Westminster Regulatory News (WSG)

1^st March 2012

Westminster Group Plc:

Mr Ben Gwillim BA (Hons) MSc appointed In Country Manager

Westminster Aviation Security Services Ltd

Westminster Group Plc ('Westminster' or 'the Group'), the AIM listed supplier of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr Ben Gwillim as its In Country Manager of Westminster Aviation Security Services Ltd operating in West Africa.

Mr Ben Gwillim has over twenty years' service in the Royal Air Force achieving the rank of Squadron Leader. He served with the RAF police for much of that time being involved in security and investigation work including two specific tours on investigative duties; the first as an Area Investigations Manager and the second as the Officer Commanding of the RAF Police Special Investigations Branch. He was also the RAF's senior investigative officer delivering investigative output around the world and has served in Westminster's areas of operations both in the Middle East and Africa.

Mr Gwillim is experienced in developing top level security and policing plans to meet strategic requirements for global operations; being a key member of top level security and safety planning committees providing threat assessments, travel and personnel safety briefs for hostile environments. This has included developing, training and resourcing of large (200+) specialist security teams, air transport security, criminal investigation, counter intelligence and close protection teams for overseas deployments.

Other experiences include:

·      Delivering policing and security capabilities resulting in the successful worldwide deployment and recovery of fully trained and equipped security teams;

·      Procuring specialist security and safety equipment;

·      Creating effective liaison with other internal and external specialist security and policing bodies;

·      Establishing and developing baseline security requirements for large airfield sites including aircraft and other high value assets using risk management principles;

·      Providing operational leadership and management of large teams of uniformed and specialist security personnel;

·      Designing and implementing integrated security plans for VIP visits and international security conferences;

·      Managing specialist teams in excess of 200 staff;

·      Conducting and directing global security and criminal investigations;

·      Providing media campaign training to foreign forces;

·      Enabling and hosting journalist support for high profile VIP visits to hostile environments. 

Commenting on the appointment, Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said:

"I am extremely pleased to report that Ben is joining our aviation security business, strengthening what is already an impressive management team.  I am confident that he will be a valuable asset in supporting our continued growth in this sector.

"Our aviation security business is continuing to gather momentum and is developing numerous opportunities in the aviation sector. The Board is optimistic on the future prospects for growth from this division."

Commenting on his appointment Ben Gwillim added:

"I am delighted to be joining Westminster and I am very excited about the prospects for helping to build what is clearly a successful and well respected international security organisation. I am particularly excited at being based, once again, in a part of Africa where I have previously served and know well.  Hopefully my experience of the region and of the security issued involved will assist Westminster's already impressive prospects".

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Notes:

Westminster Group plc is a leader in the supply of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide.

Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, risk assessments and close protection services. These can range from product only assignments, such as the supply of specialised scanners, to the design and implementation of an integrated system solution such as a border detection and surveillance system. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non governmental organisations and blue chip commercial organisations.