Zicam provides the smart solution on security

08/06/2011

Zicam, a leading specialist in state-of-the-art surveillance and detection security systems, has been awarded a place on the Buying Solutions’ Building and Engineering Maintenance Service (BEMS) framework agreement for the supply of security, access control, intruder and CCTV systems.

Buying Solutions is the national procurement partner for all UK public services and part of the Efficiency and Reform Group within the Cabinet Office.

Buying Solutions scrutinised Zicam’s finances, quality systems, accreditations and pricing structures before accepting the company’s bid to be on the BEMS framework, which enables Zicam to offer products and services to the NHS.

This framework, and others like it, is designed to save valuable time and money for customers. It enables buyers to directly approach suppliers to quote for contracts that they know they are reliable, bona fide companies, and without having to go through lengthy procurement processes such as pre-tender questionnaires as required by EU legislation.

“Hundreds of companies apply to join these frameworks but only relatively few are selected,” said Larry Mazic, Business Development Manager. “This achievement will not only hopefully lead to a lot of new business, it also gives us greater credibility in the marketplace generally.”

Paul Quinn, Senior New Business Specialist with Buying Solutions, told Business Report: “Zicam is one of 61 businesses from across the UK who successfully applied to join our framework of suppliers offering building and maintenance services to NHS customers. There was a lot of competition during the bidding process as we originally received applications from over 200 companies. Frameworks such as this help customers in the public sector to make their procurement processes more efficient by providing access to trusted, compliant suppliers who will deliver value for money.”

Zicam was founded 15 years ago by Larry’s brother, Milan. Starting out from a small office in Kings Heath with “just two guys, one selling, one fitting”, the business expanded steadily and later relocated to Dudley. It now employs 18 people and has a turnover in excess of £2 million and growing. “A key strength of the company,” added Larry, “ is that every one of the management team has extensive practical experience and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of professionalism for every assignment, regardless of size.”

For a wide variety of clients in both the public and private sectors, the security services offered by Zicam involve far more than just installing CCTV cameras. It can provide a bespoke surveillance system specifically designed for individual premises that not only records intruders but can also stop them in their tracks. Multiple cameras can be integrated both with a customer’s existing security system and Zicam’s central monitoring unit (CMU), which means a watchful human eye is alert to intruders 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition, smart monitoring systems can be set up so that any intruder will trigger an alarm at the CMU which will observe and record all movements, notify the police and even allow staff to warn trespassers through an interactive PA system. This kind of remote real-time monitoring is proving to be incredibly effective and can significantly reduce the need for on-site security guards.

Another growing aspect of Zicam’s operations is access control, giving greater security for both property and staff. It offers customers a full range of reliable door access systems to make sure only authorised personnel are able to visit sensitive areas on premises. As well as simple digital keypads, Zicam’s engineers can install more sophisticated equipment including swipe cards, smart cards, biometric recognition systems and proximity tokens. An added benefit of utilising these technologies is that there is no need to change the locks on a property if ever a key is lost.

Zicam provides surveillance and security systems covering virtually every kind of premises, from factories to executive homes. Its client list already includes several public sector organisations – West Midlands Police and Her Majesty’s Courts Service to name just two. Now that it is a Buying Solutions supplier, Zicam is confident it can expand its customer base across the NHS while still continuing to develop opportunities in the private sector.