Our History
In 1981, age 18, Roberto Fiorentino (Fernando's first son) joined County Locksmiths where he learnt the locksmithing trade under guidance from his father, helping him grow the single shop business into three very profitable branches. The Shirley branch later moved from 324 Shirley road to number 346 in 1981, where the headquarters for the Locksmith division remained until 9 December 2015.
County Locksmiths (Hants) Ltd and the foundations
On 18 February 1970, Fernando Fiorentino founded County Locksmiths Security Ltd, after learning the trade from his father in Tripoli, Libya. The shop, based at 324 Shirley Road, Shirley, Southampton offered basic key-cutting, lock installation and changing, and emergency call-outs.
1970
County Access Systems and CSS Total Security
1989 saw Roberto start his own security business, County Access Systems Ltd(CAS), (what would later become County Security Systems and then CSS Total Security Ltd) – offering electronic security systems, including access control, & CCTV systems, broadening the scope of services that could be provided. Roberto still worked closely in partnership with CLS throughout this time, and even operated from the same premises.
In the early 1990s CSS (County Security Systems), began exploring and implementing remote CCTV viewing over phone line connection, which later led to them being one of the first companies in the UK to do so.
Roberto Fiorentino purchased CLS from his father, Fernando Fiorentino in 1997, expanding the business to offer a wider range of services.
Over the first few years of the millennium, CSS became one of the first security companies to remotely view cameras on a smartphone, over a mobile data connection. During this period, the company also began using, designing, and installing biometric systems such as iris scanning and fingerprint technology.
In 2003, CSS partnered up with Cieffe and began investigating and offering video analytics to clients with high-specification CCTV systems.
CSS later went on to purchase Cieffe, expanding its offering of CCTV solutions.
Revenue parking entered the scene in 2007, bringing many large contracts along with it.
CSS's operations extended as far afield as Scotland in 2010 with a new office opening, broadening the companies horizons, and creating greater market opportunities.
Reverse takeover and floatation
In June 2012, Croma Group PLC and the CSS Group went through a merger and flotation on the AIM market, with the intention of becoming the UK's leading Total Security Services Provider. The companies TIDM changed from CMG.L to CSSG.L. As of the takeover, Croma Security Solutions Group PLC (CSSG) was born, offering comprehensive and turnkey security solutions to HNWIs, UHNWIs, and large corporate clients.
Acquisition Of Access Key & Lock
On 9 December 2015 Croma Security Solutions Group PLC formally announced its acquisition of Access Locksmiths Ltd t/a Access Key & Lock.
Acquisition Of Alarm Bell Ltd
CSS acquired Alarm Bell Ltd in 2011, adding Fire Alarm and safety systems to CSS's product and service portfolio.
Acquisition Of Basingstoke Locksmiths Ltd
Within 2019 Croma Security Solutions Group PLC announced its acquisition of Basingstoke Locksmiths Ltd, another family run locksmith company based in Basingstoke, further expanding its network of Security Centres and Locksmith Branches across the UK.
Acquisition Of Safeguard (N/W) Ltd
On 18 November 2021 Croma Security Solutions Group PLC announces its acquisition of Safeguard (N/W) Ltd, expanding its network of Security Centres and Locksmith Branches across the UK to include a location in Warrington.
Acquisition Of Southern Stronghold Ltd
In July 2022 Croma Security Solutions Group PLC formally announced its acquisition of Southern Stronghold Ltd, expanding its network of Security Centres and Locksmith Branches across the UK to include a location in Totton and Coventry.
Acquisition Of Safecell Group
On 20th December 2022 Croma Security Solutions Group PLC announced its acquisition of Safecell Group, consisting of Safecell Security and Authorized Access Systems Ltd.
Safecell is a well-known and long-standing security business based in Manchester, providing a comprehensive range of services with a particular focus on electronic and physical security together with fire systems, to retail and commercial customers across the North of England. Safecell's locksmith business operates from premises in Bury (North Manchester).
With many future acquisition plans, this page will continue to be updated to accurately reflect how the company has changed throughout the years.