Brian Sims, Media Solutions Manager, UBM Live Security & Fire Portfolio
23/04/2013

According to the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work: Employers are required to evaluate risks to safety and health and take action to improve the level of protection given to workers. This process is called a risk assessment, and involves identifying hazards and assessing the associated risk.

Such assessments or security risk analyses are essential for every organisation. Only by conducting these exercises can those who hold the purse strings be absolutely sure that the controls in place and the expenditure aligned with them are fully commensurate with the risks to which any given organisation is exposed.

Drilling down to the micro level, it’s also true to say that risk assessments around employees are equally vital. No more so than when it comes to members of staff who work alone. The Corporate Manslaughter Act and companies’ Duty of Care to staff as part of today’s CSR policies absolutely set that assertion in stone.>

It’s critical to ask certain fundamental questions. For example, can the work defined be carried out safely by a lone individual? What arrangements need to be put in place to make certain a lone worker isn’t exposed to a greater risk than those who operate in tandem?

In essence, the risk assessment for any lone worker has to pinpoint all potential hazards, identify those who may be affected by the perceived risks, and outline the right control procedures.

Looking specifically at hazards (or threats), does the workplace present a special risk to the lone worker, perhaps because of the environment, its location, or any degree of unfamiliarity with their surroundings?

From a Health and Safety perspective, is the working environment appropriate in terms of, say, lighting and heating? Are welfare facilities (toilets, drinking water, etc.) on site both adequate and accessible? And what about immediate access to first aid facilities should they be needed?

From a pure security point of view, does the lone worker have access to suitable communication devices for summoning assistance? Needless to say this area is always important, and particularly so if there’s any perceived or real risk of violence associated with the work activity or location.

Is there an emergency plan in place, and is it appropriate? Has the employee received specific training in how to respond to emergency situations that may arise in the course of their duties when working alone? Variables such as fire safety or the need for electrical shutdowns ought to be considered.

For their part, control measures are focused on reducing risk and the consideration of alternative work methods/patterns, additional training (around, say, emergency procedures and personal safety) and adequate supervision.

Enhanced on-site security (courtesy of CCTV and personal alarm systems) will likely be part of the mix, so too increased lighting at entrances and exits as well as for external zones like car parks.

As a “must,” all lone workers have to be privy to the necessary information that assists them in dealing with everyday scenarios but they should also understand when, where, and how to seek guidance or assistance from others should they be confronted by threatening or otherwise abnormal situations.

Generally speaking, the level and extent of training required for lone working employees depends largely on the nature of the work to be conducted in addition to the knowledge and experience of the individuals in question. It stands to reason that younger, less “worldly-wise” individuals and those new to the company have to be inducted by way of additional training.

Supervision must also be paramount. The level and degree of this mentoring is determined by the nature of the risks involved in tandem with the aforementioned abilities and experience of each lone worker.

Manual (panic alarms) or automatic (motion sensors) warning devices may come into the mix, along with periodic telephone contact/site visits from managers at set intervals. Regular contact (by way of dedicated radios or telephones) or perhaps “end of shift” or “end of task” contact could be initiated.

At the end of the risk assessment, every lone worker must be made fully aware of the outcome and of all necessary control measures to be orchestrated.

We agree that security officers are asked to carry out a very touch role whilst the rest of the country sleeps.

Security officers are tasked to carry out patrols to make sure materials and property are safe.

To act as a visual deterrent. To provide assurance to clients that when they attend work in the morning that all their valuable assets will still be there.

How do we know the security officer is not asleep?

How do we know the security officer is safe?

What does the security officer do all night?

These are a few questions that are raised by clients and management when addressing security.

But who looks after the security officer?

This is where Active Guard comes in. This is a patrol system designed to help the security officer.

Key features:

• Real Time Patrols : Showing the security officers is conducting patrols on time
• Lone Worker Protection : The PANIC button allows immediate communication with our office in case of an emergency
• 2 Way conversation : Each ActiveGuard device is programmed to answer calls ONLY from authorised numbers allowing us to communicate with our guards.

This tell us that our security officer is safe and carrying out patrols at the correct times. It shows that the client is getting value for their money. Above all it shows that as a company Clear Watch Security takes pride in their staff and clients respectively.

The Importance of Security Guarding

Security guards are often employed in order to protect possessions and belongings.

