French Shootings. Media call upon Andy Redhead for ‘Expert Opinion’.
Because of his knowledge and experience gained when serving as a National Firearms Tactical Advisor with the UK Police, Andy Redhead had been in demand by the media yesterday and today to comment on the shootings in France in which three Jewish children were killed. He gave interviews on BBC Breakfast TV, BBC radio 4 and BBC News 24 yesterday. Today his services were called upon by Sky News.
The Sky News interview can be seen by clicking on the link below. At the time of the interview the French Police have just shot dead the suspect, 23 year old Mohammed Merah when he tried to escape from an apartment building in Toulouse where he had been contained for the previous 32 hours.
Merah had claiming to be connected with Al-Qaeda. It has also emerged that he had visited Pakistan and Afganistan. Merah was also claiming that earlier attacks resulting in the deaths of French soldiers were ‘revenge on behalf of Palestinian children’.
22. 03. 2012
Massive new Globally recognised client win for Sec Tech UK
When you win a new a massive Global customer is it right to publicise it to build your company’s profile or is it a breach of security and breach of trust between you and your client? Well we’ve just won an incredibly high profile new client and were faced with this moral dilema. After much consoideration we have decided to take the rather unusual step of publishing this picture of our new client who is instantly recognisable as a Global figure with three of our team.
Have a look and decide for yourself. We’re we right or wrong to do this? http://t.co/4YyddK0W
17. 12. 2011
Sec Tech UK accepts invitation to represent close protection sector on Security Industry Authority’s ACS Strategy and Standards Group.
Sec Tech UK is delighted to have been invited to join the SIA’s ACS Strategy and Standards group to represent the interests of the close protection sector generally. Andy Redhead who founded Sec Tech UK in 2006 was quoted as saying,
“We are delighted to have been invited to join the Strategy and Standards Group to advise on close protection matters,” said Mr Redhead.
“Close protection isn’t as routine or as predictable as other licensable activities and brings with it its own set of challenges. Standards have risen dramatically since the inception of the SIA, however there is still room for improvement and we are delighted to be able to share our expertise in support of the SIA and the security industry.”
The Group was set up in 2008 as an industry-wide forum to discuss how and when ACS standards should be raised with the aim of ensuring that it was active within the industry.
SIA Quality Assurance Manager Jody Parker said,
“We are delighted to welcome Sec Tech UK onto the ACS Strategy and Standards group. We recognised that the close protection sector was somewhat underrepresented and approached Sec Tech following the excellent response to a series of presentations they made at a recent round of ACS forums, which convinced us they could be a constructive and credible voice for their sector. We look forward to welcoming Sec Tech at our next meeting in September.”
Sec Tech UK was recently assessed for its close protection accreditation for the fourth year and has once again increased its score.
“We feel ACS accreditation is important to reassure a client that they are dealing with a professional company which conducts itself properly,” said Sec Tech UK’s Commercial Director, Bob Morrison.
“We see it as a great complement to have been invited by the SIA to join the ACS Strategy and Standards group because it gives further recognition that the service we offer is of the highest standard.”
16. 08. 2011
Sec-Tech UK awarded Security Industry Authority (SIA) approved contractor status to provide close protection services for the 4th consecutive year.
Having just undergone a thorough and detailed audit by SIA approved assessing body SSAIB we are delighted to have been awarded approved contractor status to provide close protection services for the 4th consecutive year.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the governing body that governs and oversees the security industry and the objective of the SIA's Approved Contractor scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities. The scheme is voluntary and was developed in consultation with representatives from across the industry; it only covers those parts of the industry such as close protection that are regulated by the SIA and the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (as amended).
Andy Redhead who founded Sec-Tech UK in 2006 said,
“We were one of the first if not the first companies outside of London to be awarded approved contractor status to provide close protection services. I think we were only the 13th in the country overall. The 4th year assessment is particularly rewarding to have been awarded because all 87 indicators in the qualifying criteria have to be audited and passed. Not only did we pass the assessment but our score increased again which it has done year on year. This confirms that whilst delivering a first class, bespoke service, we are committed to improvement in order to remain at the top of our tree. We’ve always known that we provide a top drawer service to our clients but this accreditation confirms that the SIA think we do too!”
