HE Simm reveals defence sector ambitions

Adrian Searl has held senior positions at SSE and NG Bailey running Ministry of Defence projects and for eight months last year was group defence director at facilities management contractor Mitie.

As HE Simm’s defence sector advisor, his initial focus will be on supporting the positioning and growth of the company’s fire & security systems business, HESIS.

He will work for the integrated services managing director Barry Juggins, who said: “The UK defence sector has a unique value to our country, it is both vital to national security and a major contributor to our economic prosperity. We are perfectly placed as a credible player due to the amount of work we already provide in secure, critical environments. This allows us to offer a best-in-class service to the UK’s largest defence organisations, from military manufacturers, defence estates and submarine facilities to aerospace.

“I am looking forward to working with Adrian and getting a foothold into this market. The move forms part of our group strategy to diversify our portfolio, to ensure a balanced spread of work across buoyant sectors.”

Adrian Searl said of HE Simm: “The company has a fantastic reputation and an excellent service offering that will work well for defence organisations. With its creditability and my experience in the sector, I am sure that in no time at all they will become a recognised name and the go to contractor of choice in the market.”

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