Ministry of Defence
BERKSHIRE
The Challenge
In November 2017, after a two-year consultation process, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) contracted Blue Door Property Guardians to secure a former Officers residence in Berkshire.
The property is a Grade II listed residence with 52 bedrooms and suites, dining & kitchen facilities, common rooms and extensive outdoor areas. The property has been discontinued as a military residence for years and spiralling manned guarding security costs were being highlighted within MOD budget reviews.
The site is used as a test case for future property guardian partnerships across MOD’s estate. Blue Door Property Guardians implemented both a solution that mitigated risk to the valuable site and a six figure savings to the MOD by discontinuing manned security provision, and generated a surplus that contributed to ongoing maintenance of the site for the foreseeable future.
The Solution
Blue Door immediately recruited 30 Property Guardians to secure the large site. An onsite Manager and Head Guardian ensure that security is paramount, building maintenance is maintained and the property is inspected on a daily basis to identify any risk or new security threat. The Guardians also ensure the property is kept clean and tidy and our terms and conditions are adhered to.
The Guardians have taken it upon themselves to start a sustainable gardening project and are working with local charities and organisations to incorporate a Guardians’ fitness suite with indoor and outdoor circuits.
Spot checks by Blue Door Management on a regular basis ensure the client’s best interests are uppermost and the site is kept safe and secure at all times.
The Benefits
The value to MOD that Blue Door Property Guardians have created include:
A six-figure saving on traditional manned security
Revenue share to mitigate costs of buildings and ongoing maintenance costs
Weekly fault reporting to MOD property services to safeguard a high value asset
Rural community-minded initiatives by guardians who are sensitive and appreciative of their surroundings
Plastics Factory
LONDON BOROUGH OF WALTHAM FOREST
The Challenge
In 2014, a former plastics warehouse had been unoccupied for three years attracting squatters, drug use, arson and ‘rave’ parties that caused substantial damage to the property and disturbance within the local community. London Borough of Waltham Forest were facing increasing costs from internal water leaks, asset stripping and repeated legal actions. The Council needed to find a security-based solution and, although it retained approved security contractor, wanted to try a new approach using Blue Door Property Guardians to eliminate rising costs and safety risks.
Led by the Council, Blue Door attended the formal eviction process and immediately installed property guardians to prevent further unauthorised site access.
The Solution
Blue Door presented a range of options to secure the premises and invested in modernisation of internal spaces. Blue Door implemented a professional 24/7 security guardian service and shared revenue streams to benefit both organisations.
Blue Door brought in a team of local tradespeople and invested over £30,000 to create 25 single and double bedrooms, plus conversion of office and storerooms into one 2-bedroom and one 3-bedroom flat. Building works also created an open plan kitchen, TV area, utility and bathroom facilities, bicycle storage and an outdoor garden space.
Blue Door simultaneously recruited 26 property guardians and one head guardian. All guardians were subject to professional and personal reference checks, a confidential medical disclosure and a detailed financial assessment. The guardians work within industries such as: creative and media, hospitality, journalism and teaching. After three years the property has not attracted any further unauthorised access or damage and provides a steady revenue share to The London Borough of Waltham Forest.
The Benefits
Some of the services Blue Door Property Guardians provide include:
Local guardians, local tradespeople and local investment in your community
Maintenance and risk assessments to safeguard your assets and reputation
Revenue share options to mitigate property costs until sold or re-developed
Personalised, flexible service from an SME that cares about its environment
A 24/7 security presence that complies with industry and ISO9001 standards