100 in 100 2014: creating new apprenticeships for UK security

The official launch of 100 in 100 2014 – the fourth annual drive to energise more brand new apprenticeships across the security world – took place at a special presentation held in the IFSECGlobal.com Centre Stage Theatre at IFSEC International 2014 on Wednesday 18 June.

100 in 100 aims to energise 100 or more new apprenticeships in the UK security sector within a 100-day timeline starting at IFSEC International 2014 (which ran from 17-19 June at ExCeL, London).

“Last year, the 100 in 100 campaign exceeded its target and even caught the eye of the Government with a personal letter of congratulations from Prime Minister David Cameron,” said Simon Banks, Group Managing Director at the CSL DualCom Group and the co-founder of 100 in 100.

“This publicity is crucial in order to keep employers’ minds focused on apprenticeships as a credible recruitment source. Employers must engage with apprenticeships and recognise how valuable an apprentice can be within their company in a relatively short time frame.”

Simon Banks: co-founder of 100 in 100

Banks also stated: “In just three years, the right candidate can become integral to the team and a great source of fresh ideas and skills. When you also factor in the potential skills gap predicted in the UK by 2020, it really is very important for employers to act now. Put simply, there has never been a better time to hire an apprentice.”

The political will is also there to make apprenticeships work. Matthew Hancock MP – the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning – is once again supporting the 100 in 100 campaign.

New apprenticeship opportunities in the UK security sector

Supporting the 2014 campaign are CSL DualCom and Skills for Security as well as the major inspectorates – the National Security Inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board.

Also backing the apprenticeships drive are the British Security Industry Association, the Fire Industry Association and the Fire Protection Association.

Matthew Hancock MP: supporting this year’s apprenticeships drive in the security sector

As always, UBM Live’s Security and Fire Portfolio (with http://www.IFSECGlobal.com at its heart) is the campaign’s official media partner.

100 in 100 focuses on all types of apprenticeship, among them installation engineers, manufacturing engineers, business administration, Human Resources, marketing and PR.

Apprentices usually take around 18 months to gain Level 2 qualifications, with a further 18 months required to take the apprentice to a Level 3.

Employers embracing the opportunities on offer will be responsible for paying employment costs of at least the minimum wage (for 16-18 year-olds and 19-year-olds in the first year of their apprenticeship). Employers will also be required to provide work-based training within their companies.

Skills for Security has again committed to look after paperwork for those organisations willing to employ new apprentices, right from initial sign-up through to appointing the college or training provider.

The training and skills body will also draw down Government funding on each participating company’s behalf.

Why should your company take on apprentices?

According to the National Apprenticeship Service research undertaken in 2010, 77% of employers canvassed believe apprenticeships make them more competitive. The research also showed that 80% of employers believe apprenticeships reduce their staff turnover, while over 80% of consumers favour using those companies that take on new apprentices.

That’s why your company should take on apprentices NOW!

Richard Jenkins – CEO at the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) – commented: “It’s vital to engage with young people and encourage them to view our industry as a credible and rewarding career choice. The NSI’s mission is to raise standards in the industry and, to help achieve this, young enthusiastic talent must be nurtured in order to carry the industry forward in a professional manner. The NSI wholeheartedly supports the 100 in 100 initiative and encourages employers to seriously consider the many benefits that apprenticeships can bring to their businesses.”

Richard Jenkins: CEO at the NSI

Geoff Tate – Chief Executive of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) – added: “We’ve supported the 100 in 100 initiative since its inception and we’re delighted that it has been so successful. To ensure that the industry continues to service the market well, we need to make certain that the skills base of those just starting to work in the security sector is as good as it possibly can be. The success of this project is testament to the enthusiasm of all those involved, and to the resilience of the sector overall.”

Geoff Tate: CEO at the SSAIB

What the employers have to say

Speaking from the perspective of an employer fully committed to taking on apprentices, Anthony King – Managing Director at Kings Security – explained: “Kings Security has always believed in apprentice investment and, over the last 30 years, we have increased our intake each year. At the moment we average 50 apprentices every 12 months, and we’re proud to host an onsite Learning Centre.”