In addition to close protection services we also carry our surveillance, investigations, security reviews and other specialised security services. Call 0845 002 0696 for further details.
29. 07. 2011
New Events Manager appointed
To meet the rapidly growing demand for professional events management we are delighted to announce the appointment of Charlie Beardall as our Events Manager.
As a security industry professional for over 20 years Charlie brings immense experience of managing events both private and public including concerts and music festivals to the team.
Over the past years Charlie has been involved in a variety of roles at several major festivals including:
V festival (Manager of VIP security), Live 8 (pit crew), Party in the Park (pit crew), T4 on the beach (Security team leader), Rose tree Jam (Security manager) to name but a few.
In addition to this Charlie has also ran many smaller events and sporting venues. Most recently he managed 237 staff for an England Vs Bangladesh one day Cricket International which attracted a crowd of around 13,000 people. Smaller events have been granted licences purely on the fact that Charlie and his team are running their security.
He has also been either a member of the management team for the event or, as a part of a management team for their personal security of the following people:
Jon Bon Jovi, Mark Ronson, Steve Windwood, Eric Clapton, Kings of Leon, Stereophonics, The Prodigy, Pixie Lott, Johnny Depp, Nicholas Cage, Sam Sparrow, Calvin Harris, Jonny Wilkinson, Chris Tarrant, KT Tunstal as well as numerous football players & managers.
As a seasoned industry professional Charlie holds a raft of relevant qualifications to confirm his position as a safe, competent and qualified pair of hands. Those qualifications include:
Level 2 NVQs in Security Operations, Counter Terrorism & Threat Awareness & Door Supervision. Level 3 NVQ Close Protection and Level 4 NVQ Stadium Management & Managing Crowds Safely (on going).
Sec-Tech UK's Operations Director Andy Redhead said,
"We are delighted to welcome Charlie to the Sec-Tech team. He is the consumate professional and has so much knowledge and experience in managing events that we can confidently deliver a second to none service to event promoters throughout the UK and overseas"
Whether you’re planning a festival with tens of thousands expected to attend or a private party that you wish to remain private, Charlie’s industry experience combined with the rest of the Sec-Tech team ensures that every conceivable possibility will be considered and planned for allowing the event to run as smoothly as is absolutely possible.
Call us for more details on 0845 002 0696
08. 12. 2010
SIA invite Sec-Tech to share Raoul Moat media experience at UK ACS Forums.
THE SIA INVITE SEC-TECH TO SHARE RAOUL MOAT MEDIA EXPERIENCE AT THE UK ACS FORUMS.
During the Raoul Moat manhunt we were in great demand by the world's media to provide expert information on the operation to find Raoul Moat. We have now been invited by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to speak at a range of forums being held across the UK on how we managed the demands for our services by the media during the siege.
Sec-Tech Director and former Police firearms expert Andy Redhead -who also has specialist training as both a bodyguard and a tactical firearms advisor was frequently asked by national and international media to provide an “expert voice” during the Moat situation in Rothbury.
He appeared on television broadcasts including the BBC and Sky News and is now retained by the BBC as an advisor on police, firearms and security matters recently asked to comment on the alleged incident planned during the Pope’s recent visit and on the verdict of the shooting of barrister Mark Saunders.
Andy and his fellow director Bob Morrison will be travelling to Cambridge, Glasgow, Cheltenham, London and Manchester throughout October and November to share their experiences with other security industry experts.
“It’s obviously a great honour for us to be asked by our peers to share our experiences and our expertise,” said Andy.
“The eyes of the world were on us during the Raoul Moat situation and it was important that someone could provide an expert view on what was happening and what action was likely to be taken without compromising the police operation.”
