Bidvest Noonan

A market leading provider of facilities services and solutions

Bidvest Noonan

Sarah Cork – Principles for a successful career in security

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Sarah Cork, Director of Operations at Bidvest Noonan, held senior security roles at a number of retailers and has broad experience including cyber, physical security, operational, intelligence, and investigations. She is an associate member of the ICA and holds diplomas in financial crime and anti-money laundering. 

Sarah was nominated as a finalist for the Women in Security Awards 2021 and told us about what has helped her to forge a successful career.

What does being a finalist in ‘Women in Security Awards’ mean to you?

Just being nominated has meant the world and made me feel very valued within the industry and I am grateful for all the coaching and mentoring I have had over the last 25 years from my colleagues, peers, friends, and family. It has been very rewarding to receive recognition for my career to date and I am immensely proud to be a finalist in 2021.

Tell us about how your broad experience has contributed to your nomination.

The experiences operating in senior roles have allowed me to gain knowledge and an understanding of how security operates in different sectors and now that I am offering the service back to clients, it allows us to enhance our service offering and deliver more than client’s expectations.

The security industry is becoming more and more diverse and inclusive. However more work has to be done. Do you have any tips for women in the security industry?

Businesses should allow you to be your “whole self”, no matter your gender, and believe in your own ability whilst identifying your own personal goals and objectives to deliver what you want from your career. 

My knowledge, skill, and capability have seen me as an equal in the security industry and fortunately, I have had many coaches and mentors who have supported me in my journey. 

Each one of us personally brings something unique and we need to challenge ourselves to be better the next day. My advice for all women is ‘take the seat at the table and ensure they know your worth’.

In your opinion, how does diversity impact the business?

I like working with a diverse team as this brings the best for the company ethos and bottom-line profits. I would like to see the gender gap reduced in all industries and empower all women to take their own seat at the table.

I personally enjoy wearing many different hats and juggling a home and work-life balance. However, this comes with great organisation and many to-do lists to achieve being a Mum, Wife and enjoying my career. 

What lessons can you share as a leader? 

Accept when you make a mistake and be honest whilst learning and ensuring it is never repeated. It is what makes you a credible professional. 

Make yourself available to listen to people’s views, network, and take learnings from others.

Strive to be better every day and be innovative in your thinking whilst creating business strategy, tactical plans, and most of all, execution of strategy. 

What advice do you have for people aiming for leadership positions in the security industry? 

Be passionate, work hard and be determined to chase your next career role. Set yourself short-term goals and celebrate your achievements along the way. Build strong relationships internally and externally and network with security professionals that allow you to learn whilst growing your knowledge and skill.

“But you look fine!” Coping with hidden disabilities.

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Did you know that up to 70% of disabled people in the UK and Ireland have ‘Invisible’ or ‘Hidden’ impairment? Invisible disabilities make up a significant percentage of the disability population and yet they are one of the least represented groups of people in our society.


“Not everyone knows I’ve got anxiety and depression”


In the Republic of Ireland, there is only one known registered organisation that represents Invisible Disabilities, and it was only established in August 2019 known as “Invisible Disability Ireland”. One of the biggest fears stated by individuals with a hidden disability is that they won’t be believed, followed by the inevitable grief of being told “but you look fine”.


“I often feel that living with this condition… people don’t believe me”


The main reason behind the lack of understanding or difficulty in believing that someone may have a hidden disability is that many people think the word “disability” means people who require a wheelchair or a walker. In reality, however, there is much more to disability than meets the eye.
What do Hidden Disabilities have in common?
• One is unable to “see” the disability.
• There are no “visible” supports to indicate a disability such as canes, wheelchairs, use, or sign language used.
• It is a permanent disability that they cope with on a daily basis.
• The disability may be managed through medication or behaviour such as in the case of diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy.


