Bidvest Noonan

A leading provider of facilities services and solutions

Cinara

Ethical Procurement and Sustainability: A Q&A with Gurjeet Parmar, Group Procurement Manager at Bidvest Noonan

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We sat down with Gurjeet Parmar, our Group Procurement Manager, who joined us in 2023 and is based in our London office. Since joining, Gurjeet has made a significant impact, and today, she is an integral part of our excellent procurement team.
Gurjeet brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked with a diverse range of companies, including large, well-known multinationals. We were keen to hear about how she incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and promotes diversity within our supply chain, alongside her contributions to our thriving procurement team.

What does ethical procurement mean to you, and why is it important for companies?

Ethical procurement is fundamentally about ensuring that the goods and services we purchase are sourced in a way that respects human rights, supports fair labour practices, and protects the environment. It’s a holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations into our procurement decisions.
For companies in the UK and Ireland, it’s more than a legal obligation; it’s also a moral one. It’s about avoiding harm and actively contributing to positive change.
We need to make sure that our supply chains are free from exploitation and that we’re supporting practices that contribute to a better world. Beyond preventing the exploitation of people, we also have to ensure that we prevent the exploitation of the planet to protect the environments we all depend on.
It’s the right thing to do, and it’s good for business. It enhances our reputation and builds trust with customers and stakeholders, who increasingly demand that businesses operate responsibly and ethically.

You mentioned preventing the exploitation of both people and the planet. How can we ensure that child labour and modern slavery don’t exist in our supply chains?

We take a very proactive approach. First, we conduct thorough due diligence and regular audits of our suppliers. This helps us to identify and address any risks of child labour or modern slavery. We also do random checks and have very strict onboarding processes to make sure our suppliers know what’s expected of them. Beyond preventing the exploitation of people, we also have to ensure that we prevent the exploitation of the planet to protect the environments we all depend on. This means advocating for sustainable practices throughout our supply chain.

Can you share some of the new or ongoing initiatives that you’re working on to make your procurement more sustainable?

There are so many exciting initiatives happening across our business, it’s on everyone’s agenda, and the pace of positive change is truly incredible. To mention just a few, we’ve introduced a range of products like biodegradable detergents and hand towels made from recycled materials. We’re also reducing our carbon footprint by designing smaller packaging, which allows us to transport more products in fewer shipments. I’m sure many people know about the amazing technologies our innovation team has helped us introduce that enable us to reduce emissions and cut our consumption of resources such as energy and water.
Another significant initiative is our programme for recycling old uniforms. We partner with suppliers to convert these uniforms into usable materials, preventing waste and supporting our commitment to sustainability. These efforts are just a glimpse of the many ways we’re working to minimise our environmental impact and promote responsible resource use throughout our operations.


How do you encourage diversity and inclusion among your suppliers?

A diverse supply chain is crucial for fostering innovation and ensuring fairness. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) team has done outstanding work in driving this initiative forward. We’re hosting Diversity Supplier Days to engage with suppliers from various backgrounds, including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. We’ve set specific targets to increase the number of diverse suppliers we work with, and we’re committed to supporting them long-term. It’s about creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Finally, what advice would you give to other companies looking to begin their journey to ethical procurement practices?

My advice would be to start with clear policies and standards and make sure everyone in your supply chain understands and adheres to them. Regular audits and open communication are key to maintaining these standards. Also, look for ways to support sustainability and diversity in your procurement practices. It’s not just good for business but also for the community and the planet. And remember, it’s an ongoing process—there’s always room for improvement.

Bidvest Noonan’s Altius VR onboards 1,600 officers in phase one

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We are delighted to announce the launch of our VR training programme, Altius, with more than 1,600 security officers onboarded for phase one of the programme. Altius see security officers train in virtual environments using VR headsets. These environments are perfect replicas of their actual workplaces, each recreated from real settings with advanced 3D camera technology.

The training immerses officers in highly realistic simulations where they are challenged to resolve a wide range of security issues, developing their skills, and honing their reactions in a low-risk environment. Through the creation of vivid deeply engaging experiences, Altius aims to close the gap between training and the real world.

The officers are using VR headsets, which have been designed by Meta to be lightweight, ergonomic highly performant. The headsets and their accompanying wireless handheld controllers are shipped to our sites, enabling officers to access bespoke immersive training where they work. This means the programme can scale to tens of thousands while the company can measure performance down to the individual level, pinpointing specific aspects of training an officer needs help with, and ensuring each officer can get the best possible outcome.

There is robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of VR training. According to a PwC study, VR not only enhances participant confidence by up to 40% compared to traditional methods but also achieves significant cost savings and greater emotional engagement when scaled. Learners complete training four times faster and are substantially more focused and inclusive post-training.

