Bidvest Noonan Ireland

Ireland's leading provider of facilities services and solutions

Expertise

From Admin to Operations Manager: The Inspiring Journey of Christina McDonald, a Determined Leader at Bidvest Noonan.

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Twelve years ago, Christina McDonald embarked on a promising journey with Bidvest Noonan, beginning her career as a Rostering Admin. By September of last year, her commitment and dedication had earned her the position of Operations Manager. In this role, Christina has made a significant impact, particularly in building stronger customer relationships.

Christina’s inspiring rise reflects her determination and tenacity. Committed to continuous growth, she has avoided becoming too comfortable in any role. As soon as she began feeling settled in a position, she viewed it as a cue to strive for more, propelled by her strong ambition.

Recently, we had a chance to briefly chat with Christina about her path to success, her approach to strengthening customer relationships, and the impact of these efforts on her recent performance feedback.

Your ascent within the business is inspiring. What have been the factors in your success?

“Career progression, in my opinion, calls for several essential elements. There are five key principles that have guided me:

  • Work diligently
  • Build experience
  • Show respect and kindness to colleagues
  • Encourage open communication by asking questions
  • Believe in yourself

Out of these, believing in yourself is probably the most important. There were times when my aspirations seemed too high, but the encouragement and backing I received from my superiors and peers strengthened my resolve. They convinced me to challenge my limits and chase my goals relentlessly. The belief that I had the necessary skills and knowledge to take the next step allowed me to maintain focus and persistence, even when immediate success seemed far away.”

In your opinion, what is the most important ingredient for a successful client relationship?

“People form the very core of our service delivery, and these individuals represent our company when interacting with our customers, especially those on-site. Treating your team with respect, providing support, and helping them excel in their roles are key to solid customer relationships. Having ascended through the ranks myself, I can relate to my team’s experiences and challenges. This connection creates mutual respect and understanding.”

You recently received positive feedback from customers for significant improvements made to some of your sites. How was this accomplished?

“Multiple factors contributed to this success, but I believe the main catalyst was my commitment to improving relationships with those customers. Regular meetings and on-site visits proved invaluable in identifying necessary improvements to enhance our service delivery. Should problems arise, my past experiences help me to present effective solutions. A thorough understanding of our processes has also empowered me to address challenges more effectively.”

Safeguarding One of Europe’s Most Iconic Stadiums: Adam Branagan’s Story

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In the world of security, there’s more than meets the eye. For Adam Branagan, our security manager at Croke Park, each day presents a unique challenge, something he takes in his stride.

A busy day at Croke Park, the third-largest sports stadium in Europe, can see a huge number of security personnel diligently monitoring all areas of the stadium. They work tirelessly, patrolling the premises and ensuring the safety of each individual present. As Adam puts it, “Every day at Croke Park is different.” Whether it’s a football match, concert, or conference, the crowd varies, and so do the challenges. With unexpected situations and potential threats, the task requires constant vigilance, extensive training, and meticulous attention to detail.

It’s not just about being aware, though. Adam explains, “We have a rotational system across our shifts to provide the best security service possible, day and night, covering all areas of the building.” This stringent system ensures that all areas, from the control room to entry points, are consistently monitored. This approach guarantees the safety and well-being of all attendees, offering the best and safest experience possible.

Reflecting on his journey with Bidvest Noonan, Adam can’t help but express his pride. “I take great pride in being a part of this team for the past 15 years,” he says. Starting his career as a security officer and now serving as the security manager, Adam has come a long way. He adds, “I love this job. The diverse range of events and constant interaction with different people keep you on your toes. No two days are ever the same!”

When asked about the key duties of his colleagues, Adam stresses the importance of monitoring entries and exits. “Once members of the public enter through these gates, their well-being rests in our hands,” he shares. The team’s approach to their role is serious and dedicated, always striving to devise effective solutions that ensure everyone is well taken care of.

The job requires more than just discipline and diligence. Dealing with antisocial behaviour, potential threats, and coordination are skills that Adam highlights as vital. Balancing approachability with vigilance when interacting with the public is crucial to ensure a safe yet welcoming atmosphere.

Looking back at his 15-year career, Adam cherishes countless memorable moments at Croke Park. He reminisces about hosting music stars like Garth Brooks and the Spice Girls. The experiences didn’t stop there. “A few years ago, we had the honour of hosting Queen Elizabeth and the Pope, both of whom delivered public addresses,” he adds. These moments have enriched his experience, making Croke Park an unforgettable place to work.

Security Experts Gather in Dublin for Ground-breaking Counter-Terrorism Conference

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Bidvest Noonan, a leading provider of security and facilities services, is bringing TinyG, the global counter-terrorism information network, to Ireland for the first time as part of its Counter-Terrorism and Major Incidents conference. The event will take place at the iconic Croke Park Stadium in Dublin this month. Due to the high level of interest in the event, places for the conference were booked out rapidly, with strong demand from security and facilities professionals across various sectors.

