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

IFSEC International announces SSAIB as official Installer Partner for 2020 event

Professional security installers are the essential lifeblood of IFSEC International and FIREX International. Long-standing event partners the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has been named as the official Installer Partner for the 2020 shows, which take place at London’s ExCeL from May 19-21.

SSAIB is a certification body for security and fire alarm installation professionals, security guarding services and monitoring. SSAIB-approved companies are exclusively invited to IFSEC International and FIREX International 2020 in order to meet with trained SSAIB personnel and engage with over 500 leading manufacturers and suppliers of security and fire safety technologies and services.

IFSEC and FIREX are the perfect learning environments for SSAIB companies where they can spend three days totally immersed in state-of-the-art technologies, solutions and discussions all focused around the driving issues in security and fire. It’s where the entire security and fire communities always come together to collaborate, ask the big questions and find the practical answers to their current challenges.

The SSAIB will also use its time at IFSEC and FIREX to host its regional South East meeting, which makes it convenient for approved companies to make full use of their time at IFSEC, mixing SSAIB business with their own fact-finding and discovery missions.

The 2020 events also mark the return of the SSAIB to FIREX International, where representatives will be on hand to discuss various BAFE-approved certification opportunities in fire system design and installation, life safety risk assessment and the correct use and maintenance of portable extinguisher equipment. With the national agenda now firmly fixed on promoting certified life safety schemes and awareness, the SSAIB’s presence at FIREX International will rigorously contribute to the show’s stated aims of promoting expertise and guidance in life safety.

In line with the new decade, the SSAIB will once again host the official Installer Bar in IFSEC that will have a dedicated ‘Roaring 20s’ theme to herald 2020.

SSAIB CEO Alex Carmichael commented: “We’re delighted to be named as the official Installer Partner for IFSEC and FIREX International 2020. They are the premier events for both the fire and security industries and we would very much encourage our registered firms to visit us at ExCeL next May.”

Carmichael added: “We’ve also incorporated our South East regional meeting into IFSEC 2020 because it gives the many firms that attend our events the opportunity to immerse themselves in all the latest developments and technologies on show at IFSEC and FIREX. Not only can they do this and hear all the latest updates we’ll be sharing, but they’ll also be invited to join us at our Installer Bar for an informal catch-up.”

In addition, Carmichael observed: “The SSAIB has enjoyed a lot of success by lending its name to an IFSEC bar over the last two years, so we’ve decided to try and build on that further by making a welcome return to FIREX as well.”

Latest Nittan modules further expand capabilities of popular Evolution range

Nittan Europe, the specialist manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, has announced a series of new interface modules to allow for improved connection of its Evolution range with even more third party equipment than ever before.

The six new interface modules cover a variety of interface applications, including those for door release, sounder control, communication with industrial plant and equipment and non-addressable detectors. There’s also a mini interface module for mounting within other equipment such as fire beam or aspirating detectors.

The main interface modules feature the same uniform design for aesthetic appeal, are all EEPROM-addressed (Programmer) and come complete with short circuit isolators. Many also have mains-rated relay.

The new interface modules were officially launched last month at FIREX International. They were on display at London’s ExCeL along with key Evolution products such as analogue addressable detectors (including the company’s patented, award-winning dual optical technology), audio visual devices, bases, Manual Call Points, isolators and existing modules, plus BS EN 54 Parts 2 and 4-compliant evo+ fire alarm control panels.

A tried-and-tested solution, the Evolution range combines “truly exceptional and reliable” fire detection with a “very high degree of protection” against unwanted false alarms. Its “highly flexible protocol” is resistant to interference and allows for substantial amounts of information to be transmitted at high speed.

C-TEC highlights CAST-protocol XFP 1-2 loop addressable fire system at Security Essen 2018

C-TEC will once again be exhibiting at Security Essen in Germany. Located in Hall 6, the action-packed area dedicated to fire detection and live demonstrations, C-TEC’s Stand will feature the company’s “revolutionary” new CAST-protocol XFP 1-2 loop addressable fire system, its range of VdS-certified EN54-4 power supplies and the powerful range of 1-8 loop ZFP touchscreen-controlled addressable fire panels.

