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A message to our Customers and Frontline Colleagues from Ian Henderson

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I Hope that you are staying safe during this difficult time.

I felt that it is even more important than normal to keep in contact, to both reassure you that H&M Security are continuing to provide essential services to our clients and to show support for our teams working on the ground.

Our 24-hour control room and team of Operations Managers and Mobile drivers are working hard supporting our officers on site, and our offices are open to support our clients.

We have seen an increase in demand for our services and we have officers deployed supporting Hospitals and Health Centres, British Transport Police, Local Councils, NWR,  as well as supporting our core business with major construction and infrastructure projects that continue to work in order to keep our economy working.

Fortunately, at the start of the year we strengthened our team bringing in a new Operations Director Steve Rigby, and two new Operations Managers Kevin Keene, and Aron Graves. This has given us additional resilience during this difficult period, as well as many years security experience across a broad range of sectors. I look forward to being able to introduce our new signings to you over the coming weeks.

I cannot send out a message at this time, without saying a massive thank you to all H&M’s security officers and staff. I understand that you will have concerns about the impact of the current situation on you and your family, but also want to reassure you that H&M Security is in a good position for supporting you in your current duties, and to move forward and grow when the economy stabilises.

Reports suggest surge in break-ins at commercial sites during coronavirus lockdown

According to report, police forces across the UK are having to carry out extra night patrols in empty city and town centres, as burglars target shops, pubs and other commercial premises during the coronavirus lockdown.

Collating intelligence data from police reports, the UK has seen a significant rise over recent weeks in commercial burglaries and attempted thefts in London, Manchester, Merseyside, Gwent and Cleveland.

Last week the SIA and British Security Industry Association confirmed that the current definition of key critical workers includes regulated security professionals. Roles essential to supporting law and order, with the potential to reduce demand on policing, also meet the critical worker definition. This includes the guarding and CCTV monitoring of empty or closed commercial, retail or office premises, and the provision of alarm response centres, including mobile units.

Vulnerable premises like construction sites, which contain valuable plant and equipment, are now standing empty for a few weeks, so they need to be kept secure.”

H&M Security Services has always recognised the importance of developing and maintaining effective business continuity planning. These are now being tested to the full and proofing an essential guide for managers as we work our way through this difficult period.

If you need help with your security, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirement.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant challenge but together, we are rising to it and will undoubtedly overcome.

Why should security professionals be considered key workers

Whilst health workers are protecting people and dealing with the human aspects of protection, security workers are there to protect the economic and other physical and intangible assets of the nation.

With the possibility of office buildings being left unused or more-or-less empty, they can become easy targets for criminals. As well as physical assets there is also wealth of valuable data – be it personal data, intellectual property or any other type of data.

Commercial premises and empty construction sites have a lot of that can be stolen and will be seen as easy targets by some groups during these difficult times. While many premises are often unused at weekends, we are currently in a very different situation when you’re talking weeks, or maybe months were premises will remain closed, and the police and other emergency services will have other demands being placed on them.

Buildings – operating or closed – all still need physical security, even though the need may be slightly different, whilst the data in hospitals, government departments, enterprises, small business, etc., all still need protection as well. The requirement for protection has not decreased as a result of the coronavirus.

The coronavirus will change security over the next few months and years to come. Your assets need to be protected to ensure that not only workers continuing to work from wherever they are able to do so, but that when things get better the assets left in the unused buildings have not been stolen, damaged or negatively affected through criminal activities.

Ian Todd, SIA CEO: “I am able to confirm that the current definition of key worker DOES include regulated (licence holding) security professionals, essential to national infrastructure, operating in critical roles under the eight broad headings listed. …”

Key worker journeys jeopardised after metal thieves rip out railway signalling cable

While the country looks to pull together and help each other through these difficult times, criminals simply see it as an opportunity to take advantage of the over stretched resources of the police, and social distancing measures designed to control the coronavirus spread.  Metal thieves have disrupted the journeys of key workers after ripping out hundreds of metres of railway signalling cable.

Several locations in Network Rail’s North West and Central region have been targeted by callous thieves taking advantage of the corona pandemic to carry out their crimes.

This has jeopardised journeys for key workers like doctors and nurses, as well as disrupting freight trains carrying thousands of tonnes of food and products to supermarkets across the country.

