SECURITY
A warm welcome - CPS managing director Glenn Bartlett and new recruit Diane O ’ Connell ( centre ), with operations director Shaun Woods .
It ’ s a ( Wo ) man ’ s World
How Close Protection Security is welcoming an increasing number of women into the industry …
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : TOM BANKS
In what is still a male dominated world , Middlesbrough ’ s Close Protection Security ( CPS ) stands out as forward thinking , actively encouraging women who want to follow security as a career path .
“ Women bring an important element to the security service industry ,” says managing director Glenn Bartlett , who currently has ten ladies among his staff of more than 100 – and he would love to see more .
“ We get lots of requests for female security staff at prestigious venues such as Rockcliffe Hall , Jury ’ s and Grantley Hall ,”
Glenn also employs women in more “ traditional ” roles and has recently welcomed Diane O ’ Connell to the CPS fold .
Diane , formerly of Middlesbrough Football Club , has joined the TeesAMPbased team as executive assistant to managing director Glenn and operations director Shaun Woods . She will also offer admin support across the company and assist in the smooth running of the CPS training courses .
“ Diane is the first face you will see when you visit CPS ,” says Glenn . “ She ’ s the perfect person to work front-of-house because she ’ s just so approachable , professional and friendly .”
Glenn met Diane five years ago when CPS was employed to do security at
Middlesbrough Football Club , and she made quite an impression .
“ I was struck by her friendliness and willingness to help – she really is a breath of fresh air ,” he said .
“ When I heard she ’ d left the club and then this role came up , I knew she was the perfect fit .”
As for Diane , it didn ’ t take much persuasion for her to join the ranks .
“ When I received a call from Glenn to join him at CPS , of course I said yes ,” she smiles .
“ I know the company is going from strength to strength , and I also know how professional Glenn and Shaun are . I knew it would be a pleasure to work in such a lovely environment and I would settle in really well .
“ I ’ m so excited for the future and to see the amazing plans that are in place as CPS continues to grow . It ’ s the best decision I have ever made to come here .”
Diane will certainly be kept busy as contracts continue to be signed and sealed at a rate of knots , and the CPS workforce expands to keep up with demand .
“ Aside from Diane we have just taken on two extra tutors at the training academy , which supports the training with Middlesbrough College and Teesside University and that takes us to 110 full- and part-time staff ,” says Glenn proudly .
“ Our contracts also continue to grow , and we are in discussion with a large international company to support all their operations – I can ’ t say much at the moment , but that will be massive for us .
“ CPS staff are also travelling with an American band while on tour in the UK . This is fantastic for us as a Teesside owned business to have such a prestigious client .”
As well as established partnerships with Middlesbrough and Darlington FC , the MAP Group , Scott Bros and the Port of Middlesbrough , CPS has recently secured contracts with the National Grid , Orchard roofing in Eaglescliffe , Robertson Construction and the Addison Project in Middlesbrough .
As if that wasn ’ t enough , it continues to develop its key-holding and mobile alarmed response , its security courses are proving exceptionally popular and offshoot CPS Autos is growing thanks to fleet contracts for services and repairs .
Of course , Glenn doesn ’ t take any of his good fortune for granted .
“ I believe in giving back and I ’ m proud to support local charities such as Teesside Hospice and the MFC Foundation ,” he says .
“ That ’ s the beauty of us Teessiders – we have each other ’ s backs .”
To find out more about Close Protection Security , visit closeprotectionsecurityltd . co . uk
138 | Tees Business