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February 11, 2016

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The Royal Albert Hall Security Installation: How We Won the Tender and the Challenges Ahead

Gerard CooperGerard Cooper talks to IFSEC Global about Allcooper’s successful tender to install security systems in the Royal Albert Hall and the challenges faced.

Cooper, the firm’s MD and founder, has 30 years of experience in the UK security industry and through his eponymous company he has built a strong reputation for bespoke risk management.

With a background in electronic engineering cooper has spent more than 28 years consolidating his specialist knowledge through training, professional experience and postgraduate study. His expertise covers the security industry, systems technology, industry trends and understanding attack methods.

Gerard is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 2015.

IFSEC Global: Hi, Gerard. Tell us a bit about your business and the kind of markets you target…

GC: Allcooper is a family-run fire and security installer operating in the domestic and commercial markets. It was founded in 1987 by father and sons, Gary, myself and Roman Cooper, and has grown into a full-service provider that undertakes a broad spectrum of work, from basic intruder alarm fitting and maintenance to intricate systems integration and management.

With almost 30 years’ experience the company now employs over 100 staff across offices in London, Gloucester, Birmingham and Bristol.

Our key target markets are residential, business, private clients and high-profile organisations. In addition to the provision and maintenance of fire and security systems, Allcooper provides fire and security consultancy services to both private and business clients.

IG: How and why were you chosen to install and maintain the systems at the Royal Albert Hall?

GC: The opportunity to tender arose thanks to a referral from a high-profile corporate client. The Royal Albert Hall (RAH) Facilities Team were looking for a long-term strategic partner to support, understand and advise them and to proactively assure the safety of the building and the people in it.

We were selected thanks to our innovative approach, client-focused service and ability to understand and rise to the requirements of the RAH team. In addition, our consulting expertise allowed us to bring our vision for the provision of effective long-term solutions.

In practical terms, another key factor is the transparency and continual support that our AC360 business management system provides.

Ensuring compliance and continuity is key to the successful delivery of this contract. Allcooper’s AC360 bespoke asset management and reporting technology gives the RAH team absolute knowledge at all times regarding the status of the security and safety within the building.

IG: What kind of challenges did this kind of building pose and how did you overcome them?

GC: The Royal Albert Hall is an historic building of national importance and a much loved entertainment venue. With 1.7 million visitors annually, plus the occasional attendance of visiting dignitaries and members of the Royal Family, the task of keeping the building and its visitors safe at all times is a considerable one.

This is especially challenging due to the fact that, apart from two weeks per year when the building is closed for maintenance, the building needs to be operational 24/7 for the rest of the year.

The busy event schedule and the fact that the building is open to the general public on most days, means that access for essential maintenance or installation work is constrained. We therefore have to plan our work around the complex operational requirements of the Hall.

Allcooper’s aim is to innovate where possible to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world, all the time respecting the unique and historic environment in which it is working.

To address these challenges we ensure that all Allcooper personnel on the project truly understand the national significance of the RAH, its layout and needs. And having a practical insight into how the public use the building is a requirement for every Allcooper team member.

We have created a trusting, empathetic and flexible working relationship with the RAH team, adapting our working practice to meet the specific demands of the environment. For example, by offering our personnel to work in the space at unusual times and ensuring that teams are on site and properly briefed at the right times so they can deliver within short windows of opportunity.

This high level of personalised support, coupled with the unprecedented transparency our reporting systems provide, means the RAH team can be pro-active and effective in keeping the building secure and safe at all times.

The contract will see Allcooper embed complex systems over the next three years to ensure the building has heightened protection. The focus for us in the first instance is to maintain the existing systems, but to also work alongside the RAH team to update existing technology and build on the current functionality and resilience so the building is always ready for whatever challenges the future brings.

IG: What are your biggest challenges as a business generally?

GC: The security industry as a whole is highly competitive and the evolution of technology is snowballing. Our continual adaption to technology is key, from embracing new products to continually upskilling our teams.

Client expectations are getting higher too and to address this we have invested significantly in our IT systems and internal processes. Our customers are already experiencing the benefits of this investment, which has helped move us forward in all areas, including reporting, scheduling, stock control and finance.

Like all successful businesses, employing good people is key to achieving our goals. Finding and retaining good people is a high priority for Allcooper and we are aided in this by our reputation for innovation and determination to remain at the fore of the security industry.

 

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