Wilson James finalises strategic acquisition of The Security Group

The acquisition will allow Wilson James to meet increasing demand from customers for information-led solutions they require to address security challenges across a range of sectors. Customers will now benefit from advanced security technology through a new Technology Services business unit that’s being established at Wilson James.

As a result of the acquisition, around 200 TSG employees will be welcomed into the larger Wilson James family. TSG’s client base is primarily centred in the South East of England and includes both public and private sector organisations. It fits well with Wilson James’ existing customers.

TSG’s existing security guarding operations will now be managed by Barry Dawson, recently appointed managing director for security at Wilson James, while technology will fall under the remit of James Bauer-Mein, the company’s new head of technology. James will report to Gemma Quirke, recently appointed chief operating officer at Wilson James.

Speaking about the deal, Quirke noted: “The acquisition of TSG will allow Wilson James to provide greater value to its clients through a combination of consultancy, technology and skilled people. We look forward to welcoming TSG’s clients and employees to Wilson James.”

Bauer-Mein added: “This acquisition will enable the latest security technologies and design in which TSG specialise to be unified with Wilson James’ exemplary standing in the security industry.”

Wilson James and TSG customers will see no interruption to the high levels of service they currently experience. Longer-term, both stand to gain as TSG is integrated into the Wilson James organisation, synergies are identified and sources of greater customer value are duly created.

Growth strategy and strategic partnerships

Previously the company’s managing director for security and aviation, in the newly created position of chief operating officer, Gemma Quirke (pictured. right) is responsible for overseeing the company’s growth strategy, implementing new corporate initiatives, strengthening strategic partnerships and ensuring that Wilson James remains resilient and agile as the company expands.

In her two decades of working at Wilson James, Quirke has gained considerable insight into the specific needs of customers in a diverse array of vertical sectors and environments. She will use this experience to full effect as she oversees operational functions and integration of all service lines for the organisation with an emphasis on technological innovation and a partnership approach when it comes to service provision.

“For nearly 30 years, Wilson James has consistently demonstrated a forward thinking approach which allows us to positively respond to the needs of our customers,” commented Quirke. “Now more than ever, we need to innovate and maximise the opportunities the future offers, so I’m both honoured and excited to be able to spearhead the next stage of the company’s evolution. I aim to explore new opportunities, add even greater value to our clients, improve the partnerships we have in place and develop new ones. Just as importantly, I want to continue to improve inclusion in order to ensure that Wilson James is a place of opportunity that can help to create, foster and nurture the next generation of industry leaders.”

Reporting to – and working closely with – CEO Mark Dobson, Quirke will promote the advantages of Wilson James’s offer. This includes the company’s risk advisory service, which is designed to facilitate transformational change through a solutions-led approach that integrates human skills and expertise with technology, thereby allowing the company to deliver the most appropriate combination of services.

Commenting on Quirke’s new role, Dobson observed: “On behalf of everyone at Wilson James, I would like to offer my congratulations to Gemma on her new appointment and wish her every success. We’re living in challenging times, but the future is full of opportunity and our team has never been stronger. Gemma has an enviable track record within Wilson James, understands the values of the company better than anyone and has been instrumental in creating a business strategy that creates positive change through nurturing skills and talent from a wide variety of sources. I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with her as we take Wilson James to the next level of success.”