Dave Potts
CEO
Dave is one of the most experienced and respected security professionals in the UK with a proven track record of developing contracts and working with some of the biggest blue chip companies across the world.
He had an extensive career in the police, which included CID, firearms and Crime Prevention. He also worked in local government as a Community Safety Manager and was involved in projects which led to the instigation of Police Community Support Officers. He is regularly asked to speak on regional and national radio as an expert in public order.
Dave is passionate about training and the standards of client care in the industry:
“I believe that our methodology of basing all we do around high quality training is going to become key to our continuing success in attracting world class clients to our company – For too many years the industry has failed to inspire staff in this area and effectively taken them for granted, we want to change that for good.”
There are no ivory towers at GSTS and Dave enjoys spending as much time as possible with our frontline operatives.
Gareth Conlon
Operations Director
Gareth joins GSTS with a wealth of experience in the Security industry, with a proven record of operational service improvement as best demonstrated in his most recent role as a security manager for the largest NHS Trust in the UK.
He started his career in the British Army, which included operational tours of Afghanistan, giving him a solid foundation to his success within the security sector.
Gareth has gained valuable experience in various contracted roles such as a Door Supervisor in Manchester City centre and then Cheshire, where he was quickly promoted to head DS, working on a number of high profile venues.
His talents were again recognised in the Health Care Sector where he was initially appointed as a contract supervisor, then very quickly made up to Team Leader. He then went on to successfully carry out the role as a security manager for the NHS where he was responsible for the operational management of security and car parking teams on several different hospital sites.
“I am passionate about offering our clients the highest possible standard of service and believe the key to GSTS’s continued growth is down to the investment in expert training to all frontline staff. I am excited to work alongside a like-minded, driven team who strive to separate from the mainstream providers by excelling in all aspects of service delivery.”
Stuart Lindsay
HR and Development Manager
Stuart comes to our business with a range of experience and skills all within the Learning and Development sector that will enhance and add value to our business throughout.
Previously he has worked within the Customer Service Sector developing and managing an apprentice program and overseeing all learning within this sector. He developed staff which brought key factors within business; retention and business links, Stuart was Integral to becoming an ambassador for the Liverpool City Region within apprenticeships.
“I am passionate and have a positive outlook to development of not just people within the GSTS family but also our clients, my vision of becoming the number one company within the sector matches that of GSTS Management, I am excited to be joining a loyal team focussed on quality service delivery throughout.”
Tracy Macdonald
Finance Manager
Tracy has an excellent background in finance, having over 17 years knowledge and experience in various sectors. She joined the company last year and has implemented procedures to help the company excel financially.
Tracy is focused on providing a professional financial service to both the company and our clients. She has excellent communication skills and is confident in building relationships with both current and future clients.
“I am delighted to join the GSTS family and grow within the company. Working with the management team, they all share the same desire as me to provide the best service and commitment to grow the company into the best across the country.”
James Potts
UK Logistical Manager
James spent an initial five years in security working in operations and aviation security, before moving to a customer service and compliance management role with a global communications supplier. He then took on a training assignment in Spain. Before moving back to the UK, James spent a period assisting GSTS with remote technical support before being appointed UK Logistical Manager. He now takes on responsibility for all GSTS logistical sites across the UK.
James is currently studying for a Security Management degree, and will shortly be taking an external audit qualification. He is passionate about compliance and customer service and has already designed a number of failsafe initiatives which improves upon the investment that GSTS has made in technology and our own bespoke systems. James sees this investment as a factor in our continuing success:
“The compliance aspects of management have always appealed to me and the approach that GSTS has to transparency in all we do I think is key to our continuing rapid growth. At GSTS we always do exactly what we say and we back this up with tangible evidence. I am excited and proud to be part of a team that has such an open attitude and such a focussed commitment to make real innovations and provide our customers with the highest levels of service.”
Wayne Pugh
Operations Manager
Wayne joins GSTS with a wealth of skills and experience from over 30 years in the Police Service and Executive Close Protection.
During his Police service, Wayne progressed from uniform onto the Force Firearms Unit where he crewed an Armed Response Vehicle, dealing with numerous dangerous and major incidents, and was a member of the specialist Force Armed Rapid Intervention/Hostage Rescue Team dealing with many siege and crisis situations.
He was later honoured to be seconded as part of the Royal Protection Team, providing security for members of the Royal family whilst they lived in his Force area.
