Send For Help recognised in prestigious ‘FT Future 100 UK’ listing

Send For Help (the lone worker protection business providing 24/7 emergency response via personal safety alarms) has been featured in the ‘FT Future 100 UK’ list recently published in The Financial Times and on FT.com. The prestigious list selected by an expert panel led by FT journalists features fast-growing UK companies that are also making an impact on their industry or, indeed, wider society.

The list is built on data from the ‘FT 1,000: Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies’, in which Send For Help featured in April this year with a ranking at 625.

To make it into the first edition of the ‘FT Future 100 UK’, businesses had to excel in one of four categories: Environmental, Social and Governance, Disruption, Diversity and Consistent Growth. Send For Help was selected for the Disruption category, where the judges took into account measures such as R&D spend as a proportion of revenue and the company’s own pitch as a disrupter.

Operating through its subsidiary brands Skyguard, Peoplesafe and Guardian24, Send For Help supplies keyfob-sized GPS personal safety alarms and smart phone apps providing 24/7 protection to over 150,000 lone workers.

Send For Help’s Monitoring Centre has direct links to police Control Rooms, so it can bypass the 999 system and receive a faster emergency response if clients are threatened, attacked or are otherwise in some form of danger.

The Surrey-based tech firm has a varied client roster across a large number of private and public sectors, including over 180 NHS Trusts and major High Street retailers, City banks and national pub chains, estate agents, the police service and more than 200 local authorities.

“It’s very encouraging that Send For Help continues to receive national and international awards from such prestigious publications,” said James Murray, CEO of Send For Help. “Our strategy as a disruptive company which delivers innovative services at competitive prices is clearly working. The whole team should be proud of what we’ve achieved.”

*For the full list visit https://ig.ft.com/future-100/2018/

Send For Help listed in London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report

Send For Help has been listed in the London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report, which showcases the country’s most dynamic and inspiring businesses. Now in its fifth year, the report – which is supported by Prime Minister Theresa May – is a celebration of some of the fastest-growing SMEs in the UK.

The Epsom-based tech firm was selected after outperforming peers in its sector, demonstrating sustained revenue growth of 254% between 2013 and 2016, with its annual turnover reaching a hugely impressive figure of £8 million.

Founded in 2010 by brothers James and Will Murray, Send For Help is the world’s largest lone worker protection provider. Operating through its subsidiary brands Skyguard, Peoplesafe and Guardian24, Send For Help supplies key fob-sized GPS personal safety alarms and mobile phone apps offering 24/7 protection to over 150,000 lone workers and people deemed to be ‘at risk’.

Its client roster spans both the public and private sectors, with over 160 NHS Trusts, major High Street retailers, City banks, estate agents, the police service and more than 150 local authorities all using the company’s services.

Outstanding 12 months

Inclusion in the report marks yet another incredible achievement for Send For Help in what has been an outstanding 12 months for the company, during which it has ranked in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for the second year running and recently featured in The Financial Times FT1,000 list as one of Europe’s fastest-growing businesses.

CEO James Murray commented: “We’re honoured to be recognised as one of the UK’s most inspirational companies and to feature alongside some of the UK’s brightest and best SMEs. The past year has been truly remarkable for Send For Help as the group goes from strength to strength and continues its rapid growth. It’s a fantastic time for the business, with a number of exciting developments to come as we look to build on our successes over the next 12 months.”

Send For Help Group ranked in The Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100 league table for second year running

Award-winning lone worker protection provider Send For Help Group has been ranked as one of Britain’s most successful private companies by The Sunday Times for a second consecutive year.

The 21st annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table champions the UK’s top performing private companies based strictly on financial performance with the fastest-growing sales over their latest three years. Send For Help Group has been placed 80^th.

Founded in 2010 by brothers James and Will Murray, the Send for Help Group has prominently featured in the national press throughout the year as a real success story. Business continues to go from strength-to-strength. The company is now independently verified as the largest lone worker protection provider in the world.

Operating through its subsidiary brands Skyguard, Guardian24 and the recently-acquired Peoplesafe, Send For Help Group uses key fob-sized GPS personal safety alarms and mobile phone Apps to provide 24-hour personal protection for more than 150,000 lone workers and individuals who are at risk.

Send For Help Group showed turnover this year hitting £8 million, up from £6.1 million last year with profits of £2.4 million, representing an increase of 121% on the previous year.

