NSI unveils “extensive programme” for IFSEC and FIREX International 2022

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced an extensive programme of activity at IFSEC and FIREX International to ensure that installers/integrators and those interested in gaining third party certification have plenty of reasons to attend and visit Stand IF4050 at London’s ExCeL.

The UKAS-accredited certification body for the security and fire safety sectors will once again have a significant presence at IFSEC International and is encouraging those attending to take full advantage of the expertise on offer to visitors.

On the first two days of IFSEC International (ie 17 and 18 May) at 2.00 pm, the NSI will host an informal 30-minute session on-stand for security system and/or fire detection and alarm installers interested in becoming NSI approved such that they can find out about the application process.

Max Linnemann, the NSI’s director of certification services, will give an insight into key things you need to know when you apply, the due diligence process and eligibility criteria and how to ensure your application progresses as quickly as possible by avoiding the common mistakes.

Installers are invited to attend these sessions. No pre-booking is required.

‘Boardroom Talks’

For companies already holding approval with the Inspectorate, the NSI is joining forces with IFSEC International to host ‘Boardroom Talks’, an hour-long session taking place on Tuesday 17May at 11.30 am. This runs on the South Gallery in Room S13. Refreshments and luncheon is being provided for attendees. With an agenda curated specifically for senior leaders, the session will cover two specific topical business issues:

Changes in Procurement Rules, Outsourcing Services and Social Value

(Presenter: Jo Kenny, commercial lead at the Crown Commercial Service)

Meet the Sustainability Challenge: How to Embed Social Value and Net Zero

(Presenter: Sunil Shah, founder of Acclaro Advisory)

NSI-approved companies wishing to attend the ‘Boardroom Talks’ are requested to register in advance by sending an e-mail to marketing@nsi.org.uk Places will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

FIREX International 2022

Visitors attending FIREX International on Wednesday 18May are invited to join John Davidson, the NSI’s approval schemes manager (systems), who will present on the subject of ‘Fire Safety in Your Building: The Most Common and Serious Issues Facing Fire Risk Assessors’. This conference session runs at 11.15 am in the Fire Protection Association’s InfoZone Theatre.

The highly-respected Engineers of Tomorrow Competition for security and fire installer apprentices will once again be a key feature at this year’s event. Now part of WorldSkills (with the final taking place in November), apprentices will compete to demonstrate their technical abilities and understanding in front of their peers and industry colleagues in order to secure a place in the final.

NSI auditors will again be part of the adjudicating team, providing independent appraisal of those competing. The NSI encourages all visitors to ExCeL to support the industry’s future engineers and watch them in action.

‘Cash’, the NSI’s very much loved Turkmenian Eagle Owl, will be at IFSEC on Tuesday 17and Wednesday 18May. The NSI is encouraging visitors to ‘Swoop in for a Snap’ with ‘Cash’. Those who share their photos on social media and tag the NSI on Twitter or LinkedIn will receive a free gift on the day.

Compelling programme

Richard Jenkins, CEO at the NSI, stated: “IFSEC’s presence in the industry calendar is always greatly anticipated. Despite the pandemic forcing a break since the last in-person IFSEC back in 2019, we’re delighted to see the show return with such a compelling programme that brings the industry together.”

Jenkins added: “We look forward to welcoming industry colleagues old and new to our stand and to partnering with IFSEC in the ‘Boardroom Talks’, which we are jointly hosting for NSI approved companies.”

Visitors attending IFSEC International are invited to a Reunion Drinks Party taking place at Indigo at The 02 from 6.30 pm on Tuesday 17May. Complimentary drinks will be served on entry. Access is via the Emirates Air Line cable car.

*Register here to attend IFSEC International and its co-located events FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo, The Facilities Show and Intelligent Building Europe

NSI-approved companies celebrate success at 2018 IFSEC Security and Fire Excellence Awards

The prestigious 2018 IFSEC Security and Fire Excellence Awards Ceremony was held at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on Wednesday 21 November. A significant number of National Security Inspectorate (NSI)-approved companies from around the UK were among the winners and finalists celebrated at the UBM-organised event for their outstanding achievements.

Approximately 1,000 representatives from the security and fire sectors attended the showcase event, which was hosted by actor James Nesbitt. Organisations, teams and individuals within the security and fire sectors were given well-deserved recognition.

The NSI would like to congratulate the 30 NSI-approved company finalists whose achievements were honoured. Taking home the top prizes in their categories, the organisation applauds the following NSI-approved companies and their teams:

*Active/Passive Fire Project of the Year Marlow Fire & Security

*Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year Glevum Security

*Large Security Installer of the Year Universal Security Systems

*Medium Security Installer of the Year Taylor Technology Systems

*Small Security Installer of the Year Lifeline Alarms & Security Services

*Security Manager of the Year Sarah Watts (Wilson James)

Engineers of Tomorrow

The NSI is also proud to be a founding stakeholder of the Engineers of Tomorrow competition. As always, the overall winners from the competition (which took place at IFSEC International back in June) were presented with their prizes at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards.

