CONCOURSE SHOPPING CENTRE SECURITY OFFICER UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD

10/06/2019 New Image for CONCOURSE SHOPPING CENTRE SECURITY OFFICER UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD

A security officer working at the Concourse Shopping Centre in Skelmersdale is up for a national award for his outstanding work – just four months into the job.

Matthew Bray, aged 30, is vying for the Best Newcomer award in this year’s British Security Industry Association (BSIA) awards, the trade body that represents the UK’s private security industry, after winning the North West regional title.

The officer, who is employed by facilities management company the Westgrove Group, won praise from customers for his “infectious personality and drive to help others”.

He was also recognised for helping an elderly man who was unsteady on his feet and then completing his shopping for him and also for quickly resolving an issue with a children’s vending machine for a customer, exceeding the customer’s expectations.

Gary Mitchell, manager of the centre, which is owned and managed by national commercial property and investment company LCP, said: “We’re proud of our security team here at the Concourse Shopping Centre, who go out of their way to ensure staff and shoppers stay safe. Matthew has already made an impact, with his friendly personality and willingness to help others, so we’re thrilled he’s already been recognised for this work. We wish him all the best in the national finals.”

Matt Bray said: “It’s my first job in the security sector and I really enjoy knowing I’ve made a difference in a customer’s shopping experience and help out wherever I can. I wasn’t expecting to receive this award, as I see it as I’m only doing my job, but the recognition is overwhelming.”

Mike Reddington, chief executive of the BSIA said: “It is vital as the voice of the professional security industry that we recognise the great lengths security personnel go to in keeping the public and property safe.

“More often than not, these security professionals are first on the scene when incidents and emergencies occur and they demonstrate true quality and professionalism in their actions. This year’s regional winners are no exception and have shown remarkable achievements throughout the past year.”

Claire McKinley Smith, managing director of Westgrove Group, said Matthew is one of six members of its staff who have reached the national finals. 

“This is our sixth consecutive year of BSIA awards and as always we are very proud of our security officers for their dedication, loyalty, team work, customer service, use of technology and their bravery. It is a remarkable achievement and a testament to how our people go the extra mile for the company and our Partners,” she added.

The finals of the British Security Awards will be held in London on July 10 at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square.

Photograph: Left- right: Westgrove Group chairman Simon Whittle; Matt Bray, from The Concourse Shopping Centre; BSIA CEO Mike Reddington