The Kudos Group, based in Worden Park, has been awarded the Security Industry Authority's Approved Contractor Status (ACS) which opens the door to the types of work they can do.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) was set up to manage the licensing of the private security industry and aims to raise standards and to promote and spread best practice.

Mark Prendergast has recently been recruited as the group business development director at Kudos and will oversee the firm's ambitious expansion plans.

He said the Approved Contractor Status should create a lot more work opportunities.

He explained: "It opens more doors if you've got ACS. We were audited for two days. The auditor goes through all your systems, interviews various members of your team, looks at all your policies such as health and safety and your approach to the environment and gives you a score.

"It's a long process and only the best get accreditation. It gives you greater access to blue chip companies because they will often only work with security firms that have ACS accreditation."

The Kudos Group formed in 2004 and has doubled its business over the last three years.

The firm is responsible for all aspects of the industry, including manned security, mobile patrols, retail security, training and recruitment.

They now employ 10 office staff at its new headquarters in Worden Park and have a pool of around 100 security workers.

Mr Prendergast said having the security industry's ACS approval improved the reputation of the industry.

"There are some unscrupulous operators out there and the ACS title will help separate them out," he said.

"For the Kudos Group this accolade helps catapult us into the Premier League of security firms. We can now compete with all the well known security firms that have high street names.

"It's a great help because we're looking to expand the business and recruit between an extra 25-35 people. They'll work as security staff on a retained basis.

"Everyone is delighted by securing the ACS recognition. The only downside is we've got to get our stationery changed but it's a small price to pay."

Mobile patrols and a keyholding service are two areas the firm is looking to expand.

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