Axis Group wins Front-of-House and security contract at City of London’s 77 Coleman Street

Property consultancy company BNP Paribas Real Estate has selected the Axis Group to deliver bespoke Front-of-House and security services at 77 Coleman Street in the heart of the City of London.

The appointment of Axis Group companies Acuity and Axis Security gives BNP Paribas Real Estate a seamless ‘one team’-style approach comprising highly professional Front-of-House personnel (including a full-time reception manager) and a security manager working with another security officer. Further staff may be added as building tenancy levels increase.

The striking new building, located just a minute’s walk from Moorgate London Underground Station, offers 68,000 sq ft of office space as well as retail and restaurant space. It combines contemporary design with efficient floorplates. Visitors and tenants are welcomed by a four metre-high reception area and communal space for tenants.

BNP Paribas Real Estate took on the management of the property in the summer of 2020. Axis Security was chosen due to its experience of having worked with the property consultancy on several other greenfield sites where the former’s knowledge of mobilisation, implementation of security operations and procedures and management of contractors supported the client in the smooth running of its operations.

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Vision for the building

Chiara di Rienzo, director at Acuity, believes that finding the right look and feel for a reception area is always important. “We ’ ve worked together with the management team at BNP Paribas Real Estate to better understand its vision for the building and to create a five-star reception and concierge service proposal that was befitting of the on-site style and aesthetic.”

Further, di Rienzo observed: “We’ve created a bespoke uniform for the reception team and specific training for each team member. We’re focusing on delivering high quality Front-of-House and security services that will eventually enhance the occupier and visitor experience at this prestigious site.”

The tailored training includes e-Learning, leadership training, classroom training and the formation of individual Personal Development Plans. Acuity will also provide Front-of-House cover for holiday and sickness from its Select Team with staff members already trained on site-specific procedures.

Christopher Place Shopping Centre places trust in combined security and cleaning service provider Axis Group

Christopher Place Shopping Centre in the heart of St Albans in Hertfordshire is taking a new approach to security and cleaning by integrating these services and awarding the total contract to Axis Group. The new approach aims to simplify the management of the two services and, by working with the right provider, add a more meaningful layer of support for the key people delivering the important services on site.

In her role as Christopher Place Shopping Centre manager, Catherine Morris is determined to derive the best output from her service partners. As such, it’s hugely important that her management team and the those working on the front line always feel supported.

“Previously, we had two providers,” explained Morris, “which kept cleaning and security separate. When both were under-performing, I took this as an opportunity to see what else was out there and how we could take advantage of having one partner.”

Axis Security and Axis Cleaning and Support Services have been awarded the combined contract to look after the security and cleaning services at the location which is managed by building consultancy and property management company Workman.

Professionalism and knowledge

Axis already enjoyed an established reputation among other Workman centre managers:  Morris said: “I was listening to their feedback and included Axis on the invitation to tender. They have demonstrated their professionalism and knowledge from the very beginning, and I’ve been impressed with their attention to detail. I have a small team so the additional support that the security and cleaning staff receive from Axis is crucial. The Group takes my requests seriously and take the management of my staff seriously as well.”

Morris described the handover process and employee TUPE as having been a very straightforward process. “It went so smoothly you wouldn’t know it was happening. Axis’ operations teams gave the employees the utmost support during the transfer process. Not only did all the staff receive a pay increase, but they are also now benefiting from an attractive package of additional benefits from Axis.”

Jonathan Levine, Axis Group CEO, asserted that the Group has extensive experience of delivering combined services to the leisure sector and is ideally placed to support Christopher Place Shopping Centre. “Our management and operations teams understand this type of environment and the high standards that need to be delivered to support the management team and the important front line staff. We are delighted to be working with Catherine and her teams at Christopher Place, and look forward to delivering a high level of customer service in all areas.”

Support from additional staff

Axis is going to be supporting Christopher Place Shopping Centre with additional staff to help out during busy periods, and especially so in the lead-up to Christmas which brings with it a schedule of events. Going forward, Axis will also be able to provide the employees with additional training when required.

Christopher Place Shopping Centre is an open pedestrian mall offering shops and restaurants to St Albans’ residents and visitors. It operates on a significantly large site spanning 169,000 square foot. The cleaning and security teams are responsible for the entire site including the mall itself, the loading bays, service corridors, lift lobbies, the car park and shops located along the site’s periphery.

