Magenta Security celebrates 25 years of service to dedicated client base

Security company Magenta Security is celebrating 25 years of business. The firm’s commitment to providing security services and its constant advocation for positive changes to be made across the industry has helped the business to prominence.

Magenta Security has grown from a small security team in Hounslow to become a nationwide, award-winning company. Over the years, Magenta Security has expanded its offer to provide a range of services from security guarding and access control through to international private security. The business very much hopes to continue its expansion in the years to come.

The security company has demonstrated its dedication to green initiatives by becoming a zero-carbon business and being the first security company in Europe to achieve ISO 14001, which sets out the criteria for Environmental Management Systems.

Abbey Petkar

Magenta Security’s offices run on renewable energy sources, including solar panels, and the business is focusing on phasing out low efficiency vehicles such that they can be replaced with hybrid or electric models, while at the same time educating all staff on the principles of reduce, re-use and recycle. By making these conscious efforts, Magenta Security has become increasingly successful and something of a greener alternative to other security companies.

Abbey Petkar, managing director of Magenta Security, stated: “I am extremely proud to be celebrating our 25^th Anniversary after the hard work and dedication we have put into the company for so many years. We believe our success is due to our commitment to improve the security industry and providing top quality customer service, while still managing to be very eco-conscious. My priority from the day I started this business was to never say no and find a solution for any client request. Continuing that philosophy has meant that we have substantially expanded our offer and are able to cater for all of a given client’s needs. I am really happy to see how far we’ve come as a business and I look forward to seeing us progress and succeed for another 25 years.”

Winsted welcomes Paul Brady as new business development manager

Winsted, the Control Room consoles specialist, has announced the appointment of Paul Brady as business development manager for the UK.

Brady brings with him a wealth of experience gained across the security industry having served in roles at Morse Watchmans. Speaking about his appointment, Brady stated: “I see tremendous potential within the UK market with upcoming opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with our partners and customers and taking on the challenges that the role will bring.”

Paul Brady

Terry Shough, Winsted’s general manager, commented: “On behalf of Winsted, I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the business. He’s highly regarded within his field and will be a huge asset to the team, giving us the ability to better service our customers. We’re thrilled to have him on board and wish him every success in his new role.”

Since its inception back in 1963, Winsted has consistently pioneered console design and development. The company’s product concept and design is driven by industry needs and demands, with many equipped ideas suggested by customers and developed with their input.

A dominant force in the US market for 55 years, Winsted expanded into overseas markets in 1975, primarily in England. In 1976, the business also began concentrating its efforts to establish distribution channels in the Middle East.

Winsted’s international distribution was firmly established in 1984 with the formation of Winsted Ltd in the UK. Since then, Winsted Ltd has become a design and manufacturing facility serving the European, Middle East and African markets.

Genetec unveils ‘Innovate Everyday’ webinar series for end users and integrators

Genetec, the developer of unified systems for enhanced security, operations and intelligence, has announced a new series of webinars designed to assist end users and system integrators in navigating these testing times.

The sessions outline ways in which customers from various industries are repurposing their existing physical security systems in order to solve specific pandemic-related issues. In addition, they will cover ways in which Genetec is evolving its own solutions to address critical new requirements.

The details for the upcoming webinars are as follows:

Thursday 16 July

Privacy now and after COVID-19 Amid a public health crisis, the global pandemic is raising questions about privacy. How can technology help?

Tuesday 21 July

Physical security innovations to help during the pandemic In this session, experts will discuss the new reality and how technology is being developed and deployed

Tuesday 4 August

Delivering new innovations Experts from Genetec, Quanergy and HID will discuss collaborative innovations that are supporting end users in the current environment

Tuesday 18 August

Identity as the new perimeter Experts will discuss why identity is now the backbone to infrastructure management and the enforcement of security policies

Wednesday 26 August

Machine Learning: Making sense of data Data scientists will explain the use of machine learning to improve product performance, give users greater insights into their physical security data and enable organisations to more effectively automate their processes

*For more information or to register for any of these webinars visit https://www.genetec.com/innovate-everyday

**Watch the promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=auYzGXGbxgE&feature=emb_logo

SALTO Systems launches Neo Cylinder access control solution for end users

SALTO Systems, the manufacturer of electronic access control solutions, has released the SALTO Neo Cylinder – a new electronic cylinder that, according to the company, “offers more features and better functionality” for end users than any other cylinder currently on the market.

The compact SALTO Neo Cylinder is designed for doors where fitting an electronic escutcheon is not possible or required. In fact, it can be installed on standard doors, server racks, gates, cabinets, electric switches and sliding doors.

