Gavin Hepburn

Carefully planned safety and security measures will be a crucial part of the successful redevelopment of the high streets and city centres as they seek to reinvent themselves post the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, according to security experts, ATG Access. With the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee informed at a January 2021 meeting that the lockdown-induced shift towards online retail will likely be permanent, the high street must move its emphasis away from retail and instead become more leisure and experience-focused with the help of new pedestrianised zones. Creating new pedestrianised zones Gavin Hepburn, Managing Director at ATG Access commented, “The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated changes that were already happening in consumer behavior. This presents an exciting opportunity to have another look at our urban landscapes and consider how they might be transformed to better serve the needs and wants of the public.” He adds, “As we saw last summer, pedestrianisation is a great way to create new multifunctional spaces for people to gather and socialise. These spaces can be used to provide a much needed boost to hospitality businesses, or host fun community events, which will be critical when it comes to drawing people back to the high street as things start to return to normal.” Deploying appropriate physical security measures ATG Access report shows 60% of design professionals have concerns about the level of investment in security measures Gavin further stated, “When creating these new spaces, choosing the right physical security measures, such as bollards and impact-tested street furniture, will be crucial in order to ensure that the public can use and enjoy them with confidence. While this may seem obvious, according to our recent research many architects, specifiers and urban planners feel like not enough is invested in security on the projects they work on.” The report by ATG Access revealed that 60% of urban design professionals have concerns about the level of investment in security measures, while 47% feel that their nearest city isn’t safe. When asked about the barriers to appropriate implementation, the majority (67%) cited insufficient funding, 55% identified reluctance from local authorities to invest, and 32% had experienced a local unwillingness to have the look of a space spoiled by ‘obtrusive security measures’. Solutions to circumvent barriers to security implementation Exploring the potential solutions to these barriers, 53% of those surveyed suggested working in partnership with local authorities and suppliers, right from the beginning of a project, to determine the most appropriate security measures, while 36% were keen to make use of impact-tested street furniture to counteract any aesthetic issues. Gavin concludes by stating, “We all want to see cities and towns bustling with life again once the pandemic comes to an end. Creating new safe, public spaces will be the key to achieving this, so urban design professionals, local authorities and security suppliers must all work together to bring this new vision to life and ensure a bright future for our high streets.”

ATG Access, a global innovator of road blockers, bollards and barriers, announces a new partnership with Singapore-based ESCO Pte Ltd, that will strengthen their position as a supplier of hostile vehicle mitigation solutions across Asia. The three-year agreement will grant exclusive rights to ESCO to manufacture, supply, install and maintain ATG Access equipment, enabling ATG Access to strengthen its customer support and product offering in the region. Hostile vehicle mitigation ESCO has extensive experience in hostile vehicle mitigation, with one of its directors playing a key role in Singapore’s adoption of British security standards and measures more than ten years ago. As a result of this work, Singapore has led the way in its commitment to hostile vehicle mitigation with other Asian countries following suit, making it one of the most active security markets in the world. ATG Access has already built a strong reputation as a trusted supplier of innovative physical security solutions in Asia over the past decade and was recently selected to provide the perimeter protection to 28 Electrical Substations for Singapore Power. Developing stronger relationships The new agreement will allow ATG Access to continue to dedicate its focus in the region The new agreement will allow ATG Access to continue to dedicate its focus in the region, servicing the market more cost effectively and with greater continuity. Gavin Hepburn, managing director at ATG Access, commented: “This partnership marks a really important moment in our growth as a business. The Asian market has developed hugely in recent years, and we have worked on a number of exciting, high profile projects in the region.” “By working closely with ESCO, and drawing on the wealth of experience within the team, we will be able to increase our presence across Asia and develop stronger relationships with existing and potential clients.” Enhanced technical support Sanjeev Bhat, Director, Hostile Mitigation from ESCO Pte Ltd, commented: “Esco offers a robust suite of physical measures that helps organisations protect their infrastructure from hostile threats. The strategic partnership with ATG allows us to offer a comprehensive range of products for a much wider range of applications to a larger customer base.” “We are happy to facilitate ATG’s presence and position in Asia leveraging on our regional presence and local manufacturing facilities. We are excited at the opportunity to bring world class solutions to customers at affordable costs, reduced lead times and enhanced technical support.”

