Send For Help listed in London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report

Send For Help has been listed in the London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report, which showcases the country’s most dynamic and inspiring businesses. Now in its fifth year, the report – which is supported by Prime Minister Theresa May – is a celebration of some of the fastest-growing SMEs in the UK.

The Epsom-based tech firm was selected after outperforming peers in its sector, demonstrating sustained revenue growth of 254% between 2013 and 2016, with its annual turnover reaching a hugely impressive figure of £8 million.

Founded in 2010 by brothers James and Will Murray, Send For Help is the world’s largest lone worker protection provider. Operating through its subsidiary brands Skyguard, Peoplesafe and Guardian24, Send For Help supplies key fob-sized GPS personal safety alarms and mobile phone apps offering 24/7 protection to over 150,000 lone workers and people deemed to be ‘at risk’.

Its client roster spans both the public and private sectors, with over 160 NHS Trusts, major High Street retailers, City banks, estate agents, the police service and more than 150 local authorities all using the company’s services.

Outstanding 12 months

Inclusion in the report marks yet another incredible achievement for Send For Help in what has been an outstanding 12 months for the company, during which it has ranked in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for the second year running and recently featured in The Financial Times FT1,000 list as one of Europe’s fastest-growing businesses.

CEO James Murray commented: “We’re honoured to be recognised as one of the UK’s most inspirational companies and to feature alongside some of the UK’s brightest and best SMEs. The past year has been truly remarkable for Send For Help as the group goes from strength to strength and continues its rapid growth. It’s a fantastic time for the business, with a number of exciting developments to come as we look to build on our successes over the next 12 months.”

New distribution deal agreed between Norbain and Satel UK

Satel UK – the national distributor for high-quality security systems manufacturer Satel – is delighted to announce a new partnership with Norbain, one of the UK’s largest distributors of IP, CCTV, access control and intruder detection solutions. The agreement will see Norbain stock and distribute Satel’s range of graded PIR detectors, intruder alarm boards and sirens in the UK.

Satel’s PIR sensor range has been configured to be both tamper-resistant and reliable, while devices are able to compensate for a wide ambient temperature range and adjust their performance to the requirements of the user and the protected premises (for example, adjustments can be made to ensure pet immunity).

Additionally, certain Satel PIR sensors can be used to implement building automation functions when the house alarm system is unarmed.

“We’re exceptionally pleased with this partnership and believe that Norbain is the perfect company to represent Satel in this market,” stated Bert McGaughey, supply chain manager at Satel UK. “Our products offer incredible quality and serious reliability coupled with flexible features that make them perfect for commercial and retail premises. We’re excited to see more and more UK installers using Satel systems in their projects in the coming months and years.”

Steve Marshall, divisional director for new business initiatives at Norbain, responded: “We believe that Satel’s range is an incredibly good fit within our product line-up, and bolsters the options available for installers when it comes to graded alarm systems. We’re delighted to be working with Satel and very much look forward to a fruitful and rewarding relationship.”

The new additions to Norbain’s portfolio will be showcased for the first time at the Norbain North Roadshow, which takes place on 17 May at the Macron Stadium in Bolton. As well as demonstrating the company’s CCTV, access control and intruder detection portfolio, there will be talks on both cyber security and the GDPR – both crucial topics for the security industry.

C-TEC to sponsor 5th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference at FIREX 2018

C-TEC is sponsoring the 5th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference at this year’s edition of FIREX. Billed as a must-attend event for anyone involved in designing/managing fire risk or firefighting in tall buildings, the three-day conference will take place at London’s ExCeL from 19-21 June.

Andy Green, C-TEC’s marketing manager, said: “As a leading manufacturer of world-class life-safety systems, we’re well qualified to sponsor the International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference. Delegates will be invited to a networking lunch on our stand on Wednesday to see live demonstrations of Hush2, the latest version of C-TEC’s revolutionary hush button fire alarm solution for flats, apartments, HMOs and other domestic dwellings.”

