Award for new tech talent secures ‘proud’ sponsor in Vistech Services

Sponsoring a Tees Tech Award that recognises new blood in the tech industry is a source of pride for forward-thinking security firm Vistech Services.

Vistech Services operations director Paul Heeran (right) pictured with Tees Business director Dave Allan. Picture: Tom Banks.

The Middlesbrough-based company, which recently clinched two VelociTees awards for its eye-catching growth, is sponsoring the Digital Newcomer category at the upcoming awards.

Dedicated to providing professional integrated security and facilities services, Vistech last year launched a state-of-the-art, 24-hour control room – showing its commitment to innovation.

The annual awards, which began with a ‘virtual’ event in 2020 and have established themselves as a celebration of tech excellence, will be held on Thursday June 8 at a new venue of the Kirkleatham Walled Garden Pavilion.

Organised by Tees Business in association with DigitalCity and Middlesbrough Digital, it’s sure to be an exciting night as the Tees Tech Award winners for 2023 are revealed.

Entries for the 11 categories are open NOW – and Vistech MD Chris Taylor says it’s a “privilege” to sponsor the Digital Newcomer category, whose winner will succeed last year’s champions, data science and AI firm SeerBI.

Mr Taylor said: “Vistech is extremely proud to be sponsoring the Tees Tech Awards for a third consecutive year.

“Our firm, along with many others in the Tees Valley, is benefiting from the tech talent that we have on our doorstep.

“One of our main values is identifying and implementing the latest technology and innovations to enhance the services we deliver. Therefore, being able to recognise and celebrate the region’s digital newcomers and encouraging growth in an already booming industry is a privilege.

“We look forward to attending the event and celebrating the achievements of businesses and individuals across our region.”

Vistech Host the Armed Forces Business Forum

As part of our ongoing support to the armed forces community, Vistech were honoured to host the North of England Armed Forces Business Forum on Wednesday 15th March, at our head office based in Middlesbrough.
The meeting is designed to facilitate dialogue between the region’s supportive employers and the Ministry of Defence in relation to Defence Engagement.

Vistech welcomed members of the MoD including Darren Rhodes, Regional Employer Engagement Director, who chaired the meeting, along with Armed Forces Covenant members, made up of business representatives from across our region. Discussion was focused on ways in which further support can be provided to army veterans and their families in our community, which is the main ethos of the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge.

As hosts who achieved gold award status in The Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme in 2022, Vistech took the spotlight to share our journey so far with Defence Engagement at the forum.

The event was a success and saw businesses from across the region working together to share their ideas and experiences to continue to support the armed forces community with employment and training opportunities.

What is the Armed Forced Covenant Pledge?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated fairly and should not face disadvantages when seeking to access public or private goods and services in the UK.

The Covenant is a voluntary pledge. Organisations may choose to sign up in order to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces Community and for the principles of the Covenant. All organisations – public, private or voluntary and small, medium or large – are welcome to sign the Covenant.

For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant pledge and how you can become and member and support visit > https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/get-involved/sign-the-covenant/

Vistech are anticipating a bright future after bagging a brace of prestigious VelocITees awards.

Middlesbrough-based Vistech Services, which has more than 270 security professionals on its books, was a double winner at the inaugural VelociTees ceremony held to celebrate the Tees region’s fastest growing businesses in terms of turnover and job creation.

For not only did it win the SME VelociTees for turnover, having jumped 58 per cent and is aiming for £10m turnover in the next financial year, it also won the job creation VelociTees for large businesses, with its staff numbers rising 75 per cent from 154 to 270.

An “absolutely over the moon” Vistech operations director Paul Heeran said: “I’m really proud and pleased to accept this award on behalf of our staff who have made this possible for us.

“We’ve retained most of our staff since 2018 and they have been crucial in the growth of the company. Everybody is invested, so it really is down to them.”

Paul said the business scene on Teesside was already “very healthy” and with the freeport and more investment coming into the area, it was “only going to get better – the future looks bright.”

And he predicted more success for Vistech Services, adding: “We’re involved with some companies that have big plans and developments, so we have a strong pipeline of work and contracts.”

Vistech won two of the eight awards presented at the Wynyard Hall lunchtime event, which was organised by Tees Business in partnership with headline sponsor Azets.

