SECURITY
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : TOM BANKS
Keep your friends Close
‘ Gentleman Shaun ’ joins Close Protection Security family
A
well-known face on Teesside has joined Middlesbrough ’ s Close Protection Security ( CPS ) after completing a mammoth 37 years at Teesside Airport .
Shaun Woods , former airport operations director , has taken up the reins as CPS ’ operations director , bringing much-needed support to MD Glenn Bartlett .
“ It was a no-brainer for me to bring Shaun on board ,” says Glenn .
“ We worked alongside each other for seven years at the airport when CPS supplied security there , and I trust him implicitly .
“ Shaun and I share the same values and he ’ s a gentleman with an unbelievable work ethic . As a right-hand man , I can ’ t think of anyone better .”
With 2022 already proving to be a busy year for CPS , having Shaun to take on the day-to-day responsibilities of the company is a blessing for Glenn .
“ Shaun is the person who my operations team on the ground will report to . He will also look after all our contracts and clients . It ’ s vital that I have someone I can trust and someone who can grow the business while I ’ m out on the road . I know that Shaun is the man to open more doors for us .”
Not that those doors aren ’ t already opening for CPS . This year has seen the company land a contract with the BBC , with Glenn and his team looking after the stars of Strictly Come Dancing – including Wynyard lass Sara Davies .
“ Sara is a local lady who likes to work with local companies ,” Glenn explains . “ My team have been with her on the Strictly tour – going the extra mile by ensuring she has a seamless and comfortable journey after a busy night of dancing .”
As well as the BBC , CPS is keeping busy with a huge array of security contracts for the likes of Middlesbrough Football Club , Port of Middlesbrough , the MAP Group , Scott Bros and McDonald ’ s .
“ We look after three McDonald ’ s ,” says Glenn . “ Two in Middlesbrough and one in Newcastle – and we ’ re looking to expand
with more in the near future .”
At the end of last year , CPS also landed contracts with Grantley Hall in Ripon and Jury ’ s Inn in Middlesbrough and are in advanced talks with two major foreign companies to take teams overseas .
“ We are also developing our training academy , which sees many students coming through the courses we deliver in conjunction with Middlesbrough College ,” adds Glenn .
“ These will hopefully get students into local jobs . We have even offered roles to some people on gaining their licence .” As well as offering employment opportunities , CPS is proud to support local charities , partnering with the MFC Foundation and Teesside Hospice .
The firm is also keenly aware of the environment and has taken steps to become a green company with the purchase of its first fully electric response vehicle , bought from local firm Advanced
Close friends - Close Protection Security ’ s managing director Glenn Bartlett ( left ) with operations director Shaun Woods .
Vehicle Leasing , which supplies the company with all its vehicles .
“ There ’ s so much going on ,” smiles Glenn , whose work takes him around the world , predominantly providing security for boxer and friend Steven “ USSR ” Robinson .
“ Thank goodness I now have Shaun . It has taken a weight off my shoulders recently . I ’ m looking forward to him really getting stuck in .”
As for Shaun himself , after 37 years in one role , it must be strange to be starting with another company . “ Not at all ,” he says . “ It wasn ’ t a hard decision for me to join Close Protection Security , a company and a managing director who have the interest and respect of people they employ , with no hidden agendas .
“ It ’ s great to be able to work in an environment that is fun and challenging at the same time , while helping create opportunities for local people .”
To find out more about Close Protection Security , visit closeprotectionsecurityltd . co . uk
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