An award-winning Bradford security business is set for major growth after buying the protection arm of the Co-operative Group.

It will mean that the family-run King’s Security Services will be responsible for managing the security at more than 4,500 Co-op premises, including its food, healthcare, financial services, funeral and travel service operations.

King’s, which four years ago opened a £3 million state-of-the art headquarters on Ripley Street, has bought Sunwin Fire and Security for an undisclosed sum. The deal will enable King’s, which employs around 400 staff, to grow into a £35 million business next year.

More than 90 staff are expected to transfer from Sunwin Services Group’s office in Manchester, with around 15 new positions being created at King’s head office. The purchase means King’s will hold one of the largest security-monitoring and keyholding contracts in the UK.

Managing director Anthony King said: “This is great news for King’s and an important milestone that will help us to grow and strengthen our business further.

“The synergies between the two operations were perfectly aligned so it made sense for us to buy this business. We look forward to welcoming our new employees and developing the fire and security product offering as part of our expanding portfolio of services.”

Phil Wilsmer, the Co-op’s director of group risk services, added: “The group took the decision to move away from an in-house fire and safety services provision. To bring it under the King’s reputable brand was the ideal solution as it allows clear synergies with the other services that King’s currently delivers to the group.

“We have worked with King’s Security Systems for a number of years and we have found them to always deliver an excellent focused service, combined with absolute integrity.

“I am sure the decision to move the latest service provision to Kings will allow them to continue to develop solutions that are attractive to The Co-operative Group and which provide the required level of safety and security for both our employees and customers. This will enhance the current monitoring and keyholding security requirements provided by King’s across our estate in the UK.”

King’s Security Systems Ltd was founded in 1968 as a TV aerial installation business by Anthony’s father James. It has grown and diversified to become the largest independently-owned security provider in the UK, working for clients across the country, including leading retailers, financial services businesses, education and government.

The Ripley Street base incorporates one of the UK’s most advanced control rooms enabling Kings specialists to keep a constant eye on premises across the UK. The firm provides a range of services, including intruder alarms, CCTV, manned guarding, access control, intelligence services, data security, fire protection, 24/7 remote monitoring and gates, barriers and fencing, along with electronic tagging, lone-worker devices and keyholding.