The SALTO Neo Cylinder provides an effective and convenient way of securing a building or assets. The clutch system is energy efficient, dropping power consumption to impressively low levels resulting in 100,000/130,000 operations from just one set of batteries. Standby power consumption is also reduced, further extending battery life.

The IP66-rated SALTO Neo Cylinder is weather-resistant, rendering it suitable for outdoor use, even in the harshest of environments. Inside the Neo Cylinder is the latest in electronic lock technology. Certified to the highest security standards, and “incorporating ever-higher quality and reliability”, the SALTO Neo Cylinder “offers value far beyond security”. It also provides greater control over the door by offering end users access to audit trails, reports and alerts.

Thanks to smart keys and mobile technology, the SALTO Neo Cylinder enables users to manage access rights quickly and on a keyless basis (which, states the company, is more secure than using mechanical keys). Additional flexibility, convenience and operational efficiency are provided by the Neo Cylinder’s wireless technology.

Keyless access

“SALTO’s new Neo Cylinder technology provides customers, systems operators and installers alike with new features and the ability to connect keyless access where we couldn’t have justified wiring a door before,” said Marc Handels, chief technology innovation officer at SALTO Systems.

Handels added: “We’ve seen for years now that electronic locking technology is an ecosystem subject to continuous change and growth. We have had to consider how to best anticipate customers’ needs and develop smart locking solutions that are easy to adopt and install. The SALTO Neo Cylinder has more functionality and performance capability than any other cylinder on the market, allowing businesses to connect to their on-premises network via advanced SVN technology or the cloud with the SALTO KS cloud-based access management platform.”

As the SALTO Neo Cylinder is compatible with SALTO SVN, SALTO BLUEnet Wireless and the SALTO KS (Keys-as-a-Service) cloud-based technology, it can be switched to any of SALTO’s technology platforms at any time without changing hardware. It also includes SALTO SVN-Flex technology, which increases the capability, efficiency and reliability of SALTO SVN, in turn yielding better security, control and convenience for end users and their installations. This allows businesses to decide which technology fits better with their day-to-day security, operational and IT needs.

SALTO JustIN Mobile technology is also on-board every cylinder. This gives users and system administrators the capability to send or receive a mobile key to open any door or gate fitted with a SALTO Neo Cylinder via their iOS or Android Bluetooth or NFC-enabled smart phone. This adds “incredible convenience and efficiency” for end users. JustIN mobile app capability also complements the use of SALTO’s other management platforms, specifically the SALTO SPACE data-on-card management software or the aforementioned SALTO KS cloud solution.

Available from the beginning of this month, the SALTO Neo Cylinder delivers an easy-to-use electronic locking platform that integrates all physical security needs through smart, wireless and battery-operated smart cylinders, affording the host organisation all of the latest user access information for virtually any doors in their facility.

*Watch the new SALTO Neo Cylinder in action: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc2MQEOljREut7MA-JY7MAIWDVpVPhSec

 

CHAS makes three key appointments designed to strengthen operations

Supply chain risk management expert CHAS (the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) has appointed Alex Minett as head of products and markets and Elaine Bailey and Peter Hepworth, both of whom become non-executive directors at the trusted Health and Safety compliance advisor.

Alex Minett brings in-depth knowledge of the SHEQ sector in the UK and internationally from a contracting and consulting perspective having established SHEQ strategies for multiple businesses (including blue chip companies) across diverse sectors.

He also has extensive knowledge of construction Best Practice and compliance having worked for 20 years in the construction sector, including on iconic projects such as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Battersea Power Station where he advised on safety measures for the demolition and re-erection of the four iconic chimneys.

In addition, Minett was responsible for establishing the initial SHEQ strategy for Transport for Wales and supported the procurement team within the wider provision of the multi-billion pound franchise with pre-qualification of the bids.

Alex Minett

Further afield, Minett worked closely with the World Bank and other funders on one of the world’s largest solar farms in Benban and initiated a zero harm approach to safety at the Facebook Data Centre in Lulea. He was also responsible for embedding safe working practices for the construction and delivery of the Saudi Aramco Petroleum Polytechnic in Saudi Arabia.

Now, Minett has overall responsibility for all of the CHAS products both current and new and is closely involved in the strategic position of CHAS within the marketplace and identifying opportunities for growth.

CHAS managing director Ian McKinnon stated: “Alex is an excellent addition to the CHAS team and we’re delighted to have him on board. His insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service offer.”