From business premises and construction sites to supermarkets and shopping centres, the presence of security guards can ward off any unwanted threats.

While many businesses and individuals already rely on CCTV systems and alarms as effective security tools, it is fair to say that these expensive devices only act as a visual deterrent to guard against any potential criminal activity.

According to recent statistics, having a guard present on your private business premises or patrolling an appointed area does help to deter crime. Every business, regardless of its enterprise can easily fall victim to vandalism and theft, and while a CCTV system will record criminals and an alarm will alert the general public that illegal activities are occurring, these do not offer a guarantee that the criminal will be caught.

Employing security personnel takes the level of installed security up to a significant level. In a time when prevention is always better than cure, a security patrol can deter the criminals while offering peace of mind to the business owner and their staff.

Not only is a manned security guarding there to patrol and protect property, but they also offer a sense of reassurance and stability to staff members which in turn, will boost morale. It is in the interest of any business owner to secure their assets and premises to accord, but it is also vital that staff feel safe in their working environment. Staff morale needs to be at a constant high and any individual in the workplace needs to be reassured that when confronted with any threatening behaviour, they have the help and back up of well-placed security personnel.

Security should be the number one concern of any business no matter what environment that business may be in. Both for the purpose of protecting assets and staff, manned security beats CCTV systems hands down. As an additional reassurance and from a health and safety point of view having security staff present at any event or venue is a must and a priority.

From basic protection of property to offering additional support to existing staff, having the assurance of added individuals who are employed strictly as security has an invaluable number of advantages. As a visual deterrent to criminals and as reinforcement to an existing staff structure, manned security guards offer a protection that is second to none.

Every business should openly engage in resolving their security issues whether it is needed round the clock or solely during business hours. Unfortunately many do consider utilising the services of a security guard contracting services as an expensive affair however, when it comes to protecting assets and property from vandalism, arson, and burglary it is a little price to pay.

As a preventative measure having the presence of manned security personnel beats any other.

Together with manned guarding, key holding, a mobile patrol, and an alarm response unit based in the Manchester and Northwest areas of the UK, Clear Watch Security can offer a tailor made security package that is both convenient, professional and cost effective.

If you already have an alarm system and a good quality CCTV setup then that’s great, but this alone cannot give the kind of protection and reassurances that a manned security contractor can.

Story preface: Security guard Art graciously agreed to pose for these pictures so I could recreate this story for you.

When I went into the office building lobby, I saw him immediately: watching me from a booth in the back corner, arms crossed…I knew there was going to be a problem.

Security guards at big office buildings always get suspicious when they see me come in with my big camera hanging around my neck, especially with the whole Occupy Wall Street thing going on.

But hey, this is my job. So I went up to the window, big smile on my face, and started explaining how I was a movie location scout looking for a shooting location and would the owners perhaps be interested…

That’s when I realized he didn’t seeming to be listening to me. In fact, he seemed to be looking over my shoulder, watching something intently. I turned to look, and…nothing was there.

Now I started to get annoyed. Was this guy blowing me off? I began telling him that I was really sorry to bother him, but I just wanted to speak to management. And then I realized…

This guy wasn’t moving…

…at all:

Holy. Shit.

This is one of the greatest things I’ve ever run into while scouting. I was completely, 100% fooled! And the attention to detail is insane – the shirt was somewhat dirty and wrinkled…

…the veins and freckles looked totally convincing…

He even had a gun in a holster worn with age:

This totally made my day. Can more office buildings please start incorporating things like this over the typical soulless lobby sculptures you tend to see? I’d tell you where this was, but I’d hate to ruin a chance encounter you might one day have with Art.

Haha, “Art.” Is there a more suitable name?

-SCOUT

PS - Thanks again for posing, Art.

If you liked the post you just read, would you consider making a donation to help me make my first movie? The goal is $15,000, and already 677 generous readers have donated $14,276.05. Just $5 or $10 can make a difference – AND you get a snazzy Scouting NY sticker or button! Click here to donate today!

This story was provided by http://www.scoutingny.com

A boom time for the business of guards in the UAE

The UAE’s private security sector has grown considerably over the past decade.

Mahmood Mohammed Amin is the chief executive of World Security, a business unit of Dubai World whose clients include Dubai Customs and Emaar Properties.

Mr Amin talks about how this market has shifted with the country’s growth, increased piracy at sea and the challenges ahead.