Around 140 people attended the ceremony – the latest in the Tees Business awards stable, which also includes the Tees Businesswomen Awards, Best New Tees Business Awards and Tees Tech Awards.

And next up is another awards scheme new for 2023, the Tees Business Awards, which will be held on Thursday, April 20.

Vistech, shortlisted for a VelociTees award as one of the region’s fastest-growing businesses.

Interior designers, computer games developers, engineering specialists and vape marketers are among the eclectic finalists shortlisted for a VelociTees award as one of the region’s fastest growing businesses.

The VelociTees, a Tees Business event in partnership with leading accountants Azets, take place at Wynyard Hall on the lunchtime of Thursday, February 16.

The inaugural awards will see trophies presented to the Tees region’s fastest growing businesses in terms of turnover and job creation.

Among the first to be shortlisted are two Middlesbrough-based computer games developers, Radical Forge and SockMonkey Studios, who are finalists with vape product supplier Phoenix 2 Retail in the Job Creation category for small businesses of between 10 and 50 employees.

SockMonkey Studios are also finalists in the Turnover category for small businesses with a turnover of between £250,000 and £3m. They are up against three fellow fast-growers, Yarm-based interior design firm Cocoon & Bauer, family-run Stockton audio store HiFisound and Hartlepool’s Wavecon, who specialise in cabling solutions and wired assemblies for the subsea industry.

Meanwhile, there’s a five-strong shortlist in the Job Creation category for SMEs with between 51 and 250 staff. Radical Forge are again among those hoping to win, alongside Hartlepool-based biomedical experts Hart Biologicals, Wynyard-based Ultralight Outdoor Gear, Middlesbrough security specialists Vistech Services and Guisborough’s BJP Home Support.

More finalists will be revealed on the Tees Business social media platforms on Wednesday and Thursday. Two overall winners for job creation and turnover will also be named on the big day.

Confirmed finalists so far are:

Turnover – SME (£3m-£10m)
Sponsored by FW Capital
Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Hart Biologicals
Radical Forge
Vistech Services
BJP Home Support

Turnover – Small (£250,000 to £3m)
Sponsored by UKSE
SockMonkey Studios
Wavecon
Cocoon and Bauer
Hifisound

Jobs – Small (10-50 staff)
Sponsored by Middlesbrough Digital
Radical Forge
Phoenix 2 Retail
SockMonkey Studios

To read more visit > https://teesbusiness.co.uk/2023/01/31/fastest-growing-business-shortlists-revealed/?fbclid=IwAR2gCp8GH9hp5kLd3q64DNfNSRXW8JiTviWWAA04rhbCa3nAD6VtFvTaxZU

Vistech Services, Proudly Supporting the MFC Foundation

Vistech Services are committed to supporting the MFC Foundation, as a friend of the foundation since 2018 and now into our second year as a Gold Member. We continue to be amazed by the foundation’s projects and initiatives across Teesside that operate in some of the region’s most disadvantaged areas. In addition to our friend of the foundation membership, we also support individual projects such as the Genesis Project, which serves children, young people and families of the Grove-Hill estate and surrounding areas.

As Vistech continues to grow and expand, corporate responsibility is at the forefront of our plans for the future. Supporting the community and giving back makes us extremely proud, it is not something we simply do because we have to, we do it because we know the importance and what is needed within our community. We focus strongly on ensuring the residents of the communities in which we work, especially those who have fallen on hard times, have the opportunities readily available to support them in securing a better life and life choices.

Chris Taylor, Vistech Services Managing Director said: “By supporting the MFC Foundation, we are helping them to deliver high quality programmes through inspirational people to raise aspirations and improve the life chances of young people and adults across Teesside. In addition to this we also enjoy celebrating the successes, therefore sponsoring the foundation’s annual dinner for a consecutive year as Headline Sponsor, which recognises the success and achievements of those supported by the charity, is an honour and an event we are extremely proud to be a part of.”

Vistech provide professional and reliable security services from security guards to wireless camera systems to sites across the UK. We also deliver SIA approved training courses from our state-of-the-art training centre based in Middlesbrough.

Vistech invited to Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Awards Ceremony with Lord Lieutenant and Lieutenant General

On Monday 14th November 2022, Vistech Services had the honour being invited to the Armed Forces Covenant, Employer Recognition Scheme Awards Ceremony, which was a day of celebrations!

