Lorna Powell was devastated when her husband Dean died unexpectedly in August 2015. As well as being a loving husband, Dean and Lorna, had over 30 years’ experience in the security industry, running 365 Security based in Cardiff. His death could have been the end for the firm, but Lorna decided to take the lead and run what is now one of the few female-led security companies in the UK.
Helped by Assistant Director Dane Marks and consultancy practice Acceler8me, they took the reins and steered the company through athe unexpected transition. The company has now started growing again, thanks to a £25,000 cash-flow injection from Finance Wales.
Now 365 reports that it’s securing more contracts than ever. Over the summer events season they will have over 200 contractors on their books. 365 is now starting to expand its services into site work, offering Welsh businesses the opportunity to use a security firm that offers ‘security with a female touch’.
Lorna, pictured, said: “Thanks to the support of Finance Wales we are able to keep the company going in Dean’s name, and continue with our growth. We’re now in a position where we can expand and diversify – offering site security services to commercial clients as well as events.”
Dane Marks said: “The nature of event security means our business is very seasonal. The loss of Dean last year left us in turmoil and we had to rebuild and plan for the company’s future.
“But now we’re really growing. We’re employing more staff, especially women, and we’re taking on more security roles. Only 9pc of licenced security staff in the UK are women, just 1pc of leaders in this industry are women. Lorna is one of those remarkable few, but we really hope that’s something which will change.”
Lorna added: “I’m proud to be an advocate for women in the security industry. We’ve found that the women on our staff are extremely capable – they’re often able to diffuse difficult situations without the use of force. With the right training, women in security are as effective as men. I hope women can look to what we’ve done at 365 and get involved in what is an exciting and diverse industry.”
Finance Wales Investment Executive Rhiannon Brewer structured the deal. “Unexpected events can have an impact on businesses and cause cash-flow problems. With such a strong management team in the place it was easy to fund 365. Dane and Lorna have led the company well and it’s great that the growth strategy in place continues in Dean’s memory. Investment also means that the company is in a stable position to meet the demand of their services.”
