The multi-national security contractor Securitas has opened a new 3,000 square foot headquarters in Belfast. Securitas Security Services (UK) says it’s a significant commitment to the region. The Belfast premises will oversee Securitas’s 350-plus staff operating across Northern Ireland.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster attended the launch and officially opened the office. He said: “This opening is a significant milestone for Securitas and it will enable them to strengthen their competitive position. The company has a strong and established presence in Northern Ireland and their continued commitment reinforces the message that Belfast is a good place to do business.”
The Swedish-based security firm has operated out of the city since 2002 and claims it’s the only company in Northern Ireland which can deliver province-wide key holding alarm response and patrols from its three bases, in Belfast, Limavady and Fivemiletown. The contractor already offers a range of security to more than 100 businesses. These include Stena Line, Thales, Siemens, Sainsbury’s and Northern Ireland Science Park, provided with services including front of house, retail and commercial security, controlled response and loss prevention support.
A recent contract win has placed the company’s wardens across Antrim Borough, in a community safety project tackling anti-social behavior in priority areas and reducing residents’ fear of crime. It will see private security staff engaging with local youths in evening patrols, to encourage them into more positive activities and feed intelligence to relevant statutory agencies. Securitas adds that it has a policy of staffing 30pc over all contracted personnel to ensure it can meet customer demand, which will lead to further employment opportunities.
City dignitaries including Chamber of Commerce CEO Ann McGregor MBE also attended the opening. In an address to guests, McGregor said: “As chief executive of Northern Ireland Chambers I’m delighted to see an organisation like Securitas, which is a globally-recognised brand, demonstrating its commitment to Northern Ireland. We’re dedicated to working alongside the Government to drive the economy. We launched a campaign last year called ‘Growing Something Brilliant’ to set a mood of confidence and optimism in the business community as a catalyst for change. Our core message is that the economy is on the turn, but it won’t gather momentum unless we each play a part. With more than 350 staff already employed here, and with these wonderful new premises, Securitas is already an example of a company growing something brilliant.”
Securitas Country President Brian Riis Nielsen said: “It’s a fantastic recognition of the commitment and expertise of our Northern Ireland workforce that we are celebrating the launch of our Belfast headquarters. While Securitas is a global knowledge leader within this industry, it is our local experience that defines success and drives our business forward. We look forward to building on our firm foundations in this region, and hope our long term growth plans will also help boost employment in the area.”
Pictured left to right are: Danny Williams, Arlene Foster, Brian Riis Nielson, David Lee, Shaun Kennedy and Ann McGregor.