C-TEC will also be showcasing CAST, its powerful new own-protocol fire detection and alarm system. Created to meet demand for powerful, yet cost-effective addressable fire systems, CAST panels are designed to integrate seamlessly with an extensive range of C-TEC-manufactured fire detectors, sounders, Call Points and interfaces.

Other innovations to look out for include the company’s high-performance range of EN54-23 certified VADs and an advanced range of hybrid digital power supplies.

*To find out more about FIREX 2018 visit https://www.firex.co.uk

Nittan’s collection of technical guidance videos now available to view on YouTube

Nittan Europe, the manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, has released seven new technical guidance videos on its YouTube channel. These follow on the back of its previous highly successful videos, which form part of Nittan’s customer experience, enabling the business to connect with end customers via different mediums.

Presented by product support manager Barry Sargent, the videos address frequently asked questions relating to the Nittan evolution1 Fire Alarm Control Panel. These include the panel’s quick start option, set up, navigation, ‘Cause and Effect’ programming, a PC configuration tool overview and PC configuration tool ‘Cause and Effect’, in addition to Nittan’s Evolution Loop Calculator.

The videos provide simple step-by-step instructions that aim to serve as a guide or memory jogger for engineers such that they can the most advantage for Nittan products on behalf of their end users.

Lee James, general manager for product marketing at Nittan Europe, said: “The short video format with clips of between two and four minutes has proven very popular with our customers. We’re providing quick bursts of information in an easy-to-assimilate way. Our customers now have easy access to technical guidance on site or in their office with video clips literally at their fingertips via smart phones and tablets. We aim to continue building our video library in the coming months. The video clips are a guide and not intended to replace official manufacturer training which Nittan continues to provide free of charge at its Old Woking offices.”

*The new technical guidance videos can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/NittanChannel/videos

**Also available on the channel are existing videos about Nittan’s Dual Optical Detector and how to use the EV-AD2-EXT Evolution Programmer

Nortech strengthens business partnership with Nedap

After a strong start to 2018, access control specialist Nortech has once again been recognised as a certified partner of Nedap for long-range identification.

Following the presentation of the certification at this year’s Intertraffic exhibition, Nortech’s managing director Stephen Blackler commented: “Nortech is proud to be part of the Certified Partner Programme as it shows the company’s commitment and ability with Nedap’s long-range identification products as part of our vehicle access solutions.”

Having been part of the certified programme since 2010, Nortech recently visited Intertraffic 2018 in Amsterdam to support Nedap and cement its relationship with its distributors and the many contacts the company has in the traffic industry. During the show, Nedap presented its leading smart parking and vehicle identification solutions to the market, including its TRANSIT, uPASS and ANPR readers for long-range identification.

In addition to its ongoing long-range identification partnership, Nedap has recently visited Nortech at the company’s Cwmbran headquarters to give technical training on its long-range products to Nortech’s technical support team. Intensive training ensures that Nortech staff can provide in-depth support to its customers on Nedap products.

With many years’ experience in the automatic vehicle identification business, Nortech knows that offering the best quality equipment and the right equipment for the job will avoid potential problems at a later juncture.

Nortech works with Nedap to offer free tailored training courses that discuss the technologies involved and how and where to apply them plus guidance on correct installation with practical hands-on training.

Nedap’s safe, secure and efficient technology is both cost-effective and convenient and can easily be applied to parking and security applications. For these reasons and many more, the popular uPASS Target has recently been nominated as a finalist in the PSI Premier Awards 2018.

Advanced receives coveted Safety and Health Excellence Award from BSIF for quality of customer service

Global fire safety systems developer Advanced has been awarded the Highly Commended for Service Excellence trophy at the annual Safety and Health Excellence (SHE) Awards 2018, recently held at the NEC in Birmingham.

The company received the commendation in the British Service Industry Federation (BSIF) Customer Service Award category on the back of its technical support and Advanced 360. This online portal gives customers free access (during the lifetime of their products) to a range of services including training, technical manuals and sales and marketing support.