King continued: “By training an apprentice you’ll nurture an employee with the exact skill-set required by your business so the initial time spent training them pays dividends in the future. Many former apprentices now head up our teams of engineers. Kings Security is committed to continue our apprentice investment for future years.”

Kings Security’s managing director Anthony King

Another keen supporter of 100 in 100 is Lucy Banham, Director at The Banham Group. “At the Banham Group, we use the apprenticeship scheme to bring into the business young individuals who are keen to learn. It’s important for any company to safeguard their future by nurturing a variety of experience and ages within their workforce.”

Importantly, Banham added: “The fact that a potential apprentice has sought out an apprenticeship with your business shows an immediate level of commitment. They are prepared to go through training and college work in order to prove to us as an employer that they really want a job at the end of the process. We also find that apprentices are good, mature candidates as they have made this important career decision so early on.”

Telephone Skills for Security’s Customer Relations Team on 01905 744000 TODAY and play your part in the UK security apprenticeships drive for 2014.

For further information visit: http://www.csldual.com/uk/news/get-apprentice-aware-in-2014.html or e-mail: TheApprentice@csldual.com

About IFSEC International 2014

IFSEC International 2014 showcased effective and efficient security solutions across a wide range of product areas, among them: Access Control, Integrated Security, Smart Buildings, Intruder Alarms, Perimeter Protection, Physical Security, Safe Cities and Video Surveillance.

IFSEC International is the largest security event to showcase a range of solutions for the entire security buying chain. Visitors are able to attend the IFSEC Academy and experience the wealth of education on offer from many industry leaders and experts in chosen disciplines.

IFSEC International 2014 is part of UBM’s Protection and Management 2014. Registration for IFSEC International is open and gives badge holders access to all the shows within Protection and Management 2014 including: FIREX International, The Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo, Energy & Environment Expo and Service Management Expo.

Philip Longley leaves Synectics for new role at MAD CCTV

MAD CCTV, the UK-based manufacturer of high-quality ancillary CCTV hardware, has announced the appointment of Philip Longley to the company.

Longley will be replacing Stuart Reynolds, who is retiring from the role of international sales director after 14 years with the company.

Renowned for its unrivalled quality and reliability, the MAD range includes Best in Class traditional pan and tilt heads and housings, integrated camera systems and a range of stainless steel units for hazardous and industrial CCTV applications.

Philip Longley: joining the team at MAD CCTV

Picking up the reigns from Reynolds, Longley plans to expand the MAD offering even further.

“Building on Stuart’s great work,” explained Longley, “I’ll be looking to expand the company’s reach with the development of a broader range of product solutions. I’ll also be adding to the established UK and worldwide customer base with the development and expansion of MAD into new markets.”

Longley joins MAD from Synectics where, as one of the original founding fathers of the company, he held the roles of md and, latterly, vice-president (Middle East).

Assa Abloy White Paper: ‘Meeting the Security Challenge for Serviced Office Providers’

Assa Abloy Access Control has launched a new downloadable White Paper in order to open a discussion on the security challenges faced by serviced office providers.

Entitled ‘Meeting the Security Challenge for Serviced Office Providers’, the White Paper is now available to download at http://www.assaabloy.co.uk/aperio and looks at the growing number of issues faced by serviced office operators and owners.

Taken into account in the White Paper are the latest predictions reported by the Business Centre Association (BCA) that the serviced office sector will double in the next five years.

The White Paper notes the need to ensure high security is a critical factor in the general upkeep of serviced office facilities, in turn citing evidence of the increase in internal criminal activity due to opportunist trends and desperation crime as a direct result of the present economic difficulties.

The front cover of Assa Abloy’s latest security White Paper

Impact on brand and reputation

Damian Marsh (md of Assa Abloy Access Control and author of the White Paper) commented: “The serviced office sector has undeniably evolved into one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global commercial property market, providing innovative flexible property solutions as an alternative to traditional long lease terms. While this is great news for the serviced office operator and/or owner, it does mean that the need to keep improving the quality and the competitive ability of their offering remains of paramount importance so as to maintain a positive welcoming feel for tenants and retain their business.”

Marsh continued: “Security and the associated legal and financial consequences of a breach can have a detrimental impact on future business for a serviced office location, notably with the inevitable vitriolic review that could make an instant impact on a brand’s reputation.”

