Last checked at 19 Aug 2013 07:00
19th August 2013
Westminster Group Plc:
Airport Security Update
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 provide an update on the various potential airport security projects that it is working towards.
Providing the update Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said:
"In the 2012 Annual Report issued in May this year I reported that we were in advanced discussions regarding a potential project for the provision of complete airport security services to an international airport in East Africa. I also reported that we were at various stages of discussions with a number of other airports within Africa serving an aggregate 4.3m embarking passengers per annum.
"I am pleased to report that all of these discussions are progressing well and we continue to grow our pipeline of potential contracts. We are currently in discussions with a number of airports throughout Africa as well as several airports in Asia and South America. In aggregate, these potential projects represent airports with approaching 10m embarking passengers per annum, a marked increase from what I announced in our 2012 Annual Report.
"Regarding the potential international airport project in East Africa, following several months of detailed discussions with the airports authority and ministries concerned, I am pleased to report that Westminster have now been formally invited to commence final contract negotiations by the end August 2013. As ever, there can be no certainty as to the length, timing or eventual outcome of this or our various other discussions and negotiations although we are extremely encouraged by the progress our aviation division is making.
"The protection and security of a country's international airport(s) is a critical issue for the security and prosperity of any nation and it is extremely important that any security measures are carefully thought through, meticulously planned and professionally executed with due regard to the normal operation of the airport. Interaction with various stakeholders involved (airports authority, civil aviation, police, state security, immigration, airlines and concessionaires etc.) must be taken into account together with the requirements of the various interested ministries such as transport, aviation, infrastructure and tourism. The implementation of effective airport security not only involves a complete understanding of all facets of aviation security including the implementation of appropriate technology, training and operational procedures but also a full consultation process with the various stakeholders at the planning stages. This can be a time consuming process but one which needs doing carefully to ensure effective security is achieved.
"I believe there are tremendous growth prospects in the aviation security sector for our aviation business which is well placed to take advantage of the many opportunities we are developing in this sector. We have the experience, the international presence, the technology and the right personnel to deliver world class security solutions. We have a proven track record, an excellent reputation and we are receiving plaudits from government and international bodies as well as from airport operators and airlines alike."
The Group anticipates releasing its interim results on or around 20th September 2013
For further information please contact:
Westminster Group plc | Tel: 01295 756 300 |
Peter Fowler (Chief Executive) | |
Ian Selby (Chief Financial Officer) | |
S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (NOMAD + Broker) | Tel: 020 3463 2260 |
Stuart Gledhill/Katy Birkin | |
Winningtons Financial (Financial PR) | Tel: 020 3176 4722 |
Tom Cooper/Paul Vann | 0797 122 1972 |
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, encompassing a wide range of surveillance, detection, tracking and interception technologies and the provision of long term managed services contracts such as the management and running of complete security services and solutions in airports, ports and other such facilities together with the provision of manned services, consultancy and training services. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue chip commercial organisations. For further information please visit www.wi-ltd.com