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Troy Hewitt, Allied Universal Europe
Troy Hewitt, Managing Director, Allied Universal® Europe, brings over two decades of operational and executive experience in the security industry to his current role. He works with clients to develop solutions at both an operational and strategic level. In addition to this, he spearheads the current campaign to increase brand awareness of Allied Universal across the UK and Europe.
Professional Security magazine sat down with Troy Hewitt, Managing Director, Allied Universal Europe to learn more about his role and about the burgeoning physical security sector in the UK:
1) Tell us about your background. How did you become interested in the physical security sector?
I think it stems from when I was quite young. I’ve always been a protective person of those around me. I can vividly remember confronting bullies at school and on the football pitch who would pick on my friends in school. In 1995, I came over to the UK from Australia for a working holiday and by chance I came across a vacancy for a Door Supervisor at a nightclub in London. I’ve always been good at talking to people, so this job seemed ideal for me. When I moved over to the UK permanently, I went into the job full time, building up strong relationships which then resulted in me starting my own security company, Entourage in 2007.
2) Tell us about the private security sector in the UK. How competitive a sector is it, and who are the leading companies in the UK/Europe?
The UK security industry is a densely populated market and it is becoming increasingly difficult to stand out in an industry so saturated.
As with any industry, it is important to have clear point of difference, our marketing strategy for 2020 is to increase brand awareness and elevate brand perception for Allied Universal to differentiate amongst a sea of competitors.
3) What sectors of clients does Allied Universal serve in the UK/Europe?
One of the things I love about Allied Universal is that our portfolio and type of client is so varied. From banking and property management such as JP Morgan and 22 Bishopsgate through to multi-use developments such as Kings Cross Estate or Battersea Power Station, we have an eclectic mix of globally known brands that are leaders in their own industries. This is one of the key synergies that we are fortunate enough to have as a global leader ourselves.
4) What type of growth do you anticipate for the UK and general European market with Allied Universal over the next year, the next five years?
There are some immensely exciting opportunities on the horizon, not just for our UK business but across Europe. Even though, we are the market leader in the United States, we are still relatively unknown in some parts of our industry in Europe. As well as this, it is imperative that we retain our current clients by continuing to deliver a service focused on quality and offering that personal touch that we have always been known for.
Allied Universal’s technology definitely differentiates us from our competitors. Our proprietary HELIAUS® platform is smart technology that moves beyond responsive and reactive modes of risk aversion, to an adaptable, preemptive and solutions-model of protection. Looking ahead, we will become a well-established market leader in Europe known for our forward-thinking partnership approach that sits us at the top of the table.
5) Are there any differences, major or minor, between how America approaches physical security vs. the U.K.?
Aside from minor things such as terminology used, I believe the biggest difference would be the fact that security professionals can be armed in the United States.
Obviously, this is a cultural difference between the US and UK, and I am happy that this is something we don’t have in place here. We absolutely have to focus our training on robust conflict management, behavioural detection and situational awareness. By giving our security professionals these skills, I believe we are able to manage most situations without the need for further escalation.
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