BSIA launches regional security personnel rounds of British Security Awards

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has launched its 2022 celebration of the industry’s finest, specifically the British Security Awards, and started the ball rolling with the regional rounds of the security personnel-focused categories.

Scheduled to take place on Wednesday 29 June at the Marriott Hotel on London’s Grosvenor Square, the British Security Awards will celebrate the achievements realised by security officers and teams across the UK’s private security industry, as well as acknowledging innovations in technology and business and the career contributions made by long-serving industry stalwarts.

The first phase of the awards will be to identify the regional winners and national finalists of the five security personnel categories: Best Newcomer, Best Team, Security Manager of the Year, Outstanding Act and Service to the Customer.

Regional winners will be announced at the beginning of April and then automatically go forward to the national stage on Wednesday 29 June. They will also be recognised prior to the ceremony at events around the country.

In total, there are 18 categories in 2022, including Innovative Security Project, National Partnership, Environmental Project of the Year, Business of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Contribution to the Industry and the Bravery Award. Two new categories, namely the Corporate Social Responsibility Award and the BSIA’s Special Recognition Award have also been added to the role of honour.

The entry process for these national categories will open on Tuesday 11 January.

Talent and commitment

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, commented: “The British Security Awards continues to be the professional security industry’s national event that celebrates the talent and commitment of our industry’s finest. The scale of achievement we see every year from across each sector is remarkable. Our awards enable us to recognise acts of untold bravery, ingenuity in the application of new technology and the successful delivery of projects by forward-thinking self-starters who work so diligently in our sector.”

Reddington continued: “After two incredibly challenging years for the industry, we’re looking forward to recognising and rewarding individuals and teams for the dedication they’ve shown to their chosen profession. We’re confident that, by June, we will be able to welcome members, stakeholders and colleagues from across the industry and celebrate excellence in security.”

After holding the event online for the past two years due to COVID-19, the Trade Association anticipates that the event will go ahead in the physical setting this year.

2022, in fact, marks 25 years of the BSIA’s awards scheme and also five years under its current guise as the British Security Awards.

*To enter one of the categories, visit the British Security Awards website at www.britishsecurityawards.co.uk

**The security personnel categories of the British Security Awards are sponsored by Camberford Underwriting

Banham Academy apprentice “sets benchmark” for fire and security sector

The South West London-based Banham Academy continues to pave the way within the security skills and learning sector thanks to an outstanding achievement by apprentice Elliot Veheary.

Veheary has passed the End Point Assessment Level 3 for the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship Standard. That achievements marks a significant milestone not only for his career, but also for the skills training provider itself as Veheary is the first Banham apprentice to pass the necessary assessment at the Banham Academy.

This achievement is a true testament to Banham’s long-standing commitment when it comes to investing in young people by providing them with the necessary technical and vocational skills they require to embark on a career within the security and fire industries.

Since its inception, the Banham Academy has had over 100 apprentices successfully enrol on its industry-leading skills and training programmes. The business remains one of the largest industry providers of training in England and was the first End Point Assessment Centre for the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship Standard.

Elliot Veheary

Formal skills measurement

The End Point Assessment takes place over two days, involving the formal measurement of practical skills, knowledge and behaviours via a professional discussion.

Once successfully completed, the apprentice is then able to apply for membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology as an engineering technician. This demonstrates to employers that the individual has had their competence independently assessed and their credentials verified.

Also, the apprentice will have accredited prior learning for a Gold card under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme.

Kevin Faulkner, head of the Banham Academy, explained: “Elliot’s achievement in passing the Apprenticeship Standard through our End Point Assessment Centre is a proud moment for us all at Banham. Not only is Elliot the first Banham apprentice to pass, but his achievement showcases the quality of talent that’s being cultivated through our specialist training programme. The level of skill and knowledge being demonstrated by young apprentices like Elliot is setting a new benchmark in the fire and security industry.”