CEO James Murray commented: “We’re delighted to be included in the Fast Track 100 for the second year running. It’s been another busy, yet exciting year for the Group and that’s reflected in this accolade. It’s a real honour to have our hard work and determination as a business recognised. This has been a big year for the Send For Help Group. We added a third brand to our growing portfolio with a successful and seamless transition, expanded our office premises in Surrey and continued to recruit new talent across the company. We will not rest on our laurels, though. Our aim is to always improve, as individuals, as a business and in terms of our service offering.”

Lone worker protection provider Send for Help Group reports record growth for fourth year running

The Send for Help Group has just posted financials detailing record growth and profits for the financial year 2015-2016. Published in the Send for Help Group’s Annual Report, the figures state that for the year ending 31 March 2016, turnover was up 81% year-on-year while operating profits had also increased by 42% within the same period.

Results for 2015-2016 saw the company turnover increase to £6.1 million, with a gross margin of £4.94 million and profits of £1.5 million (complete with an adjusted EBITDA* figure of £3 million).

The business has maintained its position by dint of continued product development and delivering the highest levels of customer service through its subsidiary brands – Skyguard and Guardian24.

The previous financial year had seen the Send for Help Group acquire Guardian24, adding a second well-established market player (alongside Skyguard) to its portfolio. The full benefits of this acquisition have been reflected in these published results.

The Send for Help Group provides personal alarms and mobile phone applications linked to its fully-accredited Alarm Receiving Centre, which in turn delivers 24/7 back-up and protection for lone workers and those at risk. The group primarily operates in the UK and Ireland serving over 100 NHS trusts, 200 housing associations and 150 local authorities as well as hundreds of commercial organisations. Over half the UK’s police forces trust and use Send for Help Group’s alarms to protect the most vulnerable in society.

This year, the business has gained the highest industry accreditations from the National Security Inspectorate and the Police’s Secured by Design scheme.

Send for Help Group’s CEO James Murray said: “The directors are delighted with these results, which shows the company’s turnover and profit yet again increasing year-on-year. Despite the uncertain economic environment, the business has achieved excellent results for 2016 and the directors are confident that we will continue to build on this success story in 2017. With a strong management team, a healthy sales pipeline and some exciting new products in development, there are excellent prospects for further growth in the coming year.”

Murray concluded: “We’re delivering shareholder value by making the Send for Help Group a more profitable business through improved gross margins and prudent cost management. Our incentive mechanisms for early settlement of multi-year contracts generate strong cash flows, while we actively seek value-adding growth opportunities. We’re fully committed to operating with strong financial discipline and a conservative view towards risk.”

Send For Help Group’s subsidiary companies elected as Committee Members of BSIA’s Lone Worker Section

The Send For Help Group – Europe’s largest lone worker protection provider – has been granted two Committee Memberships of the British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) Lone Worker Section, representing one for each of its subsidiary companies.

Marketing director Will Murray has been re-elected as representative for Guardian24 while Ben Hawkins, who leads the company’s Incident Management Centre, has been newly appointed to represent Skyguard.

The BSIA’s Constitution dictates that Section Committee Member Elections are held on an annual basis via secret ballot among Section members. A maximum of eight places are available on the influential Committee, seven of which have been occupied thanks to the recent vote.

The Committee’s role is to set the Section’s strategy and vote on key decisions on behalf of the wider Section membership. Committee Members can also play an important role in the development and revision of industry standards as part of British Standards Institution (BSI) review panels. This is the case with the Send for Help Group’s two Committee Members who sit on the BSI panel which is currently redrafting BS 8484, the British Standard for Lone Worker Device Services which is due for publication in 2016.

Will Murray

The Send For Help Group’s CEO James Murray commented: “I’m delighted that both our subsidiaries are represented on such a prominent Committee, which is testament to the high esteem they command within the industry. The UK is leading the world in the lone worker protection market, and the BSIA’s dedicated Lone Worker Section is the leading group within the UK driving this forward. Having such a strong representation within this influential group is invaluable to the business in terms of maintaining its position at the forefront of the industry.”

Ben Hawkins

Murray concluded: “I congratulate my colleagues on their appointments and I’ve no doubt they will continue to play an instrumental role both in terms of raising industry standards and developing the market.”