Axis Security and The Axis Academy nominated for 2020 OSPAs

Integrated security, Front of House and cleaning services business the Axis Group starts 2020 as a finalist in the UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) with nominations in two categories: Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) for Axis Security and Outstanding Security Training Initiative for The Axis Academy, Axis Group’s learning and development division.

The OSPAs recognise and reward companies and individuals across the security sector. Axis Security has been recognised as an outstanding security business which is making a positive difference, successfully motivating and up-skilling staff, making the most of technologies and forging new approaches and thinking around security guarding.

This nomination comes off the back of Axis Security’s most successful year of organic growth, turning over £24 million in new business alone, which represents a 140% increase on last year’s business results.

The Axis Academy, the training division for Axis Group, has been nominated for the Outstanding Security Training Initiative for its Mental Health First Aid course, which was launched in the summer of 2019 and has already trained 220 people across three levels including mental health awareness, mental health First Aid and supervising mental health.

The course supports Axis’ aim to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace, with specific training to equip people with the required knowledge and skills to act as workplace mental health First Aiders. It has been designed to help participants understand why people develop mental health conditions, and how a First Aider for mental health can provide advice and practical support for an individual presenting with a suspected mental health condition.

David Mundell, managing director of Axis Security, believes that the company’s dedication to customer service continues to underpin its success. “We see ourselves as one of the outstanding performers in the security sector, doing our utmost to support our talented people and deliver top quality customer service to our clients.”

Mundell added: “Giving the right kind of support to employees remains key to everybody’s success so we’re especially pleased to see the response to our new training initiatives, notably so around the area of mental health. The course also helps people to recognise and manage their own stress, and how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace, so it’s a really beneficial addition to our learning offer.”

The 2020 OSPAs Ceremony takes place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London on 26 February.

Inspiration in HR Award organiser SSR Personnel unveils shortlist for 2018 trophy

The Inspiration in HR Award recognises the work of Human Resources (HR) professionals. Now in its 12^th year, the award is open to either individuals or organisations. Judges are looking for Best Practice in HR management where an organisation recognises that HR is a business enabler. 

This year’s finalists are Axis Communications, Axis Security, CIS Security, Gratte Brothers, Helen Corbett (of The Security Institute) and Wilson James.

To reach the shortlist, the above organisations demonstrated that they are wholly focused on quality and have a pride in looking after and developing their workforce.  There’s a partnership in HR and operations management.

Peter French MBE FSyI CPP: CEO at SSR Personnel and Founder of the Inspiration in HR Award

Shortlisted companies consider that their HR function gives them a competitive edge. They clearly demonstrate going above and beyond any current standards. The Inspiration in HR Award is one that recognises a critical differentiator in business application.

David Clark CPP PCI PSP, chairman of ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208, commented: “This award is increasingly hard to judge, and this year has been even more challenging, I’m enormously pleased to see three organisations from outside of the security guarding sector, which usually comprises the majority of entries, making the shortlist. This is surely testimony to the prestige and expansiveness of this particular award.”

*The winning submission will be announced at the UBM-organised Security and Fire Excellence Awards Ceremony to be held at the London Hilton Hotel, Park Lane on Wednesday 21 November

Axis Security picks up record five nominations for 2018 Security and Fire Excellence Awards

Axis Security, a leading provider of bespoke security services, has been shortlisted in five categories at the 2018 Security and Fire Excellence Awards, including the prestigious Security Guarding Company of the Year, an award that the business has been nominated for across seven consecutive years and has won on three occasions.

Five nominations in the Security and Fire Excellence Awards, which are organised and hosted by UBM, marks a record achievement for the company, with the remaining nominations being for Contribution to Standards in the Security Sector, Security Training Initiative of the Year (with ‘Security Masterclass’), the Inspiration in HR Award and the ACS Champion of the Year (an award the company won last year).

Jonathan Levine, Axis Group’s CEO, stated: “The company’s employees are its most important asset, while its key focus is in customer service. By prioritising training and employee welfare initiatives, our officers in turn prioritise excellent service for our customers’ customers. These nominations are testament to this focus.”

Axis Security’s nomination for the Contribution to Standards in the Security Sector Award recognises the company’s proactive use of training and site audits, internal employee awards and its development of a contract management and performance measurement software platform. Specifically this year, the nomination is a result of Axis’ critical role in one of its customers achieving the ISO 22301 business continuity standard for its flagship building. The award was achieved one month ahead of schedule and is the client’s first property to achieve the accreditation.

The Inspiration in HR Award acknowledges those companies demonstrating that HR is a fundamental part of their business and invest in their people. It’s bestowed by SSR Personnel and adjudicated by a prestigious panel of industry experts.