Damian Marsh: md of Assa Abloy Access Control in the UK

Of the White Paper itself, Marsh explained: “We have carefully broken down the issues to open a discussion on how to meet these security challenges. We look forward to opinions, experience and comments on this very complex and challenging issue, and will take all responses on board with our supply channel partners to seek bespoke solutions for serviced officer providers.”

The White Paper is now available to download at: http://www.assaabloy.co.uk/aperio and encourages responses to a dedicated facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/ASSAABLOYUK

BSIA survey offers British perspective on Middle East security technology and business trends

The results of new research carried out on behalf of the British Security Industry Association’s Export Council have brought into sharp focus the key technologies (such as biometrics for access control and HD CCTV) that have been having a major impact in the Middle East security marketplace over the past year.

The survey also confirms that there remains strong demand across the region for the best of British security systems despite increased international competition, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE particularly prominent where order books are concerned.

Looking in more detail at the research results, the majority of the Export Council’s member companies (89%) who responded to the survey acknowledged that they’re active in this pivotal region (a figure which is up by 2% year-on-year).

Of those questioned, an impressive 50% reported that they’d witnessed a notable increase in revenues derived from the Middle East over the past 12 months, while a further 12.5% confirmed that business levels were unchanged.

Significantly, the outlook for the coming year is set to be even stronger with all members questioned saying they anticipate a rise in orders.

Greg Stuttle: chairman of the BSIA’s Export Council

Drilling down to the specific parts of the region that are generating the most sales for member companies, the two countries heading up the list from detailed analysis of the research are, respectively, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – both on 29%.

According to the member companies surveyed, other geographical areas making a strong impression over the past year were Turkey, Qatar and Kuwait.

Biggest impact in the Middle East

When asked to respond on the approach to security technology which they felt had made the largest impact in the Middle East over the past 12 months, ‘biometrics for access control’ came out well ahead of everything else. In fact, it was singled out by half of all of those surveyed.

Also featuring strongly in the research were, once again, HD and megapixel CCTV, Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) and switch mode power supplies, each one being selected by 17% of the respondents.

Looking more closely at the strong push to have biometrics integrated with access control solutions, this serves to underline the increasing recognition among BSIA members’ customers across the Middle East of the enhanced security – and day-to-day management of sites – that can be delivered by building in the ability to uniquely identify individuals from their physical characteristics.

Alongside this, the roll-out of HD and megapixel CCTV cameras is proving a popular choice thanks to the ability to provide additional detail in security critical applications (among them banks and hotel lobbies).

The rise of PSIM – which also stood out in last year’s survey – is in line with expectations given the surge of interest in bringing together and operating a wide range of security elements, most notably where larger projects are concerned.

When it comes to switch mode PSUs (Power Supply Units), the strong showing in the Export Council’s research can, in part, be attributed to the much greater efficiency levels that may be realised compared to traditional linear models, allowing them to run significantly cooler and to offer enhanced reliability.

Of course, as with any research there were a couple of surprises, specifically the fact that hybrid security solutions and VCA (Video Content Analytics) did not feature in the rankings this time around. Both have scored highly in previous years.

Influence on customers’ buying decisions

On the subject of what’s influencing customer buying decisions in the region, the research investigated the leading factors which Export Council members were finding on the ground.

Encouragingly, it was discovered that compliance with industry standards was ranked as the most important decision-making factor by a third of respondents (33.3%) when dealing with Middle East customers. It’s something that has always been a key consideration for BSIA membership.

Government requirements were also singled out by a similar proportion of respondents. This reinforces the importance for Export Council members of working with partners who have strong local knowledge of the region. Other subsidiary factors mentioned included ease of use/operation and technological innovation.

Beyond this, the survey sought to discover which vertical markets were leading the way in taking up solutions offered by BSIA’s Export Council member companies. Not surprisingly, it was reported that the top market sector was oil and gas on 50%, confirming the economically vital role the industry continues to play.

Following on from this, in second place (on 33.3%) was office developments/prestigious buildings. Other markets of note were Government and residential. BSIA members are also active in sectors such as transport, hotel/leisure, retail, banking and domestic.

