RiskUKSeptember2017

Meet The Security Company: Doyle Security
In association with the
employees which, in turn, hopefully increases
the standard of the services we offer as a
business right across the board.
The new ACS workbook and scoring criteria
allow security companies to demonstrate Best
Practice which brings added value for clients.
NSI Guarding Gold approval is more
concerned with security companies
demonstrating adherence to ISO 9001:2015 and
all of the individual British Standards relating
specifically to the security business sector.
Risk UK: How do you think technology has
changed the industry over the last couple of
years and what do you feel will be the
direction of travel in the future?
Andrew Nicholson: Across the past few years,
the myriad innovations in IT have been the
biggest game-changer for us from an
operational point of view. Innovations in
software have enabled us to introduce new
systems of working designed to improve the
way in which we rota our staff and how we
communicate this to them, how we monitor
their performance and also how we can interact
with clients when it comes to informing them of
issues and for incident reporting.
Although improvements in technology have
driven down the prices for high quality
technical systems, the emphasis will always be
on how we use this technology. Often, there’s
simply no substitute for human interaction in
delivering a high quality security service.
Risk UK: When it comes to negotiating
contracts and responding to tender requests,
what aspects are of most value to customers
and how are these changing?
Andrew Nicholson: A few years ago, it was the
norm for a client to ask for an hourly rate. Many
afforded little thought as to what they were
receiving for their money. Now, when we receive
genuine contract and tender requests, it’s clear
that the emphasis is no longer solely on cost.
Potential clients want to know what added
value can be realised by their prospective
security solutions provider.
At Doyle Security, we spend much time and
effort in explaining to clients that securing their
site is a team effort involving all parties. Only
when we work as a team and gather feedback
from all concerned can we do our utmost to
ensure the client’s premises, people and
property are as secure as possible.
As history tells us, there’s no such thing as a
completely fail-safe security system. We believe
it’s a case of placing as many barriers as
possible in front of would-be criminals so as to
deter them enough that they think twice and
move on. With regular meetings and good client
feedback, we can accomplish a very high level
of customer service.
Risk UK: How has Government legislation (eg
the National Minimum Wage, the National
Living Wage and holiday pay) affected your
business? Do you believe such legislation is
a good thing?
Andrew Nicholson: The introduction of both
the National Minimum Wage and, more recently,
the National Living Wage are two of the best
things to have happened for the security sector.
In an industry that has been renowned for its
long working hours, security officers can now
work a more reasonable shift pattern and still
earn a decent salary.
That said, we believe the industry can do
more. With the increase in the National
Minimum Wage and the recent introduction of
the Living Wage, we’ve seen the rise of the socalled
‘self-employed’ security officer. Often,
these individuals are paid less than the
National Minimum Wage in an attempt – by
unscrupulous security companies – to keep
hourly rates low in order to win business. These
unfortunate individuals don’t receive sick pay,
holiday pay or any of the benefits to which
they’re entitled.
Risk UK: What are the most important
attributes you look for in your security
officers and staff members in general?
Andrew Nicholson: The answer here is quite a
simple one: professionalism. Professionalism
encompasses honesty, integrity and the ability
to give 100% to all tasks. These must be a
‘given’ on the characteristics measure.
High on the list of what we look for – and
what clients like – are a smart appearance and
solid communication skills. The ability to
communicate clearly with clients and any other
third party often leads to positive results.
Risk UK: How can the SIA, the NSI and
industry standards best serve the sector in
addition to the needs of your company’s
clients and the wider public interest? Will
the introduction of business licensing be a
positive step?
Andrew Nicholson: Ever since 2007, we’ve
been championing the introduction of business
licensing for the private security industry.
Licensing individuals has been a fantastic
initiative and a giant leap forward for regulating
the private security sector, but only by
regulating each individual business can we
hope to have a fully-level playing field. It would
allow greater flexibility and better outcomes.
Name
Andrew Nicholson
Job title
Managing Director
Time in the security sector
I’ve been in the security
sector for over 16 years. I
joined Doyle Security in early
2001. Prior to this, I worked
within the sales and
marketing industry
Location of the business
Doyle Security is strategically
located in Barnsley just off
Junction 37 of the M1
motorway which affords great
transport links to the M1,
M62, A1 and M18 network
Areas of expertise
Security guarding, alarm
response, mobile patrol and
key holding services, CCTV
monitoring, CCTV, intruder
and fire alarm system
installation, access control
solutions and security
provision for major events
Accreditations
SIA ACS (Security Guarding),
NSI Guarding Gold Scheme,
SafeContractor Scheme,
CHAS Accredited Contractor,
ISO 9001:2015, BS
7499:2013, BS 7984-1: 2016,
BS 7958:2015, BS 7858:2012
Andrew Nicholson: Managing
Director of Doyle Security
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