“To have picked up this number of nominations is evidence of the hard work of all employees from HR, training and operational personnel through to our security officers,” explained Levine. “I’m extremely proud and grateful for all the hard work that has been integral to our successes this year.”

Axis Academy partners with Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide First Aid training

The Axis Academy is working with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) to deliver First Aid training courses for the latter’s its Young People’s Forum (YPF). 

The YPF was established for patients, ex-patients and siblings of patients who have been looked after at GOSH and a number of other hospitals around the UK, including Birmingham Children’s Hospital. It’s designed for 11 to 25 year olds who want to have fun, meet new people and learn new skills, with one of the skills on offer this year being offered via a First Aid/CPR course delivered by The Axis Academy. The first training course took place on Saturday 14 October.

The First Aid session was developed by the dedicated training team at The Axis Academy. The company also delivers a number of accredited First Aid courses through one of the UK’s leading Awarding Organisations, namely Qualsafe Awards, ensuring both the quality and formal recognition of learning. The First Aid courses are just some of the many regulated courses that are now being offered to Axis Group’s clients and any businesses looking to support staff learning and development.

Duaine Taylor, head of learning and development at The Axis Academy, is extremely pleased to be supporting GOSH and its YPF. “The YPF aims to further the enjoyment and skills of young people connected to GOSH and many other childrens’ hospitals throughout the UK,” asserted Taylor. “We’re very pleased to have been chosen to help with this worthwhile cause. The day was a great success with approximately 80 children from all over the UK in attendance. It was a jam-packed day of presentations and talks. Attendees were split into smaller groups and divided between the sessions. All participants walked away with a certificate in recognition of their new skills.”

The Axis Academy is already helping to develop the careers of Axis Security, Acuity and Axis Cleaning and Support Services employees by delivering an extensive range of courses. In partnering with GOSH, the business is furthering its goal of offering services to clients, third party providers and private individuals.

In addition to First Aid, other courses provided by The Axis Academy are categorised under the fundamentals of Customer Service, Fire Safety, Health and Safety, Security and Supervisor and Management courses. More sector-specific courses are tailored within each of these categories, for example Control and Restraint and Food Hygiene.

The most recent course added to The Axis Academy’s repertoire is a Citizens Aid First Aid course. The half-day course is new to the industry and provides training for scenarios where there are mass casualties and knife injuries. This course has recently been accredited by Qualsafe Awards.

Axis Security selected to provide range of services for Lambert Smith Hampton

Axis Security, a leading deliverer of bespoke security services, has won a contract with commercial property consultant Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to provide a range of security services for eight of its properties in the North East of England.

The contract incorporates security guarding, concierge services, mobile patrols and key holding – including night and weekend cover.

Marcus Cain, regional facilities manager for the North at LSH, informed Risk UK that the company previously used a number of different security providers, with the new contract forming part of a rationalisation process.

“Axis Security boasts a strong presence in the North East region,” observed Cain. “The company’s clients include the UK’s leading property management consultancies, which gives us confidence that the business can deliver the range of services we require across our own diverse portfolio of properties.”

Lambert Smith Hampton’s Grey Street offices

Cain added that Axis’ reputation as a good employer is also important. “We have peace of mind that Axis Security looks after its employees and that all officers are licensed with the Security Industry Authority.”

Many LSH properties are multi-tenanted and require flexible, responsive value-add services (for example, providing meter readings of vacant properties). Axis Security completes this particular task using Fast Field technology, giving LSH instant and reliable information to check against utility bills.

“On one occasion,” outlined Cain, “we briefed Axis in the morning regarding a new instruction in the North East region. The mobile patrol service was fully-mobilised that same day, including a meter readings collection for the Estate.”

Other technology employed in the contract includes TrackTik, which provides officer location tracking and enables officers to capture live footage of incidents. Cain believes this is a must-have compliance solution. “Lone worker welfare is an important Health and Safety issue, but the technology also means we can prove to relevant stakeholders that patrols have actually been completed.”

In conclusion, Cain stated: “Overall, Axis is a good fit for our business. They are genuinely responsive and understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.”

Axis Security’s Employee of the Year Awards recognise exemplary members of staff

Axis Security, one of the UK’s leading security service providers, recently celebrated the successful achievements and extraordinary efforts of its employees during the company’s Christmas Luncheon held at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel, London.

