Managed Services Division Update

RNS Number : 9518S

Westminster Group PLC

13 November 2013

 



13 November 2013

Westminster Group plc

('Westminster' or the 'Company')

Update on Managed Services Division

Westminster (AIM:WSG), the award winning, AIM listed supplier of system solutions and products to the security, defence and safety markets worldwide, is pleased to give the following update on progress in the Managed Services division which is focussed on delivering security services under long term contracts to airports, ports and other such facilities.

The East African airport prospect which is under a signed MoU continues to progress through the local statutory contract process. It is in very close to final form and awaits certain final procedural formalities. Whilst as ever the timing and final outcome remain uncertain, we remain confident. The airport the subject of the MoU continues to grow and passenger volumes have been increasing which adds further impetus to the requirement to address airport security, and this security need has been raised with the local authorities by the local UK diplomatic presence.

Interest has been shown from other parts of Africa and recently the CEO of Westminster visited a Southern African state as a guest of its President to discuss airport security initiatives and we have had further interest shown from other countries in this region. These recent developments mean Westminster is now in discussions with airports and other managed services prospects throughout East, West and Southern Africa. Furthermore this model is proving of interest outside of Africa and we have received interest regarding airports in Asia, South America and Europe.  We believe that the high growth of air traffic and increasing security requirements creates a strong macro-economic backdrop for our managed services offering.

In addition to airport projects Westminster are also in discussions for a further managed services project for a significant port in Africa as well as receiving enquiries from airlines for additional security services in other parts of Africa.

This week Westminster is exhibiting at the Transport Security Expo in London. Transport Security Expo has been the leading event for global heads of Aviation, Maritime, Counter Piracy, Public Transport and Supply Chain Security for the past 10 years. Designed to deliver clarity to the complex task of protecting Passengers, cargo and high risk assets from those intent on doing harm, Transport Security Expo is the world's most established event in this arena and there has been strong interest in Westminster's stand.

A measure of the increasing international profile, reputation and footprint of Westminster was also demonstrated when Westminster Aviation Security Services ('WASS'), part of the Group's Managed Services Division, was recently honoured with an International Achievement Award at the Security Excellence Awards 2013 presented on the 23rd October 2013 at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London. The award recognises a UK company that has realised an outstanding achievement or improvement in international sales or exports, or has otherwise been instrumental in a significant security application or project outside of the UK.

Finally the West African airport contract signed in 2012 is progressing smoothly. Passenger volumes are increasing with existing carriers adding flights as well as new airlines commencing services. We expect this trend to continue and note that an improved security environment (as recognised by ICAO and major airlines) has been a significant factor in increasing traffic. 

For further information please see the company's website, www.wg-plc.com, or contact:

Westminster Group plc	Tel: [phone]
Peter Fowler (Chief Executive)
Ian Selby (Chief Financial Officer)
S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (NOMAD + Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Stuart Gledhill / Katy Birkin
Winningtons Financial (Financial PR)	Tel: [phone]
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 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.wg-plc.com or www.wi-ltd.com

 

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