Security systems integrator Quadrant Security Group (QSG), part of Synectics, has been awarded a five-year partnership contract with Luton Borough Council to look after a broad range of security and FM services in a new, integrated way.
The contract, which is worth US$2.3 million(￡1.5million) with an option to extend, builds on existing relationships with QSG and includes the running, managing and staffing of the Council's recently upgraded CCTV control room, along with the maintenance of access control systems and the provision of ad-hoc guarding services.
Expertise from QSG sister company SSS was brought in to help the team design systems and processes to meet the Council's requirements for its valuable public security infrastructure, whilst achieving significant efficiency savings estimated at $607,468 over five years.
In the first instance the new model will achieve a guaranteed cost reduction of at least $75,935 per annum. This figure will then increase each year, with a clear plan aimed at making the control room pay for itself over ten years.
Like many councils across the UK, Luton is under pressure to deliver an improved level of public services under conditions of extreme budgets cuts. The project shows how an integrated approach to town-wide security systems and intelligent, value-added partnership working can do just that.
In the case of CCTV/security services this means that QSG can contribute to keeping Luton Borough Council staff and assets safe, whilst helping to prevent and detect crime and prosecute criminals using sophisticated security technology and clever integration.
Paul Moonan, MD, Integration and Managed Services Division at Synectics, comments: "Our long-standing relationship with Luton Borough Council in all things CCTV allowed us to analyze every aspect of the existing infrastructure. We knew exactly what was needed and how all the different parts – people, processes and equipment - could be made to work together more effectively. SSS helped us draw up monitoring, reporting and service level plans, so the Council always has the full picture of our (and their system's) performance."
"This is our first major outsourcing deal and it harnesses our expertise in technology, installation and maintenance, combined with the provision of managed services. This model is a great way for local authorities to professionalise and streamline their public security and CCTV systems to deliver best value to police, businesses and the local community."