News | Business Security / Centre City Return
Stop criminals before they get into your business Nearly 16,000 unlawful entries and burglaries were reported in Canterbury last year, so the obvious question is; is your business protecting itself against intruders and theft?
surprise them before they get in, there is a far greater chance they will disappear – as they are not yet fully committed to the crime.”
In today’s environment it is a given you are going to require an alarm and it really needs to be professionally monitored. Technology now enables this to happen online in real time. “With an internet connection and well Those likely to enter your property with ill intent are smarter and more brazen than ever. placed cameras and lights that turn on if the perimeter is breached (through the use As security technology gets smarter – so too of security beams or movement detectors) do those trying to avoid detection. through video feed we can instantly see what With Christchurch moving closer to rebuilding, that breach is and if the police or security the team at Ross Galt Security recommend company needs to be called. “ businesses take a proactive and integrated There are many different deterrents that approach to their security options – both can be used on the exterior of a premise. electronic and traditional security; locks, Once a breech has occurred you can have a keyless entry systems and secure storage. staged series of security measures activate Ross Galt Security divisional manager Peter – including alarms, lights, sirens, and voiced Erridge says if you are rebuilding, you need warnings the intruder is being watched. to factor security into your overall plan right from the start. “Make the right initial “Your external line of defence is important investment into protecting your people and - the more barriers you have between them property, and you will ultimately save time and their target – the interior of your business, and many dollars. the less likely they are to gain entry.” “When looking at your security system, you do have to plan for the worst case scenario. We work with businesses to work through the ‘what ifs’ and find solutions that provide the right outcome for that individual business and its budget.” If someone gains entry to your building, they are committed, Erridge says. “If you can
The Ross Galt Security division is a new initiative of the leading Christchurch lock and key company, in direct response to the earthquakes. The rebuild and repair of business and commercial premises across the region provides an opportunity for businesses to integrate security more seamlessly into the overall construction of their buildings.
“With over 40 years in the industry, we consult with project managers, construction companies, insurers, architects and business owners, providing the very best quality solutions.” Erridge says even the smallest business needs to make their property, premise and people secure and he urges all companies to seek professional advice. “There are reliable solutions to meet every budget.”
Peter Erridge
Heading back to the centre The return to central Christchurch for Malley & Co Lawyers is a signal of intent; the company has faith that a thriving city centre will once again be realised. As the doors to its new Colombo Street office opened on July 30, its previous Cathedral Square office was being slowly reduced to a small pile of rubble. Partner and acting general manager, John Shingleton says the 115 year old Canterbury firm has always had a central city presence and it was important for them to be among the pioneers leading the charge back to the heart of the city. “We could sit back and wait to see what happens, but we truly and strongly believe there are exciting years ahead for the centre of town. As a firm, and as a city, I believe we have to look to the future.
of the building code, has an exposed wall section in the boardroom. “The wall has been left open and a section of the reinforcement of the super-structure is exposed, allowing everyone to understand the engineering behind the safety work the building has undergone. It’s quite arty actually and in Christchurch this could be a modern Throughout the 15 month upheaval, Malley approach to architecture,” he quips. & Co has grown and thrived. An additional two lawyers, a paralegal and several Additionally, the firm has strengthened its administrative people have been added to internal health and safety policies and upservice their growing clientele. skilled many in advanced first aid.
Since February last year, the 26-strong team has been split, some working from the company’s existing office in Hornby, the rest squeezing into a two temporary offices “The next five to 10 years in Christchurch in Riccarton and Church Corner. “Getting the will see many exciting things happen and team back into one space has always been Christchurch is going to become a modern and important, allowing us to re-establish the vibrant place to be – not just to work in, but total team culture.” for visitors and the wider community, and we “Working in separate spaces has seen sub want to be part of that.” cultures and different idiosyncrasies emerge Trepidation around going back to the centre in the individual offices. Part of this extends of town is a real emotion among the team. from the traumatic events we have been Being on the 10th floor during the quake, eye through, part as a direct response to the level with the Christchurch Cathedral tower as altered working environment. Like everyone it fell from sight, was an experience no one in Christchurch, we have undergone many at Malley & Co will forget. To help combat any changes as a team, but we have always been reservations the team has, the new premises, committed to getting the team back together as soon as possible.” which has been strengthened to 100 percent 12 | September/October 2012 www.canterburytoday.co.nz
The move to ASB 518 - 518 Colombo Street is again only a temporary one as they await the completion of a new building in the same block. “We have made a long-term commitment to this central city neighbourhood.” While many businesses will remain entrenched in the suburbs, Shingleton believes the move back to the central city will see Malley & Co, and the other like-minded businesses, playing an important role, as they contribute to the buzz and lifeline the city needs as it rebuilds.
Since February 2011 Malley & Co were on the 10th floor of the Grant Thornton Building, currently being demolished. Shingleton says it’s quite ironic
that as they make plans to move back into the central city, their previous CBD base is being ripped down. “The team have been watching the demolition with interest and spotted, through the frontage that has been ripped away, my treasured signed Black Caps jersey still hanging on the wall of my office. It’s a small thing – but it’s a vivid reminder of how much we lost that day when we walked out of the building.” While Malley & Co have been allowed back in to the building since the quake – it was for a limited time to retrieve original deed documents only. Ensuring data security has always been a priority, however since the quakes, Malley & Co has invested into improved administrative systems. While their back-up server was located off site and the firm did retrieved all files up to 5pm on February 21, they have now installed a system were all data storage happens off site, providing an even more robust system.