Putting forward some thoughts on the survey, Greg Stuttle (chairman of the BSIA’s Export Council) explained: “The new Export Council research serves once again to underline the phenomenal demand out there in the Middle East for the best that British security solutions can offer and, in particular, those from BSIA member companies.”

Stuttle continued: “Moving ahead, it’s encouraging to reflect on the high degree of confidence expressed by Export Council members in their prospects for 2014. Significantly, these findings tie-in with the results of our annual ‘State of the Nation’ survey conducted late last year, which served to signal a major strategic shift. The Middle East is now the single most important target market worldwide for BSIA members over the next 12 months, whereas only a year ago it was Western Europe that was very much to the forefront.”

Industry standard to the fore

Turning back to the latest research, from a BSIA perspective Stuttle said the fact that members report industry standards ranking highly in the thinking of prospective customers is encouraging and makes a welcome change from the perennial focus on initial purchase price.

“On the technology front,” asserted Stuttle, “it certainly appears that biometrics for access control is coming to the fore, and this probably reflects the way in which this technology has matured over the past few years.”

In conclusion, Stuttle commented: “Although the survey shows that Saudi Arabia and the UAE head-up the table when it comes to BSIA members’ Middle East business activities, it’s important to stress that a great deal of attention is also being given to other, fast developing areas across the region with Turkey, for example, offering a wealth of opportunities for the future.”

To find out more about the work of the BSIA’s Export Council and the benefits of buying security solutions from member companies, visit http://www.bsia.co.uk/export-council

Sochi realises Safe City Solution through NICE Systems

As a modern city whose population is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, Sochi is looking towards more efficiently managing its day-to-day operations, optimising its law enforcement resources and enhancing public safety for citizens and visitors alike.

In addition, many visitors will soon be arriving to witness and participate in several highly prestigious events – among them the 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix and, of course, the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

On that basis, the city’s management recognises the need for meeting the increasing requirements and complexity involved in ensuring public safety and security.

With the city necessarily having to rapidly expand and enhance its security infrastructure, Sochi officials decided to deploy the complete NICE Safe City solution developed by NICE Systems to meet the challenge.

This included the NICE Situator Situation Management solution for integrated, centralised situation management, the NiceVision IP Video Surveillance solution (spanning over 1,400 channels), the NICE Inform Incident Debriefing and Investigation solution (to enable multimedia incident debriefing and simulation investigation), the NICE Video Analytics Suite (with intrusion detection capabilities) and also NICE’s Audio Recording solution.

Optimising law enforcement resources

Using NICE’s Safe City solutions, Sochi will be able to more efficiently manage city operations, optimise its law enforcement resources and enhance public safety for citizens and visitors.

Thanks to NICE Situator, the city’s security infrastructure and systems have been integrated to form a Command and Control Centre that includes 40 NICE Situator workstations. This allows law enforcement agencies to build a common operating picture for all stakeholders as well as to create an automated response plan with adaptive workflows.

Sochi is looking to be able to more efficiently manage its day-to-day city operations, optimise its law enforcement resources and enhance public safety for its citizens and visitors

With NiceVision and the 1,400 video channels deployed, the city of Sochi can monitor its urban operations and thereby address security, safety and operational risks. Specifically, Sochi law enforcement authorities will be able to automatically detect overcrowding, unattended baggage and perimeter intrusions through NICE Video Analytics.

NICE Inform has the ability to provide complete, synchronised multimedia incident reconstruction files for debriefing and investigation. Additionally, Inform-generated incident files may be used for insight to improve operations, training and the handling of events.

Sochi law enforcement authorities can provide advanced protection to critical infrastructure and public buildings, in addition to being able to automatically detect overcrowding, unattended baggage and perimeter intrusions.

They’ll also be able to monitor, detect and manage traffic congestion and illegal parking, in addition to preventing loitering and overcrowding situations in public buildings and commercial areas. All are key elements in providing a safe and secure environment for the scale of events they’ll be hosting.

