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.

Vistech receive praise from the Ministry of Defence

“Vistech Services Ltd employ a mixture of reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses. They are fully committed to supporting Defence People, in November 2021 they hosted a multiple business ceremony that saw six companies, from the public, private and third sector committing to their Armed Forces Covenant pledge. They also used the occasion to promote their local Army Reserve organisation ; 8th Battalion The Rifles. They actively promote Reserve service to their staff and encourage applications to join the spare time military organisations.

The company created the Vistech Military Mentor programme helping those transitioning from the uniformed to civilian workforce and they support all three of our Armed Forces in confidence building and military-to-civilian interface activities. They play an active role in the support to the North of England Armed Forces Business Forum, raising issues and offer a mentoring service for the newly signed Armed Forces Covenant organisations.
Vistech Services Ltd are a very strong advocate and punch well above their weight, their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold award is a great achievement and hugely deserved.”

Darren Rhodes

Darren Rhodes BSc (HONS)
Regional Employer Engagement Director

Vistech Receives Gold Award Armed Forces Covenant

The Ministry of Defence has named Vistech Services as a Gold Award winner in its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for 2022.

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 in and leaving the armed forces, creating opportunities for service personnel such as cadet instructors, veterans (including wounded, injured and sick), and military spouses and partners. It must enable reservists to fulfil their annual training and mobilisation commitments and support their reintegration once back at work.

Chris Taylor, Managing Director, said: “This award should serve as 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 service 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.”

For more information on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, visit > https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme/defence-employer-recognition-scheme

Secure Investment

Award-winning Vistech Security has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing its services by expanding its mobile patrol fleet and taking on 20 new team members.

The growth of the highly accredited Middlesbrough firm has led to the creation of 20 new jobs – 8 full time control room operatives, 10 mobile patrol officers and 2 engineers – not to mention the 2 new mobile vehicles with Vistech Security’s distinctive branding, which acts as a strong visual deterrent.

Chris Taylor, Vistech Group’s managing director, says the company is also recruiting more staff nationally on a daily basis, thanks to new contracts continuously coming in.

“We believe Vistech’s award-winning approach to customer care and experience working with clients across a number of sectors nationally, has resulted in positive word of mouth from our existing customers, and as a result we receive a lot of new business through referrals,” Chris said.

“In addition, we have become one of the first security companies in the UK to be a Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor, at the same time as holding NSI (National Security Inspectorate) Guarding Gold status.
“In the security industry new customers look for these accreditations and awards to ensure they are working with a reputable company with a proven track record of contract delivery and compliance.”

Vistech invests heavily in its fleet and state-of-the-art equipment, with mobile patrol vehicles fitted with the latest smart dash cameras and telematics tracking systems, continually monitored at its 24-hour control room.
From here, direct dispatch requests and vehicle location monitoring take place around the clock.
Mobile patrol visits are recorded and backed-up with data point tagging in vulnerable site areas, providing clear evidence the company is delivering the service it has been tasked to deliver.

Chris says: “One of our main company values is that we ‘identify and implement innovations that enhance our services’.
“Therefore, we are always looking for ways to enhance our services to benefit our customers.”
Chris adds the company’s newly increased fleet and 24-hour, state-of-the-art control room put Vistech at a clear advantage when compared to competitors.

“They allow us to deliver industry leading response times to intruder alarm activations, which can reduce theft and vandalism on our customers premises,” he explained.

The firm’s numerous accreditations also set it apart from the rest, with the ACS Pacesetters award coming from an independent body, whose membership is made up of contract security guarding companies who are in the top 15 per cent benchmarking and achievement levels set by the Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme. Vistech is also proud of its NSI Gold status for Guarding and Control Room Services.

In 2021, Vistech’s growth was also recognised by being included in the Ward Hadaway – fastest 50 growing companies in the North-East, as well as winning the Customer Care Initiative of the Year at the 2021 National Security and Fire Excellence Awards. With all these accolades, it is of no surprise that the firm is picking up more keyholding contracts, highlighting its trusted status as an outstanding security services provider.