Faulkner added: “I strongly encourage all employers in our industry to take on more apprentices. There are so many capable young people who are motivated and committed to bettering their futures and simply require an opportunity to do so. These homegrown, talented, young apprentices are truly shaping the future of our industry.”

The Banham Academy

Engineering career

Croydon-based Veheary joined the Banham Academy three years ago after completing a City & Guilds electrician course, which gave him the insight to find a career as an engineer. He has thrived during his time as an apprentice, duly showcasing significant personal development, and is now an integral member of the Banham team.

Veheary said: “I’m really proud of passing the Apprenticeship Standard and also being the first apprentice at Banham to do this. This is a huge personal achievement for me and I’m really thankful to the Banham Academy for all the support given to me along the way. Since joining the apprenticeship scheme I’ve learned so much. Everyone has made me feel welcomed and included as part of the team.”

He concluded: “To have been given an opportunity as a Banham apprentice has been life-changing for me. I couldn’t recommend the Academy more highly to anyone looking to gain a career in the industry. Within three years, I’m now able to install, commission and maintain even the most complex of security systems. I’m looking forward to continuing my career with Banham.”

TDSi takes on first higher-level apprentice at Poole headquarters

Integrated security security manufacturer TDSi has unveiled trainee product engineer Oscar Johnson as the company’s first higher-level Apprentice. Johnson is currently studying for a Higher National Certificate at Bournemouth and Poole College for two years, but will continue as a degree apprentice for a further four years with a permanent role at TDSi running alongside his studies.  

TDSi’s managing director John Davies commented: “It’s great to welcome Oscar to TDSi. He’s the first candidate to take up a higher-level apprenticeship at the company. He’ll be a great asset to our development team as we ramp up product development and augment products in the GARDiS family and ecosystem.”

Davies continued: “The security industry is leading the way on the apprenticeship front, with initiatives through Skills for Security, and TDSi is excited about the energy and innovative thinking that apprentices bring to the table as our ‘Boomers’ retire.”

Oscar Johnson

Having studied engineering at college for the last year alongside his previous role in occupational health, 22-year-old Johnson is excited by his new role and the opportunities at TDSi. He stated: “This is a great opportunity for me and there’s so much variation and job rotation within my new role. I’m working within the development team, mainly alongside our product engineer Russell Marande, to gain valuable experience and training in this cutting-edge technology company.”

Johnson comes from nearby Bournemouth and has spent most of his life in the area, apart from a year living on the Gold Coast in Australia. With an eye on the future of technology, he’s excited to be joining a technology company which is helping to shape the future of security.

He concluded: “It’s fascinating finding out how TDSI is adapting towards the future and seeing what great new products will be released before they’re unveiled to the public. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me at TDSi.”

Texecom sponsors new competition to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in security and surveillance industry

Along with CSL and Hikvision, Texecom is sponsoring the new Electronic Security Systems Competition at this year’s WorldSkills UK LIVE on 21-23 November at the NEC in Birmingham.

WorldSkills UK and Skills for Security launched the competition to raise awareness of apprenticeship and career opportunities in the security and surveillance industry.

Attracting over 70,000 visitors, WorldSkills UK LIVE is the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event. The event also hosts the national finals of the WorldSkills UK competitions which see the UK’s top apprentices and students compete to win Gold, Silver and Bronze in their chosen skill.

This year, for the first time, visitors to WorldSkills UK LIVE will be able to watch apprentices take part in the Electronic Security Systems Competition which has been designed to reflect the role of an electronic security engineer and the high standards that are expected within the industry.

“Texecom has been a long-standing supporter of engineering apprentice training within the security industry and we’re delighted to partner with WorldSkills UK and Skills for Security for the launch of this competition,” explained Clym Brown, Texecom’s marketing director. “Electronic security fundamentally protects people’s lives and livelihoods and, as such, is a very worthwhile endeavour for young people to consider as a career choice. This new competition will highlight the skills and innovation in the industry to a wider audience, as well as increasing the training level and knowledge base of electronic security apprentices already involved.”