Rapid population and economic growth

Sergey Cherepov, director of the Situation Monitoring Centre in Sochi, commented: “We’re extremely excited to be hosting these world famous sporting events in Sochi and are committed to ensuring that the city is safe and secure. The coming years will witness rapid population and economic growth in Sochi, broadening the safety and security challenges as well as increasing the requirements and complexity of everyday city operations. We’re confident that NICE, together with its partner Asteros, will provide the comprehensive solutions demanded to meet our extensive requirements and scaling needs.”

Andrey Cheremnykh, president of the project system integrator Asteros Group, explained: “Sochi’s Safe City project is a significant implementation of an emergency control centre and video surveillance platform. It will provide additional advantages to the police force, law enforcement authorities and emergency and city operation services to help them reduce the number of offences and ensure public safety.”

Incentive Lynx Security earns record score in security assessment

Incentive Lynx Security has secured its status on the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) register, recording its highest assessment score to date which places the company in the top one percent of security services providers within the UK.

Part of the Incentive FM Group, Incentive Lynx Security recorded a score of 140, achieving near flawless marks in such areas as strategy, processes, financial management and Corporate Social Responsibility.

This score realises an improvement of 14 points on last year’s total audit score of 126, with the SIA explaining that the company “strives to continually improve within the ACS”.

Recognised performance standard

The ACS is the recognised performance standard for the security sector. The standard applies to the processes that manage and control an organisation’s services and prescribes systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met.

It’s designed and intended to apply specifically to a wide range of services offered by companies in the private security sector, including security guarding, door supervision, CCTV operation, close protection, key holding, Cash and Valuables in Transit and vehicle immobilisation.

Acquired by the Incentive FM Group in February 2012, Incentive Lynx Security records annual sales of £12 million and employs 450 staff. In its latest ACS report, the SIA stated that the acquisition has allowed the security specialists to “take advantage of best practices from other divisions within the Group”.

The company prides itself in its strong relationships with customers including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IPC Media, Broadgate Estates, Land Securities, Knight Frank and James Andrew RSW.

Rajeev Pradhan, operations director at Incentive Lynx, said: “We’re very pleased with the results from the assessment and to be ranked so highly within our industry.”

Victim Support celebrates 40 years of helping the victims of crime

Victim Support began celebrating 40 years of helping the victims of crime on New Year’s Day.

The occasion was marked with a feature which ran across the BBC, including BBC Breakfast and the News Channel. More than half a million people also heard about the anniversary through social media channels.

From humble beginnings as a local community project, Victim Support has grown into the world’s biggest charity for victims and witnesses. It now contacts more than one million victims of crime every year and helps more than 200,000 people giving evidence in court.

New analysis of Victim Support’s records shows an estimated 55,000 people have volunteered for the charity over the years, which has helped or contacted at least 30 million victims of crime.

Tributes to the organisation

Leading figures from the criminal justice system have paid tribute to the immense contribution made by Victim Support’s staff and volunteers over the last four decades.

Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said: “We know that participation in the criminal justice system can be daunting for both victims and witnesses. Victim Support provides an essential service, not only by supporting victims of crime and helping witnesses give evidence in court through its volunteer-led Witness Service, but also in ensuring their voices are heard across the system.”

Alison Saunders: Director of Public Prosecutions

Saunders continued: “As DPP, I am committed to making victims’ experiences easier and better and the work of Victim Support is invaluable to the CPS’ efforts to achieve this. I am grateful to Victim Support for its role in representing the views of victims and witnesses, and we will continue to work closely with the organisation to ensure the CPS continues to improve the service we provide to those unfortunate enough to find themselves victims of crime.”

Sir Hugh Orde – President of the Association of Chief Police Officers – said: “Victim Support has made a vital and often unsung difference to the lives of so many victims and witnesses of crime over the past 40 years. The hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers, who give up their time for free, has helped thousands to negotiate what can be an extremely traumatic and confusing process.”

ACPO’s president Sir Hugh Orde

ACPO’s leader continued: “Third sector partners like Victim Support make an invaluable contribution in improving the experiences of victims and witnesses and driving up their confidence in the criminal justice system as a whole. The police service will continue to work closely with Victim Support to ensure that victims and witnesses of crime receive the best possible help and support.”