Paul Duffy, technical support manager at Advanced who accepted the award, said: “To receive the Highly Commended Award for Service Excellence is a huge achievement and great recognition for the work of our customer services team. We’re committed to making it as easy as possible for our customers to gain the support and information they need when they need it. Advanced 360 helps in achieving this and is constantly evolving to meet our customers’ needs.”

The SHE Awards were organised by Western Business Exhibitions in conjunction with the BSIF. The BSIF Customer Service Award recognises companies operating in the fields of Health and Safety which offer exceptional and innovative service solutions. Winners were chosen based on the number of votes cast by customers who were asked to rate their suppliers’ service quality.

Paul Duffy

Advanced develops and manufactures intelligent fire safety systems, from single panel installations through to large, multi-site networks. Products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging and false alarm management solutions.

ACRE CEO Joe Grillo inducted into SSI Hall of Fame Class of 2018

ACRE, the provider of security products and solutions for the access control, intrusion, smart traffic and video surveillance markets, has announced that CEO Joe Grillo has been inducted into the Security Sales and Integration (SSI) Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2018. Grillo joins nearly 100 security leaders recognised for their “unforgettable impact on the industry” over the course of their career.

Founded in 2004, the SSI Industry Hall of Fame represents the highest honour for extraordinary professionalism, conduct and achievement, paying tribute to individuals who are instrumental in improving the security industry. Inductees are nominated by past inductees and other luminaries, citing the impact each has had over a long and illustrious career.

Grillo, a 30-year electronic access control manufacturing veteran, was chosen for his proven track record of growing, acquiring and restructuring businesses.

Joe Grillo

“Growing sales in a highly competitive market is difficult, but I thrive on successfully meeting the goals of an organisation through development and profitability,” explained Grillo. “I’m honoured to be recognised by the Industry Hall of Fame alongside an incredible group of hardworking executives. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to be able to enjoy what I do.”

Grillo was instrumental in helping HID grow from a $15 million card and reader company to a dominant $100 million-plus industry leader by 2000, also leading the effort to sell HID to ASSA ABLOY in 2001.

In 2012, he founded ACRE LLC as a platform to consolidate electronic security acquisitions, forming Vanderbilt out of the Ingersoll Rand Software and Controllers product portfolio while adding Siemens AG’s former Security Products Division, Access Control Technologies and ComNet.

Grillo also added Mercury Security and later re-sold to HID Global in 2017.

Videx launches IP Intercom range for end users

Videx has launched IP intercoms that are ideal for a wide range of installations including office blocks, apartment complexes, hospitals and commercial buildings enabling the door entry system to use existing networks and save both cost and installation time.

The Videx IP system is available as a convenient kit and as an expandable system which can be customised to suit the needs of any building. 12 gauge, 316 grade stainless steel vandal-resistant entrance panels are available along with the popular 4000 Series modular style, all with a wide angle colour camera and with one call button up to a maximum of 42 and an input for an optional second camera.

Neil Thomas, national sales manager at Videx, said: “The beauty of IP systems over conventional systems is that they don’t need dedicated wiring infrastructure and can be used on new or existing networks. These networks can be shared with other technologies such as CCTV, access control, building management and many others.”

The kits includes a wall mount 6200 Series videophone and the entrance panel which is available in standard or vandal-resistant form with surface or flush mounting options. The videophone includes a touch screen 3.5” colour display enabling the end user to customise a range of settings as well as initiate calls to entrance points, neighbours and internally to other extensions with the facility to have up to 16 videophones in each apartment or office.

An event log can also be viewed on the videophone with a video capture feature to see missed callers. The kit includes a 1.25 A 12 V DC power supply which can be used to power the entrance panel, a lock release and the videophone if required. The videophone can also be powered via Power over Ethernet (POE) from a POE switch.