As part of its commitment to helping the next generation of security engineers and installers adapt to the digital revolution, Texecom recently launched the Texecom Academy. Designed to help security professionals stay ahead of the digital curve, it redefines what it means to be a security professional by providing the skills, tools and mindset that will define the future of security for installers and their end customers.

Tavcom Training and Banham Academy offer BTEC Level 3 training pathway to Trailblazer apprentices

Tavcom Training has partnered with the Banham Academy to provide a professional training pathway for apprentices on the new Trailblazer scheme. The Trailblazer apprenticeship standard for the fire, security and emergency systems industry is approved by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Now, Banham Academy and Tavcom Training are going further with the inclusion of professional qualifications.

The BTEC Level 3 courses developed by Tavcom Training deliver comprehensive security training during the three-year apprenticeship through a combination of online and classroom teaching, practical exercises, assessments and examinations.

Paul Tennent CTSP, executive director at Tavcom Training, stated: “Working in partnership with the Banham Academy, we’re ensuring that apprentices gain an essential understanding of theory combined with practical industry experience to kick-start their careers. Meanwhile, the security industry benefits from a steady stream of fully-trained and qualified engineers at the end of the process.”

Kevin Faulkner (left) and Paul Tennent

The first cohort of Banham Academy Trailblazer apprentices has already embarked on the BTEC Level 3 training pathway. Kevin Faulkner, the Banham Academy’s operations director, explained: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Tavcom Training to ensure quality materials and practices are available to support the delivery of our apprenticeships. Achieving the Tavcom qualifications is a great way to measure the progress of our learners, while the accreditation provided motivates them on the pathway towards completing their apprenticeship. ”

Paul Tennent concluded: “We’re proud to be supporting young engineers and helping to bring new and fully-qualified talent to the sector. We also believe it’s vital that, ultimately, all Trailblazer participants have a level playing field on which to compete. Our aim is to raise standards in general across the scheme.”

*For further details on the Banham Academy Trailblazer apprenticeship scheme visit www.banham.co.uk/banham-group-trailblazer-apprenticeship/

Nortech recognised for quality management standards compliance with ISO 9001 re-certification

People and vehicle access control system solutions specialist Nortech has recently been recognised as complying with the latest ISO 9001 standard. Nortech is proud of its approach to solutions engineering that’s designed to ensure quality and reliability in both its products and services.

The updated 2015 version of the ISO 9001 standard recognises businesses for their effective quality management and requires them to demonstrate that they can meet the regulatory requirements and apply the system effectively to benefit their customers. Receiving re-certification shows that Nortech is prepared for any current and future challenges.

The company’s managing director Steve Blackler commented: “I would like to express my thanks to our fantastic team and to our loyal customers. Nortech continues to thrive and it’s our job to make sure we satisfy our customers’ expectations and that we’re doing what we should as a business such that we continue to grow.”

Nortech’s technical director Amer Hafiz with the ISO 9001 certificate

Nortech has also recently started an apprenticeship scheme and just welcomed its first new addition to the technical production team.

As an independent British company, Nortech has supplied products and solutions to the security industry for over 25 years. The business uses extensive experience and expertise to create new security products designed to fit its myriad clients’ needs and designs everything with the customer very much in mind. 

New product catalogue

Nortech has also recently introduced a new 24-page product catalogue to help specifiers find the right products for their projects. The catalogue has been divided into four product categories: Access Control, Readers and ID Devices, Long-Range Identification and Vehicle Detection and Parking.

The Access Control section covers all of Nortech’s best-selling access system ranges including standalone control devices for managing one or two doors, plus the fully-online Norpass access management system.

The Readers and ID Devices section highlights an extensive choice of 125 KHz proximity, 13.5 MHz smart card and 865 MHz UHF technology readers, whereas the Long-Range Identification section features Nedap’s popular Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), ANPR HD, uPass Reach, uPass Target and TRANSIT Ultimate readers.