“Because Sec-Tech can provide that expertise we were an obvious choice and we provided a service for local, regional, national and international media during that time.”
NOTE TO NEWS DESKS
For information/images/interview requests please call Sorted PR on 0191 265 6111.
October 8 2010
08. 10. 2010
A new face on the surveillance team
As the surveillance work increases we are delighted to announce a new member of the team, Kevin Cutts.
Kevin served over 30 years with the Metropolitan Police during which time he gained a wealth of experience, knowledge and qualifications particularly in surveillance in which he was not only a first class operative but also an instructor.
He worked on the crime, drug and burglary squads and with Special Branch. He also worked on the Counter Proliferation Team (part of Counter Terrorism Command) at Heathrow, gathering and analysing data. Kevin is Management Level 3 Aviation Security Manager DFT approved.
During his career with the Met Kevin spent a period of time with the BTP at the St. Pancras International Terminal which also involved operations in Brussels, Paris and Lille.
During his service he received three commendations for his work including commendations from the FBI and Homeland Security for Terrorist Convictions. He has also received two commendations for bravery.
He recently gained a Certificate in Terrorism Studies from St. Andrews University
Kevin joins Sec-Tech to head up the growing surveillance wing of the business.
Sec-Tech’s Operations Director Andy Redhead commented,
“We are delighted to welcome Kevin to the team. I personally worked with Kevin earlier this year and it was a pleasure to see a seasoned professional at work. Kevin is one of those people who can do a first class job and make it look absolutely effortless. We are getting more and more surveillance work and Kevin will be a great asset to organise and oversee operations.”
28. 09. 2010
BBC request Andy Redhead to comment of security of Pope Benedict during his state visit to the UK.
After the Roaul Moat manhunt in Northumberland Sec-Tech Operations Director Andy Redhead entered a retainer agreement with the BBC to comment as and when required on matters regarding the Police, Firearms and Security matters. On Friday 17th, September the first of hopefully many telephone calls was received from a BBC Programme Director asking Andy to comment on the arrest of six men in London suspected of plotting a terrorist act aimed at the Pope during his state visit. They were arrested after a tip off to the Metropolitan Police.
The Pope’s visit continued unhindered whilst the six were interrogated and the allegations were fully investigated. The men were all believed to be of North African origin, were arrested in an early morning operation involving members of the Met Polices specialist firearms, anti-terrorist and intelligence units, assisted by divisional officers. No changes to the Popes personnal protection arrangements were deemed necessary after the announcement of the arrests had been made public.
When asked by the BBC to comment Andy said,
“Whenever the Police receive information of this nature they must follow up on the information fully and properly. Due to the fact that this information was offered up at short notice and in the middle of the state visit of the pope, it was obviously decided by the senior Police officers in command of the operation that the safest way to deal with the potential threat was to effect the arrests of the persons involved at the earliest opportunity and then investigate the matter thoroughly with the suspects contained and unable to disrupt the Pope’s visit in any way had that been their intention. Whether the information is correct and the threat is real or this is a case of a group of men speaking out their opinion without any substance the Police cannot afford not to act. It’s seems the there was little or no substance behind the threat as the men were later released without charge”.
Pope Benedict’s visit concluded safely and Pope Benedict and his entourage returned to the Vatican at the end of the state visit without further incident.
17. 09. 2010
SIA Approved Contractor Status awarded for the third year.
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded SIA approved contractor status to provide close protection services for the third year running.
Sec-Tech Operations Director Andy Redhead commented,
"We are very proud of this accreditation because it cements Sec-Tech UK's position as a pedigree Security Company dedicated to providing personal security of the highest possible standards."
01. 09. 2010
BBC retain Sec-Tech Director Andy Redhead
Last week Sec-Tech entered into a retainer agreement with the BBC for Operations Director Andy Redhead to become their advisor and commentator on Police and Firearms matter.
During the Roaul Moat manhunt in Northumberland earlier in the month Andy was in great demand by the world's media because of his previous experience as a Police Firearms National Tactical Advisor.
