ISJ Exclusive: Delivering security excellence

Tim Mundell, Chief Security Officer at Transguard Group discusses the company’s recent financial results and the culture that has transformed its workforce.

Can you tell us about the different services that Transguard offers please?

Transguard Group is a business support and outsourcing provider of security services, cash services, manpower services and facilities management. My focus is especially around Transguard Security services, which offers complete turnkey security solutions, including manned guarding, event security, executive protection, security design and consulting, systems integration and K9 services, among others.

You have recently announced some very impressive financial results, what is it that has made Transguard so successful?

At Transguard Group, we always place a premium on customer service and retention because we believe that our customers’ success directly results in our own; that’s why we put so much effort into making sure that we exceed our customers’ expectations (see below). In addition, our impressive financial results are rooted in our Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Continuous Improvement (CI) culture; while relatively new to Transguard, both LSS and CI now run throughout the business and are engrained in our DNA. A lot of the good news about our record results is as a direct result to this approach in all that we do. For example, because we require every employee in our headquarters to complete Lean Six Sigma training, Transguard Group experienced tremendous savings in the last financial year. Operational efficiency is another foundation for our achievements, with every member of the Transguard team constantly asking themselves, “Can we do it better with less?”

Why should a prospective client use your event security services?

In addition to our ability to provide a full range of integrated security services tailored to a clients’ venue or events, we spare no expense when it comes to training and developing our staff. That’s because we believe that an informed and a motivated workforce who is clear as to their career path, as well as the educational and advancement opportunities available to them, goes a long way to ensure that Transguard Group can offer the best possible service to its customers.

All of our teams, including our security specialists, are trained to an exceptionally high standard at our Centre of Excellence: This purpose-built, 38,000-square-foot facility is staffed by dedicated trainers, team leaders and specialists who deliver industry-specific classroom and real-life scenario training for each of the business units within Transguard Group.

Additionally, the event security team has the ability to reach back into the wider Transguard Group for unparalleled support where required. We also make it a point to work closely with area regulatory and police authorities, and employ local nationals, a workforce that is critical to the success of any organisation in the UAE.

What do your Smart Guarding solutions provide?

We utilise Smart Guarding throughout our Security business: We’re always looking for ways to mobilise security on site as efficiently as possible by minimising the amount of guards necessary for a location, which leads to cost savings for customers. We utilise technology to enhance our Security teams and their ability to report and manage incidents and events whilst carrying out their normal duties. An additional benefit of Smart Guarding is the ability to support other areas of the business – for example, the facilities management building operations: A Transguard Group security guard can report building damage or failing infrastructure whilst carrying out their security duties.

Do you offer any design and consulting services?

Transguard Group provides full lifecycle consultancy support services. We provide our clients with expert advice on how to identify, assess and manage security risks through the design and implementation of technical solutions as part of an integrated security strategy, with Security Risk Management forming a core part of our service offering.

As an approach, Transguard follows a standard line, from Security Risk assessments, Conceptualisation, Design, Implementation, Operations and Management, as well as Manpower Provision and Training. However, the real key to our success comes from our people, especially our senior consultants, all of whom are from a security background and draw from a wealth of experience and knowledge in their chosen specialities.

The team has an expansive breadth of experience that varies widely across the event security landscape, as well as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), National borders, aviation security and global mega events (such as London 2012), Heathrow Airport and the upcoming Expo 2020 and the HSBC IRB Rugby Sevens.

What does the future roadmap look like for Transguard?

With regards to our security services division, the market remains incredibly competitive and challenging, so our focus is very much on innovation, the further evolution of our services, adapting to new technology and working closer with our customers’ landscape and culture. Additionally, we’re expanding throughout the UAE and we’re looking into international expansion and partnerships.

To find out more about Transguard Group, please visit www.transguardgroup.com

Tim Mundell is an accomplished security expert with over 25 years’ experience bringing a wealth of knowledge and focus in global security solutions and security technologies including security consultancy, systems design and systems integration. Currently Chief Security Officer at Transguard Group, Tim is responsible for Security Consultancy, Security Services and Systems Integration. Tim has worked throughout the Middle East, UK and Europe holding several senior management positions including Director of C3 (Command / Control / Communications) managed security services for Olive Group/ Restrata, CEO for Sicuro Group Middle East, as well as positions within the high-risk security services and risk management arenas. Tim began his career in the UK’s world-renowned Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and served in the British Army as an infantry officer for 12 years.