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£1.2m university contract win for North Shields’ 2020 Vision Systems

2020 Vision Systems Ltd has won a £1.2m to provide The University of Birmingham with a new security system.

The North Shields-based security tech firm will supply video surveillance and access control to the school’s new 780-bed student accommodation block, its sports centre with Olympic-size swimming pool, library and a comprehensive school - all set to be built on campus.

The win follows the firm’s recent investment in the training of its senior management team.

In response to a new government requirement for tenderers to have qualifications that prove their capabilities, 2020 Vision Systems enrolled two of its senior team on a Leadership and Management higher apprenticeship with Access Training.

Sales manager Neil Titterington and engineering manager Graeme Lloyd have gained Chartered Institute of Management Level 5 Diplomas in Leadership and Management.

Neil Titterington said: “Around 70 percent of our business is in the public sector. It became clear to us that to remain competitive during the pre-qualifying questionnaire (PQQ) stage for European contracts, we needed to be able to prove on paper we are fully qualified to manage large scale projects.

“Experience used to be enough but now qualifications are essential – it’s another criteria they’ve brought in to help shortlist tenderers, basically. That’s why we got in touch with Access Training – we needed to demonstrate how capable we are and we’re seeing the training paying off now.

“All managers can learn more, even if you’ve been doing it for decades. I have found the change management element of the course particularly useful. Learning how to put a bit of structure to the change process has improved results.”

The higher apprenticeship is designed for managers to support the development of their leadership and management skills. It covers strategic decision making, managing budgets, planning and implementing change, leading teams and managing projects.

The University of Birmingham contract will see five 2020 Vision Systems technicians on site for two years.

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