The private security sector is growing more than what was expected. It’s not only a man guarding a place; it’s about the whole security system, which can be controlled through, say, the internet.

What changes have been made among private security guards to combat sea piracy in the region?

Piracy is far away from our side, but we have procedures for the ships coming to our ports. They have to be registered with the International Maritime Organization, follow International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, declare what they are carrying, and how many armed or unarmed guards they have on board. There has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of armed guards on board merchant ships over the last five years.

How would you compare the nature of private security companies that are locally versus foreign-owned?

Dubai security market has attracted many companies, ranging from small, watchman providers to large multinational companies. The difference is local companies may have the advantage of better understanding the culture and the security requirement of local businesses and consumers.

How do you recruit and train people for the job?

Recruitment depends on the area of security requirement. For instance, we will recruit men with experience in hotel security for the job. A director from the specific department will go to the country [of prospective candidates], take writing tests, get home-city security clearance [and] our national security clearance. [Then] they will be fingerprinted, trained and get licensed from Dubai Police, trained on site itself and provided to the client.

How much does the culture of a region affect the training of the staff?

Language is the most important requirement. Private security personnel must know English and have a minimum two years experience in the area of security. They also have to have a little bit of Arabic background or we try to teach them about the culture in the UAE, the religion, other religions, what is allowed and not allowed.

How has the Arab Spring affected business?

Honestly, there was no effect, because we are 100 per cent locally owned and our operation is inside the UAE.

What are the challenges in this sector?

The challenge is creating awareness about the role of security among executives and society, awareness about price sensitivity in comparison to the quality provided, and increasing demand on security and the ability to meet the market requirement. There are residential security systems available, but only 2 per cent of the Dubai residents use them.

* Sananda Sahoo

We all think of this scenario almost every day, yet it does not happen very often at all. Something always crops up and our relaxing evening is put on the back burner again.

If you are a business owner then your are most likely to be the keyholder, so the above scenario is almost out of the question.

Most nights if you are not worrying about how you are going to get your next sale or pay certain bills, then you may be busy attending alarm call-outs.

Small business owners for whatever reasons take all the business tasks upon themselves including Security.

Security is a very specific field and requires careful consideration. Did you know that as a key holder to your own business the risks of attending an alarm call-out can carry various risks such as an intruder still inside the premises?

The police have set rules for alarm call-outs, if you have more than 3 false alarm activations then the police are within their rights not to prioritise your call the next time.

If you have chosen another member of staff to attend alarm call-outs, then as an employer your care of duty involves not putting that individual in harm’s way,  you have to make every effort to make sure your staff are fully trained in extreme eventualities.

As a key holder of your business you need to bear in mind the following:

• You need to response ASAP, so you need to be within the vicinity of your business
• You need to drive following an alarm activation, so a social drink is out of the picture
• When you arrive at your premises, prepare for the worst

There are many security firms willing to carry out these tasks for you. If you are going to contract your key holding out to a company then make sure they have all the correct insurances in place.

1. Stick to your budget:

Not only do you need to stick to your budget, but you need to track your budget against what you actually spend each quarter. It is so important to prevent cost overruns before they occur. In fact, you should ask yourself Why three times, before making a purchase that is not in your budget. Keeping the numbers in your head is easy when you have one project, but not when you have many. Invoicing and accounts payable can easily become overwhelming. If you’re seeing success then add a stretch goal to your budget. A good stretch goal to consider is five percent of your figures.

2. Track Your Business Development Time

If you’re like most movers and shakers in small business, then you’ve spent a great deal of time this fiscal year building relationships, following up on leads, and hopefully closing contracts and sales. Remember to add up the time you’re spending on business development and use that number as a projection in your budget. Keep a daily timesheet to help you record how you’re spending your time on this critical marketing activity. Over the next three quarters, think about how much work you can actually complete in addition to your business development activities.

3. Track in Black, Red…. And Gray

Not only must you review your budget for revenue and expenses, but also, you must track the actual numbers.  If you’re using a basic spreadsheet, include an actuals column next to your budget column so that you can record what you’re really spending versus what you budgeted as the year progresses. Be sure not to overlook the obvious growing pains associated with any business such as rework, rush fees from your vendors, process hiccups, emergency breakdowns of equipment, etc. In the area of marketing, remember that you have to spend to create opportunities to sell.  This means that there should be monthly spending activity for marketing.

