Evolution targets further growth in Netherlands and across Europe

Evolution, the integrated fire and security systems business, has appointed Richard de Graaf as its new country manager in the Netherlands to further service and grow increasing business opportunities in that nation and, indeed, across Europe.

In this newly created role, de Graaf will be responsible for leading Evolution’s sales and growth strategy in the region with a particular focus on the Data Centre sector, as well as building and developing relationships with local service providers and suppliers.

Richard de Graaf

Joining Evolution with a wealth of experience in business development and commercial management including almost 20 years in the security industry, de Graaf is keen to build on the company’s strong presence in the Netherlands and across Europe.

In conversation with Security Matters, de Graaf stated: “Evolution has earned its reputation as one of the leading integrators, and I’m very much looking forward to building on this success by continuing to service and support new and existing customers in the Netherlands and throughout Europe.”

Given the ongoing skills shortage within the security industry, one of de Graaf’s immediate priorities is to focus on attracting and developing new talent that will help to grow the team.

“As a business,” continued de Graaf, “Evolution places great emphasis on its people. We are, of course, looking to merge the group culture here in the Netherlands. We want to build our team by adding talented and ambitious individuals. With this in mind, we’re already planning to develop and deliver a highly focused and comprehensive training and development programme.”

Richard Lambert, managing director of Evolution, stated: “Richard has vast experience of working in the security industry, while his knowledge of the region will prove invaluable for us. I’m pleased to welcome Richard to the team and look forward to working closely with him to continue the success and growth of the business right across Europe.”

Evolution’s Netherlands office

De Graaf’s appointment follows on from Evolution’s purchase of a new office building in the Netherlands back in January. Situated around 15 miles from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, the location delivers a new account management, service and support base in the country and beyond for both new and existing customers.

Comelit-PAC appoints Peter Kernachan in technical trainer’s role

Comelit-PAC has appointed Peter Kernachan to champion training in its Manchester office, facilitating new opportunities for customers to build on their knowledge of Comelit-PAC products and services.

Kernachan is evolving his role in the team at what is an exciting time for Comelit-PAC, which now stands as an all-encompassing provider of door entry, IP access control, CCTV and compliant fire safety systems.

Importantly, Kernachan has built up a significant product knowledge since joining the PAC company in 2013 after having worked for 29 years in the electronics servicing industry. He can now apply his knowledge to Comelit-PAC and the development of new training opportunities.

Peter Kernachan

Investment in the future

Kernachan informed Security Matters: “Training is an investment in the future of not only our own business, but also those of our customers. As a company, Comelit-PAC is committed to establishing a way forward and forming partnerships, while also recognising the time pressures faced in today’s market.  It will be my duty to be involved in the opportunity to create a portfolio of courses designed to support growth.”

Further, Kernachan observed: “Each of our products and services offers unique features and possibilities for different market sectors. My role is designed to ensure courses can be developed and tailored to suit different requirements dependent on projects. It’s also about making sure that our sales and technical team members are ready to offer advice for every stage of a works schedule.”

Step forward

Steve Riley, division director at Comelit-PAC, noted: “I’m pleased to see Peter’s role evolve to support our training opportunities. The skills acquired from his previous position within the company will allow him to curate courses that are individually designed to support and meet the needs of our customers, both new and existing.”

Riley concluded: “This is yet another step forward in Comelit-PAC’s continuous development as a company. Our objective is to be ‘With you always’ for our customers. I’m sure Peter will make a significant contribution to our future business development.”

*For more information on Comelit-PAC and its product range visit: www.comelitgroup.com

Comelit-PAC’s total integrated solutions on show at The Security Event

From 5-7 April at the NEC in Birmingham, Comelit-PAC will be exhibiting at The Security Event. This will be the first trade show that Comelit has attended since the PAC-GDX acquisition and members of the team will be presenting presenting solutions delivered by an all-encompassing security provider of door entry, IP access control, CCTV and compliant fire safety systems.

On Stand B10 in Hall 3a, Comelit-PAC will demonstrate its total integrated solutions. Visitors will be able to view the latest combined solutions, including PAC’s 512DC intelligent two-door access controller and Access Central, which stands as a powerful software management platform.

Comelit-PAC’s team will also be giving live demonstrations of PAC’s EasiNet Residential software that provides access control management with enhanced security for homeowners, together with a range of I/O modules and readers.

Francesca Boeris, managing director of Comelit-PAC, explained: “This is going to be a really exciting show for Comelit-PAC. We are really looking forward to discussing projects across any sector with our installer and commercial partners and demonstrating how Comelit-PAC can help them.”

