Case Studies

The Brief

Sony required front of house security for a large corporate environment. As one of the most recognisable brands in the world, only experienced staff trained to the highest possible standard would be suitable for such an undertaking.

The Response

Ashridge Group partnered with Engie in order to facilitate a reliable and professional security operation. An around the clock service was implemented to ensure safety, including a security element at the front desk during the day and out of hours. As representatives of the Sony brand and the first members of staff that most visitors would engage with, it was ensured that staff were excellent communicators and understood the importance of conveying flawless presentation and etiquette.

The Result

Sony was delighted with the response and the smooth nature of the security services provided. Ashridge Group received outstanding feedback that led to an internal company award presented to the members of staff who had facilitated the project.

The Brief

As an educational institution, Milton Keynes College required security services suitable for ensuring the safety of students, lecturers and college staff on an ongoing basis. They also required support for a variety of annual projects, initiatives and events.

The Response

Ashridge Group worked in conjunction with Thames Valley Police and other stakeholders to provide ongoing educational safety. Services utilised have included manned guarding, key holding and patrolling during and out of term-time.

For example, during a pre-emptive campaign aimed at deterring anyone considering entering the premises with drugs in the future, Ashridge Group worked with dog handlers to provide non-invasive security checks upon entrance at the college.

The Result

Ashridge Group services have helped to create a safe environment for studying and working. The smooth nature of projects such as the detection dogs visit has encouraged the college to consider similar initiatives in the future.

Due to this strong ongoing success, the college has recently agreed to extend the working relationship with Ashridge Group for a further 3 years.

The Brief

A global player in both the energy and services industries, Engie bases its operations on four key principles of integrity, honesty, respect and accordance with all laws and regulations. The implementation of these principles is essential in the management and application of the company’s security operations. Engie identified a requirement for a suitable service able and willing to provide genuine 24/7 support, from routine site manned guarding to overall workforce security and front-of-house reception to covering site breaches.

The Response

Ashridge Group managed and delivered a variety of soft services across a range of corporate sites to railway and CNI projects. The services have included manned guarding, receptionists, porters, facilities assistants and mail room services.

As a partner and service provider, Ashridge Group scheduled security and a level of resilience including responsive reply for incidents and events. In one particular case, the business responded to a series of underground fires caused by escaping gas. The necessary cabling repairs meant that huge reels of copper cable required security around the clock. Fast response put this in place within hours and maintained 24/7 performance across 5 sites for the duration of the work.

The Result

In total, Ashridge Group has carried out discrete operations in addition to ongoing responsibilities across 20 separate Engie sites.

Gavin McGuiness, Subject Matter Expert (SME) on security for Engie’s Facilities Management Operations, says “Whilst bigger operators have, in theory, very large resources to draw on, in practice they simply don’t offer the close involvement and responsibility-taking we see with Ashridge. Here is a company which sees itself as ambassadors for its client’s business, not just a provider of services. I can’t recall a single instance where they haven’t been able to help us and I can’t speak highly enough of them”.

The Brief

Costain tasked Ashridge group with delivering on-site security services for a major energy provider during re-commission of two compressor stations located in Cambridgeshire as part of a £113 million National Grid contract.

The Response

Ashridge partnered with site security technology specialist VPS to provide around the clock, high level resilience cover at both sites.

With Ashridge staff on-site, supported with surveillance and access technology, strict control was established over a site that faced challenges including regularly changing entry and exit points and contractor access.

The Result

A ‘defence-in-depth’ strategy was implemented with layered measures to deliver the high-level of security required to protect the client’s valuable assets.

The Brief

This Grade II listed heritage site in Northamptonshire recently completed a comprehensive renovation programme and is currently used for events, weddings, corporate and private hire. The Abbey is designated in the top 8% of heritage sites and listed by Historic England as a registered battlefield. It has witnessed everything from royal visits and intrigue to technological innovation, world wars and dissolution.

The Abbey needed help and guidance through procedures involved in leasehold occupancy of its land and ongoing support regarding Health & Safety provisions.

The Response

Cognitious, an Ashridge Group company, provided security consultancy to identify potential risks so that Delapré Abbey could maintain a safe and secure environment. A security survey was undertaken and a full report provided, followed by a comprehensive security strategy and technical solutions document.

After an extensive consultation, engaging with various stakeholder groups and representatives of the Local Authority, a 150-page Health & Safety Policy was written and compiled into a formal procedures manual. This was made available in both digital and hard copy formats, then supplemented with familiarisation training for the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust – a charity formed in 2006 to aid Northampton Borough Council with the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the Abbey.

Cognitious also provided ongoing contract client support in Health & Safety matters, including a ‘Competent Person’ designated to act on behalf of the Abbey Trust.

The Result

The Abbey has achieved continued success with healthy visitor numbers and many people enjoying the public event-programme.

They have continued to work with and utilise the Cognitious service in an ongoing capacity for two years. For example, a recent review was required for a detailed risk assessment regarding a festive event with specialist equipment. Operating templates were quickly established and this was further supported with continuous communication and advisory conference calls.

The Brief

A number of pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries required security measures to limit the risk of theft from high risk environments. A responsive service to alarm systems would be essential to guarantee that premises remained secure and emergencies were responded to efficiently in the event of an incident such as a break-in or fire.

The Response

Ashridge Group supplied 24-hour key holding and mobile response services to various locations. Alarmed activation response mechanisms were implemented and the company acted as a point of contact for appropriate emergency services liaisons.

The Result

Ashridge Group responded to multiple incidents, often alarm faults, negating the need to interrupt the lives of employees. This granted peace of mind over night and at weekends, with clients resting assured that any problems would be responded to quickly and efficiently.

The Brief

A major goods retailer required protection for high value assets at its flagship distribution centre. Due to the size of the location and the quantity of assets present, only a large-scale deterrent operation would be suitable.

The Response

Ashridge Group provided multiple guard dog handlers to ensure security across the site. Only handlers with the appropriate qualifications were considered in order to ensure all dogs provided were trained to the highest standard.

The Result

Ashridge Group continues to supply security services for this client. No incidents or issues have been reported over the past year since the deterrent initiatives was implemented.

The Brief

An integrated business services company providing marketing and corporate customer communication strategies, Communisis required inspirational leadership for an in-house team of security staff.

The Response

Ashridge Group, in partnership with Engie, provided experienced managers to supervise the team and implement strict standards and codes of conduct, ensuring the in-house teams were working in line with BS7858 and BS7499. The managers introduced advanced processes, procedures, training and systems in order to enhance the capabilities of the entire team. Other services have included providing emergency response and resilience cover, completing welfare visits, incident reports, compliance checks and control room support services (hourly check calls).

The Result

Over the last 2 years, the managers have successfully improved the service levels of the in-house team and implemented an environment that replicated and adhered to the standards of Ashridge Group teams themselves.

The Brief

Nicky Hubble required security for equipment and decorations that would be left unattended overnight ahead of an outdoor family celebration the following day. This was an essential requirement as any items damaged or removed would have a substantial negative impact on the event.

The Response

The operations team at Ashridge Group was able to assist by supplying overnight security officers to secure the event area and multiple assets, mitigating against any potential interference from third parties.

The Result

The client was able to sleep peacefully and concentrate on preparing and celebrating the event itself with all assets safely guarded.

Nicky said, “The company provided exceptional service, the security guards were diligent and extremely professional and the service that we received from the team at the office was very efficient. I highly recommend the organisation for its superb service and good value”.