Vistech® continue to support the Armed Forces Covenant

In November 2021 Vistech organised and hosted an event at their UK Head Offices in central Middlesbrough. As Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award holders Vistech welcomed a number of Teesside based companies to sign the Armed 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 society for which they serve with their lives.

The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence including David Eccles from North Of England Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, Lt Cdr Stew Weir the Asst Naval Regional Commander and Capt David Ridley Regimental Operational Support Office for 8 RIFLES. During the event, they gave an introduction on the support the Armed Forces Covenant currently provide to those who serve, have severed and their families.

Following the presentation, there was a ceremony in which the local companies signed the Covenant Pledge. In signing the pledge, they all made a commitment to support serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families by fostering relationships between business and the Armed Forces, supporting employment opportunities for veterans, service spouses and partners and offering favourable employment terms to support reservist duties.

Vistech has a long prestigious track record of working with and providing support to the Armed Forces Covenant this is recognised with the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award. This award comes with many requirements which also includes providing 5 days additional leave to all reservist employees.

Vistech will continue to support the Armed Forces Covenant and also encourage other companies in the Teesside area to do the same.

Vistech present Police and Crime Commissioner funded award for the Premier League Kicks targeted programme.

Vistech continue to be amazed by the positive changes the Foundation achieves and as a result this year they have increased their Friend of the Foundation membership to Gold status, in addition to our Gold Membership Vistech sponsored the annual gala dinner which celebrated the Foundation’s 25th anniversary. The evening recognised the success and achievements of those supported by the charity. One of those supported was 17-year-old Jordan Winward who received the 2021 Participant Of The Year Award at The Riverside Stadium along with a standing ovation.

Vistech’s Operations Director, Paul Heeran expressed his honour to present Jordan with the award. The Middlesbrough teenager was all set to leave school without any qualifications and severing ties with several educational placements.

In June 2020, Jordan was referred to the Police and Crime Commissioner funded Premier League Kicks targeted programme. This was due to number of issues which had led to the breakdown of several educational placements. Go here for the latest breaking news from across Teesside.

Over the next six months, Jordan attended regular mentoring sessions at MFC Foundation. He took part in boxing and football sessions and his confidence ‘vastly improved’.

In December last year, he was categorised as NEET – not in education, employment or training.The foundation saw that there was more do be done for Jordan as he was expected to leave Year 11 with no qualifications. In 2021, Jordan managed to achieve 100% attendance as well as passing his Level Two Functional Skills in Maths and Level One in English.

Over the summer, he took part in the Foundation’s National Citizenship Service (NCS) programme and completed First Aid and FA coaching qualifications. For someone who had been given up on by many, this was a remarkable achievement for the teenager.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steven Turner has chosen to help fund the MFC Foundation’s Premier League Kicks scheme for the next three years.
He said: “It’s stories like Jordan’s, which persuaded me how vital it is to continue to fund the programme. “With support like that provided by MFC Foundation, we can turn round the lives of more young people in Cleveland, diverting them away from crime and becoming the victims of crime.”

Keith Robson, Targeted Youth Support Coordinator, said:
“Jordan’s achievements in 2021 are nothing short of remarkable and it is testament to his hard work and dedication that he is awarded the Participant of the Year.
“It’s also a lesson that you should never give up on young people. If you persevere and give them the right level of support, they can make changes.”

Kay Coleman and Associates Worthy Winners of Tees Business Best New Community Champions, Proudly Sponsored by Vistech Services

When Kay Coleman and Associates were named among the winners at the inaugural Best New Tees Business Awards, it completed an incredible turnaround after most of their work writing funding bids for commercial companies dried up during the pandemic.

But now charities are benefiting from Kay’s skills – leading to her business being crowned Best New Community Champions for the Tees region.

A change in focus forced on her by the pandemic has been successful for Kay Coleman – and even more so for the charities she now helps.

Previously, Kay’s work involved writing funding bids for commercial companies, but much of that dried up when Covid came along.

Instead, a chance conversation with a local good cause saw Kay switch to submitting funding applications for charities.

And having since brought in vital cash for many organisations, it’s proved an inspired change for all concerned – and one which earned Kay Coleman & Associates the Best New Community Champions title at the Best New Tees Business Awards, in association with PD Ports.

A complete wraparound service for charities doing amazing work but struggling organisationally and/or financially, Kay Coleman & Associates analyses what is needed and provides structured support to grow, develop professionally and help more beneficiaries.

Having launched in April 2019 with just Kay at the helm, the extra charity work means K&A now has three associates who go above and beyond to help Teesside good causes support the most vulnerable and deprived in our communities.

The organisation has secured funding for charities with poor track records in fundraising go on to help people into employment and training, to move away from benefits, to move from experiencing homelessness into tenancies and to avoid food poverty.

But Kay, who runs the business from her Ingleby Barwick home, says it’s the charities who are the real heroes.

After picking up her award from category sponsors Vistech Services, she said: “They’re the ones who do all the hard work, they’re the ones on the front line.

“It all started completely by chance. I normally write bids for commercial companies but that dried up overnight due to the pandemic. But a chance conversation with a charity saw me look and think ‘ok, this is actually quite similar to writing a bid’.