Boeris continued: “We not only have the complete product portfolio on show, but we also can offer support, with an expert technical and sales team available to create a powerful security and fire safety proposition for customers, all while considering increasing preferences for remote and mobile monitoring.”

Alarm management software

On show will be Comelit-PAC’s latest alarm management software. Designated Horus, this is an innovative platform that integrates intruder alarm, fire detection, video surveillance and door entry capabilities into a single software capable of targeting alarm management.

Comelit-PAC’s specialist fire team will be demonstrating its new LogiFire addressable panel, which has been designed as a simple-to-install fire safety solution that’s compliant with the latest standards. It’s complemented by a new range of detectors, offered with award-winning designs to ensure that installed systems blend with their surroundings.

Comelit-PAC’s renowned door entry systems will also be on display, including its newest modular panel, itself named Ultra, alongside a mini hands-free Wi-Fi monitor, Icona, Switch and 316 sense and touch entrance panels together with iconic interconnection systems VIP and Simplebus. All are available to operate with Comelit-PAC’s mobile app, facial recognition and Alexa integration.

Founding Partner

Boeris concluded: “As a Founding Partner of The Security Event, we believe that the show is an important date in the calendar for the entire industry. For Comelit-PAC, it’s our opportunity to present our ability to work with partner companies from initial design and specification right through to installation and using a complete smart product portfolio.”

*For more information on Comelit-PAC or its product portfolio visit Stand B10 in Hall 3a at The Security Event and access the website at www.comelitgroup.com

Steve Carroll appointed as export manager at Comelit-PAC

Comelit-PAC has appointed Steve Carroll in the new role of export manager to support growth and capture emerging global opportunities for the recently acquired PAC access control portfolio.

Carroll joins the team at an exciting time for Comelit-PAC, which now stands as an all-encompassing security provider of door entry, IP access control, CCTV and compliant fire safety systems.

He brings 30 years’ experience to the company having worked for SMEs as well as larger businesses and gained valuable insights across many sectors and regions. Carroll will now apply his knowledge to the Comelit-PAC business and concentrate on the development of new markets.

Steve Carroll

“I’m delighted to be joining Comelit-PAC,” enthused Carroll. “It’s a company known across the globe for its focus on style, smart technology and innovation in realms of electronic security and fire safety. The business is also keenly focused on its customers, with an impressive sales and technical team ready to help at every stage of a given works schedule.” 

Continuing that theme, Carroll noted: “When you combine all of that with the unrivalled reputation of the PAC access control range, there’s incredible potential for continued growth. In my new role, I’m ready to use my experience, strong network and understanding of the markets to introduce new and existing customers to our impressive product and service portfolio.”

Steve Riley, divisional director at Comelit-PAC, added: “I’m pleased to welcome Steve to the team. It’s a sign of our investment in growing international trade opportunities. The skills acquired from his previous work experience will allow Steve to positively contribute towards the expansion of Comelit-PAC’s presence in international markets and provide fast and effective response to our customers’ needs.”

Riley affirmed: “This is yet another step forward in Comelit-PAC’s continuous development as a company that harbours clear global objectives. I’m sure that Steve will make a significant contribution to our future business development.”

*Further information on Comelit-PAC and its product range is available online at www.comelitgroup.com

Rebrand for Euralarm signalled by new logo and revamped website

Euralarm, the European Trade Association representing the electronic security and fire sectors, has undergone a rebranding exercise which has seen the organisation update its website at the same time as introducing a new logo and descriptive strapline.

The new website is specifically designed to reflect Euralarm’s core values, while in tandem the refreshed logo signifies to its core sectors precisely what the organisation represents. In short, Euralarm is multi-faceted, diverse, challenging, connected, transparent and proactive.

The website is also designed to present Euralarm’s expertise and leadership skills for the industry, the market, policy-makers and standards bodies. It features a clean and responsive modern design and enhanced functionality along with easy access to expert comment and advice.

As a platform for the latest industry news, insights and policy on the electronic security industry and the fire safety sector, the asite affords all visitors essential information concerning the services offered by Euralarm.

Further, the enhanced design also creates a clear journey for companies and those associations interested in becoming a member. Euralarm members make society safer and more secure through the provision of systems and services for intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring and alarm transmission in addition to fire detection and extinguishing.

Founded in 1970, Euralarm now represents over 5,000 companies within the security industry and fire safety sector with a combined value of 67 billion Euros. Euralarm’s members are national associations as well as individual companies from right across Europe. 

*Further information is available online at www.euralarm.org

Comelit appoints Simon Green in role of UK sales director

As part of its ongoing growth strategy, Comelit UK has expanded its team with the appointment of a dedicated UK sales director, namely Simon Green.

