First Response Group listed in Sunday Times ‘10 Fast-Track Ones to Watch’

Yorkshire-based security and facilities service provider the First Response Group is featured in the latest Sunday Times ‘10 Fast-Track Ones to Watch’ listed. The business has been recognised as one of the companies set to grow rapidly and shows the potential to secure its place in the ‘Fast Track 100’ in the future.

Businesses are identified based on factors such as past sales, growth forecasts, international expansion and external investment. This summer, the Leeds-based company competed a £6 million refinancing agreement, allowing it to continue the strong growth it has experienced over the last few years.

A series of targeted acquisitions – coupled with recent high-profile tender wins in the insurance, corporate and construction sectors which accelerated the company’s growth – triggered the need to increase available working capital for business continuity and future investment.

Founded back in 2007 by directors Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka, First Response Group provides security, fire and facilities management services for customers including Aldi and the NHS. Sales this year have risen by 51% to hot a total of £18.6 million.

Simon Alderson, CEO at the First Response Group, said: “It’s an honour to be named as one of The Sunday Times’ ‘10 Fast-Track Ones to Watch’. The extraordinary growth we’ve seen over the past few years has firmly established the First Response Group as a rising star in the security industry, and this achievement recognises the dedication and hard work shown by our entire team.”

Alderson added: “This summer’s funding, coupled with our mission to provide the best service and innovation possible by cultivating a culture of employee inclusion and happiness, will continue to position First Response Group as a leader in the security and FM solutions markets.” First Response Group holds the coveted National Security Inspectorate Guarding Gold accreditation and, as an Approved Contractor Scheme Pacesetter, is ranked in the Top 15% of firms registered on the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme.

Scottish tech firm creates ‘ZIVA’ robotic solution for security and agriculture inspections

Edinburgh-based Casta Spes Technologies has unveiled a new robotic security vehicle offering security and inspection solutions across multiple sectors including agriculture, energy/utilities and construction.

Named ZIVA, the multi-terrain, high-performance robot saves 92% on the cost of a manned patrol by combining autonomous navigation with multiple software add-ons, such as licence plate recognition and threat classification. ZIVA was designed to reduce the cost and time associated with false alarms, using its dynamic and flexible nature to cover blind spots, which can be a major drawback with static cameras.

ZIVA provides 360-degree CCTV coverage and can be driven remotely or set to automatically patrol specified routes using multiple sensors and autonomous navigation.

ZIVA is the first product from Casta Spes Technologies, set up by 24-year-old graduates Selby Cary and Michael McDonald. Designed using funding from pre-seed tech accelerator Seed Haus and Scottish Enterprise support, it’s currently deployed onsite with several companies including West Coast Capital Properties.

Selby Cary (left) and Michael McDonald pictured with their ZIVA solution

Cary, the CEO of Casta Spes Technologies, completed a Masters degree at Heriot-Watt University, which is known for its robotics research and teaching. He explained: “It’s estimated that the perimeter security market will be worth over $197 billion by 2022, with the global market for surveillance robots expected to reach $10.2 billion by 2025. This is a massive growth industry.”

He continued: “ZIVA works by analysing the images it sees, allowing it to take on important perimeter security roles in remote areas or locations with limited infrastructure, such as warehouses, industrial properties and construction sites.”

Leader in robotic technology

Cary believes Scotland has already demonstrated that it’s a leader in robotic technology and development. “Scotland is fast becoming the robotics capital of Europe with the National Robotarium under construction in Edinburgh and the city playing host to some of the world’s leading robotics experts. We believe Scotland’s capital is the ideal springboard from which to launch ZIVA. Furthermore, the terrain and weather conditions are ideal for testing. Once we knew we had something that could work in the Scottish weather, we were confident we could make it work anywhere.”

Able to reach speeds of 19 km/h and capable of tackling rough terrain, including gravel and long grass, ZIVA overcomes many of the challenges faced by competitor robot security vehicles due to its innovative design. It can also provide a range of agricultural functions, such as checking crops for disease or monitoring livestock.

ZIVA’s mechanical design combines multiple innovations in one platform. Its dual-wheeled system means it has a greater payload capacity, offers energy efficiency and can overcome rough terrain without becoming stuck. ZIVA’s flexible and modular design means that clients can customise it to their own requirements, thereby providing an affordable, real-world solution to their remote security needs.

Casta Spes Technologies plans to deploy more units into the field shortly and will launch a suite of software add-ons and data analytics plug-ins to enhance ZIVA’s CCTV capabilities over the next 12 months.

Evolution invests in people development with appointment of Louise Gough as Human Resources manager

Evolution, the integrated fire and security solutions specialist, has appointed Louise Gough as its new Human Resources (HR) manager to lead the business’ recruitment strategy, implement new training and development opportunities, manage employee relations and provide support to the wider business.

Gough joins Evolution with a wealth of HR management experience, including eight years’s service with a market-leading integrated security business where she was also involved in project and bid work and facilities management. Prior to that, Gough worked for a number of large manufacturing and construction firms.

Louise Gough: the new HR manager at Evolution

Now, Gough is looking forward to helping drive even further business growth at Evolution. “It’s a very exciting time for the business,” explained Gough in conversation with Risk Xtra. “The workforce has expanded considerably already this year and further growth is expected as a result of the business being successful in winning some large projects n the UK, the Republic of Ireland and further afield in Europe.”

Further, Gough stated: “I hope to add real value to the business and will start by closely reviewing our recruitment and wider people strategies and use my knowledge and experience to implement new methods that enable us to work smarter, while also enhancing our strong position within the integrated security sector. I want to take the HR burden away from the senior managers and allow them to focus more closely on their own roles, which in turn will lead to more proactive and productive teams.”