The NSI congratulates the following apprentices on their outstanding achievements and wishes them a rewarding and fulfilling career in the security and fire sectors:

Intruder Alarms Competition

*First Place Max Florey and Josh Dunn (Chris Lewis Fire & Security)

*Second Place Sam Howard and Jamie Rodd (EFT Systems Ltd)

*Third Place Andy Tham and Steven Flannigan (New College Lanarkshire)

Fire Competition (Launched in 2018)

*First Place Sam Howard and Jamie Rodd (EFT Systems Ltd)

*Second Place Aaron Wilson and Stuart McCluskie (New College Lanarkshire)

“2016 Engineers of Tomorrow competition now fully-booked” announces UBM

UBM EMEA, the organiser of IFSEC International, has just announced that all places on this year’s prestigious Engineers of Tomorrow annual competition are now filled. 64 of the fire and security industry’s brightest young engineers will now be at IFSEC International from 21-23 June in order to test their skills against each other in a live installation challenge at Europe’s largest security exhibition.

Engineers of Tomorrow is part of Apprenticeships for Fire and Security, an initiative that places apprentices into careers in the security industry and underpins their development. Supported by IFSEC International, CSL DualCom, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and Skills for Security, the scheme has already helped in launching the careers of more than 3,000 young apprentices.

At the heart of the installation apprentice and young engineer industry, the competition will provide participants with a global stage to compete against their peers and represent their company.

Companies involved in 2016 include Fidelity Integrated Systems, Abel Alarm Co, Highgrade Fire and Security, Chubb Fire and Security, CBRE, Tyco, Red Alert, VocalVale, H+J Martin, Ambush Security, Wessex Alarms, Captstan Security, Secure One, CIA, SES Yeovil, William Hale, Custom Alarms and the defending champions Tel Cam Security Systems and Kings Security.

The apprentice engineers will participate in the 90-minute live challenge that takes place on the lively exhibition floor at IFSEC International. They will then be assessed by a leading panel of judges from the security inspectorates, the NSI and the SSAIB, and points are then allocated based on performance in the various disciplines.

Heat winners and their employers will be invited to attend the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards, which take place on Wednesday 23 November 2016, where the overall winner will be announced and awarded a £1000 cash prize.

Demand for improved skills

Commenting on the competition, Simon Banks (group managing director at the CSL DualCom Group) said: “The huge take-up for IFSEC International’s Engineers of Tomorrow competition is in line with the industry’s demand for better skills. The fire and security sector is committed to apprenticeships providing results for businesses on a swift basis, while at the same time creating a lasting professional workforce for the future. Importantly, this competition allows employers and apprentices to showcase their skill sets on a world stage.”

This year, IFSEC International will host over 600 leading solution suppliers under one roof across the three days at London’s ExCeL, with the likes of Tyco, Milestone Systems, UTC, Texecom, Salto, Paxton, Hikvision, Dahua, Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, Canon, CAME and Marshalls already confirmed to attend. The show will also welcome more than 65 new exhibitors in 2016.

IFSEC and FIREX International will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection and Management Series, which is the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information.

The Protection and Management Series also incorporates The Facilities Show, Safety and Health Expo and Service Management Expo.

Annually, it attracts more than 40,000 attendees over three days and is the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the security, fire, safety and facilities business sectors.

*Find out more detail about IFSEC International (and register for your badge to see the Engineers of Tomorrow competition) here:  http://www.ifsec.co.uk/Watch_EoT/

100 in 100 Roll of Honour recognition for Securi-Guard

Securi-Guard has joined a special industry roll of honour after taking on two apprentices as part of a major national recruitment drive administered by Skills for Security.

The Plymouth-based company will train Liam Hewins (aged 18) and 17-year-old Kieran Pope, both from Plymouth, to work in its security systems division as part of a commitment to help the next generation of security industry employees.

In recognition of the two appointments, Securi-Guard is among a number of security firms nationwide who have been named in the 100 in 100 Roll of Honour by Skills for Security, the not-for-profit organisation that serves as the sector skills body for the private security industry.

It offers information, advice and guidance to help with training and skills development in the security sector for both apprentices and existing security personnel who want to improve their knowledge and skills set.

Terri Jones, the new director general at Skills for Security, said: “We’re delighted that Securi-Guard is supporting the 100 in 100 initiative for 2013. Apprentices deliver real value to employers, and developing the talent of the future is vital to the economic success of the sector. Congratulations to Kieran and Liam. We look forward to following their progress.”

Left to Right: Securi-Guard’s Paul Lawson with new apprentices Liam Hewins and Kieran Pope

Installation, maintenance, Health and Safety

Securi-Guard will be training Liam and Kieran as security and fire systems engineers under the auspices of Skills for Security’s training programme.

They will both work with an experienced engineer and be taught a variety of skills, including installation of systems, how to repair and maintain the systems to a high standard and ensuring compliance with Health and Safety regulations.