Raj Pradhan, Operations Director and Altius lead said “our Altius programme delivers an unparalleled learning experience and unmatched results. We have found that our officers are eager and excited to participate. They emerge from their training with more skills and confidence than can be achieved through conventional classroom and online approaches. Our programmes have been carefully designed to ensure our officers have all of the skills they need to perform at the highest levels and we are very impressed with the improvements we have seen in officers who have completed the programme.”

Liz Cummins, Managing Director “this technology is enabling us to close the gap between the training room and real-world situations. We are excited about the difference it is making for our people and the benefits it is delivering for all the customers who adopted it. We believe that in the coming years, more companies in our industry will develop and deploy VR training programmes and this will substantially improve security and service quality across the industry.”

Food for Thought: A Simple Idea Transforming Workplace Inclusion

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In today’s diverse world, people from different backgrounds meet daily, creating chances for innovation and understanding. While this diversity is valuable for team-building and generating varied ideas, the real challenge for organisations is to harness these differences effectively and authentically for significant benefits.


Our team at the University of Limerick, with its broad talent pool, recognised this potential. Keen on bringing together the unique perspectives of its colleagues to form a more effective and inclusive team, they were committed to creating an environment where everyone could flourish. In pursuit of this, they engaged in numerous initiatives and saw remarkable results. However, one idea stood out for its effectiveness and simplicity. This concept, employed in various cultures but less discussed in corporate settings, was ‘Food for Thought’. It involved the simple act of sharing meals – a universal practice of breaking bread together.


‘Food for Thought’ is straightforward: get people together to share a meal and and encourage them to share their unique stories. This age-old concept, reimagined for the modern corporate world, gains its power from simplicity. In a shared meal, there’s an opportunity for conversation, for personal stories to unfold, and for barriers to dissolve.


What makes ‘Food for Thought’ impactful isn’t just the act of eating together; it’s the exchanges that happen around the table. When colleagues share their personal stories, they begin to see each other beyond their professional roles. They discover common ground, understanding, and respect. These are the cornerstones of a truly inclusive workplace.


The influence of ‘Food for Thought’ stretches well beyond the lunch hour. It reshapes workplace culture, affects interactions, decisions, and attitudes. This initiative reminds us that sometimes, the most effective solutions emerge from the simplest ideas.

Bidvest Noonan Has Launched Task – Our Cloud-Based Operations Platform for Intelligence-Driven Services

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We are delighted to announce the launch of Task, a cutting-edge cloud-based operations platform. Developed for our 27,000-strong workforce, Task was engineered to enhance service processes, employee management, and asset tracking, transforming the way our company operates in the field.

Task will change the way service teams work, allowing them to leverage real-time data generation and analysis to provide actionable insights for continual service improvement. Its comprehensive suite of applications caters to diverse operational needs across the company, ensuring enhanced quality, accountability, and consistency in our service delivery.

The platform’s capability to attach detailed instructions and guides to tasks ensures consistently high service standards, focusing on safety and professionalism. Our cleaning teams can access specific instructions for impeccable results, boosting client satisfaction. Teams can access integrated Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) and Schedules. Security colleagues benefit from Task’s GPS and NFC technologies, which ensure proof of presence and detailed digital audit trails, thereby offering clients enhanced assurance. The integrated panic button is a highly valuable safety feature, ensuring swift emergency responses for security personnel.

Task’s digital approach to operational documents plays a crucial role in supporting Bidvest Noonan’s commitment to environmental sustainability, significantly reducing paper usage and contributing to broader environmental goals.

Eddie Ingram, our Transformation Director comments, “With Task, we’re taking a significant step towards a more efficient, technology-driven future. It’s a standout platform, fit for the data-oriented and innovative company we have become. Task is key in our strategy to transform how we work and lead in our industry.”

Balancing Security with Community

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In the article below, our Business Development Director, Adrian Canale, shares his insights on how to strike the right balance between security and community engagement.

London is renowned for its vibrant and dynamic public spaces. The city is home to some of the most exciting and diverse mixed-use environments that blend residential areas, offices, retail outlets, and cultural hotspots. When designing security solutions for these spaces the primary challenge lies in establishing robust security measures that do not detract from the welcoming and open atmosphere these areas provide. The goal is to ensure the security, safety, and well-being of everyone, from residents and commuters to tourists, without imposing an overbearing presence.

Designing effective security solutions for busy public spaces is intricate work. The foundational approach begins with a comprehensive assessment of the assets requiring protection. This encompasses not just the physical property but also the intangible elements like the area’s ambience and the customer’s brand.

The next step often involves a thorough analysis of potential threats. This includes identifying both internal and external risks. Threat identification is an ongoing process, benefitting from strong platforms and highly networked teams who can use data to develop intel for advanced warning of potential threats. It is important to be ahead of the curve in this area. An in-depth understanding of all threats allows for the quantification of their potential impact, guiding the development of responsive and proactive security strategies.