The final section covers vehicle detection and parking. This includes Nortech’s popular inductive loop detectors range, FeeMaster Smart and the NorParc Counting system (including VMS counting signs).

*The new catalogue can be downloaded by visiting the company’s website at https://www.nortechcontrol.com/media/39014/2018-product-catalogue-1802.pdf

Apprentice Installer Awards winners set the bar high in 2017

The British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) Annual Luncheon on Wednesday 12 July played host to the prestigious Apprentice Installer Awards, where one overall winner and two joint runners-up received awards for their achievements.

The Apprentice Installer Awards recognise the academic and practical successes of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems.

As well as rewarding the accomplishments of bright young apprentices, the awards also highlight the commitment of security companies and training providers alike in providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry.

Overall winner in 2017

This year’s overall winner is Corrie Stewart, a 21 year-old student from New College Lanarkshire who’s presently in the third year of her apprenticeship with Connelly Security Systems.

Stewart has been impressing her peers and tutors at every level of her apprenticeship, being nominated for the award for her attention to detail and overall skill set.

In his nomination, David Scott (curriculum and quality leader for the built environment and electronic fire and security at New College Lanarkshire), explained that Corrie “is performing well beyond her years in terms of understanding systems and system circuitry.”

Stewart has been excelling in both the theory and practical elements of her apprenticeship, completing 12 units of her qualification with a 90% pass mark or more. Although a third year apprentice, Stewart is already out on her own running her own fire and security jobs, which include installation and maintenance visits to British and European Standards. Her fantastic interpersonal skills means she never leaves a customer until they’re comfortable with and compliant in using the systems.

Talking about her award, Stewart enthused: “I’m incredibly proud to have won this award. I’ve absolutely loved my apprenticeship with New College Lanarkshire and Connelly Security Systems. It has been hard work, but my determination has paid off and I cannot wait to see where it takes me next.”

Stewart went on to add: “The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to enhance my skills, gain valuable experience and work with those who have vast experience in the industry. The programme offers a varied career that requires skills and problem-solving and you face different challenges every day. I’m really proud of my success in such a male-dominated industry, but I can already see the industry changing and I’m delighted to hear that there’s another female apprentice in first year now.”

Runners-up in 2017

The joint runners-up in the year’s Apprentice Installer Awards are Callum Walker and Craig McAdorey (both third year apprentices with Kings Security). They were joint runners-up as their nominations were scored so closely by the judges that it was impossible to decide between the two.

21 year-old Walker was referred to the apprenticeship scheme at Kings Security by a friend, and has been excelling as a technical support apprentice ever since. Joining a team of over a dozen technical support engineers, all of them with a great amount of experience gained within the security industry, Walker has had the confidence and aptitude to speak out in group conversations and express his ideas, quickly gaining him the respect of the rest of the Kings Security team.

Lee Kerry, head of services at Kings Security, nominated Walker for the award and praised him in particular for the fact that he’s also always looking to broaden his technical knowledge, identifying new online courses and even completing some in his own personal time.

“I’d like to thank Kings Security for giving me the opportunity of learning a trade and developing myself as a person, but also for the belief the company has shown in me becoming a security systems engineer,” observed Walker. “The support has been tremendous from the company with its in-house training. I feel this has been the key to my progression, allowing me to work with a variety of systems.”

Walker added: “This achievement has given me the confidence and belief that all of the training and the hard work I’ve put in has been worthwhile. My plan for the future is to continue striving to succeed both personally and professionally on behalf of the next generation of security systems engineers.”

Craig McAdorey has quickly become an asset to his team at Kings, completing a number of in-house signalling training courses including those involving WebWayOne, CSL, Digital Communicators and Emizon.

The diverse skill set gained means that McAdorey is very confident in the installation process, being capable of delivering the end product on time and to a high standard.

Gavin Salter, area engineering manager for Kings Security who nominated McAdorey for the award, also highlighted the apprentice’s excellent customer interface skills.