The event celebrated the birthday of King Charles III and also those who have achieved the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for 2022.

Vistech joined a diverse range of organisations and companies plus members of the armed forces to share a day of recognition and commitment.
Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families. To win an award, organisations must provide have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available here ››

Vistech Training, Finalists at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards 2022

Vistech Services are delighted to announce that Vistech Training are finalists in the 2022 Security and Fire Excellence Awards in the category for:

SECURITY TRAINING INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

Vistech Training, sister company of Vistech Services, have been nominated for their training initiative which involves taking young people aged 18-24, who are unemployed and not in education or training (NEET), and providing them with a clear training and employment pathway into the security industry. Vistech Training have drawn down government funding to support their training programmes over the last 12 months. This has enabled them to support over 200 young people in the Tees Valley region that had no opportunities, or knowledge of what occupational areas were delivering qualifications, mentoring, and support.

The nomination comes 12 months after Vistech Services won the Customer Care Initiative of the year of the 2021 awards.
Chris Taylor, Vistech Services Managing Director said; “Being a finalist in the Security Training Initiative of the year award is fantastic news and highlights the hard work and dedication of our training team.

At Vistech we are committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate, and this training initiative demonstrates how we achieve this, supporting the learning and progression of young people in the Tees Valley, ultimately to help them find long term employment, and is just one way Vistech supports and encourages growth across the region”

Vistech Training have expanded, and now offer government funded initiatives in their neighbouring counties. They have clear goals to grow and support not only young people but also individuals who are out of work and need support getting back into employment.

Now in their twenty third year, the Security & Fire Excellence Awards has consistently broken new ground in highlighting the very best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer.

Congratulations to all the finalists across all the twenty one categories listed in the Security and Fire Excellence Awards. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 23rd November 2022.

If you feel you would benefit from the support of the training team and would like to see if you are eligible for a place on our SIA training programme, visit > https://vistechtraining.co.uk/funded-courses/ < for more information or to apply.

Top honour for Vistech’s armed services commitment

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded coveted gold award status to Teesside-based security company Vistech Services for its Employer Recognition Scheme. The Scheme recognises UK employers that demonstrate a commitment to defence by proactively supporting the armed forces community and inspiring others to do the same.

To achieve gold award status, a company must uphold recruitment policies that are positive to people who are in or leaving the armed forces, creating opportunities for service personnel such as cadet instructors, veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick, and military spouses and partners, It must also enable reservists to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments and support their reintegration once back at work.

Vistech is the first security company in the UK to hold both the Armed Forces Gold Award and National Security Inspectorate Gold Award while holding Matrix standard accreditation, which is a government quality standard award. Managing director Chris Taylor said: “This award should serve as a testament to the valuable contribution military personnel make to companies like ours. These are people with the drive to go above and beyond in the name of public services and I would encourage any organisation to draw upon the frontline skills and insight they bring. We are honoured to receive this award from the MoD in recognition of the commitments we have made to the armed forces community.”

Vistech also received high praise from the MoD’s regional employer engagement director Darren Rhodes, who said: “Vistech Services are very strong advocates for the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme and their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is a great achievement and hugely deserved. The company created the Vistech Military Mentor Programme, helping those transitioning from the uniformed to the civilian workforce, and they support all three of our armed forces in confidence building and military-to-civilian interface activities.”

As part of its ongoing support to the armed forces community, Vistech hosted an event at its head office in central Middlesbrough, welcoming a number of Teesside-based companies to sign the Amred Forces Covenant Pledge. The Pledge is a promise that those who serve or have served, and their families are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy, and the society they serve.

The event was attended by MoD representatives including David Eccles, from North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations, assistant naval regional commander Lt Cdr Stew Weir and Capt David Ridley, regimental operational support officer for B Rifles. During the event they gave an introduction to the support the Armed Forces Covenant currently provides to those who serve, or who have served, and their families.

Vistech’s Military Mentor Programme helps those who have recently left the forces and their families to prosper during the transition into civilian life. It’s team of mentors provides long-term. face-to-face support during transition and for up to two years after discharge. They also assist with confidence and relationship issues, particularly in relation to the differences between military and civilian environments, providing reassurance during this often daunting time.

