SFL Mobile Radio upgrades Birkenhead’s Shop Link Radio Network

SFL Mobile Radio has been working with Birkenhead First and Birkenhead town centre retailers to upgrade the local ‘Shop Link’ radio network from analogue to digital.

‘Shop Link’ is a security scheme introduced in 1988 to help retailers tackle town centre crime and respond quickly to emergency situations. The scheme enables more than 30 local retailers to communicate with each other and town centre security via a secure two-way radio communication system.

Birkenhead First is the Business Improvement District (BID) for Birkenhead Town Centre and an initiative of Wirral Chamber of Commerce. ‘Shop Link’ is part of Birkenhead First’s drive to improve the town centre, making it safe and secure, clean and attractive for shoppers, visitors, workers and residents.

Birkenhead First’s Town Hosts act as the public face of the BID – welcoming visitors and providing a quick, uniformed response for local businesses in the Shop Link scheme. Since their introduction in April, the Birkenhead First Town Hosts have been a vital part of the scheme.

The digital upgrade means ‘Shop Link’ now provides an improved network, allowing clearer transmissions and more reliable, secure communication. SFL Mobile Radio has issued all participating retailers with new digital Motorola DP3400 two-way radios and has installed a new Motorola DR3000 repeater in the Pyramids shopping centre.

The Birkenhead First town hosts have been provided with Motorola DP4800 two-way radios, featuring large display screens to highlight retailer emergencies and earpieces for secure and discreet communication. Three dedicated radio channels allow Shop Link partners to communicate effectively without disruption to others and the radios also feature special staff protection features to ensure the wellbeing of their users.

Paula Basnett, CEO, Wirral Chamber of Commerce says: “Effective, clear communication and a swift response is essential for the success of any busy, thriving town centre. SFL Mobile Radio are a key partner and we are delighted to work with them on the Birkenhead First initiative in helping deliver the latest technology to keep Birkenhead safe, secure and successful.”

Specifications

Download the relevant specification sheets for the Motorola two-way radios we are using with Birkenhead First:

Download Specification Sheet DP3400 & 3401

Download Specification Sheet DP4000 series