Terrorism continues to evolve in complexity, posing a threat to security worldwide. Bidvest Noonan and TinyG aim to provide an invaluable platform for sharing the latest strategies and technologies for mitigating these threats. Attendees will hear from a host of experts, including representatives of the FBI and Ireland’s Special Tactics Operations Command. The keynote will be delivered by Neil Basu QMP, a highly accomplished former Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the sole officer to hold the top three positions in Counter Terrorism Policing. A recipient of the Queen’s medal, Neil played a pivotal role in leading the response to the 2017 terror attacks and went on to head the UK’s CT Policing organization, succeeding Sir Mark Rowley in 2018.

The conference also highlights the important role that security guards can play in countering terrorism. Security guards are often the first line of defence against security threats and play a crucial role in protecting people and assets. The conference will provide insights into the latest strategies and technologies for enhancing the capabilities of security guards in countering terrorism.

Cormac Sheils, CEO of Bidvest Noonan in Ireland, said, “We are delighted to bring TinyG to Ireland for the first time and provide our customers with the opportunity to hear from such an esteemed group of experts. I’m looking forward to attending, and I know the information shared will be invaluable”.

Nick O’Connor, Operations Director, added, “As a career security professional, I believe this conference provides a unique opportunity to hear from international experts in counter-terrorism, exchange knowledge and best practices, and network with other security professionals.”

Dave Evans of TinyG said, “TinyG is committed to fostering collaboration and intelligence sharing among security professionals. By partnering with Bidvest Noonan, we are excited to bring our expertise to Ireland and create new opportunities for learning and cooperation in the fight against terrorism.”

The Importance of Investing in Quality and Continuous Security Training – Stephen Devlin

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Stephen Devlin, Bidvest Noonan’s Senior Operations Manager in Retail, shares with us why training is crucial in security, the importance of continuous development, how Bidvest Noonan supports our security teams, and the benefits of investing in training for security colleagues.

Why is training crucial to providing a successful security service?

When it comes to training in security, never cut corners. To produce high-performing teams, it is essential that they are given the right tools. At Bidvest Noonan, we invest in our teams to make sure they are future-ready  

The importance of this becomes evident when security officers first get deployed to a customer’s site. Having gone through initial training, they will have the awareness and understanding needed to hit the ground running, applying all their knowledge and expertise to the needs of our customers from day one.

How important is it to provide continuous training and development?

To truly build a strong and effective security team, there needs to be a clear path for officers to progress and develop their skills and expertise over time. This is where continuous training and careful management come into play.

By providing ongoing training there is an opportunity to make them better equipped to handle the ever-changing security environment. This not only benefits security professionals themselves but also ensures the best possible level of protection is provided to customers.

How is Bidvest Noonan ensuring consistency with this training?

In our business, we work hard to provide the best possible training and do so in many ways including in-person workshops, simulation exercises and drills, mentoring and coaching programmes, and online training courses and webinars.

We ensure our security teams get regular training on some key elements like first-aid, conflict management, and terrorism awareness. Each customer has unique requirements, and our colleagues need to know how to identify what are the potential risks for them.

I also believe it’s important that our security teams, especially those on site, have easy access to training programmes. We have made many of our modules available to colleagues through our online Learning Management System (LMS). Through e-learning platforms and mobile apps, we make it convenient for our security personnel to complete on-the-job training requirements.

Our security management teams do regular performance evaluations and skill assessments of our teams. This allows us to measure the effectiveness of what we do and identify areas where additional training may be needed. We also regularly review and update how we deliver our training to ensure that it stays current with the latest security threats and best practices

What are the long-term benefits of investment in this training?

I am a firm believer that investing in the growth of your security colleagues will reap the rewards of better employee engagement, retention, and ultimately, a better service to customers. That’s why it’s important to view training and development not as an expense, but as a valuable investment in the future of the business.

I am proud to work with many colleagues, who like myself, have benefited from strong mentorship and guidance from people inside the business and the training that has been made available. It has allowed me to progress to where I am today.

Raising the Bar: GMP Microbiologist, Denise Cahill, joins Bidvest Noonan to transform our cleaning services in the Life Sciences sector

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We recently welcomed Denise Cahill to the Bidvest Noonan team. Denise is a GMP Microbiologist and is working with our team in the Life Sciences sector. We asked Denise what attracted her to a science-based career, why high-standard GMP practices are important, and what expertise and passions she will bring to her role at Bidvest Noonan.

What led you to a science-based career?

I always enjoyed Life Sciences growing up, but it was only later in my life that I gained the confidence to take it up as a field of study, so I made a decision to return to education as a mature student to pursue my ambitions.