Chris said: “We are committed to providing routeways into long-tem employment and facilitating training development programmes to skill former and current members of the armed forces”

Through its accreditated training centre, Vistech provides discounted training courses for reservists and veterans. These courses, accredited by Highfield, can be delivered afce-to-face or via a virtual classroomand equip learners with the skills and confidence to find employment and facilitate career development.

Vistech’s commitment to supporting the defence and the armed forces community is also demonstrated through its support of the ELCAS Enhanced Learning Credits, which it accepts from former and serving members of the armed forces.

Read more from Tees Business in their latest magazine > https://teesbusiness.co.uk/Tees_Business_Issue31.html

Vistech Awarded first place on North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium Framework

Our outstanding approach to customer care and experience working with clients across a number of sectors nationally including education, has resulted in Vistech being awarded first place on the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium Framework.

The North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) is one of six UK higher education purchasing consortia established to deliver and manage a wide range of collaborative framework agreements designed to maximise third party expenditure within the higher education sector.

Vistech were awarded first place on the Security Services framework following technical evaluation, and means members of the NEUPC framework can work directly with Vistech Services without needing to procure services through a formal tender process. This will save members time and provide peace of mind they are working with a reputable security company throughout the four-year framework period. Tenders were received from security organisations across the UK, and it was Vistech’s quality of service which was the deciding factor in awarding them top spot following technical evaluation. The framework covers a wide range of security services including static guarding, mobile patrols, key holding, alarm response, event security, and CCTV management.

Utilising a partnering approach NEUPC provides collaborative procurement expertise, guidance and agreements that are aligned to, and actively support members’ needs, values and objectives.
NEUPC enhances its offering to member institutions, which include prestigious colleges and universities across the UK, by also providing account management services – utilising dedicated professional procurement resources to assist its members in maximising their uptake of appropriate collaborative framework agreements.
NEUPC is a genuine client focused, shared service with the aim of delivering maximum value from the purchase of goods and services. With institution income reducing and costs rising, NEUPC have an ever increasingly important role to play. Indeed, the past year has seen the most dramatic of changes both in the wider public funded sector and in higher education in particular.

Vistech are Backing the region’s best new Community Champions

Organised by Tees Business, the Best New Tees Business Awards 2022 are being held in association with Teesport operator PD Ports, the region’s biggest private employer.

The awards event will take place in the Pavilion at Kirkleatham Walled Garden on the evening of November 10.

Middlesbrough-based Vistech Services are again sponsoring the Best New Community Champions category for the 2022 Best New Tees Business Awards after backing the same category in the inaugural event last year.

The firm’s managing director Chris Taylor said: “After the success of the 2021 awards, witnessing first-hand the quality of the finalists and winners, their stories and the positive impact their work and initiatives have had across the Tees Valley area, we knew this was a category we wanted to continue to support and encourage.

“We’re very much looking forward to this year’s event and seeing the next cohort of promising new businesses coming to the fore.

“The Community Champions award is an opportunity to recognise companies who have supported our local community and honour those who have gone above and beyond to support the residents of the Tees Valley area this year.

“With many people throughout the UK facing another difficult year with the cost of living crisis, affecting millions, the need to give back and support our local community should be at the forefront of businesses to help where they can.

“At Vistech Services we have been fortunate in that we have been able to continue to grow and therefore, continue to invest and support in the Tees Valley area.

“At a time when business support is vital within the community it has been made difficult for many to prioritise this support.

“As a result, I feel it is important to recognise and celebrate those businesses who have gone above and beyond during the past year to give back and support the Tees Valley community, and the Best New Community Champions category is the perfect platform to do this.”

Tees Business director Martin Walker – pictured above (left) with Vistech operations director Paul Heeran – added: “We’re delighted to have Vistech on board again for the awards after they supported the inaugural event in 2021.

“It’s fantastic that we’re able to celebrate our region’s best new ‘Community Champions’ with this category, and Vistech’s support certainly helps us to make that possible.”

The deadline for entries and nominations for the Best New Tees Business Awards is 5pm on September 9, with the shortlists announced September 22-26.

Entering or nominating is absolutely free, while there are still some sponsorship opportunities available including the category for Best New Hospitality Business.

To see the entry and nomination form and all other details for the Tees Business Awards, including the criteria for each category, click here.