Janice Knight, HR Director for Workplace Solutions offered great insight into hidden disabilities from her personal experience.
“It doesn’t define me, it’s not who I am as a person, but it is something that is part of me and will be for the rest of my life. My condition doesn’t get in my way of day-to-day life. I was unexpectedly extremely ill, it was 10 years ago, and I got through it but I have been left with the scars and the effects for the rest of my life. I had Ulcerative Colitis resulting in extreme surgeries. It has given me great strength, I have become more accepting of the people, I have become more compassionate towards people. People most of the time are ashamed of disclosing their disability and I hate calling it a disability. It’s a condition. We need to change our mindsets; the way we think about those conditions and the way we treat those people with them. For example, let’s not label it a disabled toilet. Let’s call it an accessible toilet, because people need access to it and not every disability is visible.
In response to the question of ways to raise awareness about hidden disabilities, Janice added, “This is actually one great way, by me sharing my story. People may come forward and share their stories. They should not feel that they are alone battling with some condition. They should know that their lives matter and that whatever condition they are facing with does not define them as a person”


It’s never an easy subject for individuals faced with these conditions. In the workplace, disclosing personal issues can be embarrassing and stigmatizing especially if co-workers perceive any additional accommodations provided as unfair, given the invisibility of the illness. The disabled population is the one minority group that any one of us could become part of at any time. If there were ever a time to start treating people the way you want to be treated…this is it. It’s time to rethink disabilities in the workplace.
As an initiative Bidvest Noonan ED&I council is launching an ED&I pack over the coming days.

Bidvest Noonan appoints Charlotte Marshall as CEO for its business in Great Britain

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In a move designed to increase the strength and agility of its operations, Bidvest Noonan has named Charlotte Marshall as CEO for its business in Great Britain. 

Marshall, an accomplished business leader, has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles and has a proven track record for building successful services businesses. Most recently, Marshall was SVP General Manager, Western Europe for Iron Mountain, with responsibility for operations in more than 12 countries, including the United Kingdom.

The appointment follows the group’s recent investment in a new operating structure that saw the development of separate leadership, operations and support teams for Bidvest Noonan’s businesses in Great Britain and Ireland. 

Bidvest Noonan recently cemented its leadership position in the facilities services market, expanding its footprint, service profile, and expertise with the acquisition of the Axis Group and Cordant Services. Today the group employs more than 27,000 people and has annual revenues of over £700 million.

Group CEO Declan Doyle said, “I’m delighted Charlotte has joined Bidvest Noonan. Charlotte has the vision, energy and skill set needed to take our business in Great Britain to the next level. I have every confidence that Charlotte will deliver success for Bidvest Noonan, our people and our clients”.

Commenting on her appointment, Marshall said, “I am thrilled to join Bidvest Noonan and lead its business in Great Britain at such an important time in its development. Bidvest Noonan is an exceptional business with strong fundamentals and an outstanding team.  I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to support our clients and continue Bidvest Noonan’s success”.

Chief Business Officer Fintan Connolly added, “Charlotte’s appointment and our new structure will enable us to accelerate our growth and increase the value and support we deliver to clients. Charlotte shares our passion for delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences. I’m looking forward to working with Charlotte to build on the success we have achieved”.

Joining the security industry from the Police by Paul Considine

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Paul Considine, Head of Security and Contingency for one of our iconic client sites in London, has an impressive 30-year career with the Metropolitan Police. In an article for ThisWeekinFM, Paul discusses his journey from investigating serious crime to leading a team of over 50 security officers in central London for Bidvest Noonan.

In 2020, Considine was appointed as Head of Security and Contingency for one of Bidvest Noonan’s iconic client sites. He joined after an impressive 30-year career with the Metropolitan police working his way up from PC, to Serious and Organised Crime Command, homicide investigations and Hostage and Crisis Negotiator.

How Did Your Career in the Police Begin?

I joined the Met Police in 1990 and spent five years in uniform as a PC, learning my craft and providing immediate response to critical incidents and managing a range of operational activities. I was then transferred to detective duties having demonstrated an eye for detail and observation. Detective responsibilities included initial investigative planning and strategy setting, pursuing lines of enquiry, completion of case papers, to presenting evidence at Crown Court.

Upon promotion, I led teams of detectives, overseeing a wide range of cases from fraud and acquisitive offences through to violent crime and sexual offences.

You Spent 30 Years in Law Enforcement. Were There Other Positions You Took up During This Time?

I was selected to join the Serious and Organised Crime Command where I held several roles and secured numerous promotions. Responsibilities included leading covert surveillance operations and proactively dismantling firearm-enabled Organised Crime Groups.

For ten years, I led homicide investigations across London and Internationally. Responsibilities included prioritising lines of enquiry and devising analytical and innovative investigative strategies whilst working closely with community stakeholders.

