Insider Media Limited

Derby-based Octavian Security has been named the official UK security arm of Swissport International - by taking control of the Checkport UK franchise. Checkport is a security subsidiary of Swissport International, the supplier of ground handling services to the aviation sector. The exclusive franchise agreement will see Octavian provide security and concierge services to aviation terminals and related services in the UK.

Octavian’s aviation security team is already undergoing training in Switzerland, and the company is in negotiations for its first aviation-related security contracts under the "Checkport UK" banner.

Octavian Security's owner and founder Sukhi Ghuman initiated talks and negotiated the contract with Andreas Keller, vice president of security, and other senior figures at Swissport International.

“The Octavian team is well known in the global security market,” Keller said.

“We were impressed by its innovative practices and dedication to improving operational and training standards in the industry.”

The franchise will be managed and run by Jot Engelbrecht, Octavian Security’s chief operating officer.

He added: “To have the opportunity to use our innovative strategies and practices at some of the world’s major airports in conjunction with one of the world’s largest operators in Swissport, is the realisation of a long-term business objective for Octavian and again demonstrates the amazing foresight of this business.

"With Sukhi pushing the overseas aspect, I can see real movement in all jurisdictions. We think we can make a huge impact in the aviation security market working under the banner of Checkport with the resource and expertise that will offer."