Security case study
Ashridge Group took over 24/7 manned guarding on the £1.5 billion A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme in June 2019, after the incumbent contractor failed. At the time the largest construction project in the UK, it involved 14 fixed and moveable compounds across 21 miles of upgraded road.
Ashridge Group provided manned guarding as part of the A14 Integrated Delivery Team working on the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme, a £1.5 billion project led by Highways England, now National Highways.
The highways improvement scheme had been in progress for 18 months when we were approached by the security technology provider on the project. They urgently needed a new security partner after the incumbent contractor – a company they’d been required to use by Highways England – had failed in its task. As their trusted partners on previous projects, they knew they could rely on us to recover the contract and get things back on track.
When we took over the project in June 2019 it was the largest construction scheme in the UK – it included upgrades to 21 miles of the A14, a new 12-mile bypass, new local access roads and improvements to Huntingdon town centre. The scheme involved 14 fixed and moveable compounds that required 24/7 manned guarding to secure personnel, construction workers and machinery.
We deployed multiple security officers to fixed compounds, where office blocks and accommodation were located. Additionally, mobile response teams patrolled the entire site to ensure high-value plant and machinery at the moveable compounds were protected and the area was clear of unauthorised personnel.
As the project developed and locations moved, we had to be agile to move with them. We regularly conducted security and risk assessments and increased the frequency of patrols around compounds where there had been suspicious activity. When compounds had to be moved to a different area of the site we re-evaluated what was required in terms of security manpower and CCTV and communicated cost-saving recommendations to the client.
Our security team maintained a good relationship with the police, reporting any signs of suspicious activity and going out on joint patrols together. One unfortunate aspect of the project was witnessing road traffic accidents and our security officers acted quickly to call the emergency services and provide assistance in such situations
The service
This engagement was delivered by our security team. Read how the service works, what it covers and how it is staffed on our security guarding services page.
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