Wayne was later assigned to work as the Police Officer with the Youth Justice Service, working alongside social workers, youth workers and partner agencies to reduce youth offending.
Wayne then used the skills learned as a Police Officer to become an Executive Close Protection Officer, where he provided personal protection for high value clients and visiting dignitaries.
“I feel great pride to have been appointed as an NHS Contract Manager at GSTS, a company proven in providing quality specialist healthcare security. I wholeheartedly share the in the values, ambitions, and ethos of the company and I am excited to have been given the opportunity to manage the frontline security team as GSTS continues to provide a reassuring and quality service to our NHS colleagues, visitors and patients.”
Ian Smith
NHS Contract Manager
Ian has worked within Healthcare Security for nearly 20 years, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to GSTS. Ian previously served in the Royal Navy and saw active service in the Gulf, Somalia, West Indies and the Falkland Islands.
He is now part of the management team for Manchester University Foundation Trust at the Oxford Road Campus and has contract responsibilities for security provisions across four hospital sites with 90+ security and car parking staff.
His role provides GSTS with the necessary support to ensure the development of company initiatives, continuous improvement opportunities to drive rapid and consistent operational improvements to ensure that we deliver on time in full, to budget, to quality standards, to the customers’ expectations, and with the most effective use of our resources.
Ian commented:
“When I met GSTS senior management I was immediately made to feel part of the team. I was given professional respect, nothing was hidden, they spoke their mind, it was very refreshing to hear a clear strategy. From day one the contract is growing, it is taking shape where it hasn’t been before, as a company they mean business. To have that immediate close support at a press of a button is amazing.”
Ashley House
Deputy Security Manager
Prior to joining GSTS, Ashley worked for ten years in various sectors of the security industry, gaining the requisite transferable skills, gaining valuable experience on the ground, in supervisory and management roles. He successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Security Operations and Investigations at the University of South Wales. Ashley was recruited as a Deputy Security Contract Manager at GSTS and has since gained valuable managerial experience in the specialised arena of Healthcare Security across the contract.
Recently, Ashley was recognised as the Runner Up for Innovation in the National Association of Healthcare Security (NAHS) Awards. For this tremendous achievement, Ashley designed and developed pocket sized translation cards for our security officers to carry on patrol. This fantastic innovation, borne out of necessity, has already been used in our hospital settings, with very positive results, helping prevent potential conflict and provide reassurance for patients, visitors, and staff where communication can be difficult due to a language barrier.
“Since joining GSTS, I have been impressed with the professionalism and dedication that my colleagues show. We strive to be better every day and that message is driven from the top down. I have been fortunate enough to join this ambitious company at an exciting time of growth and expansion, and I look forward to continuing this journey. The motto we have adopted here at GSTS is ‘One Team’ and I certainly am proud to be a part of this one! #oneteam”
Ash Haq
Management Information Manager
Ash joins GSTS as Management Information Manager from a national security company and has extensive experience as a Contract Manager working on all aspects of prestigious national contracts. He was latterly managing an extensive FM contract across the North West. Through his previous involvement in security IT systems Ash has become a ‘sector expert’ in specialised industry software and has joined GSTS at a point of rapid expansion. He will take charge of the collation and measurement of all GSTS management information through our bespoke MEASURE system
I am very happy to have joined the GSTS family. Having been in the Security industry since 2006, and numerous years of experience using different systems, GSTS has provided me with the opportunity along with all the required tools to put this experience in to action. I am looking forward to the challenges and there is always someone to turn to if assistance is required.
Olivia Kelly
Training – Screening and Vetting Administrator
I came to GSTS on a Traineeship with little work experience, during my time as trainee I learned so much from all the team; from organising my day and tasks to how I communicate with clients and partners. All the team have helped within my job role and made me feel very welcome. I have progressed onto a Business and Administration qualification and I am excited to be learning new skills and knowledge.
“I am grateful to GSTS for investing in me and providing me with employment and learning within the business, I want to continue to learn and keep progressing within my role. I am keen to develop the same values that the GSTS family have within the business. Passion for a quality service, integrity in all I do.”
Sarah Lyon
Screening and Vetting Administrator
Sarah has joined GSTS with over 5 years’ experience in Administration and Customer Service, ranging from corporate to family run businesses and enjoys making sure everything is running smoothly within Human Resources.
“It is with great pleasure working for GSTS, as there is a real sense of feeling part of the team and I value that everyone is committed to succeeding. I look forward to progressing with the company and being able to share their future journey.”