In my studies, I decided to specialise in microbiology. It resonated with me because it is relevant to all areas of life. I find it fascinating how microorganisms, that cannot be seen with the naked eye, can benefit health, and in other cases, pose a threat. This is why contamination control within our GMP areas is crucial.

What I also love about microbiology is how it has enabled technological advancement in the life sciences sector, and indeed healthcare. For example, the use of genetically engineered bacteria to produce medicines, such as insulin. The development of such important medicines can only take place in sterile environments, emphasising the importance of GMP cleaning teams and the specialised training that is required.

Why are high-standard GMP practices so important?

Adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is a crucial step in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs, medical devices, and certain food products. These regulatory standards state that manufacturers, processors, and packagers must take the necessary measures to guarantee that their products meet rigorous safety and quality standards. GMP compliance is vital for protecting public health and ensuring that consumers receive the highest quality products.

Our cleaning teams play such a critical part in this for our customers in this sector. A lot of the products produced in the facilities we are responsible for, develop lifesaving drugs for vulnerable patients. Our GMP teams are committed to providing the highest standards, which in turn safeguards the health of people all over the world.

What part of your role at Bidvest Noonan will help ensure these standards are met?

My main role as a GMP Microbiologist is to provide guidance and support to ensure the services we provide adhere to industry standards. I develop and organise specific training for our teams in areas such as contamination control, good documentation practices, and other areas to ensure our colleagues have a good understanding of their roles and why these procedures and practices are so important. Much of this includes, for example, the setup of procedures, documentation, validation, personnel, and the layout of the facilities. I also try to find ways to innovate on these practices. Everything is designed to ensure efficiency and risk mitigation.

Part of my role also involves visiting sites across the country. I work with teams on different customer sites, sharing my expertise and offering support where required. This means I have a very varied role and every day is a learning day. I very much enjoy working together with our customers, establishing tailored solutions in line with their own processes. This is something that makes my role exciting and keeps me on my toes!

How does your passion for GMP and microbiology inform and enhance your role?

I have always had a genuine interest in microbiology and GMP. I like the structure GMP delivers. Getting stuck into a problem and helping develop the solution is something I am passionate about. I like that issues can be assessed methodically, which suits my nature, and it’s usually a collaborative effort, which I believe is the best way to find the solution to any problem. I find it a rewarding experience contributing to problem-solving by sharing my expertise, it gives me a sense of being part of something bigger and contributing towards a broader, common goal.

Making Air Travel More Accessible – A Spotlight on PRM Services with Michèle Hill

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Airports are known for their busy nature, with thousands of people passing through their doors every day, connecting people from all over the world. While a focus on providing core services such as cleaning and security is important, there are many passengers that intend to travel through the long terminal corridors who require additional support.

We sat down with Michèle Hill, Bidvest Noonan’s Contract Manager at Shannon Airport, to gain a deeper understanding of the People with Restricted Mobility (PRM) Service, some of the fundamentals that need to be in place, and what the aims of our PRM teams are here at Bidvest Noonan.

What exactly is a PRM Service, and what is involved when delivering it?

A ‘People with Restricted Mobility’ (PRM) Service is designed to assist individuals who have mobility challenges such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs. The service also assists those who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. Support also extends beyond physical impairments and also includes accommodating those with visual and auditory impairments.

Providing a PRM service involves assisting those who need additional support at every stage along the passenger journey through the airport. This includes helping departing passengers from check-in, through security, to boarding the plane. It also includes assisting arriving passengers from the aircraft through immigration and baggage reclaim, and out to the arrivals hall.

All of this is designed to help passengers navigate the airport with ease and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable journey.

What fundamentals must be in place to deliver a PRM Service?

Knowing the terminal inside out in order to navigate it effectively, being aware of where all equipment and mobility aids are at all times, and having the appropriate training to assist passengers of all restricted mobility levels are some of the key basic elements I believe are required to deliver an effective PRM Service.

However, delivering an effective People with Restricted Mobility (PRM) service is not just about checking off a list of necessities, it’s much more than that. A holistic approach should be taken.

Recognising that navigating through an airport with physical limitations can be a source of stress and discomfort for individuals, and taking steps to alleviate those challenges is important. That is why our teams go that extra step to make each passenger feel warmly welcomed, by making an effort to personally greet them and learn their name.

This personable touch can often help ease any anxiety passengers might have and make the experience more relaxed for them. This can be really important if they are travelling alone.

What do our PRM teams at Bidvest Noonan aim to do?

Our PRM teams have one core focus, and that is to ensure passengers who have restricted mobility or other impairments have a seamless experience on their journey and get to where they need to be, all while enjoying their time at the airport. Providing them with the reassurance they need that all their needs are being cared for, is what makes the difference. No matter what disability or mobility issue the passenger may have, we make it our mission to remain adaptive, flexible, and accommodating to passengers throughout the airport.