Also on display will be C-TEC’s EN54-13 conventional fire alarm system and the company’s award-winning Hush Button fire alarm solution for tower blocks, flats, apartments and other HMOs.

Charlotte Manley, C-TEC’s sales director, informed Risk Xtra: “Security Essen is always very exciting for C-TEC as the show presents us with an opportunity to focus on our third party-certified systems for international buyers. We’re looking forward to meeting long-standing customers and potential new partners as well.”

*Security Essen 2018 runs from Tuesday 25 September to Friday 28 September. To register visit https://www.security-essen.de

Success at FIREX International 2018

C-TEC is still celebrating after yet another highly successful appearance for the company at the UBM-organised FIREX International.

The business not only exhibited at the show, but also sponsored the 5th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference, the must-attend event for anyone involved in designing, managing fire risk or firefighting in tall buildings.

Andy Green, C-TEC’s marketing manager, commented: “As a leading manufacturer of world-class life safety systems, we were well qualified to sponsor the Tall Building Fire Safety Conference. Delegates were also invited to a networking lunch on our stand to see live demonstrations of Hush2.”

IFSEC organiser UBM previews ‘The Future of Security’ Seminar Theatre powered by Tavcom Training

In partnership with Tavcom Training, the provider of accredited security systems training courses, IFSEC International organiser UBM has unveiled some of the detail behind ‘The Future of Security’ Seminar Theatre. Sponsored by Panasonic UK, this will deliver a range of essential CPD-accredited presentations on the very latest in security technology design and integration when IFSEC 2018 runs at London’s ExCeL from 19-21 June.

Physical security systems are now heavily dependent on IT-based platforms. This intersection of technologies has opened up significant potential for security installers and engineers to offer even better solutions for their end customers. To reflect this demand, ‘The Future of Security’ Theatre will focus on these opportunities in offering a full set of free seminars. The sessions will expertly target key areas addressing cyber security, IT Best Practice, practical IP networking, integration and system design plus a wide range of additional core areas. All sessions will be delivered by specialist Tavcom trainers.

Delivering insight into the major security challenges, the cyber security sections will look into how robust approaches can strengthen an existing physical security system, providing the end user with even greater resilience to cyber threats.

From an IT security aspect, the sessions will include sessions on understanding firewalls and identifying vulnerabilities which can be inherent in the installation process. In addition, there will be exclusive sessions on the use of drones in security and how this technology is both a benefit and a hazard.

‘The Future of Security’ Theatre will be a major element in the new ‘Show Me How’ project at IFSEC International 2018, which will identify education opportunities and exhibiting companies as key destinations where visitors can go to learn about Best Practice and capabilities. Exhibitors will host technical experts on their stands to ensure visitors gain a direct understanding of the products and solutions and making sure they leave fully equipped with the right knowledge.

At the event, all ‘Show Me How’ areas and exhibitors will be clearly signposted to help visitors make the best possible use of their time at IFSEC 2018.

With cyber crime being an ever-present threat exploiting business weaknesses around storing data in multiple locations, Panasonic UK is proactively taking action to thwart such threats by expanding its cyber offerings. In particular at IFSEC International 2018, the business will focus on how integrators and installers can bring additional value to end users by providing ‘cyber safe’ environments.

Paul Tennent, sales director at Tavcom Training, stated: “As a leading training provider for the security and fire installer sectors, Tavcom is excited to be part of the new position IFSEC is taking as a major education provider. Its been interesting to see the insights and research IFSEC has gained over the past year, particularly so in regard to the expectations and direct needs of the installer community. It’s also acutely apparent that growth areas and technologies in and around cyber security are becoming critical, so we’re happy to lend our expertise to the wider IFSEC audience.”

