SSGC provides specialist guarding to support COVID-19 testing programme

Given the extremely short lead times and a highly complex, cross-agency operating environment, coupled with multiple delivery requirements across the UK, the project – which extends from Aberdeen to Exeter – would have presented itself as a major challenge for any security company.     

SSGC, a niche provider of fully-vetted security officers formed from an MBO back in 2014, was able to demonstrate its ability to rapidly deploy and mobilise hundreds of security guarding personnel within very tight time windows. This has resulted in the company’s turnover growing from £5 million to £25 million in the few weeks since the COVID-19 lockdown commenced.

The Swindon-based, Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme-registered business, which specialises in the facilities management, retail, education, logistics and healthcare sectors, has taken on more than 500 new security officers, many of whom are former military personnel returning to front line duties as part of the brief, which is presently rolling out across the UK in stages.

A signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), SSGC (which is now ranked in the Top 30 security companies across the UK) is wholly committed to supporting the military community through remobilisation projects.

Vital guarding services

SSGC managing director David Stubbs (pictured), himself a former military policeman, informed Security Matters: “We’re a specialist and ethical security business that’s providing vital security guarding and marshalling services to the Government at this challenging time.”

The company has been supported in its efforts by key partners Skipton Business Finance and solicitor Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) in delivering on the Government’s call to action.

Geoff Perry, a partner at SPB which is managing the SSGC account, enthused: “We’re delighted to support SSGC as it continues to provide solutions for the increased demands and security pressures presented by the COVID-19 crisis and deliver on its potential.”

This growth and direct experience in managing COVID-19 on the ground is now expected to position SSGC as a front-runner within the industry to help fight the battle against the Coronavirus across many sectors as the UK comes back online.