In a career spanning more than 25 years in the security industry and with 15 years spent in senior leadership positions, Green has embraced roles with global companies, among them Prosegur, Bosch Security and Safety Systems and Genie CCTV Ltd.

Now responsible for the development of Comelit’s sales team on a day-to-day basis, Green will strategically co-ordinate plans to move forward and develop specific channels and relationships in line with an ever-growing smart service and product portfolio.

Commenting on his new role, Green told Security Matters: “I’m joining Comelit at a very exciting stage in its journey. As a company renowned for its customer-centric approach, it holds a respected reputation for manufacturing high-quality and stylish products that cover both smart security and fire safety. The company’s range of solutions and its service capability really appealed.”

Simon Green

Green added: “This position is a great opportunity for me to join an established, dedicated and highly motivated team. Comelit’s products are highly regarded within the industry and I relish the opportunity to help develop the team even further. I now very much look forward to the exciting challenges ahead and taking the company to the next level.”

Francesca Boeris, managing director at Comelit UK, res;ponded: “We are very excited to announce Simon’s appointment to co-ordinate and develop our well-established sales network. Simon brings a wealth of product, market and industry knowledge with him, which will undoubtedly be invaluable to our team members and customers alike.”

Boeris concluded: “Our decision to invest in additional resources and expertise to support our sales network provides a great opportunity for us all to work closer together and further strengthen our market position with each new smart product design both from a security and fire safety perspective, but also as a whole company proposition.”

*Additional information can be accessed online at www.comelitgroup.com

Amthal Fire & Security raises protection level for Debenhams Ottaway

Amthal Fire & Security has worked closely with innovative law firm Debenhams Ottaway to design and install fire and security solutions for its commercial offices and yield ultimate site protection for staff and visitors.

Debenhams Ottaway is a multi-service law firm known for delivering outstanding client service and award-winning legal advice. The business works with successful individuals, families and companies in Hertfordshire, London and across the UK, helping them to make the most of new possibilities or deal with unexpected challenges at home or in the business world.

Having required assistance to ensure compliant fire safety and security at its main commercial offices, Debenhams Ottaway’s facilities management team spoke with the local business community to source Amthal Fire & Security’s services and discuss design and specification requirements.

Harry Kinsley, Debenhams Ottaway’s head of facilities and property management, explained: “Our people and clients continue to be at the heart of our success. That’s a key part of our clear vision and ambitious growth plans. With this in mind, we have a Duty of Care to protect them and offer complete peace of mind when they visit from both a security and fire safety standpoint.”

Kinsley continued: “Amthal Fire & Security came highly recommended and made an instant impression. The team worked closely with us and offered professional advice throughout, from initial design through to the organisation of a smooth installation for the bespoke CCTV, door entry and barrier servicing. The business also now ensures that we achieve the necessary requirements for fire safety and also continues to maintain security on our behalf.”

Risk assessment

Amthal Fire & Security worked with Debenhams Ottaway to complete a full risk assessment of its commercial offices in St Albans, duly establishing product requirements, right from the necessary perimeter protection through to internal fire safety procedures.  

The St Albans-based outfit designed and installed a layered security system, integrating CCTV and door entry to maintain an active presence for the safety of all staff and visitors, alongside car park barrier services to control access on site. From a fire safety perspective, Amthal Fire & Security now actively services the fire doors on site, including all necessary inspections such that they remain compliant in relation to the latest standards.

Paul Rosenthal, sales director at Amthal Fire & Security, told Security Matters: “Every law office should have a comprehensive security system to monitor its physical premises and keep confidential client data secure. With Debenhams Ottaway, we worked in a true partnership style, right from being assigned to a dedicated risk assessment of the complete premises.”

Rosenthal added: “Our aim was to fully understand the requirements and install discreet security solutions to work with everyday activities and blend in with their surroundings. This included ensuring there’s sufficient capability to monitor the traffic across the site, at all times, and both during and after office hours. We continue to work closely with the facilities management team. Being so local, we can quickly respond to any issues and scale security arrangements as required for the benefit of staff and clients.”   

*For more information visit www.amthal.co.uk

Evolution launches new logo to mark company’s 25th Anniversary

Evolution, the integrated fire and security systems business, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with the launch of a new company logo. The logo realises a stylish and modern refresh to reflect the development of the business since its foundation in 1996 and is designed to symbolise the company’s ethos of always looking towards future success.  

Richard Lambert, managing director of Evolution, stated that this is an important milestone for the company.

