The Team 

Simon spent 9 years in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer and as part of a resettlement program achieved a business diploma before leaving to start his own business in the licensed trade. He gained experience in the industry working for large multi brand operators running flagship venues in Bath, Bristol and Oxford, and eventually moved from retail to wholesale to further his knowledge of brand management and customer service.

Simon has also spent some time in the security sector and has experience in CCTV and building security and worked in this industry until 2005. He then became a Licensing Standards Officer for Swindon Borough Council, assisting in the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003 in Swindon. In this role he gained knowledge of the issues surrounding the Town Centre as well as establishing contacts with inSwindon’s key partners including Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police and BID members.

Graduating from Bournemouth University, Suzy gained a BA (Hons) in Leisure Marketing. During her four years of study, Suzy worked part time for the customer sales team for DC Leisure Management, providing her with the experience to develop her sales techniques early on in her career.

As part of her university work placement, Suzy worked for an event management company. On attaining her degree Suzy returned to this company and was involved with managing successful events such as the West Wilts Show in Trowbridge and the Mobility Roadshow at Kemble Airfield.
 
Since joining inSwindon in October 2007, Suzy has been involved in several projects including the development of the public space management policy and the HR policy for inSwindon.
 

Phil has worked as part of the inSwindon team since it was formed in July 2007. Phil has been with the security industry since 1995, with experience in retail, commercial and
plain-clothes security.

 

Rich has bought a wealth of security experience to the company since joining in July 2007. He has extensive experience of working locally as a Licensed Door Supervisor and has provided specialist security for the England Football Team and for events such as Royal visits to Swindon.

Rich is in attendance at Pub Watch and the Rough Sleepers Panel, allowing inSwindon to appreciate potential problem areas and identify how we can work with our partners to reduce these.
 

Kulv Gopal – Street Team Member
Kulv joined the Swindon Street Team in July 2008 Kulv’s main expertise and skills have been gained in the security industry and he has worked in frontline and operational capacity, predominantly in the south of England.

As a Loss Prevention Officer Kulv has trained various stores in security awareness and helped to highlight issues which may improve overall reduction in crime. He also focuses on customer care and is skilled in communicating with people to assist with any issues and problems that may occur.

Tim joined the Street Team in January 2009. Tim’s background is in retail loss prevention with music retailers HMV, and he has worked alongside SCRIP for nine years. His additional skills are in health and safety, risk and conflict management.

Tim’s role involves working with all businesses and other agencies within his beat area to reduce business and street crime.

Bernie Maguire – Business Consultant
Following careers in the Armed Forces and the Prison Service, Bernie moved into retail security where he held senior regional management positions with BHS and B&Q. Bernie’s affiliation with Swindon began when he relocated to take up the post of Security Manager at Debenhams.

In 1996, Bernie moved in to Local Government working as Street Trading Officer in the town and then Assistant and Acting Town Centre Manager. In 2000 he was promoted to Town Centre Manager.

One of the major achievements for Bernie in Swindon is the creation of the Swindon Crime Initiative Reduction Partnership (SCRIP). This organisation has been promoted as one of the good practice examples of its kind in the country and has received various accreditations and industry awards.