Four awards were bestowed at the event: Security Employee of the Year, Acuity Employee of the Year, National Team of the Year and London Team of the Year, in addition to new awards honouring both support staff and management.

The Security Employee of the Year Award was won by Emil Hawryluk, who has been with Axis Security since 2009 and contracted at The British Library since 2011. In his current role as security manager, Hawryluk leads a team of 17 and has been praised for ‘exceptionally high standards’ in what is an extremely busy and constantly changing environment. His recent duties have included helping to facilitate visits from the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Chinese Vice-President.

Emil Hawryluk picks up the Employee of the Year Award from Axis Security account manager Nick Lowe

Acuity, the Axis Group’s Front of House division, presented its Employee of the Year Award to Ellie Self, who works at Earl Place, which is managed by BNP Paribas Real Estate. Self was commended for her assistance in improving the building’s sustainability credentials, the planning, organisation and execution of numerous successful events, training new employees in compliance and, above all, for her outstanding average monthly Service Level Agreement score of 108% (which is the highest average score attained at any Acuity site).

Ellie Self: Acuity’s Employee of the Year

The security team at Wythenshawe Hospital scooped the National Team of the Year Award, while the London Team of the Year Award was bestowed upon the team at Ark Data Centre’s Cody Park site.

David Mundell, managing director at Axis Security, believes it’s important to recognise staff achievements that go above and beyond the Call of Duty.

“Our winners have all demonstrated a strong work ethic, clear customer service skills and a thorough commitment to all aspects of their job,” stated Mundell. “They represent Axis Security’s values and are a credit to themselves, our customers and our business.”

Axis Group sponsors Sage Gateshead

Security solutions specialist Axis Group has become a silver sponsor of Sage Gateshead, a landmark music and entertainment venue exhibiting national, regional and international performances.

Funding from sponsorship helps to support Sage Gateshead’s charitable local initiatives targeted at the region’s most deprived areas. Examples include Music Making for Under Fives, a Talented Young Musician programme and an over-50s Silver Music Class.

The sponsorship package will see Axis Group branding in and around the venue and on its collateral. It will provide access to corporate entertaining space, annual ticket allocation and booking services as well as advanced event information.

The concourse at Sage Gateshead (Photo by Mark Savage)

Jonathan Levine, Axis Group’s CEO, has stated that, following last year’s successful management buy-out, the Group is now looking for sponsorship opportunities where organisations’ values mirror its own.

“Sage Gateshead has a commendable focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, having made a £300 million contribution to the region in just ten years,” stated Levine. “The sponsorship provides fantastic opportunities for networking, client events and employee benefits.”

Sage Gateshead has been a client of Axis Security since 2011 and, as of 2014, has benefited from a joint security and cleaning contract through Axis Cleaning and Support Services.

Home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Sage Gateshead is managed by the North Music Trust and hosts a wide range of entertainment shows, seven days a week, both in the daytime and the evening. It aims to bring about a widespread and long-term enrichment of the musical life of the North East of England.

Axis Security appoints Chris Wisely to new managing director’s role

Chris Wisely has been promoted from head of operations to the newly-created role of managing director at Axis Security (part of the Axis Group of security, reception management and cleaning and support services companies). Wisely will report to Group CEO Jonathan Levine.

Wisely has worked in the security industry for more than 20 years and joined Axis Security in 2009 as finance director before progressing to the head of operations role in 2012.

In the five years he has been with the business, Wisely has worked with the senior management team in further strengthening the company’s operations, including the launch of its bespoke online portal – Axis e-Connect – giving customers easy access to live reports, documentation and information about their portfolio.

Wisely has also overseen a significant investment in employee training and played a key role in creating specialist teams to manage recruitment, training, compliance, contract mobilisation and Health and Safety.

Chris Wisely: the new managing director at Axis Security

Jonathan Levine believes the appointment comes at an exciting time for the business, and reflects how far the company has come in such a comparatively short space of time.

“Axis Security has an enviable reputation in the industry,” said Levine. “With a record Approved Contractor Scheme audit, our track record is one that’s built firmly on quality. We will continue to focus on delivering the finest services to our customers while supporting our employees to be the best they can be in their respective roles.”

As managing director, a key focus for Wisely will be redefining the company’s vision and the business strategy required to deliver that vision. “We want to be viewed as the leading provider of security services in key sectors and geographies, so it’s important that we are known more widely,” urged Wisely.

“We also want to be known as the best employer in the industry and have made great strides in developing a comprehensive training programme for our officers and management staff, in turn allowing us to develop and retain the best people at all levels.”