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Croma Security

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Croma Security Solutions Group PLC
Company typePublic limited company
AIM: CSSG
IndustrySecurity & Defence
Founded1970 (as County Locksmiths)
Headquarters
Whiteley
,
England
Area served
UK, UAE, Middle East
Key people
Sebastian Morley, Chairman. Roberto Fiorentino, CEO. Richard Juett, CFO
ProductsAerospace & Defence
Revenue32.539 Million GBP (2021)
Number of employees
750+
Websitecssgplc.com

Croma Security Solutions Group PLC (CSS Group PLC or Croma Security) ( previously Access Lock and Key ) is a holding company for a group of four security companies. It is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange Group AIM market and is based in the Solent Business Park, Whiteley, Hampshire. It has further offices in London, Dumfries, and Abu Dhabi, with Locksmith outlets along the South Coast. The group is involved in many aspects of security from guarding to locksmithing and many types of electronic security.

The group currently employs (through its subsidiaries) over 750 people, with a mixture of skill-sets including security officers and engineers. Its operations span most of the UK (with some work in the Middle East[1][2][3])and has a diverse client base from domestic customers to FTSE 100 companies and other 'Blue Chip' organisations. The present structure was formed by the "reverse acquisition" of the Southampton-based CSS Group of companies by Dumfries based Croma Group PLC.[4]

RECENT NEWS

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History

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County Locksmiths (Hants) Ltd and the foundations

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On 18 February 1970 Fernando Fiorentino founded County Locksmiths Security Ltd, after learning the trade from his father in Tripoli, Libya. The shop, based at 324 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton offered basic key-cutting, lock installation and changing, and emergency call-outs. In 1981, age 18, Roberto Fiorentino (Fernando's first son) joined County Locksmiths where he learnt the locksmithing trade under guidance from his father, helping him grow the single shop business into three very profitable branches: Shirley, Bitterne and Chandlers Ford. The Shirley branch later moved from 324 Shirley road to number 346 in 1981, where the headquarters for the Locksmith division remained until 9 December 2015.

County Access Systems and CSS Total Security

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1989 saw Roberto start his own security business, County Access Systems Ltd(CAS), (what would later become County Security Systems and then CSS Total Security Ltd) – offering electronic security systems, including access control, & CCTV systems, broadening the scope of services that could be provided. Roberto still worked closely in partnership with CLS throughout this time, and even operated from the same premises.

In the early 1990s CSS (County Security Systems), began exploring and implementing remote CCTV viewing over phone line connection. Roberto then purchased CLS from his father in 1997. Over the first few years of the millennium, CSS became one of the first security companies to remotely view cameras on a smartphone, over a mobile data connection. During this period, the company also began using, designing, and installing biometric systems such as iris scanning and fingerprint technology.

In 2003, CSS partnered up with Cieffe and began investigating and offering video analytics to clients with high-specification CCTV systems. Revenue parking entered the scene in 2007, bringing many large contracts along with it.[6] CSS's operations extended as far afield as Scotland in 2010 with a new office opening, broadening the companies horizons, and creating greater market opportunities. CSS acquired Alarm Bell Ltd in 2011, adding Fire Alarm and safety systems to CSS's product and service portfolio, along with becoming close business partners with Scotland-based Croma Group PLC, comprising Vigilant Security Services, and Photobase Ltd. This allowed CSS to offer Close Protection, Keyholding, Manned Guarding, and further biometric security services to its customers. Photobase was responsible for creating the software / hardware system which is FastVein™.[7] After the acquisition of Alarm Bell Ltd & Arlo Parking Ltd, CSS Total Security & County Locksmiths became known as the CSS Group.

Reverse takeover and flotation

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In June 2012, Croma Group PLC and the CSS Group went through a merger and flotation on the AIM market, with the intention of becoming the UK's leading Total Security Services Provider, with former Black Watch and Special Forces Officer Sebastian Morley as chairman, and Roberto Fiorentino in the position of CEO. The companies TIDM changed from CMG.L to CSSG.L. As of the takeover, Croma Security Solutions Group PLC (CSSG) was born, offering comprehensive and turnkey security solutions to HNWIs, UHNWIs, and large corporate clients.

Acquisition Of Access Key & Lock

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On 9 December 2015 Croma Security Solutions Group PLC formally announced[8][9][10][11] its acquisition of Access Locksmiths Ltd t/a Access Key & Lock. Access Key & Lock was founded and owned by former County Locksmiths employee Mark Whettingsteel, who will now join The Board as an executive director, and act as managing director for the newly formed 'Croma Locksmiths & Security Solutions' Division. In the financial year prior to the acquisition, Access' turnover was GBP2.4 million, with gross profits of GBP300,000. All 38 staff will join the 500+ strong team already employed by the company.

Subsidiaries and portfolio

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The group now has four operating subsidiaries, most of which operate from different regions and offices due to the geographical diversity and nature of its contracts and customer portfolio.

Croma Locksmiths (and Security Solutions)

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'Croma Locksmiths' comprises the businesses of CSS Locksmiths Ltd, and as of 9 December 2015, Access Locksmiths Ltd. The division's services include the supply, installation, and maintenance of locks, safes, keys, and other ironmongery and door furniture. The Division operates from 10+ locations along the South Coast:

All branches operate an emergency call-out service.

Croma Biometrics

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Croma Biometrics is the biometric division of the group, focusing much of its efforts on FastVein™,[12] its proprietary software/hardware vein recognition technology which was developed with Hitachi. The biometrics division comprises Photobase Ltd, and some previous CSS Total Security employees. This division is heavily involved in Research & Development. Its services include identity management, Time and attendance solutions, and Access Control.

