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“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 […]

Magenta’s Best Year Yet In an industry infamous for cutting corners, our investment in quality continues to pay off. In 2015, we won a number of major contracts and retained many of our long term clients, including one who had already been with us for eight years when they renewed their contract. There’s a positive buzz throughout the company as our success has allowed us to reward our staff for their hard work. Many of them will be working over […]

The public are the most valuable tool the police have in apprehending criminals. With the threat of the UK being attacked by terrorists currently rated as “Severe”, it’s more important than ever that everyone understands the role they have in our country’s security. Following the recent attacks in Paris, the Metropolitan Police have increased the number of officers on the streets and across public transport, not only so that they can directly respond but also so that the public can […]

It’s frustrating when my potential clients don’t understand that when they hire self-employed guards, they put their business, their staff and the security guard themselves at great risk. Remember that all it takes to be a security guard is to pass training and receive a certificate. After that, any agency can scoop them up, advertise they have security officers available and then sell their services to you. You might think you’re getting a great deal as self-employed guards are usually […]

Why Our Guards Work Harder and Happier. Staff turnover in the security industry is 30% on average. This line of work typically isn’t seen as a long term career. Instead it’s a stop gap, something to do on the side while studying, working another job or if you’re out of options. Unfortunately, it’s not hard to see why security work has this image. Many companies overwork and underpay their staff, don’t provide adequate training and there are certainly no prospects […]