Axis Security, one of London and the City's fastest growing security service providers, is to embark on a major new growth strategy following the appointment of a new Managing Director and the recruitment of a proven senior management team.Jonathan Levine, who has been in the security industry for more than 20 years most recently with First Security, has taken over as Managing Director and been joined by four of his former senior management colleagues, David Mundell, John FitzPatrick, Neil Ames and Edward Holmes.
Between them they were responsible for building First Security into a £55 million business, an achievement they are looking to replicate and indeed improve upon with their new venture.
"Axis is already a business that is fundamentally sound, with a loyal customer base and a hard-working team of security personnel," Jonathan explains. "But there is also so much more that can be achieved and more that we could offer, with the right levels of investment and the right level of management support to drive the business forward."
Axis Security was originally formed in 1994 and has grown to deliver a range of security-based services, at the heart of which is its manned guarding expertise. Customers already include some of the City's leading property management companies, media businesses, solicitors and other professional service providers.
As well as its core manned guarding offering, Axis also delivers a range of complementary services including front of house/reception teams, post room services, keyholding and mobile patrols. All of its employees are fully vetted, licensed and trained, and receive the highest levels of management support.
The first stage of this new period of investment includes the recruitment of a top senior management team who between them have more than 90-years security experience, and who have already demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the industry with a proven track record. "They bolster an already strong middle management that includes Jacqui Lapham and Deon Archibald who together have provided an excellent service to our existing customers," Jonathan adds.
Among the first tasks that the new team has performed is a review of remuneration and benefits packages for all of its security officers, including the implementation of a company sick pay scheme, Life Assurance cover and performance related awards. It is also in the final stages of agreeing a scheme that will enhance the take home pay of its security officers.
Visually the business has also changed: a new logo - ‘angels wings' to denote a combination of protection and care - has been devised, and the company will be introducing stylish new uniforms to further enhance the image of its officers and better reflect the premises they protect.
"This is not just a cosmetic exercise," Jonathan says. "Behind this new identity is a new period of long-term investment - investment in our people, in our infrastructure, and in our service. We want to give a clear message to the market that Axis is serious about security and serious about the long-term support it will be giving to its customers and its employees."
The company will also be uniting under a new strapline: ‘Building confidence'. "The purpose is to make it clear what we do. It is also our business. To give confidence to our customers that their properties, their assets and their people are safe in our hands."
