The opening of a new 3,000 square foot headquarters in Belfast by Securitas Security Services (UK) Ltd is being celebrated for heralding a positive impact on the local economy.
In a significant commitment to the region by the global industry leader, the Belfast premises will oversee Securitas’s 350-plus staff operating across Northern Ireland.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Foster, who attended the launch and officially opened the office commented: “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.”
Securitas has operated out of the city since 2002 and is 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 new Belfast office cements the company’s presence in Northern Ireland, where it already offers a diverse range of security solutions to more than 100 businesses.
These include Stena Line, Thales, Siemens, Sainsbury’s and Northern Ireland Science Park, with Securitas personnel providing services including front of house, retail and commercial security, controlled response and loss prevention support.
A recent contract win has placed Securitas 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 Securitas staff engaging with local youths in evening patrols, to encourage them into more positive activities and feed intelligence through to relevant statutory agencies.
With rapid deployment of security personnel a core part of Securitas’s business, the opening of the headquarters is expected to boost employment, with job creation anticipated within six months. Securitas have a policy of staffing 30% over all contracted personnel to ensure it can meet customer demand, which will lead to further employment opportunities moving forward.
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.”
For further information please contact Kelly Hill at Ruby Slippers – kelly@rubyslippers.co.uk, 07954400203.
Pictured left to right are: Danny Williams, Minister Foster, Brian Riis Nielson, David Lee, Shaun Kennedy and Ann McGregor.
