The contract award follows an intensive tender process involving several major UK security providers, and is the latest in a series of measures designed to improve facilities, services and the general ‘airport experience’ for passengers at the site.
ICTS already enjoys a presence at Bristol International Airport (BIA), providing security services for Continental Airlines and TUI (which operates under the First Choice and Thomson brands). The group also operates at airports throughout Europe, including Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle, employing over 10,000 people in the process.
At BIA, over 150 staff are employed to deliver security services, implementing Department for Transport regulations governing the searching of passengers and baggage.
During the peak periods, BIA operates seven security search channels, with a further five proposed as part of the airport’s future development. Additional job opportunities with ICTS will be created in line with the anticipated growth in passenger volumes.
Strict regulatory regime
Paul Davies, operations director at Bristol International Airport, commented: “We’re delighted that ICTS will be playing an increased role at BIA, and delivering a first-class service to passengers.”
As far as Davies is concerned, it’s “vital” that airport security complies with an understandably strict regulatory regime. “However, that doesn’t mean customer service should be compromised. Every outbound passenger must pass through security, so the people delivering this service play an important role in shaping the overall airport experience.”
Davies concluded: “We must ensure at all times that we provide a service that is both professional and friendly.”
Shaike Rozanski, the UK managing director of ICTS, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the contract to provide security services at Bristol International Airport. We’ve been providing services to airline clients at the airport for the past three years, and welcome the opportunity to develop our relationship with the airport team still further.”
Rozanski added: “We believe we can address the ever-changing challenges in aviation security while ensuring a high level of service for passengers.”
Extensions on security search
In August 2007, a GB pound 3.2 million investment was made to extend the BIA terminal’s security search area in order to ensure more rigorous security requirements did not result in increased security queues.
One year later, a fast-track security option – designated ‘Fly Thru’ – was introduced, allowing passengers to pay GB pound 5 to by-pass the queue for security (but not the search itself). Previously, this benefit was only made available to those travelling by business class.
This new security contract will commence in January 2010. All existing security staff will have the option of transferring to ICTS under the standard TUPE regulations.
Working in the education sector
ICTS (UK) has also been awarded the prestigious security contract for Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, which now becomes another important part of the company’s growing portfolio in the education sector.
The three-year contract is the result of a stringent and comprehensive tender process conducted by the College’s management.
Security services provided by ICTS include uniformed officers, reception and car park staff, CCTV operators and key holding.
Speaking about the contract, Yosi Sassoon – the head of integrated services at ICTS – explained: “This is a marvellous opportunity for us to strengthen our position within the education sector.”
Training and career development
Mark Sellis, the college’s deputy principal responsible for finance, facilities and estates, commented: “The standard and quality of the companies we selected was exceptionally high and, in our opinion, ICTS ticked all the boxes.”
Sellis continued: “Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College is one of the largest colleges in London and an organisation that is passionate about learning. On that basis, we were particularly impressed with ICTS’ approach to continued training and career development for its security staff.”
ICTS (UK) has also won the East Berkshire College contract to supply security guarding services at its two campuses.
This thriving Further Education College, which employs over 800 staff, provides high quality training and education to more than 7,500 students. With two campuses in Langley and Windsor, the establishment serves the diverse communities of East Berkshire and West London.
ICTS’ duties include access control to the buildings, patrols, clamping of vehicles, First Aid, CCTV monitoring, locking and unlocking of the buildings, dealing with emergencies, fire/intruder alarms and detering criminal damage.
Long and productive security partnership
Paulo Velez, ICTS’ contract manager, told SMT Online: “We’re delighted to be entrusted with the contract, and look forward to a long and productive relationship working with East Berkshire College’s management team.”
Brian Harris, the estates manager at East Berkshire College, responded by saying: “Our college is very pleased to welcome ICTS as its preferred provider of security services. We have introduced a new style of uniform for the security team, and especially appreciate the way in which the officers already in place have been ‘TUPE’d’ over in a seamless manner.”
Harris concluded: “Training and other procedures look to be of great benefit to the security staff and the College. We look forward to a long and productive professional working relationship with ICTS.”