Croma Biometric's Fastvein product was used in the London 2012 Olympic Games,[13][14][15] with Chief Superintendent, David Griffith of Dorset Police describing it as 'excellent'.[16][17] It was also installed in 18 HM Prisons, for bailing and enrolling inmates, as well as providing control over visitors.

Croma Biometrics announced on 2 October 2015 the official launch of its Time & Attendance offering, Fastvein™ T&A. The solution features a web-based platform accessible from almost any internet enabled device[18][19] and claims to 'far exceed[s] the benefits of a traditional card or token system'.

On 13 and 14 December 2015, both the Sunday Times[20] reported that CSS Group PLC has developed spin off of Fastvein™ for use in educational establishments.[21][22][23][24][25] Predominantly, the system replaces traditional register taking activities and asks pupils to scan their fingers to demonstrate attendance. Further to this, and more specifically for Boarding Schools and Public Schools, pupils can request time to leave the school grounds via touch screen interfaces linked to the system, this is forwarded to Housemasters who may then authorise their absence or time off. If the pupils do return or scan within a certain time frame of the time they specified they would return by, teachers receive email alerts and a prompt to telephone the pupils. The system also issues a fire register when the alarm is triggered.

Croma Vigilant

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Croma Vigilant is the group's 'manpower', investigations and Asset Protection branch, supplying Manned Guarding, Keyholding, Close protection, private investigation and covert surveillance. Croma Vigilant is a trading style of Vigilant Security Services Ltd and is run by Major Sebastian Morley, the group's executive chairman who famously ended his military career as a squadron commander of 23 SAS amid claims that the military was "under resourced" and attributed the deaths of numerous servicemen to this.[26][27][28]

Given Morley's background, a strong military ethos[29] has been adopted and is emphasised throughout; close to all personnel are ex-forces, a large tranche of these are ex-Special Forces.

Croma Security Systems

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Croma Security Systems is the electronic security division of the group, engaged in the consultation, design, supply, installation, maintenance and servicing of bespoke integrated CCTV, intruder alarm, fire alarm, access control and revenue parking systems. The division operates a rabble of engineers and a fleet of corresponding vehicles to allocate and delegate its works. Croma Security Systems comprises predominantly CSS Total Security Ltd, but includes other companies purchased by CSS Total Security Ltd prior the reverse takeover of Croma Group PLC, including Alarm Bell Ltd and Arlo Parking Ltd.

Most of the divisions work takes place on the South Coast, however increasing demand for its services in London and Scotland led to the addition of engineers to the roster in these locations also. Croma Security Systems heavily supports local businesses[30] and communities, including Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council,[31][32] and even undertook charitable work for an arson-hit nursery.[33]

Board

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  • Chairman - Sebastian Morley
  • Chief Executive Officer - Roberto Fiorentino
  • Financial Director - Richard Juett
  • Executive Operations Director - Paul Williamson
  • Non-Executive Director - Nick Hewson
  • Non-Executive Director - Charlie McMicking

References

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  1. ^ CSSG wins Saudi Arabia contract | interactive investor
  2. ^ Contract Win - Croma Security Regulatory News (RNS) - London South East
  3. ^ Croma Security Wins Contract With Saudi Arabian Industrial Client
  4. ^ Security firm Croma in £5m acquisition of CSS - BBC News
  5. ^ "Croma acquires Photobase". Biometric Technology Today. 14 (3): 6. March 2006. doi:10.1016/s0969-4765(06)70490-8. ISSN 0969-4765.
  6. ^ "Croma Security Solutions unveils triple contract win | IFA Magazine - Independent Financial Advisor". Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  7. ^ The Business: This is a news story
  8. ^ Acquisition – RNS – London Stock Exchange
  9. ^ Croma Security Solutions Buys South Coast Locksmith Access Key & Lock - Finance News - London South East
  10. ^ CSSG unlocks £2m Hampshire acquisition | Insider Media Ltd
  11. ^ "Croma Security Solutions Buys South Coast Locksmith... | Morningstar". Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  12. ^ Biometric device uses blood vessels to identify people – BBC News
  13. ^ FastVein technology used during Olympic sailing events | BiometricUpdate
  14. ^ Games biometric | Professional Security
  15. ^ Wind blown into vein recognition sails at Olympics | Planet Biometrics News
  16. ^ "Olympics Turned to Biometrics for Access Control | UK Police News - Police Oracle".
  17. ^ "FastVein® Biometric makes Olympics plain sailing".
  18. ^ Croma Security Solutions releases biometric vein recognition solution for businesses | BiometricUpdate
  19. ^ ProSecureNewsOnline – The latest news for security buyers and suppliers
  20. ^ Top girls’ school uses vein scanner to keep finger on pupils’ movements | The Times & The Sunday Times
  21. ^ UK school using biometric technology to verify students identity and register attendance | BiometricUpdate
  22. ^ ":: Edexec ::". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  23. ^ "Commercial Locksmith". Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  24. ^ "UK school using biometric technology to verify students identity and register … |". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  25. ^ "Thème Serrurerie". Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  26. ^ BBC NEWS | UK | Afghan operation is 'worthless'
  27. ^ Exclusive: SAS chief quits over 'negligence that killed his troops' - Telegraph
  28. ^ "Sebastian Morley - Tatler". Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  29. ^ Croma Security Wins Two New Deals Worth GBP2.5 Million A Year - Finance News - London South East
  30. ^ Croma wins CCTV security contract in Hampshire. Facilities management[permanent dead link‍]
  31. ^ Keyholder service cuts running costs for council
  32. ^ Council Keyholder | Professional Security
  33. ^ Security firm steps in to help arson-hit nursery (From Daily Echo)

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