Gerry Dunphy, brand director for IFSEC International, responded: “We’ve been through an extensive research programme over the past 12 months which has provided IFSEC with a clear set of directions, matching the direct needs of our customers. They’ve told us they have a need to understand the future. They need guidance on areas such as how cyber security impacts on physical systems and they need to hear from specialists they can trust. Working with Tavcom Training on ‘The Future of Security’ Theatre is the perfect solution given Tavcom’s history and expertise in these core areas. Our customers have told us what’s keeping them awake at night and it’s IFSEC’s duty to help them rest more comfortably.”

*IFSEC International 2018 is co-located with FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo and The Facilities Show, offering a strategic blend of related business to business events focusing squarely on the protection and management of people, property and assets

Hochiki Europe offers industry and tech insight at FIREX International 2017

Hochiki Europe – the manufacturer of life safety solutions –  will be on Stand D100 at this year’s FIREX International (which runs from 20-22 June at London’s ExCeL), offering expert insight on key industry issues and showcasing an extensive range of its systems.

The company will be giving visitors live product demonstrations and guidance on how to select the right life safety system for specific environments. Visitors will also be introduced to Hochiki Europe’s new water detection system, LEAKalarm, as well as its analogue addressable life safety platform designated L@titude.

L@titude helps customers quickly locate and examine incidents occurring across premises in real time and from any location. The platform enables customers to create a fully customisable life safety system thanks to addressable loop detection circuits, conventional detection circuits, relay cards and additional sounder outputs.

Alongside a new conventional detector and an EN54-23 approved base sounder beacon, the next generation of ESP intelligent sensors will also be on display. These new sensors feature an integral short-circuit isolator (SCI) in the sensor itself, negating the need for SCI mounting bases.

Hochiki Europe’s extensive FIREscape family of emergency lighting solutions will also be showcased with working demonstrations at the event, including the new FIREscape lite stand-alone kits and the combined fire detection and emergency lighting system FIREscape+.

Stand D100 will feature a selection of specialist application equipment including intrinsically safe and SIL2-approved flame detectors, beam detectors and aspirating systems, as well as linear heat detection.

In addition to product displays, Hochiki Europe’s stand will offer a presentation area where educational seminars will take place throughout the show. Topics for discussion will include the recent revisions to emergency lighting legislation, as well as overviews of the latest life safety technologies available and how they can be applied in different environments.

The Hochiki Europe team will be on hand throughout the show to offer guidance on the best use of each technology. Visitors are encouraged to speak with Hochiki Europe’s experts for application advice.

Paul Adams, marketing manager at Hochiki Europe, commented: “FIREX International is an ideal opportunity to meet with industry stakeholders and discuss new ways in which to address key issues occurring in our sector. If you’re looking to hear from life safety experts on the latest trends and technologies, you should certainly visit our stand.”

“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/

Engineers of Tomorrow 2016: Call for Entries

The prestigious Engineers of Tomorrow annual competition is now open for the fire and security industry’s brightest young engineers to register their interest. Successful entrants will then be invited to pit their skills against each other in a live installation challenge at Europe’s largest security exhibition, IFSEC International, which takes place in June.

Each year, more than 50 apprentice engineers participate in pairs to complete a 90-minute live challenge on the busy exhibition floor at IFSEC International, where they are then assessed by a leading panel of judges from the security industry’s inspectorates, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and points allocated based on performance in the various disciplines.

Heat winners and their employers will be invited to the prestigious Security and Fire Excellence Awards where the winner will be announced and awarded a £1000 cash prize.

Simon Banks, group managing director at CSL DualCom Group, commented: “The purpose of the Engineers of Tomorrow competition is to showcase the very best talent the security industry has to offer. It recognises the value of skills in our sector. For any security installer businesses who’ve invested in an apprentice, the competition is a great opportunity to promote their competency on a world stage.”

Apprenticeships for Fire and Security

Engineers of Tomorrow is part of Apprenticeships for Fire and Security, an initiative that places apprentices into careers in the security industry and supports their development.

Sponsored by IFSEC International, CSL DualCom, the NSI, the SSAIB and Skills for Security, the scheme has already helped launch 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.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three pairs of engineers, with a first prize of £1000 provided by CSL DualCom, the second prize (a £500 Red Letter Day) donated by the NSI  and, finally, a third prize of £300 supported by the SSAIB.

