Octavian Security has won the contract to provide store security at IKEA Nottingham - and will be utilising a number of its Ghurkha officers to ensure that the highest retail security standards are met.
The Nottingham based, nationally operating Security Company has devised a store security strategy in conjunction with the leading home-wares retailer that will utilise up to ten guards at any one time, with 60% of the guards working on the contract being ex-Ghurkha regiment soldiers.
Working alongside IKEA Nottingham's store team, Octavian will provide a manned security solution in-store to help maintain a secure shopping environment for customers.
This service will extend into the store's considerable car parking area, where security officers will patrol and help to manage the smooth flow of customer traffic. They will also help to prevent theft in the car park by placing messages on customers' cars in incidences where satellite navigation hardware, laptops or other valuables have been left in full view of passers by - with the vehicles being closely monitored until the customer's return.
The officers working at IKEA have already received special training via Octavian's Security Industry Authority (SIA) approved in-house Security Officer Training Division, where they have learnt customer service techniques and other basic retail skills - as they will be expected to assist customers in-store and when transporting goods to their vehicles.
"We are confident that the mix of UK officers and our officers from Nepal will help to deliver the perfect security mix at IKEA Nottingham," explains Octavian Security managing director, Sukhi Ghuman.
"We have found that our ex-Ghurkha regiment officers are both diligent and attentive and extremely sharp and observant - ideal qualities for one of the busiest retail environments in the country."
Julie Wilson, security manager at IKEA Nottingham says of the store's new security team: "We did not specifically request Ghurkhas in-store, it just happened that way as our security company employs them due to their excellent levels of professionalism."
"We have found them to be extremely helpful and friendly which makes them the perfect addition to our retail team."