Thomas added: “IP systems are generally very flexible and can allow for connections over an unlimited distance while using existing LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi and 3G/4G infrastructures and the Videx iOS and Android Apps. Installers are now very familiar with IP technologies allowing them to use existing knowledge and experience gained while installing other security systems such as access control and CCTV. IP systems offer greater flexibility to the installer, making it very simple to expand and alter a system as the need arises.”

Bespoke panel sizes are available upon request. Entrance panels and videophones all have two relay outputs, two inputs and RS485 connectivity which can be used for a variety of functions such as door/gate release and the activation of auxiliary functions.

Safetell secures £1.5 million contract extension with retail banking services client

Newmark Security plc (AIM: NWT), a leading security solutions group offering safety and security for organisations’ personnel and assets, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Safetell Limited, has now received a formal contract extension for the supply of physical security equipment and preventative maintenance to the UK branch network of a leading worldwide supplier of retail banking services.

The contract consists of secured orders for the supply of service and maintenance support for ‘Fast Rising Screens’ totalling £1.2 million, along with the supply of new Fast Rising Screens and auxiliary physical security products which is expected to total not less than £300,000.

This contract is a one-year extension to an original contract agreed in March 2012, then amended in October 2014, and covers the period from 1 November 2017 through to 31 October 2018.

Marie-Claire Dwek, CEO of Newmark, said: “We have supplied this customer for the last 28 years and we’re delighted that the quality of our product and service offer continues to be recognised. Safetell recently expanded its product and service proposition to capitalise upon the burgeoning counter-terror market and in response to the challenging market conditions as a result of branch closures that are occurring in the banking sector. It’s reassuring to see continuing demand for our physical security products and associated service and maintenance support from this long-term customer.”

Safetell designs, manufactures, installs and provides maintenance for a range of bespoke physical security, counter-terror and target hardening solutions. Products include security screens, doors and glazing, plus counterwork.

The business also provides a range of time-delayed cash recycling safes for the banking sector and other cash-in, cash-out operations.

The service division of Safetell provides repair and maintenance support for the branch networks of High Street banks and the retail sector, including lock repairs, CCTV services, access control support and the repair of physical security equipment.

Connelly Security Systems Ltd boosts market share following AFA Fire & Security Ltd acquisition

A Glasgow-based firm has “become the premier provider of security solutions in central Scotland” following the acquisition of a security alarm business.

Connelly Security Systems Ltd (CSS) has acquired AFA Fire & Security Ltd of Bathgate in a seven-figure transaction. The deal has allowed CSS to increase its market share and boost its turnover to over £9 million per annum.

Serving both the commercial and residential sectors, CSS provides a comprehensive range of products and services which allow customers to fulfil all of their security requirements with a single provider. The CSS product range includes intruder alarms, fire alarms, CCTV, retail product tagging, access control and monitoring (all of which are supported by comprehensive service and maintenance support).

The deal, which is supported by Clydesdale Bank Cashflow Finance, has also increased CSS’ customer base to over 25,000.

Paul Connelly, managing director at CSS, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to increase both the customer base and geographic coverage of CSS through the acquisition of a quality business which the vendors have developed over the last 18 years. I was delighted to receive the continued support of Clydesdale Bank, whom we have worked with for over 30 years, which enabled the acquisition terms to be agreed quickly and completion achieved in a short timescale. It’s an important milestone in CSS’ journey and we look forward to continuing to grow the business and enhance the service we can offer to our customers.”

CSS, which launched in 1986, is based in the Possil Park area of Glasgow and the acquisition sees its headcount increase to 130.

Mark Young, director of SME Cashflow Finance at Clydesdale Bank, added: “We have developed an excellent working relationship with CSS. Its ongoing commitment to delivering the optimal customer experience at every interaction is an approach that makes the company a successful business. The business has been involved in a number of acquisitions which have been successfully integrated into the CSS operating model. This has created strong sustainable cashflow enabling this sizeable acquisition to be funded through our Cashflow Finance offering.”

David MacKay, the previous owner of AFA Fire & Security Ltd, will continue to be involved in the business in the short term to ensure a smooth transition. The acquisition will not result in any reduction in workforce.