About Send For Help

Established in 2010, Send For Help is the investment vehicle of technology entrepreneur Jan Murray who founded the PC World superstore chain and Internet Technology Group plc.

James Murray

Through its subsidiary companies, the Send For Help Group is the largest lone worker protection provider in the UK, on the European stage and, indeed, globally. Comprised of the Skyguard and Guardian24 brands, the Send For Help Group has a combined subscriber base of 70,000 end users operational across a diverse range of vertical markets.

The senior management team boasts over 40 years’ collective experience of working in the lone worker protection sector. Drawing from this specialist expertise, the Group’s constituents have invested in cutting-edge technology to develop exclusive personal safety products, a purpose-built Incident Management Centre, high quality software and infrastructures.

*Further information is available at: www.sendforhelp.co.uk

VINCI Facilities boosts lone worker security by selecting Skyguard’s MySOS solution

Part of the VINCI construction group, VINCI Facilities has chosen to roll out Skyguard’s personal safety service in order to mitigate potential risks for all of the company’s lone workers.

VINCI Facilities provides bespoke solutions and services to a variety of traditional vertical sectors including housing, education and healthcare. The company fully understands the potential risks faced by its dedicated lone workers. For example, VINCI’s resident liaison officers work alone and visit domestic properties across a wide array of locations from rural areas through to inner cities.

On that basis, Josephine O’Connor – business and community investment manager at VINCI Facilities – set about sourcing a BS 8484-compliant and approved lone worker personal safety service to support and protect the company’s lone working employees.

“Our officers encounter people from all walks of life,” stressed O’Connor. “They may find themselves alone and faced with awkward situations where there are known areas of high-risk.”

Following extensive research and after much deliberation, VINCI Facilities awarded Skyguard the contract to provide 24-hour emergency back-up for all lone worker personnel through its fully-accredited MySOS personal safety device.

The MySOS – which fits easily on a set of keys or may be carried on a belt holster – allows end users to raise an alarm at the press of a button should they feel threatened or deem their personal safety to be compromised. That alarm is immediately sent to Skyguard’s own purpose-built Incident Management Centre where trained controllers will listen-in, locate the end user, assess the situation and take appropriate action (including potential escalation of the scenario to the emergency services).

The MySOS personal safety device developed for lone workers by Skyguard

When tracking options are enabled, the MySOS device will also automatically record and transmit its GPS locations at set intervals. Alternatively, manual activation is realised by the press of a button on the device.

Locations may be viewed on a map with grid references – and in real-time – via Skyguard’s Customer Service Centre online portal.

Two-way communication and GPS location

In commenting as to why Skyguard was VINCI Facilities’ preferred choice, Josephine O’Connor stated: “The real-time link to the emergency services and the fact that the Skyguard controllers can hear what’s happening are real comforters. In a genuine emergency situation, the controllers will despatch the appropriate services to assist our lone workers. This is the degree of assurance we wanted and exactly why we chose Skyguard.”

O’Connor continued that theme by stating: “The offering of two-way communication, GPS location and emergency despatch all in one device ensures the complete safety of our staff in areas of risk. The fact that Skyguard links directly to the emergency services and that recordings are admissible in court were the deal-makers. On top of that, the security of knowing that we control all of the parameters via Skyguard’s Customer Service Centre and that we can tailor the response for every scenario from mild risks through to emergencies is ideal.”

Skyguard’s Customer Service Centre portal allows client administrators or end users to create and update their account details in real-time on a 24/7 basis. Clients can input their own emergency procedures tailored to their organisation and department or personalised to each employee.

“The Customer Service Centre portal gives us the management data we need to be able to keep the lone working staff safe,” asserted O’Connor. “It also details the geography of my teams. This has the added benefit of enabling me to better manage their time and afford an enhanced service to our clients.”

In conclusion, O’Conner said: “We have set procedures to follow in ensuring the Health and Safety of all our employees and customers. There was one incident where a staff member felt vulnerable. By using the MySOS, it gave that individual added confidence to better handle the situation knowing they were not alone.”

Skyguard equips Brent Council’s lone workers with personal alarms

Skyguard is providing Brent Council’s front line lone working staff with 24-hour back-up and assistance. The Council’s employees are now able to raise an alarm at any time via the solutions provider’s ACPO-accredited MySOS personal safety device (which offers a simple yet effective way to call for help in any emergency scenario).

