Mill Volvo has extended a contract with Gateshead-based The Protector Group to install security monitoring after the company found cost savings of almost £500,000 at dealerships across the North East.
The intelligent CCTV systems, which have already been installed at Mill Volvo sites in Newcastle, Sunderland and Stockton, offer a hugely cost-effective way for companies to ensure the security of their premises outside business hours, effectively removing the need for 24 hour manned guarding.
"Mill approached us to devise a bespoke system that can protect all external areas of the dealership, while also reducing cost outlay," said Chris Cunningham, Chief Executive of The Protector Group. "Advances in technology in recent years mean that we can now offer equipment in packages that are affordable for most SMEs in the North East."
The system, which is now being rolled out at Mill Volvo in Harrogate, will save the motor retailer around £500,000 over five years. The cameras automatically detect movement and track anyone entering the site, alerting personnel at the Group’s monitoring centre who can decide whether police intervention is required.
"Our vehicles represent our single largest asset, so it’s vital that we provide effective and tangible security at all our sites," said Bill Ward, Managing Director of Mill Volvo, who led a management buy-out of the business in 2008. "We selected Protector Group for its strong reputation in the industry and the state of the art technology on offer, which has been tailored to the layout of each dealership."
As well as listening to what is being said, the monitoring team can also use built-in speakers to communicate with the individuals spotted by the camera, a facility that can also be used as a promotional tool if the person is a potential customer looking at the vehicles on display.
The Protector Group offers a full range of integrated security solutions from CCTV installation and monitoring to fire detection, manned guarding and event stewarding. The company was founded in 1994 by John Harvey and is chaired by Lord Stevens, the former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
Notes
The Protector Group was formed September 1994 by John Harvey, following a military career. Initially, the company focussed on Manned Guarding and Key Holding. In 1998, the company achieved accreditation to ISO9002:1994, BS7499 and BS7858 and in the following year became a member of the International Professional Security Association.
In 1999, the company formed a Special Events Division, supplying Safety Stewards and Corporate Hospitality for events. In 2000, CCTV installation and monitoring were introduced from a 24-hour Control Room in a purpose-built Operations Centre at Team Valley. In 2003 the Company achieved certification to ISO9001:2000 and has now implemented this system in compliance with ISO14001:1996, OHSAS18001:1999 and the NACOSS Scheme for Installers. A member of the British Security Industry Association, NSI Gold Award Members and the SSAIB, The Protector Group is an approved contractor under the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme.
