A.A.Security Ltd

Investors in People Champions meet at House of Lords to discuss possible ways to encourage growth.

2011-11-17T06:36:00.001-08:00

Crowds await the departure of the Queen from Westminster Abbey

IIP Chiefs and IIP Champions enjoy a pleasant meal whilst discussing how to improve the way the scheme operates to benefit existing members whilst encouraging new members.

Poppies adorn grounds of Westminster Abbey - a poignant reminder of Armistice day.

Statue of Oliver Cromwell a man who led the English civil revolt that was a major turning point for democracy we enjoy in contemporary Britain.

On the 16th of November at 1pm Wilson Chowdhry was invited to an IIP Ambassadors meal at the Atlee Room at the House of Lords. The meeting was called so that IIP Chiefs' could consult with senior users' of the scheme, on how to encourage more commercial participation and improve usefulness of the scheme.

The meeting involved a discussion during a sumptuous meal in which topics ranged from;

Potential incentives - reduced employers NI for accredited companies, Award presentations for good performers, Training grants for newly accredited companies.
Value added benefits - Challenging for accreditation to be mandatory for Public Sector tenders.
Subsidies for new organisations
Promotion through industry specific media (rather than just National Papers, with more industry specific case studies).
Better communication with Purchasers to highlight the aims and benefits of the scheme.

Wilson arrived slightly late for the meeting, as whilst walking to the Houses of Parliament he noticed a huge crowd forming around Westminster Abbey and decided to observe proceedings. It seemed this meeting coincide with the 400th Anniversary of the King James English translation of the Bible. The event was visited by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the royal entourage was worth the wait.

Wilson still contributed significantly to the discussion and voiced concerns that the cost was prohibitive and clients needed better awareness of the holistic assessment process. He also challenged for an annual award ceremony and industry specific promotion.

The King James Bible inspired leaders like George Cromwell who for a short term created a British Republic. Our modern day democracy would simply not have succeeded without the revolution that Cromwell led. Wilson believes that the economy of the UK today is ailing much like it was during the post-civil war era. Perhaps a positive scheme championed by IIP could be just the tonic we need for a swift recovery.

More on the Queen's visit to Westminster abbey can be found here:

http://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship/special-services/upcoming-special-services/2011/november/a-service-of-celebration-to-mark-the-400th-anniversary-of-the-king-james-bible

A.A. Security volunteers gain deserved praise

2011-11-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Security Officer Michael took on role of Stage Manager and security - left of picture.

We have had heaps of praise from the Redbridge Carnival Committee and the East Ilford Business Partnership for the voluntary security provided by us at the Redbridge Carnival 2011 (held 10th - 11th September) and Redbridge Peace Concert 2011 (held 24th September). Both events were a huge success and had no major incident. In fact during the Redbridge Peace concert a mother who was not watching the event thanked the security team who located a missing child in a matter of seconds.

We are aware that some of you covered all 3 days and cannot express our appreciation enough. At a time so soon after the London riots that affected Redbridge more than the media portrayed, events like those mentioned above play a role in the restoration of peace. Our input was no less important than other volunteers and your commitment for this unpaid role was gracious indeed.

With over 25 of our Security officers participating in these events we feel as if our contribution to this local community was significant.

Redbridge Police have said that the operation of years procession was better than in previous years and considering we have never had any serious incidents, that is a real impressive achievement.

Well done one and all.

Security Officer Haroon Yousaf kept order at the Redbridge Peace Monument installation.

AA Security Secures IIP Gold Status

2011-10-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wilson Chowdhry receives certificate from IIP Assessor Kate Baker!

An Essex-based security firm’s future looks to be in safe hands after it secured Investors in People Gold status.

AA Security, which provides security services to clients including Brent Council and the Ministry of Defence, is thought to be the first company in the industry to achieve the Gold status.

The firm first achieved Investors in People recognition in 2002 and used the process to establish a clear business plan, focusing its efforts on staff training and delivering high quality customer service.

Wilson Chowdhry, Managing Director at AA Security, said Investors in People had played a key role in helping his company weather the recent economic downturn.

“The recession has seen a lot of security firms go broke, often because they operated at the margins; their staff were on really low wages and they had no more room to cut costs,” he said.

“We downsized our operations but continued to invest in training. Establishing a niche based on quality and well-trained staff meant we needed an external validation of this quality. Investors in People provided that validation and, perhaps more importantly, helped to ensure we had the structures in place to see out the difficult times as well as the boom years.

“Investors in People is increasingly becoming a requirement for big contracts. So achieving Gold status really established that we were above the norm and it really gets you noticed. It means you are on the priority pecking order.”

John Telfer, Managing Director of Inspiring Business Performance Ltd (IBP), which is responsible for delivering the Investors in People Standard across London and the South, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for AA Security Ltd. I would like to congratulate the organisation and its people on their commitment to continuous improvement. I’m sure that news of AA Security Ltd’s success will encourage more security firms to sharpen their competitive edge by choosing to work with Investors in People.”

Investors in People is a national quality Standard awarded to well-run organisations which demonstrate good management practice with a high emphasis on best practice people management and development.

To find out more about IBP and the benefits of Investors in People, visit www.ibp.uk.com, email info@ibp.uk.com or call 0800 612 3098.

Security Firm fashions a new green way for Security Industry!

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Innovative organisations have been crowned at the Green Business Innovator (GBI) 2011 Awards which took place on Thursday 7 July 2011 at Middlesex University, London.

The winners demonstrated excellence in environmental practice across the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Award winners were selected across six categories including Carbon Reduction Initiative, Waste Management Initiative, Lean Manufacturing, Green Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation, Green Public Sector Organisation and Green Business in the Service Sector.

