Axis Security provided contract specific requirements like the ShopSafe radio scheme |
Axis Security, one of the UK’s leading security service providers, has been awarded the manned guarding contract at Gallagher Retail Park, based just outside Coventry.
The contract has been awarded following a competitive tender, whereby Axis Security demonstrated its fundamental ability to bring current and past retailing experience to the fore, creating a bespoke contract that matched the expectations and needs of Gallagher Retail Parks’ managing agent, Montagu Evans.
Axis Security is managing a team of employees covering 168 hours per week at the 180,000 Sq ft retail park. The security officers’ main responsibilities include supporting the various retailers, supervising the car park, and managing the ShopSafe radio scheme that Montagu Evans highlighted as a pre-requisite at tender stage.
In complying with Montagu Evans’ requirements, Axis Security installed a radio communication system for all tenants on the 19-unit site, as well as providing a Smartphone for the security team, enabling convenient email communication between tenants and guards.
“This was the first time we had re-tendered the security contract since we began managing the day-to-day activities of the site,” says Andrew Walker, Partner at Montagu Evans, “and we wanted to particularly focus on improving retailer liaison and communication services to make a better-connected site in terms of security arrangements.
“Having had previous experience working with Axis Security, we felt they were able to provide the high level of retailer communication that we expected, and at a cost-effective price. They also looked after our existing security staff, transferring them across under TUPE without any issues.”
Chris Wisely, Axis Security’s Managing Director, says that furthering Axis Security’s retail portfolio shows the great confidence that management teams have in the business: “Being able to provide contract specific requirements, like the ShopSafe radio scheme, is a key part of what we do,” he says.
“It was clear that Montagu Evans is looking for a security company that will deliver tangible results in increasing coordination and communication between retailers and the security team.”
Andrew is impressed with the positive feedback from tenants since Axis Security was appointed: “Axis Security is clearly doing a very good job, which is promising news as the smooth-running of the site is greatly impacted by the relations retailers have with the security team.
“The management team has done exactly what we asked them to do, effectively setting out to improve retailer communications and engagement with the site, ultimately leading to a safer shopping environment.”