“At the end of the day, you are reassuring them that you’re a safe pair of hands to handle the money and that it goes to the right people. So I thought ‘let’s see what we can do’ and it just sky-rocketed.”

In an increasingly social media-driven world, Kay admits: “I don’t advertise, I don’t have a social media presence, it’s been very much under the radar. Word of mouth, that’s how I get my referrals and I’m kind of swamped!”

She added: “Last week, for one charity, I won them two – each was worth £50,000, so I won them their annual turnover in two days and that is transformational.

“At the end of the day, I always think about the difference the money is going to make on the frontline for those charities.

“To get them anything, to me it doesn’t matter if it’s £500 or £50,000, it’s the difference it makes to the charity and its beneficiaries.

“Now I just want to do more of the same. I’ve got no plans to take over the world, I just want to help as many charities as I can.”

Vistech celebrating region’s new Community Champions

Vistech celebrating region’s new Community Champions

The inaugural Best New Tees Business Awards will be a “brilliant” event to “inspire” the next generation of new businesses and entrepreneurs, says the MD of a firm that’s sponsoring the Community Champions category.

Organised by Tees Business in association with PD Ports, the awards will take place within the marquee of Kirkleatham Walled Garden, near Redcar, on the evening of Thursday November 11.

The awards attracted more than 100 entries and nominations – and category sponsors have now chosen the final three in each category.

Vistech is sponsoring a Best New Community Champions category which will see Beth Hodgson’s Redcar Cleveland & Beyond, Kay Coleman & Associates and Engineering Together fighting for the winners’ gong.

Vistech managing director Chris Taylor said: “Celebrating the best new businesses in our area will inspire those future entrepreneurs and employers.

“We chose to sponsor the Community Champions Award specifically as Vistech is very much a company which invests in and gives back to the local community.”

Client relationship manager Danielle Butler added: “Vistech is proud to be part of in inaugural Best New Business Awards and the Community Champions Award is a perfect fit for with all the charitable and community-based work we carry out.

“Vistech is very much at the heart of the Teesside community which goes hand-in-hand with being one of the area’s largest employers.”

Danielle and Vistech engineer Ryan Aspland are pictured with Dave Allan, director of event organisers Resolution Media and Publishing, creators of Tees Business.

Vistech are honoured to be Gold Members of the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation.

MFC Foundation is the independent charitable arm of Middlesbrough FC, working across Teesside to raise aspirations and change lives for the better. We work with over 35,000 disadvantaged people every year to help make Teesside a better place to live, learn, work and play.

We rely heavily on the generous support of our local business community to help us achieve our mission. In response to corporate feedback we introduced our Friends of the Foundation scheme.

Friends of the Foundation donate a minimum of £500 a year and help us in a number of ways, including:

Increasing the funding available to support disadvantaged people in Teesside
Helping us plan for the future growth of the charity

https://mfcfoundation.co.uk/get-involved/friends-of-the-foundation/

Vistech MFC Foundation partners driving security at Waste Knot Energy

Teesside businesses have come together as part of a collective drive to enhance security at the Waste Knot Energy Centre in Middlesbrough.

Vistech Security and Cornerstone Business Solutions, whom both have gold member status with the MFC Foundation, partnered together under the foundation to supply specialist CCTV at the energy centre, which produces 250,000 tonnes of SIRF pellets a year from waste.

Having recently moved into premises in the port of Middlesbrough, Waste Knot – based at Riverside Park Road – deemed the security of the new energy centre as crucial.

Having recently received gold member status this year with the MFC Foundation, Vistech – based locally and accredited to SIA ACS Pacesetters Status, SSAIB, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 – quickly designed and installed the specialist CCTV systems to combat break-ins and intruders at the site.

Paul Heeran, Vistech Security operations director, said: “Being a service partner of Cornerstone, who are also MFC Foundation gold members, we were provided with the opportunity to work on the Waste Knot Project and welcomed the chance to support a local company demonstrating outstanding environmental awareness.

“A particular practice that resonated with us was the use of non-recyclable plastic to produce pellets ensuring these plastics do not end up on landfill sites or in waterways.

“We are very proud to be providing CCTV systems on this project in partnership with Cornerstone and to be associated with Waste Knot Energy. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our MFC Foundation membership renewal, and to showcase our excellent partnerships.”

Chris Bibby, Cornerstone’s sales director, added: “This is the first big project that we have taken on with Vistech, but I had heard good things about them from a previous project they had worked on.

“From start to finish they were professional, efficient and the project has been completed to a very high standard. Looking forward to the next project we work on together.”

CCTV Operator Course NOW ONLY £200!

CCTV Operator Training

For a limited time only the Highfield level 2 CCTV Operator Training Course is available for ONLY £200, this special offer is valid on the next course which commencing on Tuesday 16th March!

The SIA CCTV Operator Licence enables you to work as a CCTV operator. CCTV Operators usually work in a control room which is connected to a wide array of camera footage. Employers typically include security companies, medium-large corporations, local councils.