A.A. Security Limited were a close runner-up in the waste management category and were awarded a certificate and trophy in a hotly and closely contested competition. Director Wilson Chowdhry commented;

"We are fairly unique in our industry bearing our stronger than normal commitment to preserving our environment. We feel it is important that modern commercial entities working within our sector adopt such practices as news of depleting resources is effecting the global economy. We hope our success will inspire others to follow suit."

The awards were organised by environmental business experts at Middlesex University, who are currently managing the EcoVate Project, which provides free tailor-made environmental support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in London, and is part-financed by the European Union. Through EcoVate SMEs can receive advice on issues including waste, water, energy, transport, and supply chain linkages. Since the beginning of the project in April 2009 more than 350 businesses have been supported by EcoVate to become more sustainable, achieve cost savings and comply with changes in legislation.

Ankit Kapasi, from Middlesex University, said: “The huge success of the first ever GBI awards in June 2010 encouraged us to expand our scopes and boundaries this year. The standard and number of entries this year was very high, which was particularly great to see in the current challenging climate. All the organisations that entered have been working very hard to make themselves more sustainable and I want to congratulate the winners for leading the way in environmental practice.”

The judging panel was made up of representatives from the Environment Agency, London Borough of Camden, Waste Watch, Enterprise Enfield, AEA Consulting and Middlesex University. Nuno Costa, a Sustainable Development Specialist from IKEA, also spoke at the awards ceremony. Nuno was particularly impressed with the GBI 2011 trophies, that had been designed and hand-made with more than 99 percent recycled materials, and offered the trophy designer the use of IKEA's 'waste streams' to develop other products.

Aims and Objective are they necessary....!

2011-08-16T01:35:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that many officers and staff are aware of their own personal objectives, but sem vague on our overall corporate objective. At A. A. Security we believe that overall output and coordination is most effective when local ambition is linked into a more global corporate direction. It is important that you understand how your work fits in with your colleagus at all levels. This will allow us to better understand the importance of our work and the implications it has on our and more global corporate performance. Here is an extract I hav taken from our 2011 Business plan for your perusal and assimilation.

1.1 Objectives

A. A. Security Ltd has endured a difficult period during the recent recession. However progress has been made over the last two years. This was due to the recognized professionalism of its staff and organizational practices. In our 16 years of specialist security service provision we have seen our turnover grow from £100,000 (2004) - £2,300,000 (2008), and then lost £1m in turnover through no fault of our own. Our turnover has increased by over £100,000 since 2009 and to ensure further success and focus our commitment to sustainable development, we have formalized the following objective commitments during our recent AGM:

1. In response to the benchmarking scheme within the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), we shall endeavor to retain our position in the top 10% of achievers. Moreover, we shall also subscribe to the ACS Pacesetters Scheme to evidence an promote our achievement.

2. We intend to increase our turnover for the year 2011 to at least £1.5m with an expected further £250, 000 increases in our turnover, each year for 2012 and 2013

3. Maintain our excellent staff turnover rate of 9% for the next three years.

4. Continue with our commitment to professionalism and sustainable development with at least two business/community/Environmental awards per year.

5. Reduce our impact on the environment by 10% for 2011 and an additional 10% for 2012 and 2013

6. Expand our training academy to provide a wider variety of courses

7. Obtain external funding to accelerate growth of our Training provision internally and to other organizations

8. To ensure that our clients and stakeholders are at least 80% satisfied with our overall performance in 2011 , increasing to 85% in 2012 and 90% by 2013.

9. To Ensure that 100% of our purchases are sustainable and fair by the end of 2011.

1.2 Mission

The mission of A.A. Security Ltd is to provide the highest quality of commercial bespoke manned guarding security services and security related training.

The company will seek to provide these services in the most timely and professional manner and with an ongoing comprehensive quality control , training and development, environmental and health and safety orientated programs to provide 100% customer satisfaction, while maintaining its commitment to sustainable development.

The company's principal officers see each contract as an agreement not between a business and its customers, but between partners that wish to create a close and mutually beneficial long-term relationship. This will help to provide greater long-term profits, successive growth in gross turnover, increased margins of net profit and establishment of a reputation of professionalism, by way of referrals and significant client retention.

1.3 Keys to Success

We believe that our main keys to success (critical success factors) include:

• Our continuing holistic company approach to professional development, this ensures best practice service levels and increased staff morale.

• Our continuing inclusive approach to design of company policies, procedures and documentation this sets a principle of ownership of work

• Our continuing commitment to the monitoring of our service via employees, stakeholders and consumers, ensuring customer, staff and consumer satisfaction

• Operating a fixed pricing structure that allows for significant profit margins while being egalitarian in principle

• Good mechanisms for communication both internally within our own organization and externally between clients, consumers and other stakeholders.

• Evidencing our professional standing by subscribing to external audit and accreditation by recognized independent monitoring bodies and awarding bodies.

• Expansion of a varied course selection at our Training Academy

We believe that we can minimize certain risk factors by:

• Low overhead through the use of multi-skilled employees and continual training

Strong customer base through aggressive marketing

• Strong community ties and involvement

• Eliminating unnecessary wastage and energy consumption to reduce environmental impact and reduce costs.

Read Wilson Chowdhry's latest Security Article on SMT

2011-03-09T05:14:00.000-08:00

Our Director Wilson has written an article comparing licensing in Ireland compared the scheme operating in the UK. He has also described the benefits of the Mayor of London's Green Procurement Code:

Please read it by clicking the link below:

http://www.info4security.com/story.asp?sectioncode=14&storycode=4126918&c=1

A.A. Security wins tender at Queen Mary and Westfield University

2011-03-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

A. A. Security has a won a tender to protect the Library at Queen Mary and Westfield University. This is a great achievement and continues the recent growth we have been experienced during the financial year 2011.