Minett himself commented: “I’m excited to be joining CHAS at a time of marked growth for the organisation. As the founder of contractor prequalification, CHAS enjoys a first class reputation and I’m looking forward to helping build on this as the business evolves and grows.”

Extensive experience

Elaine Bailey became a non-executive director at CHAS with effect from Wednesday 1 July. Bailey has worked extensively across the construction, criminal justice, Government services and housing sectors in the private, public and not for profit sectors and brings 15 years of executive Board experience to the role.

From 2014 to 2019, Bailey served as CEO of London-based Housing Association The Hyde Group where, as well as significantly improving financial and operating performance, she drove a major change programme designed to simplify, automate and improve service delivery.

Bailey also sits on the Industry Safety Steering Group chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt which is charged with scrutinising proposals and progress towards culture change within the construction industry following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.

Elaine Bailey

Previously, Bailey held senior positions at FTSE 250 outsourcer Serco and is a trustee of Catch 22 and the Greenslade Family Foundation, as well as a Board member of the Andium Housing Association.

Speaking about Bailey’s appointment, Ian McKinnon stated: “Elaine’s successes at The Hyde Group, along with her knowledge and experience of good governance, make her an excellent addition to the CHAS Board. We also welcome Elaine’s commitment to driving cultural change within the construction industry following the Grenfell Tower tragedy through her work as part of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Steering Group.”

Bailey responded: “I’m delighted to be joining an organisation which plays a key role in improving occupational Health and Safety performance in UK workplaces. I’m looking forward to working with CHAS to continue to raise Health and Safety standards right across the UK.”

Digital transformation

Peter Hepworth formerly oversaw a portfolio of businesses while serving as executive officer of the Professional Services division at Capita plc, where his achievements included rationalising 14 separate learning businesses into one organisation and executing the digital transformations of Constructionline and Parking Eye.

He simultaneously served as CEO of AXELOS.com, a joint venture between Capita and the Cabinet Office and the publisher of global Best Practice guidance for IT, project and risk management. In fact, Hepworth was responsible for founding the operation in 2013. He grew the business internationally, expanding the product range and launching a cyber resilience portfolio while regularly liaising at ministerial level. Hepworth also transitioned AXELOS to become a Content-as-a-Service subscription model.

Previously, Hepworth served as managing director of Activision Blizzard UK where he was responsible for transitioning the business to meet the digital future. He has also held senior positions at L’Oréal, Sara Lee and BDO Stoy Hayward. His additional board experience includes having served as a non-executive director of The Fire Service College, Fera Science and eve Sleep. Hepworth is a Chartered Accountant by background.

Peter Hepworth

“We’re very happy to welcome Peter to the CHAS Board,” enthused Ian McKinnon. “He brings a wealth of experience in digital transformation which will prove invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.”

Hepworth informed Security Matters: “I’m excited to be joining the Board of CHAS as it continues its strong growth trajectory. The company has an excellent reputation with an impressive portfolio of digital products and services that can help businesses transform their risk management processes. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to support the further success of both CHAS and its extensive customer base.”

British Land awards Shopping Centre security contracts to Incentive FM

British Land, which is one of the largest property development and investment companies in the UK, has awarded Incentive FM three new Shopping Centre contracts and renewed a further two agreements.

Incentive FM has been awarded contracts to provide a range of soft facilities services for Ealing Broadway in London, the Beaumont Shopping Centre in Leicester and the Crown Wharf Retail Park in Walsall. 

British Land has also renewed Incentive FM’s existing contracts to provide similar services at the Whiteley Shopping Centre in Hampshire and at the Old Market in Hereford.

Under the Terms and Conditions of the three-year deals for each site, Incentive FM will be responsible for ensuring the Shopping Centres are secure, safe and clean as well as providing Front of House and customer service solutions in addition to looking after car parking at the busy locations.

Over 110 members of staff will be mobilised across all five sites where the teams will be using the latest equipment, technology and other systems coupled with Best-in-Class development training to enhance the quality of service delivery. 

Richard Nield, head of retail operations at British Land, informed Security Matters: “The successful relationship we have built up with Incentive FM at the Whiteley and Old Market Shopping Centres, along with other retail locations, made it an obvious choice for us to award more contracts. The business is undoubtedly our preferred partner of choice for these sites.”

Glenn Wilson, operations director at Incentive FM, responded: “We look forward to continuing to support British Land with our added value and partnership approach. Our portfolio of Shopping Centres and retail parks now stretches the length and breadth of the country, from Inverness Shopping Park in Scotland right down to Drakes Circus in Plymouth. We are now operational at over 40 such sites in the UK.”