Croma Security Solutions Group PLC

County Locksmiths (Hants) Ltd and the foundations

On February 18, 1970, Fernando Fiorentino founded County Locksmiths Security Ltd, after learning the trade from his father in Tripoli, Libya. The shop, based at 324 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton offered basic key-cutting, lock installation and changing, and emergency call-out. In 1981, age 18, Roberto Fiorentino (Fernando's first son) joined County Locksmiths where he learnt the locksmithing trade under guidance from his father, helping him grow the single shop business into three very profitable branches: Shirley, Bitterne and Chandlers Ford. The Shirley branch later moved from 324 Shirley road to number 346 in 1981, where the headquarters for the Locksmith division remained until 9 December 2015.

County Access Systems and CSS Total Security

1989 saw Roberto start his own security business, County Access Systems Ltd(CAS), (what would later become County Security Systems and then CSS Total Security Ltd) – offering electronic security systems, including access control, & CCTV systems, broadening the scope of services that could be provided. Roberto still worked closely in partnership with CLS throughout this time, and even operated from the same premises.

In the early 90’s CSS (County Security Systems), began exploring and implementing remote CCTV viewing over phone line connection. Roberto then purchased CLS from his father in 1997, and continued growing the companies through strong business relationships, stellar customer feedback [1], and much hard work. Over the first few years of the millennium, CSS became one of the first security companies to remotely view cameras on a smart phone, over mobile data connection. During this period, the company also began using, designing, and installing biometric systems such as iris scanning and fingerprint technology. The company over time became well-established with a fantastic reputation. The combination of expertise and technology led to larger contracts being awarded with leading companies and brands, with one project even taking place in Spain.

In 2003, CSS partnered up with Cieffe and began investigating and offering video analytics to clients with high-specification CCTV systems. Revenue parking entered the scene in 2007, bringing many large contracts along with it. CSS’s operations extended as far afield as Scotland in 2010 with a new office opening, broadening the companies horizons, and creating greater market opportunities. CSS acquired Alarm Bell Ltd in 2011, adding Fire Alarm and safety systems to CSS’s product and service portfolio, along with becoming close business partners with Scotland-based Croma Group PLC, comprising Vigilant Security Services, and Photobase Ltd. This allowed CSS to offer Close Protection, Keyholding, Manned Guarding, and further biometric security services to its customers. Photobase was responsible for creating the software / hardware system which is FastVein™. After the acquisition of Alarm Bell Ltd & Arlo Parking Ltd, CSS Total Security & County Locksmiths became known as the CSS Group.

Reverse Takeover & Flotation

In June 2012, Croma Group PLC and the CSS Group went through a merger and flotation on the AIM market, with the intention of becoming the UK’s leading Total Security Services Provider, with former Black Watch and Special Forces Officer Sebastian Morley as Chairman, and Roberto Fiorentino in position of CEO. The companies TIDM changed from CMG.L to CSSG.L. As of the takeover, Croma Security Solutions Group PLC (CSSG) was born, offering comprehensive and turnkey security solutions to HNWIs, UHNWIs, and large, discerning corporate clients.

Acquisition Of Access Key & Lock

On December 9, 2015, Croma Security Solutions Group PLC formally announced its acquisition of Access Locksmiths Ltd t/a Access Key & Lock. Access Key & Lock was founded and owned by former County Locksmiths employee Mark Whettingsteel, who will now join The Board as an Executive Director, and act as Managing Director for the newly formed 'Croma Locksmiths & Security Solutions' Division. In the financial year prior to the acquisition, Access' turnover was GBP2.4 million, with gross profits of GBP300,000. All 38 staff will join the 500+ strong team already employed by the company.

Subsidiaries & Portfolio

‘The Group’ now has four operating subsidiaries, most of which operate from different regions and offices due to the geographical diversity and nature of its contracts and customer portfolio.

Croma Locksmiths (and Security Solutions)

'Croma Locksmiths' comprises the businesses of CSS Locksmiths Ltd, and as of 9 December 2015, Access Locksmiths Ltd. The division's services include the supply, installation, and maintenance of high quality and high security locks, safes, keys, and other ironmongery and door furniture. The Division operates from 7 locations along the South Coast:

All branches operate a 24/7, 365 emergency call-out service and are official Assa Abloy partners, as well as being Master Locksmiths Association certified.

