News

In April, the government introduced a new minimum wage of £7.20 per hour. This wasn’t much of an issue for us, as we already provided that level of pay or even greater for our staff, but it did mean renegotiating some historic contracts to bring them in line. Such negotiations were happening across the country between reputable security companies and their clients. But for the rogue operators, who I’ve written about extensively in the past, this provided an opportunity. When […]

For most people in the UK, bank holidays are an opportunity to kick back and relax or get out and make the most of an extra long weekend. But there’s a small part of the population that’s excited for bank holidays for all the wrong reasons. Every empty home and every vacant business is vulnerable to break ins, vandalism and theft from criminals if left unprotected. Bank holidays see a spike in burglaries as people leave their homes and businesses […]

Before we start a contract with any customer we have to carry out a full, on site risk assessment. This involves one of our managers visiting the site we’re to provide security for and carrying a thorough and detailed investigation to uncover any potential risks to the staff that we provide. These managers are fully qualified in health and safety with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and it’s important that you verify the qualifications of anyone performing a risk […]

No matter how much we develop our infrastructure and hone our customer service, a security company is only as good as its security guards. That’s why we spend over half a million pounds a year providing training for our security guards above and beyond the mandatory qualifications in basic guarding and basic first aid from City and Guilds or other SIA endorsed organisations. Every security guard in the country needs a security license from the SIA but beyond that it’s […]

“All Things for All People, Everywhere.” That’s the motto of Harrods, the department store that became famous for its ability to provide whatever its customers asked for, no matter how bizarre. The days of being able to buy baby elephants and lions from them may be long gone, but I still find their anything-for-the-customer attitude inspiring. That’s why at Magenta we’ll do (almost) anything for you. Magenta’s is not going to start selling perfumes and diamond encrusted dog jackets, but […]

We’ve come a long way from sliding tapes in and out of our CCTV systems and keeping a giant cabinet full of recordings – at least, most of us have. Many businesses out there are still using a CCTV system that’s old enough to vote, skipping revolutionary advances in how they can protect their premises. DVR Let’s start with DVR (digital video recording). This is the most essential upgrade you can make to your CCTV if you haven’t already, and […]

I’m starting 2016 with a clear message: the security industry needs full business licensing. It was my message last year, and the year before that, and the year before. Back in 2012, I was heartbroken at the number of rogue security companies who set up to profit from the Olympics, only to leave the country with pockets full of cash and a string of unpaid guards behind them. I would like to say that such behaviour wouldn’t be possible today, […]

Manned security is what Magenta’s reputation has been built on, but we also provide CCTV security for people who want the peace of mind of having their premises protected 24/7 but can’t justify the expense of a security guard. I’ll save the suspense, since the title gave it away: I’m talking about CCTV. You probably know the basics of CCTV and why it’s such a popular security service – perhaps you have a system already installed – but many businesses […]

Last week, I shared the story of why I founded Magenta Security. I revealed that, unfortunately, what pushed me to start my own business was that my abilities were less important to my employers than the colour of my skin. Though those experiences made me the man I am today, I would never wish them on anyone. While the discrimination I faced motivated me to quit my job and start my own security company, other people in the same situation […]

My career started about 30 years ago, working for a major security company. It was a fairly well paid job and I was good at it yet, no matter how hard I tried, senior positions never opened up for me. After years of being slapped in the face, it was clear that it wasn’t my skill or effort holding me back, it was the colour of my skin. That’s when I decided to go out on my own and start […]