News and information group Reuters has agreed a five-year deal for manned guarding services at its six London sites, including its new headquarters in Canary Wharf.
Reuters began to move most of its London staff from Fleet Street into a new building at 30 The South Colonnade, Canary Wharf in June. The building contains about 281,000 square ft of space, and the move is expected to be completed within three months. That move was a significant factor in agreeing such a long-term contract with First Security. Mick Egdell, the Security Manager responsible for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) says: โWe started working with First Security in 1988/89, and have enjoyed a good working relationship with them. A move of this magnitude is a huge logistical exercise and we felt that consistency of service was an important factor in ensuring the security of our new head office. In recognition of their proven customer service and their established track record, we decided a longer-term contract was appropriate.โ The contract calls for round-the-clock security at all of Reuters sites, involving more than 70 male and female security staff including 24-hour on-site management, to co-ordinate and monitor the contract in such a manner that Reuters are relinquished of the day-to-day activities. London-based Firstโs landmark buildings include 30 St Mary Axe; and, within Canary Wharf, Barclays Capital – the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, HSBC and Clifford Chance. Managing Director of First Security Jonathan Levine adds: โThe award of the contract to First Security is a triumph for all those involved. We already had a long-established relationship with the business, but always need to demonstrate continued improvements and investment in the quality of our service and personnel. These investments have been recognised and rewarded with this new contract which plays to our major strengths.