Brent Council provides a wide range of community services to the public within its inner London Borough boundary. Some of these services require the Council’s employees to work alone, and occasionally in difficult circumstances.

Conscious of its Duty of Care towards the safety and well-being of all staff members, Brent Council needed a form of personal protection for its lone workers. The requirement was for a small, easy-to-use personal alarm which enables the user to discreetly raise an alarm should they face any difficulties.

MySOS – Europe’s smallest personal alarm – comes fully equipped with the latest mobile phone and tracking technology. At the touch of a button, the Council’s employees can quickly and discreetly call for help.

Upon alarm activation, controllers at Skyguard’s 24-hour Incident Management Centre can see who’s calling for help. They’ll use the two-way audio capability to listen in and assess the situation, talk to and reassure the system end user and action the appropriate emergency response.

The MySOS lone worker protection device

As the MySOS solution is fitted with GPS tracking technology, controllers can see the user’s exact position as shown via an on-screen map. This is vital for guiding emergency response to the right location. What’s more, all calls and actions are digitally recorded and can be used as legal evidence.

Alarms may be raised when the MySOS’ ‘Man Down’ feature detects a slip, trip or heavy impact. Again, this is vital if the employee is unable to call for help themselves.

Skyguard’s service is fully audited and approved against BS 8484:2011 and, as such, guarantees the highest level of police response when required. Skyguard will also bypass the 999 emergency system, saving what may be crucial minutes in responding to an emergency.

Why Brent Council opted for MySOS

Mike Somers, regeneration officer for Brent Council, explained why the organisation chose Skyguard’s solution.

“Right from the start,” stated Somers, “we found Skyguard’s advice helpful and informative. The sheer helpfulness from meeting with them and the team advising us in terms of what was best for our needs stood out.”

Somers continued: “When it comes to the MySOS devices, they are issued to staff working on housing estates and visiting various site locations. Staff can contact Skyguard’s controllers at any time they are on their visits and the alarm will use various mobile phone network suppliers to ensure they remain in contact. Some lone working products do not have the facility to do this.”

Skyguard’s marketing director Will Murray added: “In the past couple of years, we’ve witnessed a dramatic change in perception as regards the personal protection of employees, notably from local authorities. With legislation continuing to evolve, organisations – be they operational in the public or private sector – can no longer afford to ignore the safety and well-being of their lone workers.”

Murray concluded: “We now work with over 75 Councils nationwide in safeguarding their lone workers. That total includes many long-term customers, and it’s a number that continues to grow on a monthly basis.”

BSIA members to showcase latest innovations at IFSEC International 2014

Members of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) are looking forward to showcasing the very latest in innovative security technology before an impressive audience of international buyers and specifiers as IFSEC International makes its return to London next week (17-19 June).

The show’s relocation to London’s ExCeL has enabled exhibition organiser UBM Live to rejuvenate the show’s format, with the introduction of new features and opportunities for networking both during the show and after hours.

Learning, education and training still form a key element of the event’s format, with many BSIA spokespeople scheduled to take part in keynote sessions as part of the IFSEC Academy Conference Programme.

Meanwhile, several members of the BSIA’s Lone Worker Section will be showcasing the latest safety devices and smart phone apps at Safety and Health Expo, which runs alongside IFSEC International as part of UBM’s wider Protection and Management Series. There’s free entry to all IFSEC ticket-holders.

“There’s certainly a buzz of excitement in the air as we count down to IFSEC International’s return to London,” commented James Kelly, CEO of the BSIA (the trade body representing the UK’s private security industry). “With an impressive number of delegates from across the security buying chain already pre-registered to attend, the BSIA and its members are looking forward to a busy few days.”

The BSIA Members Lounge at IFSEC International 2013

UBM Live’s group marketing manager Ruth Galpine has confirmed the positive outlook for 2014’s event. “Pre-registration for IFSEC International is looking incredibly healthy,” said Galpine, “with current figures tracking at 45% up year-on-year. This is due to the re-location to London, opening the event up to end users and international visitors, both of which we’ve seen a huge increase in, plus all of the new visitor features, education and customer experience initiatives that UBM has put in place for this year.”

BSIA members’ activity at IFSEC International 2014

The BSIA itself has a full schedule of activity planned for its stand, which was announced by the Association earlier this month.