Queen Mary and Westfield College is a prestigious educational establishment that is a part of the London University. So this success is a real feather in our caps.

We are recruiting for positions as a consequence of this success so if you are aware of potential employees do recommend then to us. Preferred requirements would include:

Two years history working in the industry
Existing SIA licences
Good command of English
Computer literacy

Great start to the new year

2011-02-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

2011 has satrted of with a bang we have secured 3 contracts in the month of January alone and have a number of potential sites in the pipeline. This has been a great achievement for us and heralds what looks outwardly like a very successful year of growth. Our New Clients include the Khazikstani Embassy, Wates Group and Lenguard Construction.

As a consequence of our success we are seeking new recruits and would like to train at least 6 Security officers for employement within the next few months. Please contact Lubna Mahmood on 020 8514 0861 - if you are interested.

Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis System for the rail industry

2011-02-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

As A. A. Security is due to be assessed for competency related to supplying the Rail Industry, we are now obliged to advise our employees of CIRAS, a scheme that is designed to make health and safety reporting more conjusive to our employees:

CIRAS is the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis System for the rail industry. It is an alternative way for anyone working on or around the railway to report safety concerns that they feel unable to report through company safety channels. It is an independent and confidential way to report safety concerns without fear of recrimination.

All Railway Group member companies, including train and freight operating companies, Network Rail, contractors and LUL are enrolled in the system so it is available to all rail personnel.

CIRAS collects information from railway personnel on safety concerns and incidents that may not be captured in other ways. It aims to improve understanding of what goes wrong when incidents and accidents happen on the railways. Whether you are frontline staff or a manager in a rail company this site should be of interest to you.

You can now contact CIRAS by calling Freephone 0800 4 101 101, writing to Freepost CIRAS or texting 07507 285887 (standard text rates apply).

Further details can be found by clicking the link below:

http://www.ciras.org.uk/

Mayor's London Green Procurement Code - will we get it?

2011-02-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

A.A. Security is committed to providing and constantly improving the sustainability of our Business. As a consequence we applied for the Mayors of London's Green Procurement code to further improve the environmental dimension of our overall business practice and in particular sustainable procurement. Read more about the code by clicking (Here)

Yesterday from 14:00 - 17:00 we were assessed by Ben Snowden from the consultants involved in auditing us for the Accreditation. He was impressed with our endeavours and will shortly be producing a report that will decided on the success of our application. For those of you who our unaware of our Green credentials I remind you that we named a " Green Enterprise" by our local Yellow Advertiser Paper, impressed by our exemplary Green Practice.

Moreover, we were also highly commended in the ECOVATE Environmental Awards 2010 who annually audit our green performance and advise us on legislative change, further improvement programmes and we also gain annual training on green improvement.

We are one of few security organisations with BS EN ISO 140001 accreditation which requires formation, of an environmental strategy, monitoring and evaluation and requires an annual external audit of the same for holders. Learn more about the Environmental Management system by clicking (here).

I include an excerpt fron our Environmental Manual that details our Environmental Policy:

4.2 Environmental Policy

Summary of Requirements:

Top management must define an Environmental Policy and ensure that, within the defined scope of its environmental management system, it:

a) Directly relates to the environmental impacts of the Organisation's scope of activities, products and services
b) Takes into account the nature and magnitude of all such environmental impacts
c) Commits the Organisation to take all reasonable steps to prevent pollution
d) Commits the Organisation to continually seek improvements in its Environmental Management System
e) Commits the Organisation to compliance with all relevant legal requirements
f) Provides a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and establishes time frames for their achievement
g) Is documented, put into practice and sustained
h) Is introduced to all persons working for or on behalf of the Organisation
i) Can be accessed by the public

STATEMENT

1. A.A. Security Limited (the ‘Organisation’) recognises the importance of environmental protection and is committed to operating its business responsibly and in compliance with all legal requirements relating to the provision of manned guarding, mobile patrols, keyholding/alarm response, store detectives and security services. It is the Organisation’s declared policy to operate with and to maintain good relations with all regulatory bodies.

It is the Organisation’s objective to carry out all measures reasonably practicable to meet, exceed or develop all necessary or desirable requirements and to continually improve environmental performance through the implementation of the following:

a) Assess and regularly re-assess the environmental effects of the Organisation’s activities
b) Training of employees in environmental issues
c) Minimise the production of waste
d) Minimise material wastage
e) Minimise energy wastage
f) Promote the use of recyclable and renewable materials
g) Reduce and/or limit the production of pollutants to water, land and air
h) Control noise emissions from operations
i) Minimise the risk to the general public and employees from operations and activities undertaken by the Organisation
This Policy is communicated to all employees, suppliers and sub-contractors and is made available to the public.

Kazakhstan Embassy

2010-12-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

An immaculate and prestigious building adding to our list of high profile clientele

Yesterday we were informed that we have been chosen to protect the Kazakhstan Embassy in the UK. This recent success adds to securing a further two years on our Brent Council Security contract confirmed in November. It seems that we have survived the recession and that we are entering a period of growth.

SGP are now providing us with additional work and we are tendering for a new long term NHS contract in Southampton for SGP too!

This year we also secured a contract with NACRO in Newbury and a property management company in Stevenage. All these contracts are permanent sites and 2010 will go down as one of our more favourable years in recent times.

From A.A. Security we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Able Smith House - from strength to strength!

2010-07-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that we have secured a new contract with a new client to protect the prestigious Able Smith House in Stevenage. The property is part of a large complex owned by our clients of which part is leased on a long term agreement to Stevenage Council.