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“Since our launch,” explained Lambert, “we’ve continued to grow and achieve, duly establishing the business as a leading fire and security systems integrator across the UK and Europe. We’re excited about the future of the business and the industry, and this modern refresh aligns with our goal of continuing to deliver excellence for our clients, providing them with the systems, services and support that meets their specific needs.”

Hanwha Techwin launches temperature detection thermal camera

The dual-purpose Wisenet TNM-3620TDY camera from Hanwha Techwin is equipped with QVGA thermal imaging and HD capabilities designed to help businesses operate safely during the COVID-19 era.

The TNM-3620TDY is a bi-spectrum, multi-channel device which incorporates a QVGA-class thermal imaging camera and a 2 MP video surveillance camera. As such, it can detect heat and measure temperature with a very high degree of accuracy, while providing visual verification of people within its field of view.

In body temperature mode, the QVGA-class thermal imaging camera is able to estimate a person’s temperature within a range of 30⁰-45°C, with +/-0.5⁰C accuracy. When supported by black body technology, the accuracy increases to +/-0.3⁰C, allowing the TNM-3620TDY to provide a strong indication that a person may have a fever.

Offering support for deep learning AI-based face detection functionality, the TNM-3620TDY can measure the temperatures of up to ten individuals in real-time at a distance of up to 3 metres, with operators able to choose to view either the captured thermal images or standard HD video images.

IEC 60601 certification

The TNM-3620TDY is compliant with a series of device technical standards for the safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

In addition, Hanwha Techwin has completed the FDA facility registration process and device registration for the TNM-3620TDY in respect of FDA 510(k) clearance which is in progress.

In normal radiometric mode and with a high degree of accuracy, the thermal imaging camera detects and measures changes in temperature within the -20⁰C to 130°C range. End users are able to set up detection zones to cover specific areas of interest within the camera’s field of view. This provides a powerful tool which generates alerts when there’s a threat of fire in recycling, waste management and landfill-type facilities where spontaneous combustion may occur. A detected change in temperature may also be a warning that machinery in factories, processing plants, cold stores or utilities is faulty.

In addition, a spot detection feature enables operators, via a web viewer, to click on any pixel within an image and obtain a measurement of the temperature of the area covered by that pixel.

WiseStream II technology

The TNM-3620TDY supports H.265, H.264 and MJPEG compression formats, as well as WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image.

Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 75% when compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream, which is unique to Wisenet cameras, is combined with H.265 compression.

The 2 MP video surveillance camera features a set of Intelligent Video Analytics which include directional detection, motion detection, enter/exit, virtual line, audio detection and camera tampering detection.

The TNM-3620TDY has a Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC slot which allows up to 256 GB of video or data to be stored at the edge should there be any disruption to the network. Video evidence, which potentially might have been lost, can therefore be retrieved when the network connection has been restored.

Capability to deliver

“Regretfully, some so-called ‘fever screening’ solutions devised by other manufacturers have attracted negative publicity,” said Uri Guterman, head of product and marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “In my view, this is because they’ve been oversold in terms of what they’re capable of delivering.”

He continued: “Although we’ve often been the first to market with new product developments and technologies, in this instance we’ve taken the time to develop the TNM-3620TDY and ensure that it’s fit for purpose. We highly value the trust our customers and business partners have in our ability to provide solutions which do not compromise on performance and quality. In this respect, they can be confident that this camera will meet, if not exceed, their expectations.”

In conclusion, Guterman stated: “The TNM-3620TDY is a great addition to our suite of COVID-related solutions, which includes face mask detection, occupancy monitoring and AI deep learning-based social distance measuring applications.”

Evolution continues growth with appointment of service operations manager

Evolution, the integrated fire and security systems business, has appointed Mark Emery as the company’s new service operations manager. Emery’s main task will be to manage service delivery in the UK, bringing Evolution’s various branches together through service and operations.

As well as overseeing the regulatory requirements of engineer training and familiarity with key legislation, Emery will work with Evolution’s Scottish and Irish teams to maintain “outstanding” levels of customer service.  

He joins the business with more than 30 years’ experience in the fire and security sector, previously working as business manager and national service manager at a leading UK technology security business. 

Mark Emery

In his new role, Emery will report to Neil Harris, Group operations director, who stated: “Mark’s knowledge of the security industry, and the experience he has gained in senior management roles, will be of significant benefit as we continue to grow the business both at home and on the international stage.”

Speaking about his appointment, Emery told Security Matters: “I’m very pleased and excited to join Evolution. It’s a company that continues to grow and expand. I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues to enhance the company’s service delivery and customer satisfaction levels still further.”