South Cheshire ‘Business of the Year’ secures £2m hospital contract

South Cheshire Chamber’s ‘Business of the Year’ has secured a £2m contract to provide security for patients and staff at one of the country’s largest hospital groups.

Alpha Omega Securities Ltd, based on Crewe Business Park, will provide 24/7 year-round security for Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWLTH), covering key locations including Southport and Ormskirk.

As part of the contract, Alpha Omega is supporting the Trust’s Fire Response and Major Incident plans, including specialist training for lockdowns, child abductions, and terrorist incidents.

Alpha Omega CEO Ken Lawton said the focus had been on creating ‘a culture of empathy,’ and awareness, ensuring officers are seen as part of the wider clinical team rather than an external presence.

He said: “The role involves round-the-clock, 365-day coverage at both Southport and Ormskirk sites, maintaining a five-minute emergency response time including patrols of previously identified hotspots.

“For this our officers need to be more than guards. These are specialists trained in Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) accredited de-escalation and trauma-informed practice.

“This allows us to support clinical staff in high-pressure situations—such as managing patients with underlying medical conditions or mental health risks with the highest level of dignity and care.

“We recognise that a hospital is a unique environment requiring more than just a security presence. The aim is to provide robust security delivered with empathy and a sensitive touch.”

Alpha Omega Securities Ltd was founded by Nantwich man Mr Lawton in 1997.

From a one man band offering door security, it has grown into a national name for all things protection with a workforce of more than 200 men and women. 

Core areas of work are guarding public buildings and places such as town halls, markets, office blocks and shopping centres as well as parks and beauty spots.

Uniformed personnel also support street safety with day and night town and city centre patrols as well as crowd control at large events such as festivals and concerts.

The company is active nationwide but core areas of operation are South Cheshire, Chester, Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield and Nottinghamshire providing mobile and static patrols and alarm responses.

Working alongside local authorities, its personnel operate on a regular basis around Crewe Business Park, Hanley bus station and Nottingham city centre. 

Alpha Omega also has a highly visible presence at crowd-pullers such as Nantwich Food Festival and Jazz Festival, the Royal Cheshire Show and Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival.

The MWLTH contract win builds on a strong period for the business. Alpha Omega recently added South Cheshire Chamber ‘Business of the Year’ to its many awards.

The company has successfully mobilised the service within just one month from the go-live, integrating its team across the Trust’s operations.

Mr Lawton added: “We have fully adopted the Trust’s core values, ensuring our teams are consistently kind and compassionate, respectful and considerate, and friendly and welcoming.

“We are delighted the Trust has entrusted with this critical role, shifting the perception of security staff from traditional ‘doormen’ in high-vis towards a more compassionate, caring role within healthcare.

“It’s very much a role which requires listening and learning and being an integrated part of the clinical team ensuring they, and their patients, have the appropriate cover at all times.

“This has meant integrating ourselves as a partner and already this has shown true value with positive commendations from patients and staff feeling more secure.”

For more information on the company and career opportunities go to alphaomegauk.com

Main pic: Alpha Omega Managing Director Ian Wright (left) and Ken Lawton outside the firm’s headquarters on Crewe Business Park

Managing director Ian Wright picking up the South Cheshire Chamber ‘Business of the Year’ award in November 2025.