Security consultant

winner: Arup Security Consulting

Arup Security Consulting is part of the Arup Group’s consulting practices division, providing a comprehensive ‘one stop’ security consultancy service in the built environment for clients in the UK and Europe, Asia, Australia, North America and Africa. The company, which first won this Award in 2002, provides a risk-led service using a combination of threat and risk assessment techniques, resilience reviews (including blast engineering and chemical/biological attack mitigation) and security planning. The professional development of company staff is promoted at all times by a series of internal and external training courses. Employees are also sponsored to take diplomas in security management, eventually leading to an MSc. Recent projects include the Terminal 5 building at Heathrow Airport.

“A truly international portfolio of blue chip clients is supported by constant staff development. End users would actively strive to work with companies like Arup”
– JUDGES’ COMMENT

Runners-Up

Buro Happold (ITAC)
Buro Happold ITAC is a specialist security group dedicated to an holistic approach to security. One that’s centred on organisational strategies, systems and business-focused processes. Its approach to projects is to emphasise the belief that a robust security strategy can only be achieved by developing an understanding of how the client operates and conducts its business. This knowledge can then be turned into an aligned security strategy which the client is not only more comfortable with, but also matches business aspirations.

Ian Johnson Associates
Winner of this category in 2003, Ian Johnson Associates (IJA) is a long-established private and wholly independent security consulting practice providing an holistic approach to security risk management. Areas of expertise range from threat assessment and security audits through to developing security strategies, designing integrated security systems and the tender management of manned security services. Other specialist services include electronic countermeasures, pre-employment screening, litigation support and event security management. An ongoing attention to high standards is highlighted by the company’s blue chip client list from the FTSE and major national institutions.

TPS Consult
The winners in this category back in 2001, TPS Consult’s dedicated team of directly-employed experts continues to demonstrate excellence in the field. The company’s skills base takes in pure security consultancy (including physical and electronic security and risk assessment), specialist structural engineering (ie counter-terrorism design) and business continuity planning. Its clients include the Ministry of Defence, HSBC and British Airways. Four members of staff are currently being sponsored to take security degrees.

VIDEF Security Consulting
VIDEF Security Consulting is a BSIA-registered, independent security consulting practice engaged in the planning, design and management of major projects such as 30 St Mary Axe, the new City base of leading reinsurer Swiss Re. The company can take a project through from initial threat assessment to systems planning, design and specification. In all instances, VIDEF’s services are tailored to meet the exact needs of the client.

Jim Batty (Securicor Security)
Jim Batty spent 23 years in the military conducting specialist training for police and civilian agencies, risk analysis and counter-terrorism projects. He holds a diploma in risk and security management, and is currently studying for an MSc in the same disciplines. At Securicor, Jim spends 90% of his time acting as an independent security adviser for clients. Over the past 12 months alone he has conducted 30-plus extensive risk audits, saving anything up to £250,000 for current clients.