Simon Alderson is chair the BSIA’s new Vacant Property Security Group.
He is the Commercial Director for the vacant property contract company VPS, one of the BSIA’s member companies.
Simon Alderson says: “The creation of this group highlights the specialist security requirements for vacant property management. 2012 saw worrying trends for empty properties, with a ten-fold increase in retail shop closures, over 60,000 metal theft crimes against business premises, and record storms. Protecting and preparing premises appropriately can make the vital difference for the owners between re-letting or selling vacant properties, or seeing them remaining empty and falling into disrepair.” he explains, and concludes: “I am also very keen to assist the BSIA’s goal to benchmark professional security services and products at the highest level – its badge and its members are rightly seen as the quality mark for security, developing the British standard for this sector.”
The Vacant Property Security Group has initially been working to create a Code of Practice for vacant property protection. The code of practice is for businesses that provide security measures and services introduced when a property is at an increased risk of criminal attack because of a change of circumstances in its occupancy. A typical vacant property, also known as void or empty, is a building that has been occupied but is temporarily not in use ebfore a new owner or tenant moves in. Buildings temporarily unoccupied are more vulnerable to arson, burglary and vandalism. The code will cover the business arrangements and the need to have a clear agreement on responsibilities.
Mr Alderson, 37, joined VPS in 2003 as a Business Development Manager. He has held a number of roles and Directorships, including General Manager, SmartPatrol Property Protection Ltd (VPS Group), and Innovations and Services Director. Before VPS, he worked for Plastic Omnium Urban Systems and Soten UK.
BSIA’s Chief Executive, James Kelly, adds: “The BSIA is committed to promoting best practice, supporting excellence and educating the marketplace in all matters concerning security products and services. It makes sense to create a Vacant Property Security Group as this sector continues to expand, develop and become an important specialist branch of security.”
VPS report that they are securing more than 90,000 properties and employing over 2000 staff in 100 locations across the UK (based in Borehamwood), the US, and mainland Europe. This month their parent company, the VPS Group, announced their acquisition of the Dutch offices-to-homes firm FMT. Visit www.vpspecialists.co.uk