I also volunteered as a Hostage and Crisis Negotiator for several years where I primarily provided crisis intervention for those with mental health issues. This work was incredibly rewarding and often involved my deployment to sites across London to negotiate and support vulnerable individuals who were threatening suicide.

“I have always enjoyed being challenged and was keen to choose an industry that would continue to challenge me and allow me to use the skills honed over 30 years. The security industry seemed an obvious fit on the basis that I would be identifying and mitigating risk, building and maintaining professional relationships and leading a team.”

Why Did You Look to Security as a Possible Career Option?

I saw an opportunity to seek out a second vocation and decided to retire from the police service.

If I am honest, it was not something I was looking forward to with much relish as I joined the police straight from school and a career change seemed daunting. I have always enjoyed being challenged and was keen to choose an industry that would continue to challenge me and allow me to use the skills honed over 30 years. The security industry seemed an obvious fit on the basis that I would be identifying and mitigating risk, building and maintaining professional relationships and leading a team.

Why Bidvest Noonan?

I spoke with several security professionals who were keen to assist me in my career transition. However, it wasn’t until I met with a Bidvest Noonan Director and the wider team that I was ready to fully commit to leaving the Metropolitan Police.

I was impressed from the outset at the Bidvest Noonan setup and ethos, and I was aware that the company provided security to several iconic buildings and estates across London. It was clear to me that the company was both dynamic and ambitious, and I immediately wanted to be part of it.

What is Your Role and Responsibilities at Bidvest Noonan?

I was delighted to secure my position as Head of Security & Contingency in April 2021 at one of London’s most exciting and innovative new destinations.

Since commencing my post, my feet have not touched the ground. I manage a team of over 50 security professionals and together we are responsible for keeping the estate safe whilst making it a welcoming place for all those that use it, and ensuring we meet client and occupiers’ high expectations.”

Is There Anything You Particularly Like About Your Role?

It has been a steep but enjoyable learning curve made easier by the support offered and provided by peers, managers and support staff. I’m most looking forward to developing my team, identifying talent and assisting them as they progress in their security careers.

Have There Been Any Key Learnings From Your Time in the Role so Far?

The client and occupiers of the building have very high expectations, and meeting them all is often challenging. Fire alarm systems and the security response is not something I have dealt with before. I’ve been impressed with the level of detail in correlating standard operating procedures (SOP) and have enjoyed learning something new.

What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Looking to Start a Career in Security?

Do it! I am still in the infancy of my security career but I am thoroughly enjoying it.

I am very grateful to Bidvest Noonan for the opportunity and look forward to enhancing my reputation as a security professional and the reputation of the company which to date I have been hugely impressed by.

Article written by Ella Tansley from TwinFM

Introducing Sunrise, our CSR programme

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In our business, we have always strived to be an ethical and sustainable company. This means doing our best to minimise our impact on the environment while maximising the good we do in the societies where we operate.

We want to be bolder and more innovative and continue leading the way in our CSR initiatives. That is why our CSR community has launched Sunrise. Sunrise will focus on four key areas where everyone can contribute to make an impact: Workplace, Environment, Community, and Marketplace.

Watch this short video to learn more:

Spearheaded by John King, Environment, Social and Governance Director, the committee is made up of a variety of Bidvest Noonan colleagues across each of our business units, who are passionate about corporate social responsibility. Their varying ideas, insights and experiences will help drive our ambitious plans forward.

Sunrise will see us launch an array of communications, engagement plans, campaigns, and reward and recognition incentives, to make it easier for everyone to get involved and for us to work together for a better tomorrow.

The Education Sector in 2021

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The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for the education sector. The pandemic has caused massive disruption. Almost all schools and third-level institutes were forced to close, and there has been widespread deferral and cancellation of exams.

Amid the uncertainty, educators took brave and decisive action to keep people safe and continue doing their essential work. The pandemic upended their plans, and they needed to reimagine their operating models. As a result, we have seen the sector conduct online learning experiments on an unprecedented scale. This experiment has been a success. Internet technologies have enabled teachers to continue to teach and assess students.

Now, with multiple vaccines being rolled out, schools and universities are preparing a careful return to in-person learning. This document sets out our perspective on the important role the sector plays and provides guidelines and checklists to help achieve a safer return and to support the physical and mental wellbeing of returning students.

Download our guide