This site as it stands will be a permanent feature of the A.A. Security portfolio for as long as officers are able to provide a high calibre service. With this in mind, knowing how we operate I can only see that this contract is ours for a very long period indeed.

The contract is to begin on the 1st August 2010 and preparations are already in place for a smooth transition. We will report on progress at this site some time in the new year.

Freedom Fighters

2010-05-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Crime Reduction Charity - chooses A.A. Security for protection of its property!

2010-02-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Nacro a charity whose main aim is to reduce crime have selected A.A. Security for the protection of one of their buildings. The contract which started in February is one of the first large contracts that we have secured this year.

Nacro are a large established group and from their website I include their main aims:

"Nacro reduces crime by changing lives. We work with young people at risk of getting caught up in crime and with offenders to help them participate positively in society.

Our vision is of a safer, more inclusive society. To achieve that, we want to see comprehensive preventive and resettlement services available across England and Wales. Helping people access basic services, such as housing and education, and providing opportunities for rehabilitation offer them the best possible chance of turning their lives around.

Our services tackle the social causes of crime and deal with offenders and ex-offenders in ways that are most likely to prevent or stop antisocial behaviour and offending. We encourage people to take responsibility for their own lives and aim to involve those using our services in their development.

We draw on our expertise and experience to campaign for change. We lobby for a more integrated, joined-up approach to reducing offending, and to persuade policy makers that changing lives really is the most effective way to tackle crime."

The contract is a permanent contract and we hope to challenge for the protection of more of their premises portfolio over the next few years.

This contract is a partnership between a crime prevention charity and a crime prevention partner!

Wilson Chowdhry will speak to 25,000 people at IFSEC Conference and Exhibition!

2010-02-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

IFSEC is the world's leading global annual security event, uniting over 25,000 security professionals with more than 600 world leading companies. The exhibition also boasts a comprehensive educational programme. The event will run for 3 days from the 10-12 May 2010 and entry is free.

At the event series of conference modules are presented alongside the exhibition which delegates can attend to keep up-to-date with key issues, hear the very latest in legislative and technological developments, and share best practice.

Wilson Chowdhry the Vice Chair has been invited to give a presentation on on 11th May 2010 about corporate security. Wilson's session begins at 15:05 and he will be joined by the following speakers inter alia;

Neil Stansfield, OSCT Deputy Director for Science & Technology, The Home Office
Chris Phillips GCGI, MSyI., DCI Head of The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)
Simon Whitehorn, Security Management Specialist, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust
John Shaw, Managing Director Police Support Services, G4S
Steve Kemsley, Head of Industry Engagement, Olympic & Paralympic Security Directorate
Mike Hurst, Vice Chairman – Strategy, ASIS International Chapter 208
Don Randall MBE, Head of Security, Bank of England
Paul Mackie, Compliance Director, Camerawatch Ltd
Jonas Andersson, Axis Communications & Chairman of Steering Committee, ONVIF

[These are but a few of the guest speakers to the event we will provide a more comprehensive list once the organisers have completed the schedule.]

The topics Wilson will be covering as part of his presentation include:

15:05 Prioritising and contingency planning
Managing risk and ensuring you are focusing on the right priorities
Planning for essential business continuity and crisis management on a budget
Taking a holistic approach to corporate security

Learn more about the event here:

http://www.ifsec.co.uk/

The event organisers said;

"Thank you so much for your call today letting me know that you have agreed to speak at the IFSEC conference this year. I am thrilled that you would like to participate in the conference and I can therefore confirm your involvement as a speaker at 15:05 on 11th May 2010."

Get a pension! it could be a life saver!

2010-01-28T01:06:00.000-08:00

Outdated pension savings mechanism!

We have noticed that few employees have applied to join our company pension scheme. For your benefit, we would advise you that all employees have access to a Company Stakeholder Pension Scheme. This meets the minimum legal standards required of employers.

We would encourage employees to join up to our pension scheme to plan for your future retirement. This could ensure that you are able to uphold your standard of living through your elderly years and will provide much needed funds at a difficult period of your life.

Employees are encouraged to seek advice relating to how membership of the pension scheme correlates with the level of state pension provided by the department for Work and Pensions. If you would like further advice we can facilitate expert advice for any staff wishing to initiate or investigate further potential pension arrangements.

2009-11-10T06:47:00.001-08:00

Wilson and PM Gordon Brown

Wilson and Louise Casey Director General of the Crime and Justice Department
Prime minister Gordon Brown and winners of a Community Crimefighter Award

Here is an image of our Managing Director Wilson Chowdhry's recent visit to both the Home Office and 10 Downing Street where he was presented with a Community Crimefighter certificate signed by the PM Gordon Brown, Home Secretary Alan Johnson, and Director General of the Crime and Justice Department Louise Casey. The 3 of them also arranged a splendid event at both the Home Office and 10 Downing Street and this was Wilson's second visit as he had previously met with the Prime Minister when he was honoured to be invited to a Business Hero reception at 10 Downing Street in September 2009 for his fortitude in Business and growth in a time of recession.

Wilson stated:

"Winning a Community Crime Fighter award was a thrilling experience. My community work has always been a primary function and one that I am both committed to and proud of.

As a Director I have always espoused a strong social function for my business much of which is exemplified in our accreditation to the SIA ACS standard and in particular attainment of a score of +92 in their most recent assessment.

Our high score easily places us in the top 10% of performers within the security firms, that have achieved this sought after ACS certificate. Moreover, we are aware that the proven social and environmental practices we employ have contributed significantly towards this vaunted position. We strive to improve and I am pleased that I have been personally recognised as a Community Crimefighter.