Meanwhile, several BSIA members who are exhibiting at the show have shared their own previews of the technology and services that visitors to UBM’s Protection and Management Series can expect to see.

Brief excerpts from these previews are detailed below:

Bosch Security Systems
IFSEC International: Stand F700
Bosch Security Systems will be showcasing new 4K Ultra HD cameras including the DINION IP Ultra 8000 MP displaying incredible detail while reducing bit rates, network strain and storage costs. For streaming and HD image playback over restricted network connections, Bosch will also demonstrate its Dynamic Transcoding technology which provides smooth live video where bandwidth is limited.
 
Connexion2
Safety and Health Expo: Stand M2055
Lone worker solutions specialist Connexion2 will be showcasing a list of high-profile guest speakers at Europe’s market-leading annual safety exhibition. The UK-based company, itself a member of the BSIA’s Lone Worker Section, has expanded into the European market this year and will exhibit its market-leading Identicom lone worker devices as well as the SoloProtect service.

CSL Dualcom
IFSEC International: Stand F1300
CSL DualCom Ltd is a leading international critical connectivity provider specialising in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Visit the CSL DualCom Stand (F1300) at IFSEC International to discover how DigiAir® is revolutionising the digital communicator arena. There’ll also be news of the the latest developments on the best-selling DualCom GradeShift® range, including remote servicing and diagnostic features, as well as news on its European expansion for international customers.

Dycon
IFSEC International: Stand C720
Dycon is a leading independent UK-based designer and manufacturer of efficient ‘green’ switched mode power supplies for all kinds of low voltage applications across a large number of different sectors (including security, access control, CCTV and facilities management). Managing director Tony Allen explained: “Dycon is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year and IFSEC International is the ideal place to showcase the company’s decade of innovation and technical advancement. We look forward to an exciting and enjoyable three days.”

Elmdene International
IFSEC International: Stand F1165
As well as showing its standard power supplies, sounders and ancillaries, the company will also be previewing the brand new EN54-4 (Fire) STX Power Supply range along with its new FLEXI-BELL external sounder for graded intruder systems. Elmdene’s managing director Ian Moore explained: “Please pop by to visit us on Stand F1165 and view these products or let us know if you have any other requirements where we may be able to help you out.”

Integrated Design Limited
IFSEC International: Stand F1600
Integrated Design Limited with be showcasing new additions and enhancements to the Fastlane range of turnstiles on Stand F1600. Now in its 30th year of design and manufacturing, IDL ensures that Fastlane products are well known as innovative, intelligent and reliable with very low total cost of ownership.

Kaba
IFSEC International: Stand E1550
Kaba will be presenting new and innovative technology around NFC applications, specifically in the hotel, corporate and manufacturing industries. Kaba is also looking forward to presenting its ‘Sector Pods’ at IFSEC International, with key focuses on education, airports and utilities. Product and industry experts will be on hand to discuss a wide range of security and access solutions, but with a particular emphasis on application and solution benefits for prospective end users and partners. Paul Spencer, head of UK marketing at Kaba, explained: “We’re looking forward to a great event in the capital city, a location that has already been well received by our international colleagues and partners as well as existing customers.”

Nortech Control Systems
IFSEC International: Stand C1960
Offering live demonstrations of its latest products, including the Norpass, uPASS Access and FeeMaster Smart systems, BSIA Access Control Section member Nortech Control Systems can be located at Stand C1960. Stephen Blacker (the owner of Nortech Control Systems) is looking forward to IFSEC International 2014. “IFSEC is the perfect place to demonstrate our latest product developments to a wide range of existing and potential customers. This year we are looking forward to providing live demonstrations of our Norpass, uPASS Access and Feemaster solutions.”

Pyronix
IFSEC International: Stand E1600
Pyronix’s comprehensive range of multi-award winning, patented wireless, wired and hybrid intruder alarm solutions will be exhibited at this year’s show. From the Enforcer, Euro and PCX families through to the innovative XD range of external detectors and uniquely featured Deltabell and Invincibell external sounders, there are plenty of security solutions for visitors to be excited about. To complement Pyronix’s world renowned security solutions, a new range of cameras will be unveiled exclusively at IFSEC 2014. Julie Kenny CBE DL, chairman and CEO of Pyronix, commented: “Pyronix hasn’t exhibited at IFSEC for five years so we are back with a bang! We want our customers, both existing and future, to see the entire range of Pyronix products and what we can offer them – an ‘all-round security and video solution’.”

