A London-based security company has created a network to help supply security to supermarkets across the country.
FGH Security is a door supervision and events security company that is part of the SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). They are being featured in the SIA’s #SIAHeroes campaign, which highlights the efforts security operatives are making to serve their communities across the UK during the COVID-19 crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious effect on the door supervision sector. Events and festivals have been cancelled en masse, and bars and clubs have been shut as people stay home and observe social distancing.
Peter Harrison, the FGH managing director, knew that many security businesses were in a similar situation due to the crisis, and saw an opportunity. He suggested that a group of security businesses work together to deploy door supervisors at supermarkets. Supermarkets, as an essential service, were still open. Their need for security was increasing as they needed support to manage additional demand, as a result of social distancing.
Harrison, along with FGH’s marketing director, David Hassall, contacted door supervision security companies around the UK. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Within 72 hours, 50 door supervision companies had teamed up, and 1,700 security operatives were mobilised to work in supermarkets around the country. At present, FGH Security have over 175 companies within their network and 51 are currently working with them as delivery partners.
When the SIA asked Peter Harrison about how he responded to the COVID-19 pandemic he said:
“We have partnered with security companies around the UK and responded to make sure that security operatives keep their jobs. It was a case of pivot and adapt rather than go bust. There was not much capacity within security guarding companies, but there were door supervisors, with the necessary skills, ready to work.
Most of the businesses are small to medium-sized, and rely on a few contracts. By working together we can keep afloat and respond to demand in many locations; from the Isle of Wight, to London, to Edinburgh.
What is really interesting is that some security businesses are busier now than they were before COVID-19 because there is a high demand from supermarkets. But the security industry is like that – we are a resilient and hard-working bunch.”
There are over 400,000 licensed security operatives in the UK, and like Peter and his team at FGH Security, many continue to work as critical workers and key workers, guarding hospitals, sheltered accommodation, supporting social distancing in supermarkets, and other essential operations.
Ian Todd, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority, said:
“It’s important to remember that many in the security industry are working as critical and key workers during this emergency. FGH Security’s story is testament to the fact that despite the challenges, many operatives and businesses are going the extra mile to serve their communities.”
The SIA is promoting the industry’s dedication and commitment through the #SIAHeroes campaign. It is sharing inspiring stories of security operatives who are keeping the public safe and secure at this critical time.
