Argyll ARC Open for Business

The ’state of the art’ Category2 Argyll Alarm Receiving Centre is now open and operational. Argyll is the UK’s leading provider of 24 hour remote monitoring solutions providing services aimed at individuals who, by the nature of their work or personal situation, may be vulnerable and placed at risk. Argyll’s ARC is specifically designed to meet both current and future standards. The centre is the only ARC within the UK specifically dedicated to monitoring vulnerable individuals at risk.

The building was constructed by the Rok Group under HIE’s Framework Contract with project management being provided by Synergie (Scotland) Ltd.

The building was one of a number of capital projects brought forward by HIE in response to the current economic climate. Douglas Cowan, area manager for HIE, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help Argyll secure a facility in the area that is suitable for the new legislation. The business is a vital employer in Dunoon and we look forward to working with them more closely in the future.”

Managing Director, Tom Morton, for Argyll, said: “This ARC was a drawing in July 2008. I am extremely proud of this facility and full of admiration of the significant effort shown by all those team members from HIE, ROK, the Local Authority, professional advisors, contractors and particularly our own managers and staff that have co-ordinated and overcome obstacles to deliver a superb facility that meets the current and foreseeable future business and industry requirements.”

1,000 NHS Lone Workers Get Communicare

Argyll have begun a rollout of more than one thousand devices aimed at lone workers in the NHS South of Tyne and Wear area. NHS South of Tyne and Wear Gateshead and South Tyneside Primary Care Trusts and Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust are managed by an Integrated Board comprising a Chair and Non Executive Directors from each PCT area, the Executive Directors of NHS South of Tyne and Wear and the Chair of the Clinical Executive. The board oversees the work of the PCTs to ensure they operate with openness, probity and accountability in the delivery of their aims whilst securing value for money. Members of the Integrated Board share corporate responsibility for all Board decisions. NHS South of Tyne and Wear works closely with local hospitals, social services and local GPs, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists to ensure local people receive high quality, seamless health services when and where they are needed. This means understanding the health needs of our population and commissioning services in line with these needs. NHS South of Tyne and Wear provider services have many frontline staff who provide care directly to patients. These staff will now be covered by the award winning Communicare software. For further details on how Argyll can help you contact via our website and on 0870 750 1475 or email: loneworker@argyll.uk.com

Argyll's Future Secure

Argyll is delighted to announce an investment of £1.5 million committed to the construction of a new Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in Dunoon. The ‘state of the art’ ARC is the first of it’s type to be built in Scotland and dedicated to monitoring the safety of vulnerable individuals on the move.
Argyll undertook this major project as a means of maintaining and improving standards within this emerging industry. The new build will meet the rigorous standard BS5979 (CAT II) required to integrate with the Police and other emergency services.

Argyll recognises the duty of care required in monitoring vulnerable individuals. It has always been proactive in the strategy behind the creation of failsafe industry standards actively leading AND setting the Agenda. Currently Argyll is engaged with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) to enable a fuller understanding of the technology used and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) over the proposed BSI standard for lone worker solutions. The company is already one of the UK’s most experienced providers with almost 20,000 registered subscribers.

Argyll have worked closely on the ARC design and layout requirements with Strathclyde Police and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).

“When you are entrusted with someone’s safety I believe service providers should provide their clients with the highest standards of service integrity. The construction of the ARC is testament to my commitment to this principle and demonstrates a benchmark service level of the future standard requirements of our industry”

Said Argyll’s managing director Tom Morton.

In the face of a global recession, this investment is especially good news for the local economy. Argyll would like to acknowledge the assistance and support of Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Argyll & Bute Council officials Bruce Marshall and Dick Walsh.

The company employs almost 30 staff and is currently recruiting two additional engineers with more job announcements to follow within support services, sales and admin.

The building work has been undertaken by ROK, who were appointed contractors under a framework agreement with HIE. Edinburgh based, Evolution Security are contracted to provide specialist security equipment for the site. The construction is well underway and the ARC will be occupied by early summer.

Notes to editors:

Argyll is recognised as the UK market leader in personal safety monitoring and protection solutions.
Services are delivered through mobile and internet based technologies, accessible through GSM-based mobile networks and standard internet browsers. With a policy of continuous investment in the latest technologies, we consistently deliver a high quality, failsafe and uninterrupted service. Working in association with carefully selected business partners, we provide the widest technical options for managing risk and monitoring personal safety.
Call Argyll on: 0870 750 1471 for further information.

Evolution (Electronic Security Systems) Ltd is one of Europe’s leading providers of Electronic Security Systems for Access Control, CCTV and Intruder Detection Systems. Their Head Office is in High Wycombe 20 miles West of London with satellite offices in Birmingham & Edinburgh.
Evolution Contact: mike.tinker@evolutionsecurity.com 01494 539880

ROK Contact: Vicky Banham, Communications, 01823 446024 or Redleaf PR 020 7566 6700 (24 hr).

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for a diverse region which covers more than half of Scotland. HIE aims to build sustainable economic growth in all parts of the Highlands and Islands, and delivers its services through area teams located from Lerwick to Lochgilphead.

HIE Contact: Chris Roberts - head of communications tel: 01463 244236. Email: chris.roberts@hient.co.uk

Local School Children Support Argyll ARC Launch