Richard Lambert, managing director of Evolution, enthused: “We’re delighted that Louise is joining the team. She has proven experience and great sector knowledge which will be invaluable. There’s no doubt Louise will help to drive the business forward as we continue our plans to grow in the UK and Europe.”

ASSA ABLOY issues response to MHCLG’s ‘Building a Safer Future: An Implementation Plan’

A new White Paper is available from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. The document has been issued in response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) ‘Building a Safer Future: An Implementation Plan’ and highlights the critical points from the Implementation Plan. 

The results of the Dame Judith Hackitt-led Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety were published in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. There was a call for the development of an “implementation plan that will provide a coherent approach to delivering the recommendations” outlined by the Hackitt Review. 

‘Building a Safer Future: An Implementation Plan’ is the response from the MHCLG. The plan sets out how Government and industry will achieve the systematic overhaul required to improve building and fire safety. 

Many of the key points and areas of action covered in the Implementation Plan were also highlighted in ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ initial response to the Hackitt Review, which is available to view here: https://bit.ly/2Usj2TX. 

Speaking on the proposals put forward and the latest White Paper, Brian Sofley (managing director at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions for the Door Group) said: “We’re pleased that the latest plan is in line with many of the recommendations we supported on how the industry can tackle the important issue of fire safety. The plan sets a statement of intent from the Government for construction and manufacturing industries. Its comprehensive approach to fire safety products will ensure that, through third party certification, standards and safety requirements are integral, not just at the manufacturing stage, but also during installation, inspection and ongoing maintenance.”

Sofley added: “Our latest White Paper demonstrates the alignment between Government and the construction and manufacturing industries in the approach towards ensuring a safer built environment for all.”

*The new White Paper can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/2I8d4Bk 

Institute of Risk Management launches Regional Group focused on Belgium and Luxembourg

The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) has formed a Regional Group for Belgium and Luxembourg. The objective is to fill a gap in the Benelux market where there’s a lack of opportunity for risk management practitioners to network and learn from each other.

The all-new Regional Group will focus on connecting risk management professionals in the area and raising the profile of important risk management topics and developments within each industry represented.

Ultimately, the Regional Group will provide a forum for members from a diverse range of organisations, risk disciplines and sectors to network, exchange views and share Best Practice with peers on a local footing. Specifically, the Regional Group will host events and enable cross-industry pollination.

The initiative is to be run by senior risk professionals emanating from various industries including life sciences, financial services, risk advisory and construction. The chairman is David Lannoy (technical specialist at the IRM). The treasurer is Pierre Poncelet, with the new secretary being Kenneth Willems. The community manager for Belgium is Nicolas Renard, with this opposite number for Luxembourg being Simon Muir.

David Lannoy informed Risk Xtra: “The Initial priority will be to attract members and build a network. We aim to host four events each year focused on relevant topics and aim to include contributions from high-profile international speakers with proven backgrounds in risk management activities. There will also be round table discussions with current IRM members to inform thought leadership and shape industry practice.”

Lannoy continued: “Aside from these specific activities, we’ll also aim to bring together IRM members in a friendly environment and encourage networking, spreading events across the region to increase the participation of willing professionals. We will bring members together who, in turn, will have the opportunity to share their own knowledge and experiences during events. The Regional Group will also look towards developing a risk talent incubator by reaching high-profile students and professionals through challenges to promote the profession.”

Socrates Coudounaris CFIRM, chairman of the IRM and risk management director at the RGA International Reinsurance Company, added: “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to launch this Regional Group with the support of experts. Our relationships with firms in the Benelux region have always been excellent and we welcome the opportunity to strengthen them further. Excellence in risk management requires a strong understanding of general concepts and techniques, but also an appreciation of the detailed risk landscape in particular sectors. This new Regional Group will help to enhance our interconnectedness.”

*Those professionals interested in joining the Regional Group should contact: marketing@theirm.org

Jacksons Fencing issues Guide to Managing Noise Pollution for physical perimeter designers

Jacksons Fencing has issued its latest guide, entitled ‘Managing Noise Pollution’, for landscape architects, urban planners, exterior designers and others involved in the specification of external physical perimeters.

A recent study found that those who live in noisy cities are more likely to suffer from hearing loss. The main reason for this is excessive noise from traffic, construction, industry and people going about their daily lives.

Noise pollution has a huge effect on populations causing people stress, fatigue and poor sleep quality. In fact, according to the World Health Organisation, it costs us $750 billion globally when medical bills, lost earnings and other hearing loss-related problems are taken into account.

Cris Francis, head of commercial sales at Jacksons Fencing, commented: “Noise pollution is now a big concern in our cities as we build more major roads, rail and other transport networks closer to where we live and work. Such a concentration of construction activity, vehicles and people brings with it noise that, in many cases, is unwanted and avoidable. Our new guide highlights the impact of sound and aims to provide advice on how timber acoustic barriers can reduce unwanted noise and improve our surroundings with natural façades that are both sustainable and cost-effective.”

The UK had over 65 million inhabitants at the start of 2016, with a density of 263 people per square kilometre. As our cities expand exponentially, the population is projected to reach 77 million in 2050, so even more demands are being put on housing and critical infrastructure like roads and rail.

The continued growth means that we’re now seeing developments including commercial, leisure and other properties being built very close to each other. When intersected with the aforementioned new transport links, that equates to more exposure to excessive noise for a large number of the populace.

Jacksons Fencing has developed a range of acoustic fencing barriers with the modern urban landscape in mind. Working with independent sound engineers, the firm’s team of technical and engineering experts can assist those involved in the design and construction of external spaces by providing tailored advice, guidance and expertise every step of the way, from design support through to manufacturing and installation.