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Angela OBrien, Operations Manager for the Healthcare sector in Ireland, joined us for our 60-Second interview series, sharing some insights below.

How would you define what you do at Bidvest Noonan?
I am an Operations Manager and look after a number of sites in the healthcare division. My role is to work with the clients and managers to deliver the best standards, making sure Bidvest Noonan is always the partner of choice for facilities solutions on site.

What has been your best day at Bidvest Noonan?
This September marks 25 years for me at Bidvest Noonan. There have been a lot of good days over the years so it is hard to pin down exactly one. I do remember the first time I was asked to take on the assistant manager role for a site in Leixlip. This was a flagship site for the client, with very high standards, so to be entrusted and given the support to succeed here was a great achievement for me.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
1: Remember you can do what you do because of the team you have working with you.
2: There is always something new to learn, so the day you think you know it all is the day you should give up.

How do you motivate yourself?
When you look at the incredible work the staff on site do day in and day out, it makes you want to get up and go and feel part of a collective team. I also do a lot of work with flowers, so this also gives me a different release outside of work.

Who or what has inspired you the most?
My mum was a very strong person and even though I didn’t get the education I desired, I have always worked hard. This is how I got to where I am today. With the support of my family, different people within the company, and very good friends.

If you had a motto, what would it be?
You only have one life so always remember where you come from and the people who have helped you on the way. They help shape you into the person you are today, and you only have one life to live, so cherish those connections.

Paul Considine, Head of Security and Contingency for one of our iconic client sites in London, has an impressive 30-year career with the Metropolitan Police. In an article for ThisWeekinFM, Paul discusses his journey from investigating serious crime to leading a team of over 50 security officers in central London for Bidvest Noonan.

In 2020, Considine was appointed as Head of Security and Contingency for one of Bidvest Noonan’s iconic client sites. He joined after an impressive 30-year career with the Metropolitan police working his way up from PC, to Serious and Organised Crime Command, homicide investigations and Hostage and Crisis Negotiator.

How Did Your Career in the Police Begin?

I joined the Met Police in 1990 and spent five years in uniform as a PC, learning my craft and providing immediate response to critical incidents and managing a range of operational activities. I was then transferred to detective duties having demonstrated an eye for detail and observation. Detective responsibilities included initial investigative planning and strategy setting, pursuing lines of enquiry, completion of case papers, to presenting evidence at Crown Court.

Upon promotion, I led teams of detectives, overseeing a wide range of cases from fraud and acquisitive offences through to violent crime and sexual offences.

You Spent 30 Years in Law Enforcement. Were There Other Positions You Took up During This Time?

I was selected to join the Serious and Organised Crime Command where I held several roles and secured numerous promotions. Responsibilities included leading covert surveillance operations and proactively dismantling firearm-enabled Organised Crime Groups.

For ten years, I led homicide investigations across London and Internationally. Responsibilities included prioritising lines of enquiry and devising analytical and innovative investigative strategies whilst working closely with community stakeholders.

I also volunteered as a Hostage and Crisis Negotiator for several years where I primarily provided crisis intervention for those with mental health issues. This work was incredibly rewarding and often involved my deployment to sites across London to negotiate and support vulnerable individuals who were threatening suicide.

“I have always enjoyed being challenged and was keen to choose an industry that would continue to challenge me and allow me to use the skills honed over 30 years. The security industry seemed an obvious fit on the basis that I would be identifying and mitigating risk, building and maintaining professional relationships and leading a team.”

Why Did You Look to Security as a Possible Career Option?

I saw an opportunity to seek out a second vocation and decided to retire from the police service.

If I am honest, it was not something I was looking forward to with much relish as I joined the police straight from school and a career change seemed daunting. I have always enjoyed being challenged and was keen to choose an industry that would continue to challenge me and allow me to use the skills honed over 30 years. The security industry seemed an obvious fit on the basis that I would be identifying and mitigating risk, building and maintaining professional relationships and leading a team.

Why Bidvest Noonan?

I spoke with several security professionals who were keen to assist me in my career transition. However, it wasn’t until I met with a Bidvest Noonan Director and the wider team that I was ready to fully commit to leaving the Metropolitan Police.

I was impressed from the outset at the Bidvest Noonan setup and ethos, and I was aware that the company provided security to several iconic buildings and estates across London. It was clear to me that the company was both dynamic and ambitious, and I immediately wanted to be part of it.

What is Your Role and Responsibilities at Bidvest Noonan?

I was delighted to secure my position as Head of Security & Contingency in April 2021 at one of London’s most exciting and innovative new destinations.

Since commencing my post, my feet have not touched the ground. I manage a team of over 50 security professionals and together we are responsible for keeping the estate safe whilst making it a welcoming place for all those that use it, and ensuring we meet client and occupiers’ high expectations.”

Is There Anything You Particularly Like About Your Role?

