Axis Security receives Approved Contractor Status from SIA

All those working in the private security industry in Northern Ireland now need to hold an SIA licence

Axis Security, one of the UK's fastest growing providers of integrated security solutions, has achieved Approved Contractor Status under the recently launched Northern Ireland SIA regulation.

SIA regulation in Northern Ireland was introduced on the 1st December 2009 to ensure that training and professionalism in the private security industry are of the same high standard across the whole of the United Kingdom. As with their British counterparts, all those working in designated sectors of the private security industry in Northern Ireland - namely cash and valuables in transit, close protection, door supervision, public space surveillance, security guarding, key holding and immobilisation, restriction and removal of vehicles - now need to hold an SIA licence.

The regulation applies to the whole private security sector, including close protection, door supervision, public space surveillance, and security guarding

In order to gain SIA Approved Contractor Status, companies have to demonstrate compliance with relevant industry standards and a quality scheme which covers key aspects of the management of the company, its relationship with both employees and clients and also corporate social responsibility.

Axis Security's Belfast office met the criteria to achieve Approved Contractor Status for security guarding, key holding, public space surveillance (CCTV) and door supervision.

Additionally, Axis Security's mainland reaccredidation took place in November 2009 and improvements were evidenced in all areas of the business. This resulted in its ACS score increasing from 45 to 126, which is estimated to position Axis Security in the top 5% of approved contractors.

Commenting on the news, Managing Director of Axis Security, Jonathan Levine said: "Increased licensing and auditing has played a key role in taking the manned guarding industry forward over the past few years, offering security companies and their employees a recognised professional benchmark and greater credibility than previously enjoyed."

"We are delighted to have been among the first companies to receive ACS in Northern Ireland and equally proud to be among the top ranks of approved contractors following reaccredidation."