• Get a Quote
  • Careers
  • Insights & News
  • Coronavirus
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Bidvest Noonan

Bidvest Noonan

A market leading provider of facilities services and solutions

  • Our Services
  • Our Sectors
    • Property Management Sector
    • Retail
    • Corporate
    • Central & Local Government
    • Healthcare Sector
    • Life Sciences Sector
    • Education
    • Agri-Foods Sector
  • About Us
    • Our Leadership Team
    • Our Credo
    • Accreditation
  • Social Value
  • Contact Us

NOONAN

How customer experience will drive in-store retail’s return

February 25, 2021

The retail sector has always been of great importance to our economies and our communities. The industry supplies essential products to our populations and provides a livelihood for hundreds of thousands of retail sector workers.

The Covid-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the sector. Travel restrictions, Lockdowns, Supply Chain disruptions and the growing trend of online shopping is putting a heavy strain on ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers. Retail performance plummetted in 2020, with major declines in areas such as clothing, footwear and textiles. Performance in some of these areas has plunged by as much as 50%. Retailers across the sector scrambled to shore up their businesses and continue to serve customers. 

Big grocery retailers such as Tesco and SuperValu, which had existing e-commerce infrastructure, had success shifting their operations online. SuperValu reported that they experienced a 400% increase in online sales at certain times. Tesco achieved a record of £1 billion in online grocery sales during the 2020 Christmas period alone.

Some retailers have innovated to remain relevant and maintain their relationships with customers. Brands such as Burberry, Curries and Boots, used new technologies, such as video chat, to provide a virtual shopping experience online. However, many more in the sector did not have the resourcing or business model needed to take this leap. Others have made a strategic decision to not invest in e-commerce and are waiting for a return to normality.

In the world after Covid-19, does in-store retail have a future, and how can the sector attract people back to stores? We believe the in-store retail will make a strong return and that customer experience can be a game-changer in months and years to come.

Having supported a wide range of clients in the retail sector, we know the value of customer experience. We have spent years ensuring our teams contribute to exceptional customer experience because it is crucial to our clients’ success. Customers that have a great experience spend more, are more loyal and are more likely to refer others.

There are many ways in-store retailers can improve customer experience. We have identified five of the areas we believe offer significant opportunities for improvement:

1. People and Culture

Great people create great in-store experiences. From the car park attendant to the receptionist, every person in your team needs to adopt a customer-centric approach and know what it takes to create a great customer experience. Invest in customer experience training and build a strong customer experience culture.

2. Fast and frictionless experiences

The ability to immediately satisfy customer needs is one of in-store retail’s greatest advantages over online counterparts. Seize it! Don’t make customers wait for service. Ensure there are always enough assistants and cashiers ready to help.

Store layouts should allow customers to quickly and easily find what they are looking for. Reduce friction at every point. Once the customer has decided what they want to buy, their path-to-purchase should be as short and seamless as possible. 

3. Unique, exciting and enjoyable experiences

Shopping is a leisure activity. In-store retailers can create experiences that are far richer and more rewarding than their online counterparts. As we emerge from lockdown, customers will seek fun and exciting places to go. Make your store a destination by providing ‘retailtainment’. Host an event. Allow customers to interact with products in new ways, provide demos, perhaps create environments in which they can test the product. 

4. The right ambience

Sweat the details to create the right ambience. Changing the music played in a store can have a significant impact on the shopping experience. This is also true for colours, lighting and furnishings. Makes sure your teams understand your customers and create environments that make them want to keep coming back.

5. Bring new technologies into the store

Can new technologies help revitalise the shopping experience at your store? Well placed tablet computers may allow your customers to access more information and make decisions faster. Forward-looking retailers use Virtual Reality headsets to enable customers to visit virtual showrooms and experience products in a new way. Self-service checkouts have made a substantial impact in the grocery sector and are becoming more and more popular. Examine the technology you use and ask yourself how new technologies can help you take customer experience to the next level.

Gillian Robb is an Account Director at Bidvest Noonan. Gillian supports the world’s largest furniture retailer. Nick O’Connor is Integrated Accounts Retail Lead at Bidvest Noonan. Nick has over 20 years experience supporting retailers and shopping centres. 

Download our Return to the Workplace Pocketbook

February 24, 2021

In the coming weeks, businesses across the country will begin their return to the workplace. However, we believe few workplaces will revert to pre-COVID behaviours. Most of us will return to a new normal, a new way of working. Our working practices will fundamentally change in ways that would have been totally unrecognisable to us not so long ago.

The safety of people will be prioritised. This will dictate the vast majority of the decisions we make in the weeks ahead. In the post-pandemic world, our ability to make good decisions will matter more than ever before. This document, which is based on our 43 years of experience and research into best practice, will help you navigate through the coming weeks and into the future.

