Argenbright investment sets Amberstone Security on growth trajectory

The investment, combined with Argenbright Group’s track record in security services built up over four decades, will “transform Amberstone Security into a Top Five player” in the UK in the coming years and help in continuing its track record of first-class service delivery for existing clients, while at the same time the business looks to expand into new sectors and verticals.

As a direct result of this development, Argenbright Group will seek to re-establish its UK presence and expand into Europe with Amberstone Security as its platform company.

In terms of timelines, Argenbright Group has been in discussions with Amberstone Security for several months now, culminating in the investment deal being signed on Monday 1 August.

“There are a lot of parallels between the two businesses in that we are both entrepreneurial market disruptors who’ve always looked to change the narrative of the security industry and make the services on offer even more bespoke and customer-centric,” explained Jason Trigg, managing director of Amberstone Security. “This investment is a validation of Amberstone’s strategy and leadership, which is all about providing clients with innovative security and technology solutions.”

Further, Trigg explained to Security Matters: “This is an opportunity to accelerate our growth plans and become the largest privately held security services provider in the UK in the short-to-medium term.”

Intelligence and security services

Headquartered near Saffron Walden in Essex, Amberstone Security is a major supplier of intelligence and security services and one of the leading providers of electronic security solutions operating across the UK and European markets.

The business prides itself on a tailored and innovative approach to meeting customers’ needs, from comprehensive end-to-end solutions right through to the procurement of bundled or individual products and services.

The overarching strategy of the business is neatly summed up in its Mission Statement: ‘To facilitate the right person, in the right place at the right time, internally and externally, by using data to drive a risk-based approach to all business decisions and investments. Excellent customer service is the Number One priority, supporting client statements by adopting a values-based approach every time.’

For its part, the Argenbright Group is a privately held provider of workforce solutions in human capital-intensive industries. The Georgia-based concern boasts decades of experience in the fields of security, aviation services and facilities services.

Group leadership

The Argenbright Group is headed up by entrepreneur Frank Argenbright Jr and CEO Karan Ishwar. Its holdings include Unifi, the largest US aviation services business (itself a joint venture with Delta Air Lines) and Velociti, the leading US facilities management business.

During his career, Frank Argenbright Jr has founded and owned many companies, among them AHL Services, AirServ and SecurAmerica, which (along with Unifi) have generated employment for upwards of 100,000 individuals in the US and Europe across the last 40-plus years.

Commenting on the investment deal, Frank Argenbright Jr stated: “We are excited to partner with Jason and the team at Amberstone Security. This transaction is at the core of our strategy to enhance our portfolio by adding a security services business in the UK and underscore our unique brand of legendary service and technology-driven solutions for valued clients operating on the global stage.”

He continued: “Over the next five years, we plan to re-establish our leadership position in the UK where we’ve built successful businesses in the past. We’re excited to be back in the UK’s security business sector and look forward to helping Jason and his colleagues take the business to the next level.”

Significant capabilities

Karan Ishwar observed: “As part of the Argenbright Group’s global footprint, this investment in Amberstone Security to support Jason and his UK leadership team will resonate well with our existing clients and other trusted business relationships. We will invest in growing our UK security business on the Amberstone Security platform by adding significant capabilities in terms of account management, sales resources and selective strategic acquisitions.”

Ishwar concluded: “With the help of our Best-in-Class team at Amberstone Security, we now look forward to servicing our valued clients as a trusted partner delivering innovative risk management solutions provided through unmatched security services and cutting-edge technology. We have been particularly impressed by Jason and his senior leadership team. Together, they’ve created an exceptional company.”