Preston digital agency, Bespoke has launched a new website for ATG Access to help the Haydock-headquartered security solutions company to significantly grow its international sales. Established 1989, ATG Access is now part of HS Security group of companies, specialising in highly advanced temporary and permanent physical security solutions in both urban and industrial environments, mainly aimed at tackling threats posed by international terrorism. Tackling threats posed by international terrorism UK customers include prestigious clients such as The Shard, GMR Energy Power Plant, St Pancras International and Cardiff City Centre. Its existing international clients include Los Angeles Airport, several British embassies, Jewel Changi Airport and The Bund, Shanghai. New website has been designed in consultation with Bespoke  The new website has been designed in deep consultation with Bespoke to perform at the highest level for the purposes of international marketing. Strategic digital marketing solution Bespoke Head of Digital Chris Ward said, “ATG Access is a fantastic company doing hugely valuable work with a wide variety of organisations. We worked hard with them to develop a strategic digital marketing solution that would support interaction with their international audience.” ATG Access managing director Gavin Hepburn said, “The international terrorism threat is constantly developing, presenting major challenges for governments and law enforcement agencies globally. That’s why we needed a website solution that would have real international scope to help us reach around the world, aiming to develop the best possible security solutions to ensure infrastructure and crowded spaces are safe.”

The prestigious Jewel complex at Singapore’s Changi Airport is receiving the highest standards of perimeter protection, thanks to the manufacturer of road blockers, bollards and vehicle barriers, ATG Access. Singapore's Changi Airport, which has scooped the title of the world's best airport for seven years running, has strengthened its position with the launch of Jewel – a mixed-use, lifestyle hub for visitors. Taking more than four years and $1.25 billion to build, Jewel covers 1.46 million square feet and includes sky gardens, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, aviation lounges, restaurants and over 300 shops. The extension to Changi Airport aims to position the facility as a leading, competitive, and safe international airport for its millions of visitors. As such, it needed the very best in perimeter security. Tested lift-out bollards In order to meet client specification, ATG worked with its local partner in Singapore to test and certify the lift-out product As the main airport site is fully operational 24/7; the security measures placed around the terminal needed to be installed quickly and effectively. With this in mind, ATG Access utilised its reputable shallow mount technology, which delivers maximum security with minimum disruption. More than 1,000 impact-tested Shallow Mount Bollards and Shallow Mount Lift-out Bollards, requiring a foundation depth of just 112 mm, were deployed around the airport. To ensure the security products complemented the aesthetics of the terminal and surrounding areas, they were coated in varying shades of silver to suit. In order to meet client specification, ATG worked with its local partner in Singapore to test and certify the lift-out product, meaning it was one of the first impact tested lift-out bollards in the industry. Critical national infrastructure Following this, all of the products were developed at ATG’s manufacturing facility in Singapore. Gavin Hepburn, Managing Director at ATG Access, said: “With over 66 million passengers travelling through the airport each year; the new and iconic Jewel project required outstanding perimeter security measures to protect the asset and its passengers. Changi airport has taken its security very seriously over the last eight years, ensuring all terminals are protected from potential terrorist attacks or security breaches - after airports have been identified by security services as critical national infrastructure. This project has been our third biggest perimeter project to date, after Hamad International Airport Project (Doha) and Jubail Industrial Project, KSA, and we are proud to have been selected as their security provider.”

ATG Access announces it will be joining with other Hill & Smith Holdings PLC-owned companies to form a new security brand - HS Security. With the creation of HS Security, Hill & Smith aims to utilise the strength of its new and expanding security portfolio, in order to become a serious global supplier of holistic security schemes. ATG Access, the provider of bollards, barriers and road blockers, is one of a number of prestigious UK security companies recently acquired by the international infrastructure product supplier.  Security doors and building hardening systems HS security will cover all physical security requirements for both urban and industrial security schemes Joining ATG Access to form HS Security, will be Bristorm, Technocover, Barkers Fencing, Hardstaff Barriers and Parking Facilities. While each company will continue to serve its existing customer base as usual, collectively they will now also be able to cater to large customers needing to deal with one security supplier directly.  HS security will cover all physical security requirements for both urban and industrial security schemes, offering fully tested and certified fencing, gates, rising arm barriers, wire rope systems, bollards, barriers, security doors and building hardening systems. Effective and holistic security solution The group will be officially launching HS Security at International Security Expo 2019 in London on the 3rd and 4th December. Gavin Hepburn, managing director of ATG Access, commented: “We are incredibly excited to be a part of this new brand, which will enable us to enhance our existing global reach.” “All of the companies within the HS Security portfolio deliver high-quality British engineering, and pride themselves on being not just a supplier, but a full-service partner, making this an excellent fit. Together, we will be able to deliver the most cutting-edge, effective and holistic security solution to all of our customers, no matter where they are, or what they require.”