This document aims to provide sound advice and stimulate your thinking about how you can give confidence to your people as they return to the workplace and how you can operate your buildings more safely. The document covers the areas we see as broadly relevant and impactful.

Five Technologies Shaping the Future of Security

February 22, 2021

The security sector has a special relationship with technology. Many of a building’s connected and critical systems are controlled by security teams. These systems get smarter and more powerful every year. However, their development accelerated sharply over the past 12 months in response to the pandemic. Now, more than ever before, security technologies are shaping how buildings are used and experienced.

Our report discusses five security technology trends we believe will have a significant impact in the years to come:

  • Predictive Analytics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Touchless and Frictionless Systems
  • Smart Buildings
  • Cybersecurity

Get Access Now

Bidvest Noonan invests in the Axis Group

February 4, 2021

We are delighted to announce that we have invested in the Axis Group. The group comprises Axis Security, Axis Cleaning, and Acuity, a specialist provider of front of house management services. With 4,000 employees and an impressive portfolio of clients, Axis Group is one of the UK’s marketing-leading facilities services businesses.

Axis is an outstanding business with great people, a strong reputation, and a track record as one of the leading service providers in the UK. Axis and Bidvest Noonan share a lot in common. Both businesses focus on service excellence, developing long-term relationships with clients, and protecting the safety and wellbeing of their people. 

This investment substantially strengthens our business, adding to our scale, expertise and infrastructure. It will allow us to provide greater value and support to all current and future clients.

Our dedicated transition team is executing a strategy that will ensure Axis transitions seamlessly into our business. There will be no disruption to the services we deliver, with current service delivery teams remaining in place. 

Welcoming the announcement, Declan Doyle, CEO of Bidvest Noonan, said: “Axis is a great business supported by a team of excellent people. This investment represents the continued realisation of our strategy to grow our UK business and strengthen our position as a leading provider of security and facilities management services, that offers a strong and credible alternative to the current large companies operating in the market. We are very excited about the future prospects for the business and look forward to working with the team to build on their successes to date.” 

Commenting on behalf of Axis, Group CEO Jonathan Levine, said: “Bidvest Noonan is a great partner for our business, committed to the long-term growth and development of the company and our 4,000 people. With a reputation for high-standards, excellent customer service and long-lasting, trust-based relationships with clients, their values and approach are highly complementary to our business and we look forward to working with them to continue delivering the high-standards of service to our clients.” 

Adrian Canale, Business Development Director, shares his journey and insights

January 21, 2021

Adrian Canale is Business Development Director, Security Solutions at Bidvest Noonan. In this interview, Adrian shares his story, his insights on building a successful team and his optimistic view of the future.

What has been your journey to becoming Business Director at Bidvest Noonan?

I have been in sales leadership roles for almost 15 years. I was recruited into the security industry in 2005 following several years as a branch manager with a large building supplies firm. My first role in the industry was Security Portfolio Manager. This hands-on experience made a huge difference in my career. It gave me a deep understanding of security operations and the impact a well-designed security solution can make.

I discovered that solution design was my greatest strength, and I was passionate about it. I wanted a role that would allow me to focus on that. I had the opportunity to move into Business Development, and I took it and never looked back. Over the past 15 years, I’ve designed solutions for a wide range of clients, including some of our most iconic brands, important heritage sites and global technology leaders.

I had the opportunity to join Bidvest Noonan towards the end of 2020. Joining Bidvest Noonan was one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. Their approach to problem-solving and creating very innovative solutions was totally aligned with mine. I recognised that everyone at Bidvest Noonan, from the senior leadership team to the frontline staff, were motivated to deliver exceptional service and value to clients. This really resonated with me. 

What challenges has the pandemic posed for you in your new role?

Keeping people safe was, and remains, our first priority. I’m very proud of our response to the pandemic and how we protected each other, our clients and the general public. 

In the early months of the pandemic, many traditional business development activities were abruptly and severely disrupted by travel restrictions and other necessary safety measures. Tradeshows, business lunches and in-person meetings suddenly became a health risk. I miss meeting with my clients, many of whom are now friends, but my team and I have adapted. Today we use online technologies more than ever before to form, maintain and develop relationships with clients. 

The distribution of vaccines is ramping up, and I feel confident that there are brighter days ahead. Clients are preparing to return to a new normal. Many are redesigning their operations and examining how they can utilise their workplaces. Already we have seen a number of new mobilisations confirmed that indicate that market is returning. I’m excited about the opportunity that this presents, and I’m looking forward to presenting the new ideas and solutions that my team and I have been working on.

What makes a good business development team?

While I enjoy business development, it is not an easy job. We invest a lot of time and energy to understand our clients’ needs fully. It takes a lot of hard work to design innovative new solutions and to build successful proposals. This is why its important to hire energetic and hard-working people.