“Craig is always prepared to go the extra mile in order to deliver on and, indeed, exceed the requirements of the customer. He always maintains a highly professional manner and answers any questions that customers may have.”

Talking about his achievement, McAdorey said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my employer as, without the company, none of this would have been possible. I enjoy my job as a security systems installer. I love working on all disciplines and find all aspects of my role both challenging and enjoyable. Being successful in this competition is a great achievement for me personally and for Kings as a company. I take great pride in my work and will endeavour to progress further in the future in order to fulfil my personal goals of becoming a fully-qualified security systems installer.”

This year’s Apprentice Installer Awards were sponsored by Syntinex. “As a business, Syntinex recognises the importance of development and training future engineers,” commented Jacques Lombard, the company’s managing director. “We’re very proud to sponsor the Apprentice Installer Awards.”

The BSIA would like to take this opportunity to thank Syntinex for sponsoring these awards and wish all the very best of success for the winners in their future careers.

NSI’s fourth Installer Summit proves great success for 200-plus delegates

Upwards of 200 representatives from National Security Inspectorate (NSI)-approved companies gathered to attend the NSI’s fourth national Installer Summit, held on Thursday 30 March at the Vox, the brand new state-of-the art conference centre at Resorts World on the National Exhibition Centre complex in Birmingham.

Over 50 product and business support providers filled the large exhibition hall, offering delegates the opportunity to view the very latest security technology, expand their technical knowledge and take advantage of exclusive Summit deals and offers.

Speakers at the NSI’s 2017 Installer Summit in Birmingham

Special emphasis was placed on education this year, with ten speakers covering a range of pertinent security and fire sector-related topics over the course of the day.

Subjects in the morning plenary session included the Hatton Garden heist and lessons learned for the security sector, the Government’s perspective on cyber security (including the risks and uncertainties), an insight into Jaguar Land Rover’s award-winning corporate security strategy and the newly-launched Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard for the security and fire business sectors.

The NSI’s CEO Richard Jenkins addresses the audience

In the afternoon, delegates were invited to choose from a variety of 30-minute educational sessions. These concentrated on home automation and system integration: the opportunities and risks, tips for protecting businesses against cyber attack, apprenticeships and the benefits for businesses and guidance on forging closer links with police forces.

NSI Gold-approved companies were also given an overview on the changes to the new ISO 9001:2015 Standard fromthe NSI’s expert auditors. In addition, there was a presentation about the benefits of NSI approval for automated gates and barriers, with specific emphasis on helping clients to reduce their risk and understand the business opportunities.

Graeme Dow speaking at the NSI’s Installer Summit

The seven main sponsors instrumental in delivering this year’s Summit were Avigilon, BT Redcare, CSL, Fermax, RISCO Group UK, IFSEC International and Texecom. As a not-for-profit organisation, the NSI is wholly dependent on its sponsors and other exhibitors who make the event possible.

Richard Jenkins, the NSI’s CEO, stated: “We were delighted to see hundreds of delegates from NSI-approved companies attend this year’s Summit. Delegates clearly value this focused and targeted event which addressed topics specific to their needs in an effective way and in a prestigious professional environment. Like-minded industry experts are ready to share the latest developments in the sector. The feedback we’ve received so far from all participants including speakers, exhibitors and our key sponsors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many seeking to reserve their seats for next year’s event.”

The exhibition area proved extremely popular with delegates

 

End users who choose to contract NSI-approved companies can be assured of security and fire safety services delivered to the highest standards by businesses committed to quality.  With a national network of full-time qualified auditors specialising in security and fire audits, the NSI counts the UK’s premier security and fire safety providers among its clients. The NSI provides robust auditing by experts to verify compliance with relevant British and European Standards, Codes of Practice and certification schemes developed by industry bodies and associations.

Binns focuses Fencing Contractors Association on delivering for its members

The Fencing Contractors Association (FCA) is on a mission to re-engage fully with members and adopt their priorities as its mission guide. That’s the mandate on which incoming chairman Adam Binns believes he has been elected since taking office for his two-year term at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25 February.