Besides, what else could highlight A.A. Security's strong emphasis for providing elite security services then recognition that a Dircetor of our firm (which is now regarded as one of the extended policing family)- has received an award for fighting crime by the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and the Director General of the Crime and Justice Department...?

Going Green

2009-10-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

You may have read about A.A. Security's success with our best "Green Practices" within the Redbridge Yellow Advertiser....if not follow the link.

We have also installed Solar Panels follow this link.

Further to this, we have been nominated for the Environmental Award in the "Security Excellence Awards 2009" held by SMT and are nominated for the ACS Champion Award too. The award ceremony is on the 22nd October and we will keep you informed of the results.

2009-09-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Wilson Chowdhry our Director with Dave Quinton the Chairman of the "Buy with Confidence" Scheme. This is taken just prior to the RNWA meeting of the previous page. We hope this feature will encourage others to join a scheme, that protects local purchasers in your respective local neighbourhoods!

A. A. Security - True Community Crime Fighters!

2009-09-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Inspector Darville and Lisa Cherry (Borough Watch Manager)

Last night our Managing Director Wilson Chowdhry chaired the AGM for the Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association at the Jack Carter Pavillion, Barkingside. There are now 298 watches with a purported 40,000 homes under their vigilence in Redbridge (Wilson has personally initiated 15 in Chadwell/Seven Kings and Mayfield). Redbridge has the fastest rate of growth of NHW's in London. These meetings were notoriously long, as constitutional ammendments have previously been argued meticuously. However for the first time in 3 years, we completed the meeting at around 21:30 instead of 23:00, as it seems all watches are now starting to back the new younger look panel.

Last night Wilson was asked to provide a presentation detailing how the group almost debanded but for the hard work of Alex Bailey (secretary) Isla Martin (Joint Treasurer and Green Activist!), Simon Hampshire (Joint Treasurer), Lisa Cherry (Borough Watch Manager), Tippi Maravalla (Area Co-ordinator), Wilson himself and our Honorary President Harmegh Rattan (MBE). Now it seems a new dawn has begun for what once was an ailing group!

Over 60 watches were represented on the night and due to surplus funds in our accounts, we rewarded NH Watches with a box of white paper each, as a gift towards the printing of their regular newsletters.

Co-ordinators were thanked for their efforts and were advised that tangible evidence existed correlating a reduction in crime with the presence of a local NHW. Guest speakers included Phil Walby form the Redbridge ASBO team who advised people of the service and how it could benefit them. Surprisingly few watches new of their existence..? Wilson invited Mr Walby realising few people in the borough new of their existence. He also invited Dave Quinton from the MET Police and Redbridge Council endorsed "Buy with Confidence" scheme. Mr Quinton talked about his website http://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ that provided Redbridge residents with an opportunity to select contracor's that have been vetted in a stringent process that involves obtaining references, accreditation checks and Criminal Record Bureau checks. He also talked about the "Consumer Advice" and Trading standards service. Both these speakers stayed to answer questions and were thanked for their contribution by visitors.

After its official launch in August 2007 no real progress has been made with the group. Now it would seem, they finally have the support of all the watches. A funding application to the Home office has been submitted and the RNWA hope to receive confirmation that they have secured close to £10,000 for a boroughwide "No to Bogus callers" Campaign and a budget for marketing. If successful we will be the only borough within our neighbours to have success with these Grant scheme. The funding application was produced by Lisa Cherry and Wilson conjunctively.

This is clear evidence of our committment to our local community and is part of our sustainable development philosphy and paradigm.

From left to right Lisa Cherry Borough Watch Commander, 3 NHW Co-ordinators, Harmegh Rattan MBE (Honorary President), Phil Walby Redbridge ASBO Officer, Dave Quinton (Buy with Confidence), Alex Bailey (secretary RNWA), Isla Martin (Joint Treasurer RNWA), Simon Hampshire (Joint Treasurer RNWA), Wilson Chowdhry Chairman RNWA)

There was some fun and games at the end of the evening!

Business Heroes!

2009-08-16T15:37:00.001-07:00

After meeting with Gordon Brown PM we were proudly one of only 4 "Business Heroes" to be mentioned in the Daily Telegraph. It would seem our campaigns for change and reform are reaching the right people with position leverage to actually facilitate them! We will continue the our fight for a better industry and improved commercial sector. Click on the image to enlarge!

Finally a video of our Director's trip to 10 Downing Street to visit Prime Minister Gordon Brown

2009-08-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Interview during car journey

Stumbling in his excitement to enter 10 Downing Street - these are unedited and the commentator posed real questions without preparation. Our Director Wilson Chowdhry was hampered in his ability to respond to questions, by a need to watch traffic!

In line with our company Green Policy we used our diesel vehicle that has a CO2 offset for 45,000 miles. Although it was 4X4 it was full to capacity as Wilson's wife Juliet and the Children travelled in the rear (to attend a celebratory meal after the 10 Downing Street event). They also went shopping for 4 large marquees for Redbridge Carnival and would have been very cumbersome to carry on underground rail with a 5 and 1 year old. If you would like to learn more about A.A. Security's Green Practices please click here - not a lot of people know this, but, we were the first organisation in our industry and in Redbridge to install Solar Panels!

2009-08-07T02:02:00.000-07:00

This year once again A. A. Security Ltd has now been included in the shortlist for The Security Excellence Awards. the categories that we have been nominated for are as follows:

ACS Champions

Green Initiative.

Last year we wer finalists in the ACS Champions, Customer Service and Security Contractor of the Year Categories. The previous yera we had a record number of shortlistings when we were nominated for Security Contractor of the year, Customer Service, Security Training initiative and Contrcat Security Manager of the Year.