Innovator of road blocker, bollards and vehicle barrier systems, ATG Access, has promoted Iain Moran to sales and marketing director. Having worked at ATG Access for the past 18 years, Iain is hugely experienced and has helped to shape the company’s success in the UK and internationally, including in Australia and the USA. As part as his new role, Iain will lead a team of eleven to deliver ambitious growth targets, both internationally and in the UK, as the business continues to expand and develop more cutting-edge products. ATG aims to grow export sales over the next three years utilising their extensive network of international distributors.  Secured high profile security projects Iain first joined ATG as an electrical engineer before moving to Commercial UK Sales, High Security Sales and then finally heading up UK Sales, whilst also looking after transactions in America, Australia and Canada. He has helped to secure high profile security projects including The Shard, Sydney Opera House, London Olympics 2012, various Network Rail train stations and multiple airports including LAX Airport. Meeting customer needs Commenting on his promotion, Iain Moran, said: “ATG Access is a brilliant place to work and I’ve enjoyed helping the business make waves in the security industry. Over the past 18 years, I have gained vast knowledge and understanding of the market and how our solutions are best placed to meet customer needs, and I am excited about the challenge ahead.” Gavin Hepburn, managing director at ATG Access, said: “Iain is a highly valued and fundamental member of the team, and will play a significant role in helping us to expand and meet our ambitious growth plans for the future.”

ATG Access, the innovator of road blockers, bollards and vehicle barrier systems, announces a new partnership with event protection business Crowdguard. As part of the partnership, Crowdguard will be deploying Surface Guard, ATG’s latest pioneering, hostile vehicle mitigation solution, to secure temporary or semi-permanent events across the UK. Designed in response to the recent surge in vehicular attacks across Europe, a Surface Guard barrier can withstand the impact of a 7,200kg vehicle travelling at 32kph and has been tested in accordance to the IWA 14 crash test standard. Professionally trained personnel The barrier’s lightweight and modular design means that it can be deployed quickly and efficiently by four men in under an hour, minimising disruption to event operation and the surrounding area. Crowdguard’s professionally trained personnel are dedicated to installing the barriers quickly and efficiently Crowdguard, which is affiliated with Ainscough Industrial Services that has over 40 years’ experience within the machinery installation and equipment moving industry, will ensure that Surface Guard is deployed to the safest of standards. With a national distribution network across the UK, Crowdguard’s professionally trained personnel are dedicated to installing the barriers quickly and efficiently, ensuring minimum disruption to the community and peace of mind for the event organiser. Official deployment partners Gavin Hepburn, CEO at ATG Access, said: “With events and crowded spaces continuing to require protection, due to the terror threat remaining ‘severe’ in the UK, working collaboratively with businesses such as Crowdguard will ensure that we can continue to keep the general public safe when they’re attending events with their friends and families.” “We now have four official deployment partners in the UK, which cover various sectors and locations, so we can provide leading security solutions to projects of any size.” Deborah Ainscough, founder and operations director at Crowdguard, said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to distribute ATG’s market leading Surface Guard product on a national basis. We look forward to working with businesses, events, councils, the police and other relevant stakeholders to provide the highest standards of protection for the public.”

ATG Access, an innovator of road blocker, bollards and vehicle barrier systems is thriving internationally thanks to the launch of Surface Guard, a pioneering, new hostile vehicle mitigation solution. Surface Guard vehicle mitigation solution  After its successful launch in the UK last year, Surface Guard has now been deployed in a number of overseas territories including France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Japan, Australia and America. The surface mounted security solution has protected a number of high-profile international events - including Serious Request Festival in the Netherlands, premier league football matches and presidential visits - where crowds are deemed to be vulnerable. Since Surface Guard’s launch last year, ATG Access has made close to £1.5million in sales Designed in response to the recent surge in vehicular attacks across Europe, a Surface Guard barrier can withstand the impact of a 7,200kg vehicle travelling at 32kph and has been tested in accordance to the IWA 14 crash test standard. The barriers’ lightweight and modular design means that it can be deployed quickly and efficiently by four men in under an hour, minimising disruption to event operation and the surrounding area. Easily deployed vehicle barriers Since Surface Guard’s launch last year, ATG Access has made close to £1.5million in sales; 15% of which have been attributed to the protection of European municipalities, 6% to Australian sites and 41% to protect American applications. And the company is currently on track to double this over the next year. Gavin Hepburn, managing director at ATG Access, commented: “Our Surface Guard solution was born out of the desire to provide a comprehensive method of protecting public events. When it comes to pedestrian-permeable, temporary event security, there aren’t any other security solutions that can challenge Surface Guard’s effectiveness, nor its ability to be rapidly deployed. This makes it an excellent option for securing temporary events and concerts around the world. As part of our continued international growth strategy, we aim to build on our relationships with countries across the globe, ensuring as many countries as possible have access to the best high-end security solutions, and the launch of Surface Guard is a driving force behind this.”