This year, IFSEC International will run from 21-23 June in 2016 at London’s ExCeL and will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection and Management Series, the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information. In addition to IFSEC International, the series incorporates FIREX International, The Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and Service Management Expo.

To nominate yourself or a colleague and to gain more information about the Engineers of Tomorrow competition visit: www.ifsec.co.uk/EOT

Free Download: FIREX Regulatory Reform Webinar

Last week, the Fire Protection Association (FPA) hosted the first FIREX webinar for 2016 focusing on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and what this means for individual businesses.

The top-rated webinar hosted by the FPA’s training business and operations manager John Briggs explored what would be expected from a responsible person in regards to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

During the webinar, Briggs highlighted two strong Case Studies demonstrating why someone may be the responsible person by default and how to avoid imprisonment and heavy fines.

Gerry Dunphy, event director for IFSEC and FIREX International, explained: “We were delighted to host our first webinar of 2016 in partnership with the FPA. Having spoken to the industry, we know that keeping on top of legislation is often difficult. It’s vital that sector professionals have access to resources that can assist with this process. It was great to work with John and the FPA to bring this informative and vital webinar covering critical topics to our audience of fire safety professionals.”

For those that missed out on listening to the live webinar, a recorded version is now available to download for free on the FIREX International event website.

*To download and listen to the webinar click here: www.firex.co.uk/FPA_Webinar_RRO

**For more information on FIREX International 2016 visit: www.firex.co.uk

Finalists for 2015 Security and Fire Excellence Awards revealed by organiser UBM

UBM – organiser of the Security and Fire Excellence Awards which is supported by leading industry events IFSEC and FIREX International – has announced the finalists for its 23 award categories covering the full spectrum of security and fire. 

The winners will be announced at a prestigious gala ceremony on Wednesday 25 November 2015 at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane. The event will be hosted by Jimmy Carr. One of the UK’s biggest names in comedy and host of 8 out of 10 Cats, Carr will take to the stage to present the awards and also offer some light entertainment.

Now in its 17^th year, the Security and Fire Excellence Awards recognise the skill and often bravery of professionals who play a crucial role that can be life-saving and yet unsung. The event serves as the ‘Oscars’ of the security and fire business sectors as well as being a great opportunity for networking.

Gerry Dunphy, event director for IFSEC and FIREX International, said: “This year has once again seen some really fantastic entrants from across such a wide range of companies working within security and fire. We’re very much looking forward to hosting the industry in November and recognising the hard work and dedication of those working within these business sectors while also celebrating the new innovations that are shaking up the market.”

A large number of entries were submitted and have been assessed by an expert Judging Panel. Last year, that Judging Panel included some of the industry’s leading professionals, among them Dr Alison Wakefield FSyl, senior lecturer in Security Risk Management at the University of Portsmouth, Alan Hildage FSyl FCMI MBCI RISC (chairman of the Association of Security Consultants) and Don Randall MBE, then CISO at the Bank of England.

Many of the finalists exhibited at IFSEC and FIREX International 2015, including MorphoWave by Morpho (which made the cut in the Access Control Product of the Year category), Cirrus Hybrid by Protec Fire Detection (shortlisted for the Active Fire Innovation of the Year category), Sony’s 4K camera, the SNC-VM772R (a finalist for the CCTV Camera Equipment of the Year award), SleepSafe (Combined Security & Fire Solution) and Kings Security (Large Security Installer of the Year).

Xtralis – the specialist in early and reliable detection and remote visual verification of fire, gas and security threats – is the headline sponsor for the 2015 Security and Fire Excellence Awards. Other sponsors include Magenta Security Services, Bouygues Energies & Services, Fire & Security Jobs, Servest and the Security Industry Authority.

This year’s charity partners are the Ghana Education Trust and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. In the past, this event has raised funds for – among others – the Children’s Burns Trust, ActionAid and Victim Support.

*Click here to read the full shortlist of finalists