RISCO Group
IFSEC International: Stand G1100
A leading provider of integrated security solutions, RISCO Group will be showcasing its core intruder, SMS and detection range as well as its innovative new products including VUpoint, a revolutionary live video verification solution which seamlessly integrates with RISCO’s advanced wireless panel as well as their flexible hybrid panel. Also on display will be the company’s BWare product, a state-of-the-art detector designed for commercial and high-end residential installations. Finally, visitors to RISCO’s stand can also view the updated iRISCO app, specifically engineered for home and business owners with a sleek new design, a clear interface and added options for enhanced usability.

Skyguard
Safety and Health Expo: Stand M2155
As a member of the BSIA’s Lone Worker Section, Skyguard will be showcasing its range of lone worker safety devices, smart phone apps and its unique client administration portal at the Safety and Health Expo, which is taking place alongside IFSEC International. Visitors can meet existing Skyguard customers and learn directly from them the benefits of using the company’s solutions. Will Murray (marketing director at Skyguard) explained: “We’ll be launching our iPhone software app at this year’s show and offering demonstrations of our product range on the stand. Also new for this year is that we have three clients presenting Case Studies in the Lone Worker Arena – one presentation for each day of the show.”

Tavcom Training
IFSEC International: Stand H700
As in previous years, Tavcom Training will have a large presence at IFSEC International 2014. Visitors to Stand H700 will find the Tavcom team enthusiastically waiting to provide them with a taste of the recently launched ‘Bite Size’ courses. There are 20 of them now online and the number will continue to grow over the coming months. “We have developed these with installers and system integrators, as well as operators, security personnel and specifiers in mind,” said Paul Tennent, managing director of Tavcom. In addition, Tavcom will again be hosting the Tavcom Training Theatre where visitors to the exhibition will be able to attend free of charge a programme of lectures which will have ‘Integration’ as the central theme.

TDSi
IFSEC International: Stand F1100
TDSi is an integrated security manufacturer that has been at the forefront of access control and integrated security management for over 30 years. As an ISO9001 accredited company, TDSi designs, manufactures and supports access control readers, controllers and software systems and IP CCTV products. Millions of people rely on TDSi systems to gain secure, reliable access to installations of all types and sizes. This year, TDSi will be showcasing its latest integrated security software and hardware solutions. Managing director John Davies commented: “IFSEC International is a key annual event and offers us a perfect opportunity to meet with customers, partners and peers throughout the security industry.”

Winsted
IFSEC International: Stand F1350
Leading CCTV Control Room furniture manufacturer Winsted Europe & Middle East will be launching the latest in innovative designed workstations with the new dual sit/stand ‘Horizon’ console debuting at IFSEC International on Stand F1350. Changing positions throughout the day has been long proven to help minimise physical stress and fatigue improving focus, mood and productivity. Winsted’s new Horizon console takes performance and comfort to new heights, featuring two surfaces that adjust independently of each other at the touch of a button.

Full versions of these company previews can be viewed on the BSIA’s website: http://www.bsia.co.uk/bsia-and-ifsec

Skyguard debuts lone worker app for iPhone at Safety and Health Expo 2014

Lone worker safety and security solutions developer Skyguard will be launching an iPhone version of its ‘Skyguard for Smartphone’ software at this year’s Safety and Health Expo, to be held at ExCeL London between 17-19 June.

The app converts an iPhone into a fully-functional personal safety device, and represents an expansion of Skyguard’s range (which already includes software for Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile handsets as well as dedicated devices).

Once installed through a simple download process, Skyguard’s software enables the end user to raise an alarm in any emergency situation by simply shaking the device for a few seconds or pressing an on-screen button.

Trained controllers at Skyguard’s 24/7 Incident Management Centre (IMC) will be able to view the user’s GPS location and registered profile information, silently listen-in and then talk to the user if it’s safe to do so.

Controllers will follow the end user’s personalised emergency procedures which could include escalating the situation to the Emergency Services, Skyguard’s National Response Service or the employer’s own nominated contacts and then guide them to the user’s location.

