INTEGRATED SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDER OF TRUST
Anil PuriCMD, APS Group A first generation serial entrepreneur, thought leader and an action catalyzer rolled into one – Anil Puri, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), APS Group is a rare combination of a visionary, an innovator and a strategic thinker. He has used this combination to innovate and implement on-ground many new business ideas. His rich experience in various businesses has enabled him to nurture & mentor innovative ideas and scale them up. APS Group, which is now a leading Integrated Service Provider of India, was started with a humble beginning with a tin shed office and a Vespa scooter. The vision & perseverance of one man has changed the shape of his initiative and industry at large. What seemed as obsession at one point of time is now a reality with the accomplishment of an empire of INR1200+ crore – and still elevating. This all are attributed to an honest, enthusiastic, and energetic passion to create solutions for problems. SecurityLinkIndia has the privilege and honour to feature ANIL PURI, CMD, APS Group this month. Recently we got the opportunity to be in conversation with him on his success story in detail. Here are some excerpts: Could you share your career journey and what led you to establish AP Securitas Group? The career journey of a corporate entrepreneur in the security industry often combines a mix of industry-specific expertise, business acumen, and innovation. In my case, I began my journey with the hospitality industry. This journey required resilience, a forward-thinking mindset, and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of security and risk management. The general outline can best be scripted as compounding element of the initial foundational experience in security operations when I joined my father’s business; thereafter earning my spurs by learning the art of security management, expanding skills in business & innovation, and then moving on to becoming a strategic entrepreneur, industry leader in innovation and transformation in the corporate and industry growth. What were some of the key challenges you faced when starting AP Securitas, and how did you overcome them? Since 1986, AP Securitas, a traditional manned guarding entity evolved and shaped by a series of fundamental challenges into a diversified service provider offering Facility Management, CCTV Surveillance, Man Tech Solutions and so on. Some of the key challenges which were formidable in nature were – adapting to technological advancements, diversifying service offerings and managing complexity, building trust and client relationships amid changing expectations, navigating regulatory and compliance changes, securing and retaining skilled workforce, maintaining financial stability and profit margins, and building brand recognition and trust in new service domains. What are some of the biggest milestones you’ve achieved hitherto? Amongst many, here are a few following significant milestones, that I find worth mention: 1986: Established Man Guarding Security Agency.1987: Established SECURITRANS and Commenced CIT Operations.1998: Innovated Private Security Bullet Proof Vehicle.2009: Acquisition of Proton Facility Management.2011: Divested SECURITRANS.2018: Acquisition of SSMS.2020: Achievers Award for Business Leadership.2022: Awarded Best Service Provider by JLL.2023: Awarded Best Service Provider by CBRE.2023: Awarded Best Security Company of the Year.2024: Life Time Achievements Award by CAPSI.In one sentence if I have to sum up then I would say that we started off with just 48 security guards at a site in Daruhera, Haryana in 1986 and today we stand with Pan India footprints and 45000 strong guarding, fully integrated, tech driven security service provider. Can you please let us know the size of the group and business? The current Annual Revenue of the group is INR1200 Cr+ with business dynamics expanse mainly into man guarding, facility management and electronic surveillance. The current manpower stands approx. 45000. The footprints of APS Group are prominently visual Pan India with its branches in 133 cities and towns and clientele expanding to all domains. Could you describe your strategic goals for AP Securitas in the coming years, particularly in India’s growing security sector? AP Securitas, well positioned in India’s expanding security industry, aims to set ambitious strategic goals that tap into the evolving demands of both corporate and government clients. By focusing on these goals, AP Securitas will not only keep pace with India’s growing security industry but also lead the charge in setting higher standards for quality, technology, and social responsibility in private security. Some of potential strategic goals that can help them grow and become a key player in India’s security landscape will be to become a Leading Integrated Security and Facility Management Provider, Invest in Technological Innovation and Smart Security Solutions, Establish a Center of Excellence for Competency-Based Training (CBT), Expand into Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), Develop Predictive and Preventive Security Analytics Services using AI and ML, and so on. What is your mission and vision for AP Securitas ? To envision itself as a future leader in the security industry, the mission and vision statements of AP Securitas reflect a commitment to innovation, quality, and social responsibility while addressing the evolving security needs of a modern society. This mission and vision have collectively set the stage for AP Securitas to grow into a pioneering leader in the security industry, balancing cutting-edge technology, service excellence, and a strong, socially responsible presence in the community by being the foremost provider of security and facility solutions driven by technology i.e., AI and ML enabling its clients to grow in a secure and sustainable environment. The security industry is rapidly evolving. What are the biggest challenges and trends you see shaping the future of the industry in India? The security industry is experiencing a transformative phase, driven by technological advancements, regulatory pressures, and evolving security threats. The biggest challenges and trends shaping the future of this sector are being interconnected and will require companies to innovate continuously, upskill personnel, and adapt to new risks. How has the demand for security services in India changed over the years, and how has AP Securitas adapted to these changes? The demand for security services in India has evolved significantly over the years, driven…