Shield has invested in the latest CCTV technology to ensure it can integrate the camera systems of all businesses and organisations across the region into its own 24-hour control centre.

It comes as our business continues to grow, securing contracts in both the public and private sector, from major businesses and contractors to local authorities, educational establishments and health organisations.

Already monitoring thousands of cameras at sites across the North of England, managing director Dave Frank says the investment will ensure Shield remains in a position to grow, given the increasing demand for camera surveillance.

Having expanded year after year since being established a decade ago, the company has seen a big shift in the way security is now managed, and although it still provides hundreds of manned guards on sites across the north, CCTV is in much greater demand.

“As a business we have always grown our services and our client base, but to continue doing that you have to invest in the best technology,” said Mr Frank.

“Firstly, investment is key to ensuring you are giving your clients the very best service they deserve, but it is also important as a business to ensure you are in a position to take on new opportunities as and when they arrive.

“We find that many businesses and organisations come to us after having CCTV installed at their premises as they struggle to find both the time and skills to effectively manage and monitor their camera systems.

“Our investment into new software has streamlined our systems to be able to take over any CCTV system and provide effective monitoring, and then a physical response through our guarding team, 24 hours a day.”

Shield was recently awarded a contract to cover all of Hull College’s sites in Hull, Goole and Harrogate, monitoring around 200 CCTV cameras from its headquarters in Priory Park, Hessle, keeping around 30,000 staff, pupils and visitors safe.

The new technology has ensured the college’s camera network has been smoothly transferred onto Shield’s system, bringing benefits for both Shield and the customer.

“Before, we found ourselves having to buy in extra support equipment to run camera networks as we didn’t already have the software needed,” said Mr Frank.

“That was not ideal for us, or for our client, as it meant we had to switch between systems to monitor their cameras, whereas now it is part of our main control screens and can be monitored in seconds.”

Having launched initially as a manned guarding provider, Shield has grown through expansion and acquisitions to become established as a leader in all forms of security.

It has recently developed mobile CCTV cameras which can work without electricity supplies and over wireless networks, something which has proved popular on commercial development sites, as they can be installed and operational within 24 hours.

Shield also provides CCTV networks which allow cameras and security gates to be controlled from anywhere via smartphones and tablets.

The company, which has its headquarters in Hessle, also works for the likes of The Sewell Group, Hull College, The University of Hull, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, DTZ, The Kier Group and Caddick Group PLC.