Security and speed held most important

Press, 23 July 1986, Page 31

Security and speed held most important

A security courier service which has been quietly developing in Christchurch in the last two years recently expanded rapidly because of growth in the security industry.

Security Express — a division of Armourguard Security, Ltd — started in Christchurch in March, 1984, with one contractor, Mr Mike Nisbet, on the road. At that stage, it was an extension of an expanding service already being provided in Auckland and Wellington. June, 1985, saw the introduction of a second contractor in Christchurch, and the staff has since increased to five, supported by the Armourguard operations. The service is half-way between an armoured car and a normal courier operation, offering the benefits of security, and speed of delivery. It caters for sensitive consignments requiring pickups and deliveries being

carefully controlled and documented. The vehicles are specially equipped with security equipment and maintain continuous radio telephone communication with Armourguard base. All couriers must meet the stringent requirements laid down by the N.Z.S.I.A. (New Zealand Security Industry Association).

A wide variety of work is handled by Security Express — everything from clearing the city's parking meters to transport and storage of backup computer tapes. Moving documents for accountants and the legal profeslon, travel vouchers, banking stationery company bankings and pharmaceutical supplies are just a few of the functions performed by the service. Document storage and destruction is also a growing segment of the company’s work.

The service is not

limited to serving metropolitan Christchurch and outlying districts alone, but quickly moves consignments throughout New Zealand overnight, or on the same day. Security maintains a high profile with documented person-to-person delivery. Overseas consignments are also handled on a regular basis.

The recent increase in the size of the fleet led to the appointment of Mr Mike Nisbet as the coordinator of security express operations in Christchurch. Mr Nisbet’s firsthand experience of “on the road” activities means he can handle client enquiries with professional and courteous service.

It may be seen as a sign of the times that a security courier service is in greater demand than it was a year ago. Security Express has helped fill this gap which, for so long, was vacant