Engineers worked throughout the night on Saturday (March 28) to replace 300 metres of cabling ripped out of the signalling system between Alderley Edge and Crewe in Cheshire.

British Transport Police Chief inspector, Gary Jones, said: “In these challenging and unprecedented times acts like this are appalling, particularly as the rail network plays an important role in helping people make essential journeys to support the national effort. It also plays a critical role in the distribution of essential supplies around the UK. Everyone else should be staying at home to stop the spread of the virus, which helps saves lives.

“Offending disrupting vital transport links shows a real disregard for the efforts of those who continue to work on the frontline, fighting this pandemic. It also puts lives at risk which could place further demand on the already stretched emergency services. Be assured that anyone who steals from the railway will face the strongest possible action.”

H&M Security Services launches new VIP division

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Having identified a growing demand for personal security from visitors to the United Kingdom, H&M Security Services is proud to launch its new VIP Security Services division in the House of Lords.

H&M has been providing security to businesses in the city of London and the UK, for over twenty years and have an excellent reputation for providing high-quality flexible services, tailored to meet the specific requirements of their clients.

As an accredited member of the UK’s Security Industry Authority’s approved contractor scheme, H&M directly employ over 600 security professionals.

Its owner Ian Henderson spent many years working in Arab countries and maintains these links through his charitable works and donations.

H&M Security’s VIP division offers a wide range of services including personal escort services, residential security solutions, and security trained chauffeurs.

“Having had huge successes over the years in the UK were really happy to launch our new VIP division. We’re excited to be offering a new way forward in personal bespoke security”.

The launch was hosted on behalf of H&M by Lord Rupert De Maule and was attended by over fifty guests in the prestigious Attlee Room.

The event was attended by various diplomatic representatives from the many Gulf States including Arab media and TV presenter Fadia Al Taweel who applauded Ian Henderson’s personality and respect for the Arab culture.

Spearheading H&M’s VIP division is Tania Al-Hassani who said: “I’m very excited about the new VIP division, there’s tremendous opportunity to offer some really good services to esteemed clientele looking for a distinct service.  

“H&M was awarded the commendation of being listed in the top 1000 companies to Inspire Britain list 2018 so I have no doubt the new VIP division will be a great success”

First electric train for the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa line.

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Network Rail managed to reach another significant milestone on the Stirling-Dunblane-Alloa Electrification project last week with its first successful electric test train on the route.

The A Class 380 train ran at line speed along the newly electrified lines to Dunblane and Alloa overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday.

Over the course of the week, further test train runs will commence ahead of the introduction of the ScotRail electric passenger services on the line from December 9th.
During a 2 year period engineers have installed over 2,000 stanchions and structures supporting more than 300km of overhead wires along the 50km route.

Overall, the project will enable:

•The introduction of class 385 electric trains which will provide a smoother travelling experience and from Stirling to Glasgow to Edinburgh
•Provide more seats on vital services
•Reduce noise and pollution levels

Network Rail’s delivery director Iain McFarlane said: “Successfully running this first test train brings the railway a step closer to introduce electric services for customers”.

H&M Security’s Commercial Director Frank McLintock said “we’re pleased that a project we provide security for is moving in a positive direction with its test successful. This is a massive step in the right direction for travel in Scotland”.

Richard Ashie, Commercial and Marketing Manager

ref: https://www.railbusinessdaily.com/first-electric-train-…/The

H&M Security Visit from Home Secretary Theresa May

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H&M SECURITY WAS VISITED BY HOME SECRETARY

 

View the article on the Guardian website here.

On Friday 27th February 2015 Theresa May MP came to visit H&M Security Services Ltd Head Office in Highams Park, London to commend us on the work we have been within the Security Industry since we started back in February 2000.

H&M Security Visit from Home Secretary Theresa MayH&M Security Services Limited has exemplary records of employee screening and vetting which are maintained in line with BS 7858. The company works very closely with other agencies as well as the SIA and HMRC to ensure that the company’s employees maintain the right to work, retain Visa authority and comply with Government employee taxation rules and regulations. These other agencies include the UK Border Agency, National Insurance Records Bureau and the ECS (Employee Checking Service). By following its rigorous procedures H&M HR team has identified 70 illegal workers attempting to obtain work and those who’s right to work has been revoked. In recognition of this H&M Security Services Limited Head Office in Higham’s Park was paid a visit by Home Secretary Theresa May.

