Westminster Group wins turnkey airport security contract in Africa

The AIM-traded company said the contract, valued at about $1.7m and funded by the European Investment Bank, was awarded after a “lengthy” international competitive tender process.

It said it would involve the upgrading of security equipment, including new x-ray screening and metal detection equipment, an advanced CCTV surveillance system, and new control and command centres at both airports.

Westminster would provide a “full turnkey solution” involving the design, supply and installation of the systems, and would be establishing an engineering presence in-country for future maintenance and support services.

The firm said its bid was selected as the most advantageous after a combined technical and financial evaluation.

In accordance with the public procurement regulations, there was now a standstill period expiring at midnight on 26 December to allow for any unsuccessful bidder to request a debriefing or issue a complaint regarding the process.

Installation works were thus expected to begin in the new year, and for the project to be completed and recognised during 2022.

The company also reported that, despite the global pandemic impacting its business during 2021, it had a “healthy” cash balance sufficient for its current requirements.

“In our trading statement on 19 November I mentioned the impact of ongoing Covid-19 related travel restrictions and ongoing general business caution across the company's targeted jurisdictions, which had delayed certain anticipated contract awards and/or associated revenue generation,” said chief executive officer Peter Fowler.

“This is one example - the tender, which was initially announced in November 2020, was expected to be awarded in the first quarter of 2021 and largely completed during the current year.

“However, principally due to the global challenges created by the pandemic, the award deadline was extended several times during the year.”

Fowler said he was “delighted” that the company had at last been awarded the new contract for advanced airport security solutions, adding that it was “yet another example” of Westminster's growing reach across a range of disciplines, and demonstrated its ability to secure business in new territories.

“Not only does this contract open a new region for our international operations, but we believe it creates an exciting opportunity for our managed services division in developing a wider scope of works and long-term support services at the airports.

“With new contracts coming online and the measures we have and are continuing to put in place to mitigate the impact of the pandemic going forward, subject to any significant and prolonged changes in the global situation occurring, we remain confident for 2022 and beyond.”

At 1213 GMT, shares in Westminster Group were up 6.14% at 3.03p.