Croma Biometrics

Croma Biometrics is the biometric division of the group, focusing much of its efforts on FastVein™, its proprietary software/hardware vein recognition technology which was developed with Hitachi.The biometrics division comprises Photobase Ltd, and some previous CSS Total Security employees. This division is heavily involved in Research & Development. Its services include ID Management solutions, Time and attendance solutions, and Access Control, all by using FastVein™ as its means of authentication.

Croma Biometric's Fastvein™ product has seen great degrees of success, having been used in the London 2012 Olympic Games, with Chief Superintendent, David Griffith of Dorset Police describing it as 'excellent'. It was also installed in 18 HM Prisons, for bailing and enroling inmates, as well as providing control over visitors.

Croma Biometrics announced on 2 October 2015 the official launch of its Time & Attendance offering, Fastvein™ T&A. The solution features a web based platform accessible from almost any internet enabled device and claims to 'far exceed[s] the benefits of a traditional card or token system'.

On the 13 & 14 December 2015, both the Sunday Times and the Daily Mail respectively reported that CSS Group PLC has developed spin off of Fastvein™ for use in educational establishments. Predominantly, the system replaces traditional register taking activities and asks pupils to scan their fingers to demonstrate attendance. Further to this, and more specifically for Boarding Schools and Public Schools, pupils can request time to leave the school grounds via touch screen interfaces linked to the system, this is forwarded to Housemasters who may then authorise their absence or time off. If the pupils do return or scan within a certain time frame of the time they specified they would return by, teachers receive email alerts and a prompt to telephone the pupils. The system also issues a fire register when the alarm is triggered.

Croma Vigilant

Croma Vigilant is the groups 'manpower', investigations and Asset Protection branch, supplying Manned Guarding, Keyholding, Close protection, private investigation and covert surveillance. Croma Vigilant is a trading style of Vigilant Security Services Ltd and is run by Major Sebastian Morley, the group's executive Chairman who famously ended his military career as a Squadron Commander of 23 SAS amid claims that the military was "under resourced" and attributed the deaths of numerous servicemen to this.

Given Mr Morley's background, a strong military ethos has been adopted and is emphasised throughout; close to all personnel are ex-forces, a large tranche of these are ex-Special Forces. The company prides itself on its ex-military values and style, which have led to it winning prestigious contracts in varying sectors, having even provided officers for the Commonwealth Games.

Croma Security Systems

Croma Security Systems is the electronic security division of the group, engaged in the consultation, design, supply, installation, maintenance and servicing of bespoke integrated CCTV, intruder alarm, fire alarm, access control and revenue parking systems. The division operates a fleet of engineers and corresponding vehicles to allocate and delegate its works. Croma Security Systems comprises predominantly CSS Total Security Ltd, but includes other companies purchased by CSS Total Security Ltd prior the reverse takeover of Croma Group PLC, including Alarm Bell Ltd and Arlo Parking Ltd.

The division has been involved in the development of cutting edge and avant-garde systems since its foundation as County Access Systems, and prides itself on its expertise as system integrators; frequently designing and installing systems to perform together for optimum functionality. One such piece of technology is VIPS (Vehicle impact protection System), which was co-developed with Bosch, Colas and Aone+. The system uses Intelligent Video Analytics to warn (by flashing lights and sounding alerts) traffic workers on highways of impending collisions, providing them with valuable seconds to get to a safe location.

Most of the divisions work takes place on the South Coast, however increasing demand for its services in London and Scotland led to the addition of engineers to the roster in these locations also. Croma Security Systems heavily supports local businesses and communities, including Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council, and even undertook charitable work for an arson-hit nursery.

Triple Contract Wins with Major Firms

'1000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2015'

In March 2015, CSS Group PLC was named by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2015.

IFSEC Security and Fire Excellence Awards 2014

Croma Vigilant was a finalist in two categories for this year:

1. Security Event Team Of The Year - for their work at Edinburgh International Conference Centre
2. Security Guarding Company Of The Year

Tomorrow's Facilities Management Products and Services Of The Year 2013

Fastvein™ was put forward for nomination by Tomorrow's FM for product of year 2013.

IFSEC Security and Fire Excellence Awards 2015

Guy Rampe of Croma Vigilant was named as 'Security Manager Of The Year' at the 2015 IFSEC Security & Fire Excellence Awards. Guy was awarded his Prize by prominent Comedian, Jimmy Carr.

Board of Directors