The Winners will be announced on the 22nd of October and we will keep readers informed by a blog post.

Defence of the Realm

2009-07-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

I am aware that many of you like to follow my exploits within the trade sector journals within which, I frequently have my articles published. If you follow the link you will see a full length version of themost recent editorial featured in SMT. I had published a segment of this feature in an earlier blog:

Baroness Ruth Henig

2009-07-31T04:25:00.000-07:00

When Baroness Ruth Henig was selected for her post as Chairman of the SIA, she duly completed a tour of 50 Companies within the Security Guarding sector, cementing her image of grassroot concern and inward investment. She paid a visit to A.A. Security Ltd at our Head office September 2007 and we did not get a change to publicise the esteemed visit of such an influential and key player for change resolution within our industry. Baroness Henig has remained true to her word and continues to listen to the concerns of the organisations under her remit, having created extensive consultative opportunities for industry and wider stakeholder participation - with her strong focus on facilitating tangible change using her position leverage. A true hero for our industry and long may she continue to enjoy her role....!

On the right is our Operations Manager Muhammad Shoaib and the child in the picture is Hannah Chowdhry my daughter - as you can see she enjoyed Baroness Henig's visit as much as I!

SIA Approved Contractor Forum!

2009-07-31T02:44:00.001-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the SIA forum held yesterday on Thursday 30th July 2009. At the forum the SIA presented updates on progress with enforcements, potential changes to the training remit that will be phased in for the re-licensing programme in 2011, informed us of Business licensing for the Vehicle Immobilisation industry and delivered their recent in-house security review. I met with Alan Shepherd Director of the ACS standard and Nick Smith Assistant Director Government and Legal (inset picture). To be honest, I felt quit bewildered in the presence of such elevated, revered and esteemed company!

While talking to Andrew Shephard he informed me of ongoing review of the existing Strategy and Standards Group which could be termed a consultative, steering or scrutiny group for the ACS standard. This was an addition to the existing ACS process of engagement that I often clamoured for and remember many discussions with Andrew Shepherd in my ambition to have one set up. A member of the current group has left opening the door for a new entrant and a potential reassessment of membership.

Unfortunately, when the group was formed, even though I put my name forward and was one of only 48 companies to complete the In-house review questionnaire - I was absent when the invitations were distributed. However, I have persisted to stake my claim to a position on the panel in view of the regular insight I share with the industry via my articles in Trade sector Gazettes, commitment to attending SIA led meetings and the fact that I would be the only Asian member of a panel in which the number of Asian companies is significantly increasing. I was left out of the initial scheme due to proportionate representation during its initial phase, perhaps this very requirement will see my inclusion in this potential review...?

Meeting with Nick Smith was both pleasant and revealing. We discussed the differences between the South African and UK Security legislation in which he clarified that although the South African breed of SIA undertake In-house Security licensing, it is much driven by the need for criminality checks in an industry for which the use of guns is the norm. This was a very fair point, he also advised that in my recent article on the In-house review I made a few errors which I feel obliged to amend:

Firstly, the Secretary of State for the Home Office (the Home Secretary) ratified the In-house review and not the Secretary for Work and Pensions.

Secondly, section 7.1 of the RCC sets out the responsibilities on organisations such as the SIA to undertake analysis of the benefit of data requests with explicit consideration to “other sources”. This means that the SIA is required to ensure as far as is reasonably possible that it is not requiring regulated entities to provide information to them which those entities have already provided to other such similar regulatory bodies.

Thirdly section 24(6)b of the RRA places a responsibility on a Minister of the Crown (the Authority) to consult before making an Order in relation to the RCC, or those bodies who are subject to it (the RCC) - however I would like to add, if our Secretary of State Lord Mandellson is expected to undertake such research why should such impetus be overlooked by our Regulatory body the SIA...?

We were all a little tight lipped in the first photo, however, after a few chuckles and a joke or two - all three of us made merry before parting....

A Stake In National Security

2009-07-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

A. A. Security now has a proud 3 year tradition of providing security to the Ministry of Defence at their Abingdon Barracks and North Luffenham Barracks. Contracts of this type are amongst the most difficult to secure within the Public Sector as the branch of the MOD responsible for the tender process "Commercial in Confidence" undertake a very stringent investigative analysis of the organisations approaching them for work. The mandatory Finance Audits, Quality Assurance testing and Health and Safety analysis required for most public sector contracts are only part of a process that is elongated by requirement and meticulous in detail. For instance when completing the tender documentation for these contracts in the initial phase and in the second phase the MOD made it compulsory that organisations tendering endorse a commitment to professionally develop all potential employees to be deployed on site to a full NVQ level 2 standard. Some might say this is no real landmark, however this learning stipulation places the MOD in excess of many other commercial and public sector organisations and sets a rather refreshing precedent - something many of you will be aware that I have been championing for our industry in its entirety - an opportunity in the re-licensing of officers has been overlooked/missed by our Industry regulators the SIA!

The contract also required organisations to demonstrate their Environmental, Innovation and Technology and Corporate social responsibility practices. This recognition of the need to reduce the collective Carbon Footprint is an element of the process that should be hailed and the very fact an organisation not conventionally expected to be concerned with miasma - they are taking a lead role is filtering out insouciant companies and cascading a message of responsibility. I can confirm that the SIA have improved their Approved Contractor scheme to incorporate a stronger focus on these items.

2009-07-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Mohammad Nadeem one of our long serving employees has received a gift of £25.00 and a letter of thanks from the Manger of the Human Resources Section at St Albans City and District Council. This was in view of his "outstanding work, superb performance and excellent knowledge" The contract has come to an end however the client has informed us they would certainly use us again and remraked on the exceptional level of service we have provided. We are pleased that an officer from A.A. Security has been appreciated in this way as we know how earnestly and arduously you all commit yourselves to your duties. We would extend our hearty congratulations to Mr Nadeem for this excellent success!