The agreement means that in the event of the BBC calling upon Andy to advise on any police and firearms related incidents in the UK, he will become embedded with the BBC News team however will still be available for interviews with other channels inbetween BBC interviews.
"We were astonished by the reach of the BBC interviews during the Raoul Moat manhunt" commented Bob Morrison, Sec-Tech's Commercial Director. "I was getting emails and texts from contacts around the world telling me that they'd seen Andy on the BBC. Dubai, India, Israel and Nigeria to name but a few. In one day we had 203 visitors to our website from the BBC website!"
Andy Redhead commented, "A lot of former colleagues some still serving, some retired contacted me during and after the incident in Rothbury. A lot of them thanked me for explaining to the media and the wider public the challenges facing the Police as from time to time it looked from the outside as if nothing was happening and that the Police didn't know what they were doing which most certainly was not the case. They had a massive and complex job on their hands. If a simple explanation can help everyone understand the challenges and difficulties then I'll be happy to help. I'm looking forward to continuing the relationship with the BBC."
29. 07. 2010
Raoul Moat Manhunt
Raoul Moat Manhunt
Following the climax of the case involving Raoul Moat, Sec-Tec's Andy Redhead has been interviewed regarding the response of the Police involved and their reaction to the harsh situation. You can read the full interview at the independent by clicking the link below.
Andy Redhead interviewed about police response to the culmination of the Raoul Moat case
Andy Redhead, member of Sec-Tec's Specialist Tactical Team has been providing interviews to BBC, ITV and Channel 4 about the recent developments on the Raoul Moat case. Andy, retired police national tactical fire arms adviser from the Metropolitan and Northumbria Police Forces, spent a 20 year successful career planning and advising operations ranging from Royal and Diplomatic visits to tactical firearm response, rapid intervention, undercover surveillance and anti-terrorist matters. This unique combination of expertise meant Andy could be called to any hotspot in the UK to support and advise Police Forces to bring hostile situations to a successful conclusion.
You can get more information and advice on the Raoul Moat case by watching the interviews given by Andy below:
Andy Redhead is interviewed by Channel 4 as part of the Raoul Moat case:
More Interviews:
Andy Redhead being interviewed on the BBC
Andy Redhead being interviewed and offering advice on BBC Radio 5 Live
Bob Morrison Sec-Tech's Commercial Director from their head office in the North East said "we were contacted by ITV for our specialist knowledge of fast-moving and complex hostage situations, where the hostage taker acts alone and is motivated primarily by expressive needs".
You can watch Bob on the ITV News from Thursday 8th, July by clicking the following link:
Bob Morrison and Andy Redhead appear on the ITV News to offer advice on the Raoul Moat case
09. 07. 2010
Dedicated Surveillance Wing launched
In response to market demands Sec-Tech has launched a dedicated surveillance wing. The most common requirements for surveillance has been from organisations wishing to verify or otherwise an employees’ availability and fitness for work when on sick leave. Sometimes investigations confirm that the employee claiming sickness benefit is truly unfit for work and that their claim is legitimate. Sometimes it proves that the claim is false and indeed they may even be moonlighting. This evidence is invaluable to the client to defend their position especially should the parties end up at an Industrial Tribunal.
Sec-Tech’s Commercial Director Bob Morrison commented, “The maximum payout for unfair dismissal is now £66,200. By having evidence gathered by former Police Officers written up in court format and able to withstand scrutiny in court, organisations are able to protect themselves from not only being ordered to make large awards against spurious claims but also save considerable sums in legal fees.”
Less common examples of where organisations have used us for surveillance and to gather evidence is in cases of industrial espionage or sabotage where the consequences can be devastating.
Our dedicated team is made up of former Police Surveillance instructors and operatives, who not only provide a superb service but also present all documentation and evidence in accordance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), but also in accordance with ACPO requirements ensuring all evidence produced will stand up in any criminal or civil court proceedings.