Central to the design of these security solutions are three key pillars: people, procedures, and technology. By harmoniously integrating these pillars, security solutions can be crafted to provide comprehensive protection while maintaining the unique character of the spaces being protected. The goal is to create a robust and multi-layered security solution, capable of adapting to the evolving needs and challenges of these dynamic environments. There are many additional considerations when designing solutions for public spaces.

Public spaces are melting pots of individuals, each with distinct needs and expectations and embracing inclusivity in these spaces has become a cornerstone of modern security solution design. This means designing measures that cater to all, ensuring everyone feels safe and acknowledged.

In this context, security solution designers increasingly call on security personnel to adopt roles that go well beyond traditional duties. They are asked to perform as ambassadors and customer service representatives, trained not only in security and safety procedures but also in skills such as empathy, communication, and cultural sensitivity.

In a city as diverse as London, communication barriers can be a significant challenge. Training and careful recruitment can help bridge the gap and there are many small and simple steps teams can take to improve their accessibility to the public. For example, some of our security teams wear ‘language flags’ on their uniforms. These small, embroidered patches indicate the languages an officer is fluent in, thereby inviting non-English speakers to communicate in their preferred language. This simple but effective tool not only eases communication but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.

The scope of health and safety in modern security has expanded significantly, encompassing advanced medical training, and enhanced rapid response capabilities. This evolution reflects a broader responsibility of security teams, not only in preventing and addressing security incidents but also in responding effectively to health emergencies.

Security personnel are increasingly equipped with medical training that goes beyond basic first aid. This includes specialised courses such as First Person on Scene Intermediate (FPOSi), which provides them with the skills to manage a range of medical conditions and trauma-related injuries.

This advanced medical knowledge enables security teams to act as first responders in emergency situations, able to administer potentially life-saving care while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. This capability is especially crucial in high-traffic public spaces where a range of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to serious health crises, can occur.

Good solution design often incorporates technologies that enhance security operations and provide data for continuous improvements. Although many security companies manage well with traditional systems and methods of working, in an era where data is invaluable, modern technology can have a huge impact on performance. For example, while many companies find paper-based occurrence logs to be adequate, for high footfall public spaces switching to a sophisticated digital system can make a significant difference. This can facilitate the analysis of data to identify trends and make informed decisions about resource allocation, identify areas for additional surveillance or patrols, and continually refine their security strategies. There are so many other areas where technologies can enhance security operations in these spaces, from body-worn cameras offering real-time recording to enhance accountability and safety, to advanced radio systems which ensure seamless communication among team members and even colleagues on other sites.

The art of creating secure yet inviting public spaces lies in the delicate balance between safety and openness. By integrating empathetic, culturally sensitive, and highly trained personnel, advanced technologies, and strategic planning, our industry can achieve the highest standards of security while preserving the vibrancy and inclusivity of our public spaces.

The impact of the AI Act on the facilities Industry

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On Wednesday, the EU passed the world’s first comprehensive AI law, the Artificial Intelligence Act. This Act is set to establish unprecedented standards for AI usage and regulatory compliance. Its significance will be particularly pronounced for the private security and facilities industries in the EU. However, the significance of this Act extends far beyond EU borders, potentially influencing future legislative approaches in other markets.

Notably, the UK has outlined its approach to AI regulation in its 2023 white paper. The UK’s strategy shares common principles with the EU’s legislation. The white paper advocates for a new regulatory framework for high-risk AI systems and risk assessments for AI tool usage.

Implications for the Private Security Industry


Central to the EU’s AI Act are provisions designed to safeguard fundamental rights and public safety. The legislation classifies AI systems based on their risk potential, with stringent regulations for high-risk applications and an outright ban on specific uses such as certain untargeted facial recognition and mass surveillance techniques. For the private security industry in the EU, these measures may necessitate a careful evaluation of surveillance practices and technologies in the future. The act prohibits the use of AI systems that “create or expand facial recognition databases through the untargeted scraping of facial images from the internet or CCTV footage”.

The Act restricts the use of ‘real-time’ remote biometric identification systems in publicly accessible areas for law enforcement purposes, permitting their usage only under specific, tightly defined circumstances, such as the search for victims of serious crimes or the prevention of substantial, imminent threats.

The act will present challenges in terms of compliance and operational adjustments for Security providers as they deploy AI. Security firms will need to conduct comprehensive audits of their AI technologies, ensuring alignment with the Act’s requirements. A crucial component of adapting to the new landscape involves educating both staff and stakeholders about the ethical, legal, and operational implications of the AI Act.

The Artificial Intelligence Act is a landmark in the regulation of AI technologies, with far-reaching implications for the private security industry. Ultimately, this legislation aims to pave the way for a safer, more ethical future. As the industry adapts, it remains to be seen how these regulations will shape the landscape of AI in security. Bidvest Noonan is closely monitoring the developments and its dedicated teams are working together to ensure compliance with the Act and careful consideration of the use of AI technology in our business.

Commentary by Peter Smyth, Director of Technology & Innovation, And Olga Mitropoulou, Director of Risk & Compliance