Aegis, The Co-operative Group’s security subsidiary, has gained approved contractor status from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). It’s thought to be the UK’s first in-house service to get ACS.
Aegis Security Services has around 500 staff and provides security at Co-operative Group food stores across the country, besides at its head office, corporate sites and distribution centres. To meet the criteria, Aegis recently acquired an external contract, and is now looking to find more new clients, outside the Co-op.<br><br>Aegis’ Managing Director Andy Peacock said: “As an in-house security business we didn’t need to get approved contractor status. But our intention is to raise the bar as high as we can. We’ve got a wealth of expertise when it comes to retail security, and our plans have always been to seek additional contracts outside the Co-operative stores and to expand accordingly.” <br><br>Aegis was set up in 2005, when The Co-operative Group bought its security and guarding in-house. Staff training includes dealing with confrontations, observing and reporting thefts andcustomer relations. <br><br>“As part of The Co-operative Group we share its ethical stance, and we reflect that in our approach to training,” added Andy. “Gaining approved contractor service is a tremendous endorsement and one we are very proud of.”