Your labor will often be a direct cost expense. Track your expenses closely and to think about what it takes to create and deliver specific products and services to your clients. You will also need to track your indirect costs, which support the entire business as a whole including admin, marketing and your professional services like accounting and legal support.  Likewise, be sure you understand the difference between fixed and variable costs so that as you grow, you know how to budget expenses that will increase and decrease with scale.

3. Do Your Homework

If you’re new to budgeting, or are jumping back into business, the first place to start is within your own network.  Begin creating trusting relationships with other professionals in your industry.  This will allow you to talk with them about how they budget without revealing what you might consider trade secrets. You need the right answers, and ones that are based on data to manage your business.  You need to know the following:

• How much your products or services cost in the competitive marketplace?
• How much companies like yours pay in expenses on average to operate weekly, monthly and annually?
• What is the standard timeline for delivering similar products and services?
• How much each supply chain component costs in similar companies in time and money?
• What is the standard profit margin?

4. Unless You’re A Magician, Leave the Rabbit Tricks Alone

Moving into the second quarter of your fiscal year can be a bit scary if you didn’t start off with a budget. The opportunity is now for getting your arms around your company’s financial performance. You’ll need to plan for revenues and expenses to better understand what opportunities to pursue this year. You’ll want to know how to price them, and most importantly you’ll get clear about how many opportunities you must win to turn a profit.  When setting objectives, there is no magic wand to earn greater profits. Through consistent efforts you’ll do three things; increase revenue, fulfill your company’s mission and  move closer to turning a profit.

Do you have any tips for establishing a budget once the business year has started? Please share you thoughts.

About the author:

Akia T. Garnett, MBA is a speaker, columnist for Minority Business Entrepreneur Magazine and CEO of Brandbuilder. She is an adjunct professor of business, marketing and consumer behavior at Trinity University of Washington, DC, and Co-Author of Seen and Sustained: Best Practices in Communication that Increase the Visibility of Small and Diverse Businesses. Akia helps small business owners create, cast and complete vision and mission mapping exercises for their professional and personal brands.  Learn more at http://www.BestPracticesforSmallBusinesses.com

Visit here to see our services http://www.clearwatchsecurity.co.uk/

by Melinda Emerson

Ever since color television was invented in 1953, color has been critical to telling a visual story.  Whether you are a start-up or established business, spending the extra money on color images or color ink may seem out of the question when you are launching a marketing campaign.

But using color could mean the difference between whether your marketing materials get read, or tossed into file zero—the trash. Putting it simply, color gets noticed. Printing in color can improve retention, productivity and generate significant financial returns.  A recent Xerox Color Surveyreported that 76% of respondents said they could find information faster when printed in color. So as you think about developing collateral materials for your small business — think color.

Here are 5 ways color can improve your small business:

Create a color logo: There are five common principles of logo design. A logo must be simple and memorable which means it is easy to recognize. A logo must also be versatile & appropriate. This means it can be scaled to any size and it must be right for your type of business. You wouldn’t use an elegant font for a pizza joint. Good logos feature something unexpected or unique without being over the top. An effective logo should be timeless and stand the test of time. Always use at least two colors in a logo and hire a professional to assist you.  Your company name in a stylized font is NOT a logo.

Colorful business cards:  You want your business card to be memorable. Use at least two colors in your business cards. Even consider using a strong background color to stand out. My business cards for my company Quintessence Multimedia are red, and people always comment on their uniqueness. Invest in a quality paper stock as well. You want your attention to detail to be noticed. Do not order business cards that are free off of the internet. It’s printed on the back that they were free and that could hurt your credibility with the person you give them to.

Smiling Color Headshot: Anyone in business should have a professional headshot. This is a must have for all your social media profiles and could be used on your website and in your marketing materials. You need a friendly, smiling headshot because – remember you are selling yourself as much as your product or service.  Investment should be around $300 – $500 to get one taken.

Color flyers:  You should have a color one-sheet or two–sided flyer to promote your productsand services.  Consider glossy flyers, they always look more expensive and polished. Great flyers include a headline, which describes what you specialize in, your company logo, great color photos of you, your employees in action or your products.  Also be sure to include at least a partial list of your offerings.

