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Gray Security Services gets off to a flying start in Britain

JSE-listed Gray Security Services' UK subsidiary is off to a flying start.

The company has been awarded an annual £1,3 million (R13 million) contract from the British Airports Authority (BAA) to manage baggage handling facilities for the new Heathrow Express check-in service at London's Paddington Station.

Billed as the world's largest city centre check-in facility, Heathrow Express enables travellers from Paddington - one of London's busiest rail stations - to check in at one of 27 desks representing 19 international airlines.

Now travellers to ever-frantic Heathrow may check-in their luggage at Paddington, obtain their ticket and seat number, and enjoy a hassle-free remainder of their journey.

In terms of the exclusive contract Gray provides 62 baggage handlers who secure bags at check-in, load them on to the Heathrow Express, which departs every 15 minutes from 05:10 to 23:40 daily, and ensure delivery to the correct destination at the airport.

"Our employees are highly qualified, having been through rigorous training to ensure an ongoing high quality service for all of our customers," said Paul Bell who heads up Gray's UK operation.

"There is a vast amount of baggage on the Heathrow Express and steps have been taken to ensure it is handled properly."

To this end world record-breaker Precious McKenzie, originally from South Africa and now employed by Gray in London is sharing his experience of lifting weights with the team of baggage handlers. McKenzie was the first man to win four consecutive medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Gray Security Services handle up to 2500 bags daily or 13 000 tons a year - the equivalent of 34 jumbo jets.

The award-winning high-speed link between Paddington Station and Heathrow Airport currently carries an average 13 500 customers a day - around 12% of Heathrow's departing and arriving passengers - and 18 000 on peak days, taking an estimated 3000 cars off the road daily.

Gray Security Services' UK operation also has a strong presence in the financial services market and supplies guarding services to major international banking and blue-chip clients.

The group's London-based office provides Gray with a valuable foothold in the European market. Gray intends pursuing further opportunities in Europe from this base, taking advantage of significant demand in selected East European countries and to service South African clients with European operations.

For details contact Paul Bell, Executive Director, Gray Security Services UK on tel: (0944) 411 928 748, or Mntungwa Morojele, Group Marketing Director of Gray Security Services SA on tel: (021) 419 1119 or fax (021) 419 0644.

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