Keyholding is a specialist security service where a contracted security firm holds a set of keys or codes to a client’s commercial premises in a secure, off-site location, to be used in the event of a security breach.
Chris says he is delighted at the firm’s continued growth and success and the fact the firm prides itself on “providing careers not just jobs”.

“We recruit locally and provide our employees with qualifications and careers, ensuring salaries are invested back into the local economy and reducing the environmental impacts of commuting,” he said.
In addition, the company’s continued growth and success has allowed it to substantially increase the support it provides to local organisations and charities including the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, Teesside Hospice, Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, Middlesbrough’s Helping Hands and the Genesis Project.

“This is an important value for Vistech as we continue to “give back” to the communities we serve,” added Chris.
For more information on Vistech’s services, call 08006123280.

Words by Sarah Walker Visit www.teesbusiness.co.uk for more stories from the Teesside Area.

Vistech are Shortlisted in the North East England Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2022

The North East Chamber of Commerce Awards are designed to recognise the achievements of our region’s business community. No other organisation represents every size and sector, from the borders of Yorkshire to Scotland and Cumbria. The Chamber wants to celebrate business success and the uniqueness of Chamber membership. A unique feature of the Chamber business awards is the national categories, with winners enjoy an automatic finalist position at the British Chamber of Commerce awards.

Vistech have been shortlisted for the Community Business of the Year 2022, as a local North East based business we are passionate about supporting the communities in which we work. We support an abundance of local organisations and charities including the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, Teesside Hospice, Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, Middlesbrough’s Helping Hands and the Genesis Project.

Over the last 12 months, our company initiatives have achieved long term tangible benefits in the North East communities we serve and this is something we are very proud of.

Corporate responsibility and social awareness are key to the continued development of Vistech Services and form an important component of our company business plan. Therefore, we plan to not only sustain our community programmes, but to develop and expand our community programmes. We believe social value is vital to achieving commercial success. We understand the importance of “giving back” to the local communities in which we work and encourage growth within our areas of corporate responsibility and social awareness as our organisation continues to grow and develop.

We are extremely privileged to be shortlisted, good luck to all who are shortlisted for the upcoming awards.

Vistech Secure Another Contract Win!

Vistech’s outstanding approach to customer care and experience working with clients across a number of sectors nationally, has resulted in another prestigious contract in North Yorkshire.

Our key strengths included our NSI Gold and ACS Pacesetters accredited services plus our industry leading training programme.

Another fantastic contract win and achievement for the team at Vistech Services! Congratulations to all involved as we continue to expand and grow.

For more information on the services we provide contact our team, call 0800 6123 280 or email enquiries@vistechservices.co.uk

Gold Standard Award Winning!

Vistech Security gets the highest seal of approval from National Security Inspectorate (NSI)

A Middlesbrough-based security firm has joined the elite in its industry, by achieving the highest accreditation from the UK’s most highly trusted and respected independent certification body in the security and fire safety sector. Vistech Security achieved the National Security Inspectorate (NSI)’s Guarding Gold standard at the first attempt, recognising the firm as meeting the highest technical standards in the industry.

This successful completion of NSI’s premier security guarding services scheme also recognises the company’s commitment to continual improvement, as a holder of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System certificate. The ISO 9001 is the world’s most recognised quality management system standard, used by more than a million organisations as a business improvement tool, to continually monitor, manage and improve the quality of their products and services.

NSI Guarding Gold approval is a compliance-driven scheme, which appeals to the elite in the security services sector. It is built on British Standards and NSI Codes of Practice, which compliant companies adhere to. By having the gold standard, Vistech counts itself among the best providers of private security services in the United Kingdom. Coupled with winning the Security & Fire Excellence Awards for Customer Care, this cements Vistech as the go-to security company in the region.

