The demand from Hunter businesses for comprehensive security services has sparked the merger between two local organisations to form Holistic Industries.
The new organisation will see what was Holistic Security merge with another Newcastle based firm, Balance Security Solutions. The merger includes the acquisition of local Registered Training Organisation (RTO), 5th Level Training (5LT), which will now be known as Holistic Training.
The merger will provide Hunter businesses with a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive security offering, covering all facets of security, including patrol, electronic security, and security for crowd control, retail, construction, industrial and residential.
Accredited training programs for people looking to enter or advance their career in the security or hospitality industries will also be offered, with nationally-recognised courses in First Aid, Workplace Health and Safety(WHS) and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) available.
The formation of Holistic Industries comes in the wake of the success of its predecessor,Holistic Security, which has become known among some of Newcastle’s largest entertainment venues as an industry leader and innovator.
Holistic Security has enjoyed strong growth over recent years, credited by many local venues for reducing anti-social behaviour and violence. The company has grown to employ over 100 staff, and services some of the region’s most loved night spots, including the Cambridge Hotel, King Street Hotel,Queens Wharf Hotel and Wests City.
Managing Director of Holistic Security, Ben Dewson, said that the new organisation has been created in the wake of major developments in Newcastle’s security industry. Ben has been at the forefront of the aptly named ‘Newcastle Solution’, an approach to security which relies heavily on educating patrons and security guards and changing human behaviour, rather than simply reducing venue trading hours and limiting alcohol consumption.
The ‘Newcastle Solution’ was implemented in 2012 after the state Government’s lock out laws – brought into effect in 2008 – proved less effective than hoped in reducing alcohol related violence in Newcastle.
“Newcastle nightlife has been transformed dramatically over recent years. When I first started working in security, the industry was marred by a reputation of bad behaviour and physical aggression,” Ben said.
“I am happy to say that the venues we work with now offer a much safer environment for people to go out and have a good time in. Our approach sees us target possible problems before they arise, and use communication techniques to diffuse potentially violent situations.
“Our security team are trained extensively – we make sure our security officers have the right personality profile for the job, and are experienced in acting appropriately in difficult situations.
“Our team is also well versed in the legalities of the lockout laws and they are trained to work with both punters and hotel operators to ensure the benefits of the laws are realised.”
Charles Hall, the General Manager of Holistic Security, believes that the Hunter’s security industry is growing, and the training arm of Holistic Industries will be useful in providing local candidates with the credentials demanded by employers.
“While demand for security personnel is growing, employers and venues are becoming increasingly savvy about the type of person they are looking for, and the skill set that they possess,” Charles said.
“Because our courses are run through our Registered Training Organisation, people undertaking the programs can be assured that they are receiving a quality, accredited qualification, held in high esteem by employers.
“We also have a strong reputation for industry know-how and hands-on experience, with opportunities for real life learning. All this is invaluable for those looking to break into the industry.”
IMAGE | Managing Director of Holistic Security, Ben Dewson.
