Tribute by Anders Wallin

A tribute by Anders Wallin, Retired ex Personnel Director Group 4 and Group Human Resource Director Global Solutions.

I first met Philip at his father’s 60th birthday at Blommerod in Sweden.  It was a memorable experience meeting the family on this occasion.  A number of years later after having joined the Securitas group, as the business was then called, I contacted Philip about a job opportunity in England. 

I remember when he showed me around Farncombe House in 1974 driving a white Cooper S car and how he assisted my wife and I when we arrived in England to start my work with Group 4.

My Group 4 experience has been an extraordinary life experience, having spent some 34 years with the business.  The work experience around Philip, which I was party to, was eventful and most enjoyable.  His vision and determination to go where he wanted to go has been an experience which I will never forget.   He had an ability to make things happen which normally wouldn't. 

He also had an exceptional ability to build and retain a team of exceptional business talent which has given me, and I am sure many of my ex-colleagues, great enjoyment and reward over the years.  I for one would not be able to enjoy my retirement as I now can without having been part of what Philip created. 

Philip - I thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your business, for having been able to work with you in person on a number of projects and for having been able to work with the very exceptional team you built around you. 

I will always remember you and will always be grateful for what you did for me.

Tribute from Linda Sharpe

Tribute from Linda Sharpe, former Group 4 HR Manager and Manager of the International Resource Centre at Broadway, now Non-Executive Director of the Security Industry Authority.

One of JPS’ greatest legacies was his belief that his security personnel should be well trained and made to feel valued. His training school at Broadway was a testament to this. Over more than three decades thousands of security personnel, from humble security guards starting out in their new job to experienced security managers and professionals, spent days, sometimes weeks learning their trade on the Broadway estate. What they were taught, whether security specific subjects or general management training, became affectionately known as the ‘Group 4 Way’.

As Group 4 expanded its businesses during the 1990’s JPS realised that his ’Group 4 Way’ of doing business was exportable across national boundaries and different cultures. He loved visiting his companies always insisting that he should meet and chat to the security officers. He was genuinely interested in what they did and how well they had been trained.

In 1993 JPS established his International Resource Centre (IRC) at Broadway, a security library and learning centre, which was to provide information and business know-how to his UK and international companies world-wide. It was a unique facility at that time, enjoyed by many and particularly those studying for security qualifications or carrying out research. JPS took at active interest, visiting regularly, reviewing the information being sent out and, most importantly, checking that the library books were maintained in straight, tidy rows on the shelves!

JPS’ commitment to the personal development of his people was further demonstrated by his sponsorship of a yacht in the Challenge Series of round the world yacht races. This gave members of his international companies who were lucky enough to be selected, the opportunity of an unique experience in personal development and team building.

JPS had the foresight to see that those who deliver private security activities would need to become the trained and qualified professionals that they are today. He campaigned tirelessly for regulation in the UK and it is no surprise that the current requirements for training for a security guard licence are based on the original Group 4 training programmes. Three years ago he was a major contributor to setting up of the Sørensen Centre at Skills for Security in Worcester, once more ensuring that those who want to make a career in security have access to learning and information.

As an HR professional I feel very privileged to have worked for JPS and to have played a part in his vision for the professionalisation of our industry.