The new Skyguard app converts an iPhone into a fully-functional personal safety device, and is an expansion of the company’s range which already includes software for Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile handsets

The ‘Skyguard for Smartphone’ software boasts a number of other safety features such as ‘Voice Memo’, which allows the user to leave a voice message on Skyguard’s system giving details of where they are going and who they are meeting. Should the user raise an alarm, this message will be made available to Skyguard’s controllers, providing them with vital additional information which they can pass on to the emergency responder.

The app also allows the end user to set a delayed alarm for any time period between five minutes and six hours which counts down and automatically raises the alarm to Skyguard’s IMC if not cancelled by the user.

Making good use of business apps

Skyguard marketing director Will Murray explained: “Organisations are increasingly moving towards equipping their workforces with the latest smartphones and making use of business apps to improve productivity. With the addition of iPhone software to our the range, Skyguard can now offer industry-leading safety solutions on every major smartphone operating system. This underlines our ongoing commitment to new product development, in turn allowing customers to choose how to connect to our service based upon their own requirements.”

Skyguard’s entire range of smartphone apps and exclusive dedicated devices will be available to view on the company’s stand (Stand M2155) at the Safety and Health Expo, where staff will be presenting live product demonstrations.

Skyguard also has three high profile clients presenting Case Study seminars on each day of the show in the Lone Worker Protection Theatre – Worcester Community Homes, Peabody and Kent Community Health NHS Trust.

For more information (and to register for the exhibition) visit: http://www.safety-health-expo.co.uk/

Skyguard announces lone worker safety and security collaboration with VSG

Skyguard has announced a distribution agreement with VSG in providing lone worker protection across the UK and Ireland.

The agreement will see Skyguard supplying personal safety devices, mobile phone software and client administration tools to link directly with VSG’s 24-hr Alarm Receiving Centre.

VSG is one of the UK’s leading security services suppliers, offering solutions that encompass guarding, systems, remote monitoring, training and background screening. The company is part of the Compass Group UK & Ireland, a leader in the supply of food and support services across 10,000 sites including workplaces, famous sports and leisure venues, hospitals, schools and oil rigs.

VSG has now added the MySOS personal safety device and Skyguard for Smartphone applications to its already impressive range of services. With its ever-expanding blue chip client base and outstanding reputation, there’s no security organisation better placed to promote lone worker protection across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

MySOS and Skyguard for Smartphone

The MySOS personal safety device and Skyguard for Smartphone applications have been exclusively developed by Skyguard. With one button alarm activation, GPS tracking and locating and two-way audio communications, the devices and handsets afford users the ability to call for help quickly and easily in the event of any emergency.

All lone worker connection tools purchased through VSG will connect to VSG’s ARC, which is accredited to National Security Inspectorate Category II ARC Gold standard. As soon as an alarm is raised, controllers at VSG’s ARC will know who is calling and where they are, listen in, assess the situation and send the appropriate emergency response.

James Murray: CEO at Skyguard

Organisations purchasing the service via VSG will also have full access to Skyguard’s Customer Service Centre (CSC) – a secure, online interface that allows client administrators or end users to create and update their account details in real-time. This information is instantly available to controllers at the ARC upon the activation of an alarm.

The CSC also allows personal alarms to be assigned to different users at the click of a mouse. This is ideal for clients who share a pool of devices for shift workers or those who share job roles.

The CSC further empowers client administrators with access to a full suite of activity reports which can be exported for further analysis.

Delivering first class safety and security

Speaking about the partnership, Skyguard’s CEO James Murray said: “We’re thrilled that we’re partnered with VSG who have so much experience and expertise in delivering world class security solutions. VSG’s mission falls perfectly in line with our own and we’re both passionate about delivering first class safety, security and personal protection across the UK and beyond. This agreement enables both Skyguard and VSG to further expand into the lone worker protection market.”

VSG’s head of remote monitoring services, Chris McNally, also spoke keenly of the collaboration. “We’re pleased to add Skyguard’s personal alarms and mobile phone software to our range of services. We wanted a reputable, robust solution to integrate with our ARC. Skyguard’s excellent work with the oolice, the NHS and the wide array of industries that trust them, demonstrates that they are, by far, the best choice for VSG.”

McNally concluded: “It’s a relationship that I’m confident will not only benefit both businesses but also lone workers right across the UK and Ireland.”