The AGM ratified the appointment of Administration Services Ltd (ASL) – who tabled a report at the meeting on its survey of all 150 members – to replace retiring general secretary Wendy Baker as the FCA’s administration specialist.

In advance of the AGM, Baker said: “After almost 18 years’ service, it will be my pleasure to have the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to the members whom I have been extremely proud to represent during my tenure.”

Adam Binns commented: “The ASL survey gives us an honest and independent insight on what we’re doing at the moment and on what is valued by members so that we can move the FCA forward and really start to deliver what they say is important to them. We’ve cut our running costs by a third, so there’s more money freed up to promote the FCA and its Certified Contractors Scheme.”

Adam Binns

The Binns Fencing managing director, along with his FCA vice chairman Nick Dybeck (a director of HW Martin), now lead a “rejuvenated Council” which met on 21 April to review strategy and plot a plan for the future.

Promoting the security fencing industry

Rob Oliver of ASL stated: “What came through loud and clear from the survey is that members are very keen for the FCA to continue to promote the fencing industry as professional and for the FCA itself to be the badge of quality within it. Furthermore, given the size and scale of the industry, we ought to be able to grow membership from our current figure of 150.”

Oliver said that other member priorities include training and its promotion, especially given the national focus on apprenticeships and the fact that the industry now has a Trailblazer apprenticeship standard in development.

Members also want better communications, with regular newsletters, e-mails and briefings, more events and reasons to join forces and collaborate on matters of common interest. There’s also a stated desire for the FCA to be the ‘go to’ for guidance and business help with appropriate helplines and experts.

Oliver explained to Risk UK that ASL is looking at how much each of the Helplines is used and will table proposals very soon on which to enhance and which to shelve and how best to harness the expertise in the Council and beyond.

Delivering real value

Adam Binns concluded: “The bottom line is that we have to deliver real value and a reason to belong to the FCA if we’re to grow and strengthen our membership and the services we offer. We’re open to talking to other associations such as the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA) and the European Fencing Industry Association (EFIA) to pool resources and strengthen our offer if that’s what works for our industry as a whole.”

The ASL team of Oliver, Robert Osborne and Kim Fitzpatrick boasts many years’ experience of working for Trade Associations, mostly in the construction sector and including the PSSA, which is widely acknowledged as having some overlap with the FCA.

The FCA was established in 1942 to help the buying of timber and other fencing materials to support the war effort. It has four specialist sub-groups: the Association of Safety Fencing Contractors, the Environmental Noise Barrier Association, the Electrical Security Fence Federation and the Gate Automation and Access Barrier Association.

“Funding to cease for Locksmith Apprenticeship” announces Skills for Security

Skills for Security has been officially notified that funding will cease for new starts on the Locksmith framework 571 from 1 December 2016. From this date, there will be no further starts.

Apprentices still completing their apprenticeship on this framework will continue to do so on their agreed funding arrangements, while their apprenticeship completion certificate can be claimed in the usual manner.

The UK Government has been making changes to apprenticeships with the approach for all new apprenticeships to be developed against employer standards.

Groups of employers (the ‘Trailblazers’) have been responsible for developing new apprenticeships and they’ve been working together to design apprenticeship standards and assessment approaches.

Skills for Security has been working with Trailblazer groups to develop new frameworks, and employers from the locksmith industry have recently met to submit their expression of interest in order to develop a framework to ensure there’s a locksmith apprenticeship going forward.

There’s no other apprenticeship for locksmiths. The current scheme has enabled learners to gain a recognised qualification, expand their knowledge and elevate industry standards.

Having a recognised qualification has made the industry more attractive to new recruits.

Employers must come forward to show their support to develop a new framework.

*If you would like to be involved with the development of the locksmith apprenticeship or join a Trailblazer group please contact Skills for Security via e-mail at: info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk or on (telephone) 01905 744000