Theresa May showed particular interest in H&Ms screening and vetting procedures that were highlighted in the company’s most recent SIA audit as being one of our best areas of practice. Detailed records of vetting are kept to comply with BS 7858 and are secured to meet Data Protection Act requirements.

The security industry is often targeted by illegal workers and criminals. H&M have a legal responsibility to prevent illegal work in the UK, and protect our clients. H&M check every potential employee’s proof of right to work in the UK before they can start with the company. Managing Director, Ian Henderson said: “We have been instrumental in deterring people who have no right to work in the UK. Our vetting processes go above and beyond the run of the mill. It is done thoroughly and staff undergo continuous training. The industry is also targeted by people who cannot find casual work, including illegal immigrants.”

At the end of her visit the Home Secretary thanked H&M’s Managing Director Ian Henderson for his contribution to local charities and those supporting ex-military personnel, and commented on the positive and professional impression made by his team during her visit.

Brian Tuite, H&M’s Finance Director said, “It was a great honour to have a visit from the Home Secretary, and recognises the good work being done by everyone working for H&M Security.”

We are extremely proud to state that we also have an excellent record of staff retention, partly due to the fact that we value and develop our personnel. This demonstrates our commitment to retaining our quality people. This is no doubt due to the fact that we place great emphasis on employee welfare, development and endeavour to provide the highest level of support and back-up.

H&M visits 10 Downing Street

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H&M VISITS 10 DOWNING STREET

Building on a long standing relationship with the military that started when H&M Security Services Managing Director, Ian Henderson joined The British Army as a boy soldier in 1973 where he served for 2 years, and then moved on to serve with the 1st Battalion The Royal Highland Fusiliers for 6 years, H&M Security has sponsored an annual reunion for Scottish Veterans over the past fifteen years.

The reunions have included visits to the Normandy beaches to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings, the First World War Military graves in France and a visit to the House of Commons and House of Lords. The group have also visited Gibraltar twice, meeting the Governor with a private tour of his residence by his Excellency.

Despite the increasing age of the group, this year’s event was well attended and included an invitation to 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister’s office.

On Monday 16th November 2015, Ian led a group of ex-veterans to 10 Downing Street. The visit was to be hosted by the Prime Minister David Cameron, but unfortunately due to the tragic events in Paris the weekend before the visit, he had to attend a meeting of world leaders in Turkey at short notice. The Right Honourable Iain Duncan Smith stepped in at short notice to host the visit and show the veterans around No. 10 culminating in the group sitting in the Cabinet Room, where Ian Henderson sat in the Prime Minister’s chair.

Ian was joined by his two sons, Iain and Scott, who are both working with H&M Security Services. Iain is currently working as an Operations Manager with responsibility for our contract with Costains working on the National Grid London Power Tunnels project. Scott is working as a Security Officer at St Leonards Hospital in North London.

Ian hopes that Iain and Scott will develop their skills and understanding of the business and when the time is right will be able to take the Company he formed fifteen years ago to the next level.

The visit to 10 Downing Street follows last year’s visit by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to H&M’s Head Office in Highams Park, that recognised the good work being done by our HR Team in the vetting and screening of staff, an important aspect of any security company’s business and for the Government in dealing with the risk of terrorism and the challenges caused by immigration and illegal workers.

At H&M Security Services we are proud of our past, and excited by the future. We would like to thank everyone who has helped us get this far, and look forward to working with you in the future.

House of Commons

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HOUSE OF COMMONS

On 7th March, H&M Security held an event at the House of Commons, hosted by our local MP the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith.

 

The event was aimed at providing an opportunity for our clients to meet with H&M’s Directors and Senior Operations Managers, to consider how we can work closer to improve the security on large projects.We were joined by The Minister of State for Transport, The Rt Hon John Hayes CBE, who gave a short after dinner speech that spoke about the benefits of strategic planning, and forward thinking, as well as talking about the benefits that can be gained by people working closer together.

This was the first event of this type that H&M have held, and we hope that those who attended gained as much from the day as we did, and enjoyed this unique location.

We look forward to holding similar events in the future, and would like to say a big thank you to Iain Duncan Smith, John Hayes, and everyone who attended.

From Left to right, John Hayes speaking at the House of Commons with Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith, and H&M Security Managing Director Ian Henderson