The Arcadian

Towards the end of 2021, conversations commenced with LCP Properties, the owners, and managers of the Arcadian Centre in Birmingham. This iconic and unique location is home to some 10 restaurants, 7 bars and clubs, coffee shops, 2 hotels, a comedy club, 15 other outlets and circa 90 private residential apartments, some of which are booked via Airbnb.

Since the late 80s, the Arcadian has remained a very active part of Birmingham, sitting between Chinatown, The Gay Village and Iconic Hippodrome ensuring that an eclectic presence is always there.

Discussions of requirements was a mixture of elements, and broken down into two key areas:

1. The current service, or lack thereof, being provided to the client and importantly the staff
2. What a new company would be able to offer in terms of support, to a unique location that suffers with a varied element of crime with an often hands on approach due to the nature of the location and being home to 4 nightclubs and surrounding clubs and venues that would lead people to passing through or being located on the Arcadian property.

SES Group are a people company, a company that values and understands that its staff are often on the front of delivering our services. What comes with this, is a management team, at all levels, that are driven and advocates of a mentoring/coaching approach to staff to bring the best out and in return deliver a best-in-class service to customers.

During early meetings, the approach being implemented could be seen by the client and this continued, showing learning ability via the academy, the training and general approach by the management team. A personable methodology that delivers on what has been agreed and a general caring for client and staff.

SES Group understood the environment and with that, some of the challenges that would be faced by the teams on site and understanding that staff and the client would require a supportive service but also a consultative one. A company that would openly advise and guide on varied subjects based upon professional experience.

Following a series of meetings and tender process, SES Group were chosen as the preferred supplier to take over the management of the Arcadian Security contract. Due to the challenges faced with the previous supplier, SES Group were awarded a 12-month contract with ability to extend by a further 3 years, and a potential 2 years after.

Part of the agreed service was to look at ways to modernise some duties and look at giving ability to work smarter. This was achieved with the implementation of MyTag, which removed all need of using paper-based books for recording site issues. The electronic DOB records all activity on site and provides a centralised ability to search and link specific information and events. Reducing carbon footprint, but modernising working functions and providing an easier service, specifically where information would be required for Police or Investigation.

The TUPE process was managed by the management team and was delivered without any delays or errors. Every member of the security team was personally seen and spoken with in depth about SES Group, the systems in use, and importantly how they would be supported. This support to each member of the team was installed during the TUPE process and remains in place, with each having personal contact to a member of management above the site-based management.

During the mobilisation, all systems were installed, and staff trained, new and re-branded uniform was measured, ordered, and delivered in the given timeframes. This providing a clean and brand-new look to the team.

SES Group apply a consultive approach, not only to deliver the services advertised, but to also offer advice and expertise where possible. This approach often installs a bespoke and tailored service that often goes beyond the original scope of tender.