Color Direct Mailer:  Have you ever received a black and white mailer from someone looking for business from you?  What did you think about the business who sent it? Not much, right? Don’t make that mistake. Design a direct mail piece that represents you well. It should feature color pictures of your products or services being used or performed in action.  Make sure it includes your color logo, complete contact information and a special offer as your call to action.  For example, include a promotion of “10% off if you mention this flyer when placing an order.”

Want to take your materials to the next level? Engage a professional when designing your materials; it can make all the difference. Eight-seven percent of respondents in a recent Xerox survey said professional graphics used in marketing materials such a brochures was a key ingredient in the success of a product or service.

Your investment in quality marketing materials will speak for you when you are not around to sell yourself.  Keep in mind, you don’t have to do this yourself there are resources available like, Openforum.com  or your printer’s free templates for download. Xerox.com also offers great free resources.

• • For flyers: http://www.office.xerox.com/small-business-templates/flyers/enus.html
  • For business cards templates: http://www.office.xerox.com/small-business-templates/corporate-identity/acrobat/enus.html
  • For direct mailer templates: http://www.office.xerox.com/small-business-templates/direct-mail-design/enus.html

  Color is not that expensive anymore, so go for it.  You want every advantage when you are trying to close a customer.

  If you are thinking about a new copier/printer/scanner/email and fax machine, how about the Xerox ColorQube 8700 

  Disclosure:  Melinda Emerson produced this content as a paid contributor to Xerox. The content is the author’s opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Xerox.

  Do you have more great ways that you use color in your small business?

  Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady is one of America’s leading small business experts. As a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach, she develops audio, video and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. As CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. Forbes Magazine named her #1 woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter. She hosts #SmallBizChatWednesdays on Twitter 8-9pm ET for emerging entrepreneurs. She also publishes a resource blog http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com Melinda is also bestseller author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works.

Say it with me, “Content, Content and More Content.” We’ve all heard the stories about bloggers who create blogs that generate thousands upon thousands of dollars each month in revenue.  They’re living on an island somewhere sipping something delicious and blogging their way to an early retirement.  Okay, if we were in the same room, I would scream this; but since we’re not, pretend like I am—wake up! 

It’s highly possible your blog won’t be a cash cow that puts you on easy street, but please don’t despair.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  You can create a blog that grows your brand and helps create a steady stream of income for your business just probably not the way you think.  Would you believe me if I told you there is a way to grow and build a profitable brand through your writing?  What’s the solution?  It’s your content.

Look at what you’re writing.  I mean really, really look at what you’re writing.  Do you trudge to your computer and bang out a few key-word filled posts in hopes of boosting your search engine rankings, or do you research useful content and put together a compelling, engaging post?

Ask yourself this—do my readers return for more, and do they comment and share my content?

That’s really the essence of a successful blog that will grow your brand and develop relationships that will grow your business over time.

As you generate thoughtful, information-rich content, people will return and return again.  And you, my friend, will become somewhat of an expert in your industry.  Now who doesn’t like contacting the expert when they need assistance?

Need a few starting points to set your powerful sales tool in motion?  Try these three quick tips on for size.

Plan in Advance Whatever you do, don’t simply sit down at your computer and hope for inspiration.  Think big picture about your blog and how it fits into your bigger business plan.  Then, sit down with a blank calendar for the month and write down your post ideas.

Research Don’t write anything without reading at least three sources on your topic.  I know what you’re saying—it’s just a blog post for goodness sake.  It’s so much more than that.  It’s a virtual business card and resume all rolled into one.  As people who need a particular service or product go on the web and happen upon your blog, it shows them what you can do and your level of expertise all in short, 400 word posts.  So, be well-researched and prepared, and let your readers and potential customers see that you do more than post fluff.  Over time, fluff doesn’t sell.

Connect Connect your posts to your bigger business goals.  Your blog shouldn’t be an island unto itself.  Connect with other bloggers in complimentary industries.  Connect to readers and guest bloggers via social media. Whatever you do, make sure you connect.  It’s the lifeblood of a thriving blog and a viable business.

Finally, have fun with it.  Your enthusiasm for your own writing shines through each post.  If it sounds like you’re watching paint dry as you write, then your readers are likely to feel the same way as they read.  Jazz up your posts with a little dose of personality, and you’ll be a happier blogger and your business will reap the benefits. 

Shannon Harmon is a writer and business owner committed to helping entrepreneurs craft insightful, intelligent writing strategies designed to grow their businesses. For more information:http://www.jonesharmonwriting.com