It has been a steep but enjoyable learning curve made easier by the support offered and provided by peers, managers and support staff. I’m most looking forward to developing my team, identifying talent and assisting them as they progress in their security careers.

Have There Been Any Key Learnings From Your Time in the Role so Far?

The client and occupiers of the building have very high expectations, and meeting them all is often challenging. Fire alarm systems and the security response is not something I have dealt with before. I’ve been impressed with the level of detail in correlating standard operating procedures (SOP) and have enjoyed learning something new.

What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Looking to Start a Career in Security?

Do it! I am still in the infancy of my security career but I am thoroughly enjoying it.

I am very grateful to Bidvest Noonan for the opportunity and look forward to enhancing my reputation as a security professional and the reputation of the company which to date I have been hugely impressed by.

Article written by Ella Tansley from TwinFM

We are fortunate to have some incredible people in our business who are passionate about what we do. Having these people has been the key to our success. We do our utmost to keep our people happy and train them to become future leaders. One of these people is Tony Noonan.

Tony Noonan has been with Bidvest Noonan for 29 years. Tony has worked his way up through the business to become a Soft Services Manager.

Throughout his time here, Tony has not only developed his skills but has become a trailblazer. He has overseen some innovative projects that have benefited the business and our clients. Tony is a role model for those who aspire to forge a long and successful career and a perfect example of someone who lives our credo.

We recently asked Tony why he stayed, what he has learned, and what his experience brings to our business.

What has made you stay?

“The company recognised my potential from early on and gave me plenty of opportunities to progress. This was important to me. As a family man with a wife and three children, Bidvest Noonan offered me the stability and assurance to provide for my family.

Over the years I have built up strong relationships with many people across the business. A lot of these colleagues have become lifelong personal friends of mine and have contributed to my stay here.”

What have you learned along the way?

“I have learned many things since joining the business, but I believe that getting the basics right, having patience in everything you do, and building trust are the most important principles that have stuck with me.

For me, if you want to get any job done, you must first get the basics right, every time. I am a firm believer that something years in the making can fail overnight, so if you don’t get the simple things right, you’ve already lost half the battle.

I understand the importance of maintaining a professional and healthy relationship with clients. I have learned that if I want clients to believe in my way of thinking, I have to build a high level of trust with them. I never compromise on this.”

What qualities do you think you bring to the business?

I believe every person brings a unique ability to a job, but there is no real substitute for experience. It is important to apply what you have learned over time to everything you do. One of the qualities I feel I developed and can bring to any job is patience.

I spent five years overseeing a project that involved the introduction of anti-statics sealers in a client site that covered a floor space of over 280,000 sq2. There were many ups and downs but I kept patient, remained focussed, and believed in what I was doing. That mentality helped the project become a huge success. The client continues to apply these sealers on an ongoing basis.

Tony’s colleagues recently recognised his long-standing commitment to the business by celebrating his 29th work anniversary. Integrated Accounts Life Science Lead, Sarah Scanlon has said: 

“I have known Tony since I joined the business over 14 years ago. Tony has always worked well with clients and staff, and he is the go-to guy to get a read of a situation. He is very loyal and extremely hard working. He was very supportive of me when I joined the business and continues to be so. He is like that with many other staff and managers within the business too. He really is an asset to this company.”

What defines a great leader and what do women leaders bring that is unique? 

I think great leaders need vision, integrity, self-awareness, and the ability to ensure everyone in a room has their voice heard within a constructive and safe space.

Good leadership is not gender-specific, but having a diverse leadership team brings different perspectives to the table. This, in turn, drives innovation and more effective solutions.

Why is it so important that women have leadership positions? 

It is proven that companies with greater gender equality at a senior level perform better. However, the fact is that diversity in leadership roles allows for people to be seen and thereby be role models for others. 

I think female leaders can be seen as powerful allies and champions by other women at all levels. To be the first or to be in the minority of anything can be difficult. Those first voices can always help ease the way for others, and areas that may have been difficult initially become less so.

How do you think women in leadership can drive important changes in the workplace?  

Sometimes there are assumptions made about women in the workplace. It can be assumed that some, due to circumstances, may not have a willingness to take on challenging assignments or travel. As a parent to two young children, I embrace the opportunity to demonstrate that a flexible company approach allows me to be open to any opportunities that may be presented.

Which woman has inspired you the most and why? 

That is easy, my own mother. She is a lady who will do what needs to be done to achieve an end goal. She sees the world through a lens of honesty, integrity, and empathy, who always knows both how and when to empower people in order to give them the confidence to achieve their goals. 

How have you developed your confidence as a leader? 

Once I have realised that very few people are 100% confident and that some are just better at hiding it, that made it easier! Everyone second guesses themselves at some stage, it’s human nature. 

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions? 

Just go for it, and remember there is never a perfect time for anyone. Although I do recognise that there may be times that are less perfect than others! 

Also, never underestimate how valuable it is to ask or offer other people advice or support. I have been lucky in this regard, and hope that I can repay that for anyone who may want it.