Since 1 April 2014, IWM transferred all of its Visitor Services and Security to The Shield Group.
The Shield Group, has been awarded the visitor services and security contract at IWM, the world’s leading authority on conflict and its impact, focusing on Britain, its former empires and the Commonwealth, from the First World War to the present.
IWM, a family of museums which attracts over 2 million visitors a year, includes IWM’s flagship branch that is transforming with new First World War Galleries and Atrium space opening on 19 July 2014 to mark the Centenary of the First World War; IWM North, housed in an iconic award-winning building designed by Daniel Libeskind; IWM Duxford, a world renowned aviation museum and Britain’s best preserved wartime airfield; Churchill War Rooms, housed in Churchill’s secret headquarters below Whitehall; and the Second World War cruiser HMS Belfast.
The Shield Group, an award-winning company which has been at the forefront of the UK’s security industry since its inception 25 years ago, won the contract following the recent launch of a dedicated division for manned guarding. The company will provide some of the most reliable security guards skilled in providing a quality visitor experience to all five of IWMs sites around the country.
As of the 1st of April 2014, IWM transferred all of its visitor services and security to The Shield Group. Since taking on the role, the greatest priority for both IWM and The Shield Group has been to meet with staff and PCS to ensure everyone is fully supported throughout this transfer.
Commenting on the partnership, Alan Stoneman, Director of Corporate Services at IWM said: “We were very keen to work with a security company that really understood IWM’s culture and values as well as being able to offer a first class service. Throughout the process The Shield Group was able to demonstrate this empathy for the museum and we are delighted to be working with them in this important year for the museum.”
Speaking about the new contract, John Roddy Chief Executive of The Shield Group commented: “We are delighted to partner with IWM to provide our comprehensive customer first approach visitor and security services.
“With our reputation and experience in this sector, we will be drawing on our expertise to deliver the great experience and services visitors have come to expect from visiting IWM’s five world class branches.”
With projected sales of over £80 million for the fiscal year 2014-15, The Shield Group has been undergoing a major transformation since it was taken over in 2012 by India’s leading and largest security company, TOPSGRUP. Late last year, The Shield Group launched four strategic verticals combining traditional man-power and innovative technology, to deliver intelligent, risk-based Total Security Solutions (TSS) to its customers. That same year, John Roddy, who has over 30 years’ experience in the UK and European security sector, was appointed Chief Executive of the company, with a vision of making it one of the top five security providers in the UK.