In the picture we have Nadeem in the centre (off duty I should add) and all the St Albans Human Resources Team. Mr Nadeem is now working at our Big Issue Contract.

Buy with confidence!

2009-07-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

A. A. Security is pleased to announce that it has recently become a member of Redbridge Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ Scheme.

The scheme provides residents, consumers and other businesses with a diverse list of companies and individuals involved in all areas of home repair, security, maintenance and improvement that have been vetted and approved by their local trading standards office.

Accredited businesses have all been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Trading Standards Officers visit & vet every applicant and must meet a specified criteria before are they accepted.

The Buy With Confidence Scheme was launched in 1999 by Hampshire County Council and has been so successful that it has grown to include many other Trading Standards Services across the country with over 150 trade categories. In Redbridge, the trading standards service is part of the award winning Bogus Callers Partnership which includes partners in the Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Home Improvement Agency and others helping residents avoid rogue traders and bogus callers.

The message is that if you are looking to employ a trade or service, an approved ‘Buy with Confidence member is a good place to start. www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Top Dog! (excuse the pun!)

2009-07-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of me with Steve Hill a Director of and Company secretary for the National Association of Security Dog Users. A.A. Security was the first Asian owned business to gain membership to NASDU and is proud of its 7 year relationship with them. The picture was taken at the South Quay Plaza - so the view of the Millennium Dome is real and seen from the 11th floor! Steve and I were attending the "Sector Competency Group" meeting being held by "Skills for Security" - the topic of discussion for today's meeting included agreeing our recommendations for core training units that will be utilised for future Security Officer training courses. During my discussions with Steve he has asked me to write an article for his forthcoming newsletter. I hope to read the Security Dog Act 1979 and to stimulate a debate on potential improvements post-indepth analysis. At this juncture let me state how immensly refreshing and stimulating conversing with Steve was...he is a true professional. Moreover if all organisations worked with the diligence and care of NASDU, our industry would be a more thriving and elite industry. More details on Nasdu can be found at http://www.nasdu.co.uk/.

2009-07-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

A.A. Security is proud to announce that we are launching our new fully accredited Wheel Clamping Service. Our first ever client is none other than Brent Council for whom we will be providing services to their to extremely large car parks that are often abused by visitors to Wembley Stadium. This is a very prestigious contract and an indication of the value and trust that this London Borough places on the service we provide. Whether you are a large corporate organisation or small residential group we promise to undertake our service provision with equal diligence and the expertise and care that have made us the most accredited and awarded firm within the sector. We also provide a range of traffic control and management services that will be in use at this years Redbridge Carnival and would benefit any organisation. Please make contact should you require more information.

Blue Badge Protection Devices

2009-07-02T14:23:00.001-07:00

A. A. Security Ltd is a Met Police distribution centre for Tamper Proof Screws (to reduce Licence plate theft), Blue Badge Protection devices and UV Pens to label high value possession to increase traceability of items after any crime haul. We still have 1 blue badge protection device, some tamper proof Screws and UV Pens (used to highlight your postcode and house number). If you would like any of these do please make contact. This work is part of our partnership programme with the Local Police and highlights are determined and pragmatic approcah to corporate social responsibility. The lady in the picture was provided one at one of the many new Neighbourhood watches that our Director has started in Redbridge. Wilson Chowdhry is now the elected chairman of the Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association - an overarching support, guidance and information exchance cetre for all Redbridge Neighbourhood Watches. Learn more at www.RNWA.net

Pioneering Matrix IAG Accreditation Holders - Unique in Industry

2009-07-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

The matrix Standard is the unique quality framework for the effective delivery of information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work. The Matrix Standard is useful for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance to external clients as part of their business and also for employers who are committed to developing their people. read more here.

A. A. Security Ltd was a pioneer for the security industry in view of our attainement of the standard and we still stand unique as a security service provider holding the prestigious accreditation. Our in depth initial assessment of employees and stakeholders, regular audits, production of an annual business plan and the most comprehensive training and development programme within the sector and coaching and mentoring sessions as part of a more developed appraisal mechanism - enabled us to become Matrix IAG holders. Today our director Wilson Chowdhry attended a training session for potential applicants to their forthcoming "Excellence Awards". We hope the fact that we have used their framework to improve our organisation further, are pioneers and achieved the standard after only a two week set-up period with no improvement needs - will enable us to become our industry's first winner. Watch this space.....

In the picture you will see our Director Wilson Chowdhry with the charming Kathy Leahy Chief Executive for the Matrix IAG Standard.

Docklands Business Club Awards

2009-06-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

Well another year in which we did not win an award at this fantastic event, however being nominated for 50% of the entire awards and attaining Highly Commended Status (second place) in all four of our categories, proved we are still up there with the best of the wider commercial organisations. Besides, we were beaten by huge, well established organisations such as London City Airport and the University of East London so all in all it was a very good evening.

The categories we were Highly Commended for included:

Green Business
Training and Development
Customer Focus
Business of the Year

Our thanks again to the organising committee.

National Training Award Winners!

2009-06-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of our Directors with Colin Jackson ex-Olympic hurdler celebrating our attainment of a National Training Award in 2006 - still unique for a security sector company in the UK. This award is run by the department of Employment through UK skills and is clear evidence of our drive for People Development. We hope to secure another NTA in the near future!

Success breeds success!