01. 03. 2010
Premiership Footballer made safe
Sec-Tech delivered a full personal security review for its first Premiership footballer client. The comprehensive review included personal security awareness training, both for when on the road and when on foot not only for the player himself but also his younger siblings as well as his parents, other family members and loved ones. A full review of the family dwellings as well as full escalation procedure training was also included. At the conclusion of the reviews and training the player and his family all agreed that they felt safer in the knowledge that having considered the various scenarios they would all know how to react if ever there were an incident. Also by taking simple precautions they could protect themselves and reduce the chances of them becoming victims of crime.
14. 11. 2009
Sec-Tech guest speakers at R3 meeting
Sec-Tech were invited to be guest speakers at the meeting of the R3 Council and it's members in Leeds. The evening also included the inauguration of Peter Sargent of Begbies Traynor as President for the coming year.
R3 is the Trade Body for Insolvency Practitioners in the UK. The Sec-Tech presentation revolved around an employers’ duty of care to ensure the safety of their staff and as Insolvency Practitioners, Administrators, Receivers etc often walk into “hostile” situations then the solutions offered for consideration such as the provision of close protection operatives were well received by the gathered audience.
26. 03. 2009
NECC feature article
Sec-Tech appeared in the feature article in the February 2009 edition of the NECC Contact magazine. You can see a copy of the article in the knowledge library section of this website.
http://www.sectech-uk.com/library.php
01. 02. 2009
New Commercial Director appointed
Sec-Tech have appointed Bob Morrison as Commercial Director for the Company.
Bob has a BA (Hons) degree in International Business Studies and he will become the only Director of Sec-Tech who is not a former Police Officer and will hold a non-frontline licence. His role is that of Commercial Director which involves Sales, Marketing, Contract negotiation etc. He won't get involved in day to day operations other than to verify that the client is happy with the service they are being provided.
In a parallel career Bob served 22 years with the Territorial Army and was commissioned at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He has extensive experience and qualifications in small arms, STANOC (Surveillance, target acquisition, night observation and counter surveillance) and he qualified as an NBC Training Officer at DNBCC (Defence Nucleur, Biological and Chemical Defence Centre), Winterbourne Gunner. Whilst he is non-frontline, this military training and experience enables him to understand the often complex operational aspects of the business.
Founding Director Andy Redhead commented,"Over the last couple of years Peter and myself have discovered that whilst operationally we have the knowledge and experience to deliver a first class service, commercially we don't have the neccessary experience and skills to grow the business the way we want to. With Bob's business experience he will be an invaluable member of the team"
27. 01. 2009
Body Worlds Expo at the O2
Following on from the success of the Tutenkhamun exhibition, Sec-Tech were involved in the security management and security policy documentation for the Bodyworlds exhibition in the O2 Bubble. The nature of the plasticised human cadavers on display meant a different approach to the security provision had to be implemented to ensure that the exhibition could run for the duration without incident. With its own unique requirements, a flexible approach to Threat and Risk Management combined with experience ensured that objectives were delivered as required.
24. 10. 2008
Newcastle Journal Article
"Protection Business looking good for Ex Policeman" was the title of an article which appeared in the Newcastle Journal. You can see the article in the Knowledge Library on this site.
http://www.sectech-uk.com/library.php
26. 09. 2008
Tutenkhamun at the O2
Sec-Tech via a permanent appointment by the owners of the O2 is given the security responsibility for the forthcoming 10 month long Tutenkhamun exhibition to be displayed within the O2 Bubble. Arguably the most priceless collection of historical artefacts to be displayed in one place, The task is planning and delivering a comprehensive overt and covert security operation for the duration of the exhibition, ensuring that all interagency planning and communication is factored in as well as providing security for discreet private and corporate functions whilst delivering the security on the mainstream public exhibition. Sec-Tech also created all of the security policy documentation using former police officers to Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) standards, ensuring we delivered a comprehensive and robust security package fit for purpose.
07. 03. 2007