Vistech has also become one of the first security companies in the UK to be a Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor, at the same time as hold NSI Guarding Gold status.
Chris Taylor, Vistech Group managing director, said the workforce was proud of having achieved the gold standard, describing it as a “milestone” for the business.
“We are very proud of our National Security Inspectorate Gold award and proud to give our customers the assurances this brings as we continue to offer and provide the very best security service,” Chris said. “Achieving this standard is a milestone in our professional standing and reputation. “The gold standard is not only about improving processes but also achieving consistency throughout the company.”

Vistech will continue to undergo an extensive review of its procedures and processes every six months, to ensure adherence to the ISO accreditation. Vistech’s Gold status with the NSI recognises its compliance with a number of British Standards for the provision of security services, including the provision of static site guarding security services, keyholding and response services and the provision of mobile security services. Vistech also adheres to the British Standard around the screening of individuals and the NSI standard for control room services, in addition to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certificate.

Paul Heeran, Vistech Services operations director, said becoming NSI Gold-accredited was an “outstanding achievement” and testament to the quality and desire of our staff to meet the highest standards in the industry. He said: “The National Security Inspectorate are industry specialists, making this achievement – at gold standard, no less – at our first attempt, even more outstanding. “I am immensely proud of the effort from everyone within the organisation – this milestone was earned through their endeavour. “Our ethos of continuous improvement is being maintained with accreditations and recognition such as this.”

As an NSI Guarding Gold company, Vistech is now committed to a twice-yearly, independent, expert compliance audit, which is an in-depth assessment of front-line services, management systems, support infrastructure, staff welfare and benefits and people development.
The company is also committed to employee security screening, ensuring the right to work in the UK, managing risk and protecting clients’ reputations.
To keep its gold-standard status, Vistech must also maintain a quality management system, which is a pathway for continual improvement for people and processes that ensures the specific needs of its clients are top of the agenda.

The company must also comply with British and international standards which prescribe key benchmarks, ensuring the integrity of client-supplier relationships through excellence in guarding services, staff training, health and safety practices, contract management and customer services.

For further information about security services available or to arrange a free site survey contact the team by calling 0800 6123 280 or emailing enquiries@vistechservices.co.uk.

Vistech Celebrate National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Gold Approval

NSI GOLD APPROVAL IS THE HALLMARK AND PINNACLE OF EXCELLENCE WITHIN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

NSI’s premier security guarding services scheme is designed for companies who meet the industry’s highest technical standards and maintain a commitment to continual improvement with an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.

NSI Guarding gold approval is a compliance-driven scheme which appeals to the elite in the security services sector. It is built on British Standards and NSI Codes of Practice, which compliant companies adhere to. They are amongst the best providers of private security services in the United Kingdom.

The extensive review of Vistech’s procedures and processes every six months ensures adherence to the ISO accreditation. Vistech Services Ltd holds the Gold standard of certification, the highest level achievable.

As a NSI Guarding gold company Vistech are committed to:

• A twice yearly, independent, expert compliance audit: an in-depth assessment of front-line services, management systems, support infrastructure, staff welfare and benefits, and
people development.
• Security screening every employee, ensuring the right to work in the UK, managing risk and protecting clients’ reputations.
• Maintaining a quality management system: a pathway for continual improvement for people and processes, ensuring the specific needs of clients are top of the agenda.
• Compliance with British and International standards which prescribe key benchmarks ensuring integrity of client-supplier relationships through excellence in guarding services, staff
training, health and safety practices, contract management and customer services.

Key information about the National Security Inspectorate (NSI)

• The UK’s leading independent, UKAS accredited specialist certification body approving companies in the security sector.
• The most highly trained, expert, in house audit team in the industry.
• Conducts over 3,500 audits annually in security guarding, security systems and fire safety.
• Over 45 years’ experience in approval providing the highest reassurance to buyers of security services.

If you are considering contracted security services, look out for the NSI guarding gold hallmark. This way you know you are in safe hands with a company that not only supplies their services to the highest standards, but the day-to-day management of the company is also of a high standard.

For further information about security services available from Vistech Services or to arrange a free site survey contact our team by calling 0800 6123 280 or email enquiries@vistechservices.co.uk