2009-06-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that this month we secured Altius Accreditation. They utilise a very thorough, in-depth analysis of corporate standards, Health and Safety, Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility, Customer Focus and Training protocols and practices. The analysis includes obtaining tangible evidence to support any claims. This accreditation has enabled us to extend a 4 year contract with SGP Property Services and with the Arcadia Group.

This will add to our wealth of other accolades including the following Awards and Accreditations:

Awards:

Highly Commended in the Security excellence Awards 2008 "Customer Care Initiative of the Year"

Highly Commended in the Security Excellence Awards 2008 "ACS Champion 2008"

Highly Commended in the Secuirty Excellence Awards 2008 "Security Contractor of the Year"

Highly Commended in the Docklands Business Club and East London Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business Awards “Dedication to Staff Development Category”

Highly Commended in the Docklands Business Club and East London Chamber of Commerce Business Awards “ Customer Focus Category”

Highly Commended in the Docklands Business Club and East London Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Winner of “Business of the Year” category in the East London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Awards 2007.

Winner of Business support of the year category in the East London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Awards 2007

Winner of the “Service” category in the Human Capital Award 2007

Winner of the “Diversity in Business” in the Archant Award 2007

Winner of “Skills for Security” Best Training Professional 2006

Winner of a National Award at the National Training Awards 2006 (unique the Security industry!) run by the Department of Employment

Winner of the Training and Development category in the Docklands Business Club and London Chambers Awards 2006

Highly commended for corporate work in the community at the DBC and LC Awards 2006

Highly commended in the individuals category at the National Training Awards 2005

Finalist in the entrepreneur of the year awards in the Parcel force National awards 2005.

Winner of the businessman of the year category in the Thames Gateway Awards 2005.

Winner of the Businessman of the year awards in the East London Chambers of Commerce Business Leaders Awards 2005.

Finalist in the Shell Live Wire awards 2005

Highly commended in the Businessman of the year category at the East London And Essex Business awards 2004.

Highly Commended for Training and Development in the East London and Essex Business awards 2004.

Highly commended for Business of the year in the ELEB awards 2004

Certificate of merit in the Growth category at the ELEB awards 2004

Certificate of merit for the young entrepreneur category at the ELEB awards 2004
Finalist for customer service at the ELEB awards 2004

Highly commended in the Business Excellence Category within the "Moving Forward with People award 2002, hosted by the Learning and Skills council and Investors in People.

Accreditations:

BS EN ISO 14001: 2004

BS EN ISO 9001: 2008 UKAS Approved
BS 7499: 2007 UKAS Approved

BS 7858: 2008 UKAS Approved

SIA ACS Scheme (amongst elite 10% performers as per SIA Benchmarking)

Customer First (unique in security sector)

British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers

National Association of Security Dog Users

Brittania National Safe Contractor

Investors in People

Skills for Security Accreditation of our City and Guilds Training and examination Centre

NOCN accrediutation for training and examination centre

NSI Gold Award

Positive about Disability Logo from Jobcentre plus ( first in entire commercial sector)

Leadership and Management from Investors in People (Unique within security Sector

Link-Up Qualification Scheme (Achilles)

Investors in People

Institute of Leadership and Management Approved Training centre

City and Guilds approved training centre

HSE approved First Aid Training Centre

Construction Line Accreditation

Matrix IAG

Constructionline

And of course Altius Accreditation!

Strength To Strength!

2009-06-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

A. A. Security is proud of it's image of elite service provision much bolstered by the plethora of awards and accreditations it has attained. This year we are pleased to announce that we are shortlisted for 4 awards in the Docklands Business Club and East London Chambers Awards 2009.

The categories we are shortlisted for include:

Business of the Year
Green Business
Staff Training and Development
Customer Focus

Last year we were nominated for 3 awards and attained 3 Highly Commended awards - this was the first time we had not won an award outright in the 3 years (at the time) that we had applied for them. We previously won an award in 2006 for Excellence in Staff Training and 2 awards in 2007 for "Business support for the Local Community" and "Business of the Year" . We hope this will be a bumper year again for us and believe we still have the record of 5 nominations in a year from the 2007 awards.

You can learn more about the Docklands Business Club by following this link.

You can learn more about the East London Chambers by following this link.

You can learn more about these collaborative awards follow this link.

Our Director Meets Prime Minister

2009-06-16T14:21:00.001-07:00

Wilson Chowdhry Director of A.A. Security has been invited to meet with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown at an event to be held at 10 Downing Street on the 22nd June. Not many details have been provided yet, however, we believe it will be a conference on what measures this country will need to take to tackle the existing economic situation. The title of the event is "Building Britains Future". Wilson intends to ensure that he highlights the concerns facing our industry such as; the lack of enforcement and need to root out rogue traders, the need for Government to start enforcing against complicit clients who conscientiously or inadvertently (due to lack of research) hire the services of illegal traders utilising unlicensed security officers and to ask for a reform of the Private Security Act 2001 to introduce mandatory licensing of in-house Security Officers. We will keep you posted on any outcomes post-event.

Wilson said:

"It is a great privilege to have been invited to this event at 10 Downing Street, whatever people think of the government, an invitation from a Prime Minister is one of the highest possible honours. I will represent my industry with pride, knowing full well that my company is amongst the most accredited and awarded firms in the sector and that there are highly professional organisations like ours, have done much to improve the tarnished image of our industry. It is therefore with a clean conscious that I ask for a review of the Private Security Act 2001 to ensure that stiffer competition and focus on best value and practice will ensure that the lower scale performers are removed from a sector that has seen a new lease of life since the introduction of the SIA. If we are to move forward as an entity the Security industry must see new powers given to and and enhancement of the service provided by the SIA. It is only through better direction from above (position leverage) that we can facilitate the necessary change to ensure continued reliance by commercial organisations on professional security Providers."