It’s important to surround yourself with people you trust. I’m grateful to have a team that I trust deeply. I trust them to take ownership of their workstreams and to be as focussed and committed to our mission as I am. 

To be successful in business development, you need to understand your client and be creative. I encourage my team to challenge the status quo and see long-observed conventions as an opportunity to deliver change and more value to clients.

I am very fortunate to have such a strong team. They have already proven their flexibility, commitment and willingness to go over and above to meet deadlines. Already we’ve had a number of great projects confirmed in December and the first few weeks of January so I have every faith that we will have a very successful year with their support, drive and passion. 

What does 2021 hold for our industry?

I am very optimistic about 2021. There is light on the horizon. By September, the majority of our population will be vaccinated against the virus. I see lots of positive movement.

Together we achieved a lot during the pandemic. This crisis has caused us to accelerate innovation to an unprecedented rate. We’ve brought highly experienced technology experts into our team, took a huge leap forward in our Digital Transformation and introduced a range of new smart technologies. 

In 2021 we are going to help clients transform their security solutions. Our new technologies and the processes we are developing will provide clients with greater security, better experiences and more value. I’m very excited about it.

Managing anxiety in the workplace

January 20, 2021

The pandemic is causing more and more people to experience anxiety. Anxiety is a normal part of life. However, if it is not kept in check, it can damage your mental and physical health. If unmanaged, anxiety can take a physical toll weakening the immune system and reducing the ability to fight off viruses, like COVID-19, and other illnesses.

The travel restrictions and safety measures, such as self-isolation and social distancing, that are so important to protect our communities can leave us vulnerable to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. For these reasons and many more, Bidvest Noonan has implemented new measures to safeguard its peoples’ mental health during the pandemic.

Good communication is critical. We established a well-resourced pandemic safety communications team to ensure our people receive clear and expert guidance on measures they can take to protect their physical and mental health. These communications are issued frequently, and in real-time as needed, using multiple media formats such as guidance booklets, toolbox talks, emails and videos.

We have to know how to help others to cope. Our EHS teams provide our people with the information they need to identify signs of distress and the steps they need to take to ensure colleagues are well supported. We put systems in place to enable people to seek help and advice from managers, HR and EHS experts.

Feeling safe and secure is very important. We supplied our people with the PPE they need and made a wide range of operational changes to keep them safe while they work. We provided clear explanations about why we made these changes and how they reduce the threat of infection.

It is critical to know the signs and symptoms of anxiety.

Emotional signs and symptoms include:

  • Fear of Leaving the House, Social Withdrawal
  • Unwarranted Fear of Particular Situations or Things
  • Changes in Personality, e.g. suddenly becoming angry or suddenly bursting into tears.
  • Depression or Suicidal Thoughts
  • Difficulty relaxing

Physical signs and symptoms include:

  • Compulsive or Repetitive Behaviours
  • Irritability, nervousness, restlessness
  • Excessive sweating, perspiration, feeling cold or overheated
  • Increased smoking or drinking
  • Aches and pains
  • Changes in appetite
  • Light headiness, headaches, dizziness, weakness
  • Upset Stomach
  • Changes in sleep patterns, fatigue
  • Trouble concentrating and taking in information
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing & hyperventilation
  • Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and chest pain

If you have signs of anxiety disorder over an extended period, see your doctor or make an appointment with a mental health professional.

Managing emotions during the Pandemic

January 15, 2021

We asked Helen Emerson, an EHS expert and a member of our pandemic response team, to share some strategies for managing our emotions during the latest wave of the pandemic.

Feeling hard done by and cheated by Covid 19? You’re not alone.

We all want to achieve things in both our personal and work lives, and with some of our dreams and aspirations thwarted in 2020, combined with uncertainty about what’s ahead and how long the pandemic will last, it’s natural to feel wounded and aggrieved.

These strategies can help you manage your feelings.

Call it what it is. To address your feelings and emotions, you need to acknowledge them. Name them – whether it’s fear, sadness, anxiety, or anger. Admit what you are feeling, with no apology. Once you acknowledge your emotions, you can then start to address them. It’s truly the first step.

Control what you can. You are not going to be able to impact what is happening in another part of the world. You can, however, control what is happening in your home and community. Continue to keep you and your family safe. Eat well. If you’re worried about bills, be proactive. Call the Companies or Bank. Many are offering flexible schedules or lower payments. Make sure you have enough food and medicine in case you need to self-isolate. Control is power.

Consistency is key. We are creatures of habit. Losing routines can increase stress. If you lost some routines such as going to/from work, make new ones. Wake up and go to sleep at the same time. Plan your work schedule ahead of time. Build in exercise to your routine. Consistency in your day will help decrease some anxiety you might be feeling by not having a routine.

