Johnson Fellows secures new office for security systems supplier

A growing Black Country security systems supplier has relocated to new premises in Oldbury, with a little help from Birmingham-based chartered surveyors Johnson Fellows.

Defence Security Systems (DSS) has taken a 10-year lease on 5,950 sq ft of office space at Black Country House in Oldbury, after relocating from smaller offices on Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.

The move from West Bromwich to Oldbury was driven by the company’s continued growth in turnover, which can be attributed to its move into IP solutions for the security market.

Johnson Fellows provided business relocation services that included complex negotiations for the fitted out and non-fitted out areas, and inducement packages – all within a challenging timeframe for completion.

Mike Price, Partner at Johnson Fellows, said: “Defence Security Systems is a new client for Johnson Fellows and my first acquisition since joining the company earlier this year. We hope DSS’ business growth continues as they settle into their new home.”

Commenting on the transaction, Mike added: “My clients’ premises were beginning to impact on their business and consequently we needed to secure the best available building in the immediate vicinity on competitive terms. Black Country House provided the right mix of quality and affordability – providing a great new working environment that suited DSS’ needs, budget and expansion plans.”

DSS’ office accommodation is split over two floors with the accounts, sales and call centre teams on the second floor and the engineering department on the ground floor.

Peter Swain, managing director at Defence Security Systems, said: “The relocation to modern offices in Oldbury reflects the nature of our business and its ever changing technology. The past 18 months, in particular, have been very positive as we have grown our client base and been able to provide new solutions for existing clients.

“We chose Black Country House because it is less than a mile from our previous building, so the move didn’t affect our employees’ journey to work too much. Also, the newly refurbished offices provide us with ample room to accommodate our existing team as well as any future recruits, as the business expands.”

Established in 1983, Defence Security Systems installs and services intruder, CCTV, access control, fire, fire extinguisher and installs physical protection for home and business. The privately-owned company has 61 employees, 30 of which will be based at the new offices while its engineers work across the UK, and an annual turnover of more than £4.3 million. The company’s client base includes many well-known high street retailers and leisure outlets, as well as hospitals and schools. DSS protects more than 4,000 commercial systems and 5,000 home security systems.