Ward Security has beaten off tough competition to win a ten-year contract to handle security for all of the London Borough of Bromley’s parks and open spaces.
The Rochester-based company, together with its dog patrol division, is charged with providing a visible presence, deterrence and point of information for the public – as well as dealing with some of the more anti-social elements that occur in parks.
Bromley is the largest of the London boroughs and promotes itself as the cleanest and greenest borough. And, with 156 parks and open spaces, 52 allotment sites, seven cemeteries and numerous sports pitches, keeping that reputation is no easy matter.
But, having won the prestigious contract, Ward Security will be continuing to make sure this hard-fought reputation is maintained.
It’s a role the bespoke security provider has been providing for the last five years. Prior to Ward Security, Bromley had operated an in-house security service, but this did not prove as cost-effective or efficient.
Although Ward Security was doing an excellent job, being a public sector contract, Bromley authorities recently put the contract out to tender. “We had to tender for best value and value for money for the charge payer,” explains Patrick Phillips, assistant director of the parks and greenspace division within the borough’s Environmental Services Department.
“We went to the market last year and invited a number of companies in following public advertisements. Overall, in terms of value for money and efficiency, Ward Security was still the best.”
Mr Phillips said he was looking for an understanding of the parks’ environment. “It’s very difficult for a manned guarding business without experience to take something of this size and nature on,” he says. “We were looking for experience of dealing with the public, not just when things have gone wrong but in an appropriate manner as custodians of the park. Dogs also needed to be trained to the parks’ requirements.”
And, said Mr Phillips, Ward Security’s performance has been exemplary. “One of the most refreshing things about Ward Security is that there is a desire for continued improvement. The company is very proactive, and asks us for our opinion in some of its developmental initiatives,” he says.
“Ward Security clearly values its staff and we have supported the Employee Awards on a couple of occasions. It does seem to be a genuinely good organisation to work for and is highly respected and visible within the security industry. We are absolutely delighted to have the company provide our parks’ security.”
