed and they will be able to visualise the entire security strategy instead of just understanding their role on one position. For outdoor venues this will enable you to set boundaries and recommend any additional security solutions like temporary fencing, gates and so on.

Understand attendee risk

What type of event is it? Are there any attendees that can pose a risk or represent a company or movement that cause controversy that might lead to protest on confrontation? For out door events is there any other events, marches or protest in the vicinity of your event that might cause disruption or increased risk to your visitors?

Crowd Control in public event security

This is one of the main functions of the event security officer and they may be asked to perform some of the following tasks. Keeping key points of the site clear and moving by asking visitors that might be blocking an emergency exit, creating a cordon when dealing with an emergency, access control by checking tickets and searching bags, restricting access to back of hour and VIP areas. To name a few. It is also really important to ensure the venue or event never exceeds the venue capacity as this will cause overcrowding and may lead to serious injury or even death.

Assessing the potential of a terrorist or large-scale attack

Over the past ten years this has become a real risk for large outdoor events and festivals as they pose a soft target of large amounts of people gathered together with temporary infrastructure to protect them. It is because of this that we spend more and more time ensuring that we have HVM plans in place (Hostile vehicle mitigation), a robust searching setup and ensure that all the guards deployed have done as much training as possible to ensure that all parties involved have a firm understanding of what is expected of them and why the plans are in place. Following the Manchester bombings, a new law called Martyn’s Law, which will force event organisers and security suppliers to ensure that they have considered all potential risks and that a robust plan is in place before the event can go ahead.

Good communication is key

It is really important to have a good communications plan in place and also make sure you have other methods of communication in the event of an emergency. Keeping communication tight is vitally important to firstly make sure that the message goes to the right person and it is as clear and concise as possible, secondly to avoid misunderstanding and panic for example if they guard do not sue the correct code words and a member of the public hears a guard message to the control room as this can cause panic.

Venue/Event evacuation plan

This is a culmination of all of the above and the most important part of your Security plan/Strategy, and in my view it is what determines the minimum security numbers needed for the event.

Gallowglass Security take great pride in our event security planning and event security services. Events are in our DNA and with our years of experience there is very little we have not prepared for or dealt with. If you are considering a public event, please contact us to help you plan for a fun, safe event.

Three security officers patrol in the blurred background. In the foreground, a fisheye lens CCTV unit watches the camer.

Street Patrols: Your street patrol questions, answered.

Written by George Oliver on March 22, 2021. Posted in Articles.

Gallowglass Security has been offering street patrols through its property division for many years. They are an effective deterrent against illegal activity, vandalism and damage to an area. They also act as support to the local police force and homeless charities. Over the course of our streets have seen significantly less footfall. As a result property owners and communities have called upon our services.

Our Head of Property, George Oliver, answers Gallowglass Security’s top 5 frequently asked questions, giving you the who, the what, the when, the why and the how.

WHAT ARE STREET PATROLS?

Street Patrols are made up of a two-man foot patrol team who are dedicated to a small area such as a retail stretch or a Business improvement district (BID). The team patrol the area providing help and support to all visitors to the area.

Our security officers engage with retailers, supporting in incidents such as shop lifting, direct outreach services to those sleeping rough and liaise and maintain a strong working relationship with local dedicated ward officers from the police services. We provide the local force with local intelligence, collecting CCTV and providing reports. This reduces pressure on their services and increases crime prevention.

WHAT DOES A STREET SECURITY TEAM DO?

Their first responsibility is customer service to all visitors to an area. We are often the first people that visitors interact with, and we are also a point of contact for tenants on behalf of landowners. Therefore, we reflect our client and are there to support and relay information to management teams to make strategic decisions.

During lock down these have been a huge support to property and portfolio managers, providing them with valuable real-time intelligence from the ground.

WHY DO YOU NEED STREET PATROLS?

The urban policing structure has changed. Although the numbers of dedicated ward officers have been maintained their areas of responsibility have increased, therefore their impact has reduced. This has been driven by a focus on counter terrorism and not on neighbourhood policing. This has seen a well-documented rise in street crime, especially on individuals and retailers. Many are targeted for their mobile phones. Street patrols act as a genuine deterrent to this type of behaviour and the improvement in areas where we work can be demonstrated by the metropolitan police own data.

HOW DO STREET PATROLS WORK?

Two-man team focus on a designated area, this can often change throughout a day where they take on specific responsibilities depending on what is required. Typically, retailers require support in the day and restaurant areas need support at lunch and in the evening. The team aim to quickly build rapport with shop managers, restaurant staff and front of house teams in hotel and office sectors. The team visit and collect data and general information which is collated in detailed reports and shared with the client which may be a landowner or a group of local businesses. The data is able to provide information on trends and concerns.

WHAT LICENSES DO STREET PATROL SECURITY HAVE?

All Gallowglass Security team members have a front-line SIA licence and receive a number of valuable training courses including ACT action counters terrorism, identifying vulnerable adults, fire marshalling, health and safety, customer service, and emergency communications. As a result, they are well equipped to manage a range of issues that they may face, seamlessly supporting the police, fire and ambulance services.

Gallowglass are also part of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).

HOW MUCH ARE STREET PATROLS?

In isolation, they can be expensive; however, many clients make excellent use of the street patrol officers through adding on ancillary services. We take on several other roles including VPI’s and property inspections, in some cases 40 a week. The real question is how much do street patrols save you in terms of reputation? The nicest parts of town are areas where people want to work, live, shop and visit. As a result, these areas are often targeted by criminals and rough sleepers, which sadly often leads to drug use in the area. Crime can have a hugely damaging effect on an area’s reputation; therefore, street patrols are hugely valuable part of ‘place making’.

The information and data collected by the teams has an enormous value in strategic decision making. The property sector requires significant amounts of investment and through our on the ground insights we have been able to help our property development partners make significant savings, offering a dramatic return on investment.

Interior of one of the greenhouses present at Kew Gardens,

Gallowglass Security retains Kew Gardens event security contract

Written by Stuart Rae on March 17, 2021. Posted in Articles.

Gallowglass Security is delighted to announce that it has received notification from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, extending its contract for the provision of event security services.

Gallowglass Security has worked with the world heritage site, Kew Gardens, for the last three years, offering security services for private and public events.

As befitting a site that is defined by its rich architectural splendour together with its remarkably diverse landscape and botanic collections; Kew Gardens is a stunning events venue capable of hosting all manner of private and corporate events that includes weddings, birthday parties and receptions, as well as conferences award ceremonies and commercial film shoots.

The lustrous and elegant style that characterises Kew Gardens makes it a premier event venue in both London and the UK. The unique range and beauty of the gardens landscape is an unrivalled backdrop for commercial film production, with the gardens offering immense versatility, scope and accessibility for film producers.

Gallowglass Security’s Managing Partner, Giles Turnbull, said: “The decision to extend Gallowglass Security’s contract with Kew as the sole event security provider, is a real vindication of the professionalism of our approach and an endorsement of our capability to deliver our event security services to the highest possible industry standards.”

Giles continued, “with the Covid virus in retreat, and the green shoots of recovery on the horizon for the events and hospitality sector, we look forward immensely to playing our part in the restoration of the creative and vibrant events sector at Kew Gardens.”

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. Kew Gardens is a major international and a top London visitor attraction and was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2003.

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