Also see the reference letter from the Group Managing Director. Visit the Secure Options web site for more information.

The organisation

Secure Options Group offers a complete range of electronic loss prevention and security solutions which include CCTV, Access Control, Intruder Alarms, Perimeter Protection, 24 hour Control Centre Monitoring, Pre Employment Screening and Vetting etc. The Group employs around 200 people.

Terms of reference / Project objectives

The project terms of reference were to implement appropriate performance monitoring and measurement processes for four Group companies. As a result, to upgrade the quality system to the ISO 9001:2000 version, within 12 months of commencing the project. Thereafter, as part of the second phase of the project, to maintain the performance measurement and internal auditing systems and to maintain quality system registration with NQA. The project was part funded by Business Link North Manchester.

Key issues for the organisation

Other than the need to upgrade and maintain the quality system, key issues for Secure Options Group were to implement of a range of non-financial targets and performance measures across the Group in order to help monitor, manage and improve service levels. The Group needed to tighten its internal processes to cope with the planned expansion programme and to provide the structure for the integration of new staff into the organisation. The Group needed ISO 9001 registration to be able to compete and win new work such as that for Local Authorities, housing associations and major PLCs.

Process of delivery of the project

1.      Stage one of the project started in March 2002 and was conducted over a 12 month period. All consultancy was provided by Malcolm Seaton, including the following:-

·        Agreement of a set of quality objectives and key performance indicators

·        Upgrade of the quality manual and process procedures

·        Carrying out all internal auditing

·        Coordination of the management review and assessment by NQA

2.      Stage two of the project started in April 2003 and, once again, all consultancy was provided by Malcolm Seaton, including the following:-

·        Regular audit and monitoring of the key performance indicators for each Group Company

·        Regular audit of Group company activities

·        Coordination of the 3^rd party surveillance visits by NQA

·        Extension of the quality system to four newly acquired Group Companies

The outcomes / benefits

At the end of stage one of the project, Secure Options Group successfully achieved ISO 9001:2000 with NQA in March 2003, 12 months from starting the project, as defined in the project proposal. The project was delivered within the originally agreed costs.

As part of implementing both stage one and stage two of the project, Secure Options Group has achieved the following:-

·        Improved ability to tender for work, particularly Local Authority work

·        Increased number of employees, from 71 in March 2002 to around 100 by the end of phase one of the project, achieved through organic growth.

·        To date, part way through phase two of the project, the number of employees has increased to over 200, achieved partly through organic growth but also through acquisition

·        Implemented a comprehensive range of KPIs, enabling top management to monitor to performance of each Group Company

·        Improved its internal processes and management control

·        Maintained its registration with NQA through 2 further surveillance visits

   Send mail to info@hawkstone.net with questions or comments about this web site.
   Last modified: May 16th,  2007