According to the British Security Industry Authority (BSIA), the UK has an estimated 5.9 million CCTV cameras. Behind these cameras are CCTV Operators viewing and observing footage and images to keep property and the public safe.

Obtaining the level 2 CCTV Training qualification is the first step towards obtaining an SIA Licence. If you are looking to work as a CCTV operator, this is the right qualification for you.

Next Course Date:
Tuesday 16th – Thursday 18th March 2021

Middlesbrough training centre

Address:
Boho Six Offices, 5 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 1RE
(Use TS1 1SR for Google Maps, next to Zetland Car Park)

Parking:
Zetland Car Park, TS1 1SR, pay and display. Open 0700 to 1900 daily.

Public transport:
located over the road from Middlesbrough Train Station and 5 minute walk from Middlesbrough Bus Station.

For more information or to book a training course please contact our training team on 0800 6123 280 or email training@vistechservices.co.uk

Following another highly successful SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) audit carried out in 2020, we are now members of a select group of security services suppliers, namely The ACS Pacesetters. This is an independent body whose membership is made up of Contract Security Guarding Companies who are in the top 15% benchmarking and achievement levels set by the Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme.

Membership allows us to apply for the SECURITY OFFICERS OF DISTINCTION awards.

Paul Heeran, Vistech Services, Operations Director, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to feature some of the great work that is carried out by Vistech employees. Throughout this last year, security officers have carried out a vital role in keeping property and individuals safe and unfortunately on many occasions have been the target of violence and aggression. We would like to recognise and reward those officers who have gone above and beyond in their duties during this very difficult period.”

Chris Taylor, Vistech Services, Managing Director added, “For Vistech to be recognised by the ACS as Pacesetters is a great endorsement of not only our growth as a company with nearly 200 employees across the UK but also of our consistency in providing an excellent standard of service to our clients.”

What is the difference between a Door Supervisor and a Security Guard SIA Licence.

Ever since the SIA gave people a choice between the two licences in 2005 this has been a question which has caused much discussion. The roles of a SIA Door Supervisor and a Security Guard are often the same in the minds of the public. However, they serve different functions and are better suited to different situations. There are also legal requirements that you must take into consideration. Knowing the differences between the two roles ensures that you make the right choices when deciding which training course to take and which SIA licence to apply for.

Anyone who holds a SIA Door Supervisor licence can undertake any of the roles covered by a Security Guard licence. This is clearly shown on the SIA website in the licencing integration section.

So what are the advantages of holding a Door Supervisor Licence rather than a Security Guard licence, especially if you have no intention of working in a pub or club? The short answer is that you will have greater job opportunities and be seen as more versatile by most potential employers. Consider the following, a Door Supervisor licence is not only required to work in pubs and clubs it is also needed to work in any establishment where alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises, for example in Hotels, Restaurants, Theatres, Cinemas and Casinos.

An SIA Door Supervisor Licence is a legal requirement on premises where alcohol is going to be served. Their training specifically covers the common variables that door supervisors will face every day. This includes conflict management skills and physical intervention skills. As such, they are trained to deal with those who are intoxicated and potentially violent
Traditional Security Guards with basic licences are ideal for environments that don’t serve alcohol and where security must be maintained. For instance, patrolling, securing, and monitoring business premises out of hours is a key role that many security guards undertake.

It important to be aware of the restrictions on CCTV use for standard security guards. While they are permitted to use CCTV to identify trespassers and protect property, they are not permitted to use it to monitor the activities of the public or to identify a particular person. A public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence would be required for this, and therefore standard security guards aren’t permitted to work in public spaces such as shopping centres.

Whilst it is not necessary for a Door Supervisor or a Security Guard to have academic qualifications, it is necessary to obtain training to provide the framework for a complete understanding of the role, and to enhance the skills and approach of the individual towards the security industry. In completing your training, you will be authorised to apply for your SIA licence. It is illegal to work in the security industry without the proper licencing or training is a criminal offence that could result in high fines or prison. Hiring unlicenced staff is also against the law, and the employer will also be punished by law.

Vistech Training would always strongly recommend to all that are considering the Security Officer training course that they consider the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry course instead.

NASDU Level 2 Patrol Dog Handler Course

You could earn upto £20 per hour working in the Private Security Industry as a Security Dog Handler.

Our Next NASDU Level 2 Patrol Dog Handler Course will take place this coming Monday 1st February and we only have 3 PLACES LEFT available.

Contact our training team to find out more and to ENROL TODAY!

Call : 0800 6123 280
Email: training@vistechservices.co.uk

Next Course Date: Monday 1st to Friday 5th February
Course Times: 8.30AM – 5.30PM Daily
Course Cost: £995(£100 deposit to secure a place)

The NASDU Level 2 Patrol Dog Handler training course covers four units over the five days which include:

Roles & Responsibilities of a Patrol Dog Handler
Control of a Patrol Dog
Controlling a General Purpose Patrol Dog
Health, well-being & Safety of a Patrol Dog

Once qualified, you will be eligible to apply for jobs in roles within the private security industry as a Security Dog Handler.

For a quote or further information call our head office on 0800 6123 280(24HR)or email training@vistechservices.co.uk