News Articles

BSIA highlights benefits of access control
February 2010

Following the British Security Industry Association's recent research into crime in the recession, the Association's access control section is highlighting the benefits that users can gain from access control technology. The research revealed that security remains a key investment for UK plc, despite the difficult economic climate, with 92 per cent of respondents retaining the same level of investment. In a summary report of the research findings, access control was featured as a popular security measure among the respondents.

BSIA access control section chairman, Mike Sussman, stated, "The research report makes for interesting reading and it is worth noting that 14 per cent of respondents are looking to invest in access control as a security measure in the near future".

There are many benefits of using an access control system. One of the main advantages is the provision of increased point of entry security to commercial and industrial sites and buildings, as well as residential premises, both single and multi-occupancy.

The Atlas Group is well placed to utilise the latest access control technology to the benefit of its customers.

Atlas has Elecsa Part P services to draw on
January 2010

Elecsa has announced that over 6,000 approved contractors have taken up its Part P scheme, a figure that, despite the recession, is increasing steadily.

As a member, Atlas has access to all the services Elecsa provide including technical advice and the provision of customer warranties.

Atlas managing director Joe Baker said it was essential that customers should feel that a company installing access control, whether a simple gate or a sophisticated electronic system, should have all the right credentials to ensure a high level of safety.

"Having the strength of Elecsa to draw on means that all our customers can be assured their access control system has been installed to the highest electrical specification."

Part P is incorporated in the Building Regulations and its requirement is that: 'Reasonable provision shall be made in the design and installation of electrical installations in order to protect persons operating, maintaining or altering the installations from fire or injury'. In short, electrical installations must be safe!

London Tube demands Atlas' expertise
Work commeced July 2009

Last month, against fierce competition from other bidders, we won the gate automation contract for the Balfour Beaty-Carrillion joint venture East London Tube Extension project. Our recommendations which varied from the laid down specification, were accepted by the client TfL as preferable. The gates are now being manufactured, ready for installation in August. They will secure the tube switchgear against sabotage, misuse and vandalism.

Our achievement shows that we are recognised as a professional company that is competent to undertake public works contracts at the highest level. This should be the first of many. We will be using our success to win similar contracts from other main contractors.

The project involves upgrading the entire existing tube network. Passengers will witness the biggest transformation in the Tube's history. TfL are planning to refurbish the entire underground rail network, from tracks to trains and signals to stations. The project works include:

• More pleasant stations - most stations will get a facelift by 2012, restoring and protecting the heritage of old stations while completely modernising others (such as King's Cross St. Pancras).
• Better access from street to train as lifts are installed, wider ticket gates and platform changes implemented.
• Enhanced security.
• Improved customer information.

It's going to take time to bring about the world-class network we've all been waiting for - about 10 years in fact - and there will be some disruption as the improvements are carried out.

Helping prepare for London's Olympics
Work commeced June 2009

London's Transport cops were delighted to move into their new home in Islington after Atlas installed a new autogate system for them. The gates are an impressive six metres wide by four metres high.

A previous installation company had been stumped by the scale of the job and threw in the towel, but undeterred Atlas made sure the contract got completed on budget and on time. Our engineer, Paul, skilfully revised the specification to ensure the finished installation was effective and safe.

Atlas Contract Manager, Peter McDonnell, got called in when additional repairs to folding shutter doors turned out to be a much bigger job than anyone had thought. He valued it, priced it and got the order. Then, he and our engineer Keith worked all day (and part of the night!) adjusting and re-hanging the doors to ensure that they are able to maintain the level of security and reliability that the law demands.

A lot hangs (forgive the pun) on our expertise. 7 million Britons watched the Beijing Olympics on TV and organisers hope for an attendance of several times that number in London. Most of these visitors will travel by public transport giving the London Transport Police their biggest logistical headache since the last war.

A budget of £9.3 billion has been set aside for the 2012 games and we are determined that Atlas will continue to pick up it's fair share of that investment.