Congratulate yourself.  When you achieve or do something that is good for you or anyone else, pat yourself on the back. Whether it’s reading a book to your child, staying connected with family and friends, going for a walk, or taking time to relax.  Acknowledge those things you do that make you and others feel better.

Compassion in a time of Covid. You can do everything right as an individual, and still get this virus, and this is especially true in relation to the new variants. Parts of media have blamed the spread of the virus on the young, the old, even Father Christmas was blamed. Blame is unhelpful – those affected need our support, not our judgment. Be kind to others and yourself.

Closure will come. This pandemic will end. We may not know yet how, or exactly when, but we do know that what you are going through now is temporary. Therefore, focus on the present. Go to trusted sources for information while also limiting the amount of time you spend on the coronavirus topic. Avoid information overload. Become aware but not scared.

Case Study: Coronavirus Disinfection

January 14, 2021

In March 2020, we received a call from a pharmaceutical site in Wicklow. Our client had experienced a suspected case of COVID-19. The site, which has an area of over 40 thousand square feet, had been evacuated. Our client needed us to disinfect the site and return it for use as quickly as possible.

Our industrial division quickly deployed a highly trained disinfection team and developed a plan which would enable us to return areas for use in line with our client’s business requirements.

The team used EcoStatic technology to speed up the application of the disinfectant solution.  This technology allowed the team to work up to 5 times faster than is possible with conventional sprayers. The team applied powerful disinfectants that are non-irritant, non-toxic, non-corrosive, which means they would not have a harmful effect on our client’s people. The disinfectant remains active on surfaces for up to 28 days, providing the site with additional protections.

We returned an area of over 14,000ft2 to our client every 1.25 hours. We returned the entire site for use in less than 4 hours.

Get a quote

Security Manager David Cullen shares his career journey

January 2, 2021

We sat down with David Cullen, our Security Manager in Whitewater Shopping Centre, to discuss his fantastic 11-year journey with Bidvest Noonan. David tells us about his progression through the company and the training and mentorship he received from his Retail Security colleagues along the way. He shares his view on how leadership and tells us how he achieve his primary objective of creating a safe and welcoming environment for customers.

In November 2019, David and his team were awarded the ISIA Client Service award. This award was recognised all the hard work David and his team put in for his client.

Donating £10,000 to KidsOut

December 23, 2020

We are very proud to have supported the charity KidsOut. We believe that our donation of £10,000 and all the individual gift contributions of our team to the Giving Tree have helped to bring joy to children in refuge homes over the festive season.

Donating 200,000 Face Masks

December 20, 2020

This year we donated an incredible 200,000 facemasks to charities, schools, nursing homes, and organisations across the UK & Ireland. This feat would not have been possible without the amazing work of our people, who took time to travel and personally deliver each donation. The book doesn’t stop here as we plan to continue our campaign into 2021

Our CEO, Declan Doyle’s message of thanks

July 8, 2020

Now more than ever before, our CEO, Declan Doyle wants everyone in the Bidvest Noonan family to know how important and appreciated they are. During these unprecedented times people across our business are working hard to make life better for others, keep people safe, and keep businesses open. The difference they make has never been clearer. Listen to his message.

Fabia Martina shares her progression success story

June 10, 2020

Believing in your people means giving them the time, space and support needed to be successful. Fabia Martina is a great example of this. From studying Archaeology at University to then joining Bidvest Noonan as a Visitor Services Assistant, Fabia progressed on to her current role as Site Manager, where she trains, motivates and supports a team of up to 150 staff. Fabia shows true hard work and dedication every day.

Our return to the workplace pocketbook- form

June 2, 2020

In the coming weeks, businesses across the country will begin their return to the workplace. We have produced pocketbook that provides sound advice and can stimulate your thinking about how you can give confidence to your people and operate more safely. The document covers the areas we see as broadly relevant and impactful such as:

  • New roles and practices
  • Cleaning and Disinfection
  • Travel and Visitors
  • Employee responsibilities
  • Dealing with suspected cases

Get instant access

Download your copy

June 1, 2020

The re-opening of our society has begun but in the absence of a vaccine, our approach to community, workplace, and people, needs to change. To help our clients, we have developed a pocketbook for a safer return to the workplace. This document provides guidance in the areas that we believe can have the greatest impact on your business.

 

Download

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

Our Services

  • Cleaning Services
  • Electronic Security
  • Facilities Management
  • Industrial Cleaning Services
  • Mailroom
  • Security Services
  • Technical Services

Our Sectors

  • Central & Local Government
  • Property Management Sector
  • Education
  • Corporate
  • Agri-Foods Sector
  • Healthcare Sector
  • Life Sciences Sector
  • Retail

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Join Us

  • Careers at Bidvest Noonan

Important Information

  • Our Registered Offices
  • Whistle Blowing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Responding to COVID-19

Copyright © 2021 · Bidvest Noonan

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT