The security contract for the Tate Liverpool art gallery has gone to OCS Resolution Security – a division of the OCS property support services group.
Richard Fenton-Jones, managing director of OCS Resolution Security, said: "This is an extremely important contract which gives us the opportunity to deliver for 24/7 security for an institution with a worldwide reputation for showing the finest examples of modern art from the Tate collection spanning five hundred years. We are delighted to take on this role and have put in place a number of changes including specialist training to enable our team of professionals to deal with any eventuality competently and confidently.” The contract at the landmark Albert Dock gallery includes foot patrols, front-of-house, CCTV and door supervision for events, from corporate presentations to education programmes.
About Tate
Tate Liverpool is housed in a Grade One listed warehouse originally constructed in 1848 when the city lay at the heart of international shipping and global trade routes. After falling into disrepair with the decline of the docks in the 1960s, the building was selected as a home for ‘Tate in the North’ from a number of cities. Work began on converting the building in 1985 and the new Tate Gallery was opened in 1988 with further development in 1998.
OCS Resolution Security will be responsible for security of the works of art and up to half a million visitors expected as Tate Liverpool continues to attract art lovers from around the globe. Guard companies were originally invited to carry out initial site visits. OCS Resolution Security reports that it was short-listed and made a full presentation. In addition to a permanent on-site team, OCS is also providing dedicated relief officers to ensure continuity of support for Tate Liverpool at all times.
Established in 1972, OCS Resolution Security now has around 3,500 security guards operating via 18 nationwide support centres. As part of SIA licensing, it gained ‘Approved Contractor Status’ in Marc 2006. OCS adds that it also offers a range of services such as security systems including CCTV and Access Control, bug sweeps, VIP protection, close combat training and assistance in corporate investigations.
What chief executive says
OCS chief executive, Chris Cracknell, said: "This contract confirms that OCS Resolution Security continues to win the highest regard from very high profile clients with widely differing needs. In this case, a significant part of the nation’s art heritage will be entrusted to their care at any one time. Part of our success also came with a demonstration that we are committed to the professional development of our people. This is part of our group-wide philosophy and recognises that we depend on our staff for our continuing reputation."