Scott Boyd, Securi-Guard’s managing director for fire and security, said he was delighted to be able to support the 100 in 100 initiative.

“This is an extremely worthwhile campaign and represents a great opportunity for us to help two young apprentices make their mark in the security industry,” stated Scott.

“As a family company, we take great pride in developing our staff from within and see apprenticeship schemes such as this as a natural extension of that ethos. It’s a chance to develop two individuals and equip them with the kind of skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their careers.”

The 100 in 100 campaign for 2013 is aiming to place at least 100 new apprentices across the security sector between IFSEC International 2013 (which was held in May at the NEC) and the Security Excellence Awards Ceremony, which takes place at London’s Hilton Park Lane Hotel on Wednesday 23 October.

Fully endorsed by skills minister Matthew Hancock, last year’s campaign resulted in 320 new apprentices. The organisers are hoping to top that figure in 2013.

100 in 100 2013: The Roll of Honour

The 100 in 100 campaign Roll of Honour highlights and recognises those companies participating in the 2013 drive for new apprenticeships across the UK security sector.

The 100 in 100 campaign is designed to realise 100 or more new apprenticeships in the UK security sector between IFSEC International (which ran at Birmingham’s NEC from 13-16 May) and the Security Excellence Awards Ceremony (which takes place at the celebrated Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London on the evening of Wednesday 23 October).

The 100 in 100 campaign logo for 2013

Supporting the 2013 campaign are CSL DualCom and Skills for Security in addition to the major inspectorates – the National Security Inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board.

Also backing this year’s apprenticeships drive are the British Security Industry Association and the Fire Industry Association. As always, IFSEC International/IFSECGlobal.com is the campaign’s official media partner.

Here’s the Roll of Honour detailing those companies who’ve signed up to take part in 2013…

100 in 100 2013 Roll of Honour

• Abattis Security Systems (Reading): 1 security systems apprentice
• BAC Fire and Security (Bristol): 2 security systems apprentices
• Banham Patent Locks (London): 5 security systems apprentices
• BeSecure Protection Systems Ltd (Hereford): 1 security systems apprentice
• Betaris Training (Gloucestershire): Training 12 security guarding apprentices for Permali Business Park, Gloucester, the JS Facilities Group, Cheltenham and Gloucester Quays, Gloucester
• Clear Sound Security (Coventry): 1 security systems apprentice
• Corps Security (London): 14 security guarding apprentices
• Covert Security Systems (Surrey): 1 security systems apprentice
• Day 2 Day (Essex): 1 security systems apprentice
• Diamond Fire & Security (UK) Ltd (Bedfordshire): 1 security systems apprentice
• EFT Systems Ltd (Southport): 1 security systems apprentice
• GC Fire and Protection Ltd (Halifax): 1 security systems apprentice
• G4S Technology (UK) Ltd (Tewkesbury): 2 security systems apprentices
• Heston Apex Europe Ltd (London): 2 security systems apprentices
• Kingfisher Fire & Security UK Ltd (Surrey): 1 security systems apprentice
• Lyrico Systems Ltd (Walsall): 3 security systems apprentices
• MITIE Total Security Management (London): 4 security guarding apprentices
• Morse Security Ltd (Chelmsford): 1 security systems apprentice
• MPS Security Systems Ltd (Hertfordshire): 1 security systems apprentice
• MQD Security & Electronics Ltd (Gosport): 2 security systems apprentices
• M25 Security Systems Ltd (Rickmansworth): 1 security systems apprentice
• National Integrated Solutions (Blackburn): 2 security systems apprentices
• Omiga Security Systems Ltd (Sittingbourne): 1 security systems apprentice
• Optyma (Kent): 2 security systems apprentices
• Oxford Doors and Security/Oxford Ironmongery (Oxford): 1 locksmith apprentice
• Red Property Services (Darlington): 1 locksmithing apprentice
• RDS Security Systems Ltd (Braintree): 1 security systems apprentice
• ROC Fire and Security Ltd (Oldham): 1 security systems apprentice
• SDS Security Limited (London): 1 security systems apprentice
• Securi-Guard (Plymouth): 2 security systems apprentices
• Sentinel Security Systems (Herefordshire): 1 security systems apprentice
• SJP Security (Coventry): 1 security systems apprentice
• Spectrum Fire UK Ltd (Wellingborough): 1 security systems apprentice
• Sure Alarm Systems Ltd (London): 1 security systems apprentice
• Swift Fire and Security Ltd (Manchester): 8 security systems apprentices
• TDSi (Dorset): 2 security systems apprentices
• The Formative Group (Wiltshire): 20 security guarding apprentices
• T I Security (Leeds): 1 security systems apprentice
• Titan Fire & Security (Uxbridge): 1 security systems apprentice
• Universal Locks Ltd (Slough): 1 locksmithing apprentice
• UNY Systems Ltd (Sturrington, Pulborough): 2 security systems apprentices
• Visual Electronic Services Ltd (Thame): 1 security systems apprentice