Lifeline for more than one million victims

Tony Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester and chairman of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “Victim Support provides a lifeline to more than a million victims each year. Without volunteers willing to give up their own time to offer help and support to people at what is a very distressing time, Victim Support wouldn’t be able to provide this invaluable service. The organisations makes a real difference.”

Lloyd went on to state: “Organisations like Victim Support give victims a voice in the criminal justice system and it’s vital that we work with them to improve the service we provide to victims and witnesses and make sure their needs are at the centre of everything we do.”

Anti-knife crime campaigner Brooke Kinsella MBE, who became Victim Support’s Ambassador last year, said: “Victim Support was there for me and my family when we needed them most. I can honestly say that we couldn’t have got through the experience without them. The volunteer who helped us made such a difference to our lives with his kindness, patience and strength. So much more than a shoulder to cry on, he was truly a lifeline for us in the darkest of times.”

Brooke Kinsella MBE

“I’m so proud to be an ambassador for Victim Support as the organisation celebrates its 40th Anniversary, and want to take this opportunity to thank all of their staff and volunteers, past and present – from the bottom of my heart – for the amazing job they have done and continue to do.”

Celebratory events in the pipeline

Victim Support will be acknowledging the vital contribution of volunteers and staff old and new by way of a series of celebratory events over the coming months.

The last 40 years has seen Victim Support make huge strides – developing from supporting victims of crimes such as theft, to very serious crimes, including homicide, rape and emerging crimes such as human trafficking.

It has also set up national services to support more than 200,000 victims and witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales each year, as well as a national service to help families bereaved by homicide.

Some of the vital specialist work Victim Support now carries out includes anti-social behaviour and domestic violence projects, restorative justice programmes and preventative work in schools warning about the dangers of getting involved in gangs.

Javed Khan: CEO at Victim Support

Victim Support’s CEO Javed Khan said: “We are told day in and day out that the work of our staff and volunteers makes a real difference to many, many people’s lives, and we are very proud of that. Much of our work wouldn’t be possible without our 5,600 dedicated volunteers, whose time alone is estimated to be worth £21 million. They are the backbone of Victim Support and I cannot thank them enough for their tireless efforts.”

Khan continued: “Over the last 40 years, more than 55,000 people have volunteered for the charity. It is one of the most rewarding contributions that anyone can make, and we are always welcoming new volunteers. If you want to help victims cope and recover then please get in touch with Victim Support.”

In conclusion, Khan stated: “There’s no better opportunity than this 40th Anniversary to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to those who have made us what we are today, and continue to provide a world class service to victims and witnesses of crime. We are always mindful that the work we do needs to keep evolving, and we look forward to continuing to do all that we can to ensure victims’ needs are placed at the forefront of the criminal justice process.”

Showsec launches new-look London operation

Showsec has begun 2014 with a new-look London operation after making significant changes in response to the company’s sustained growth.

The expansion of Showsec’s work in the capital city has played a major part in the record-breaking results achieved by the company in recent years. On that basis, the organisation has now divided that operation into three specific areas – namely East, West and Greater London – in order to enhance already high standards of service.

Paul Legge, who had operated as area manager for London over the past five years, will now take charge of the East section, while Dayo Adelugba (West) and Louise Stockden (Greater) have been promoted to managerial roles.

Showsec’s London Office Team

Managing customer expectations

“This is an exciting development which reflects the continued growth of the company and the important part which increased levels of activity in London in particular has played in that success,” commented regional manager Steve Reynolds.

“It’s crucial that we continue to deliver high standards of service and manage the expectations of our growing number of clients throughout the city,” added Reynolds, “so after a period of consultation we considered that this was the best way forwards from an operational viewpoint.”

Reynolds continued: “One of the most satisfying aspects of implementing these changes is that we have promoted two members of staff from within. As graduates of our Management Development Programme, Dayo and Louise are the latest to have progressed along this career path, thus further underlining the value of the company’s commitment to helping individuals fulfil their potential.”

Building on that them, Reynolds explained: “Paul Legge will continue the excellent work he has carried out over the past five years by focusing on one of these three areas, with the two new appointments taking the lead in those other areas which have been defined by the restructure.”

By operating such a fruitful Management Development Programme for many years now, Showsec has created a management structure that will also present further opportunities for operations executives within those changes in London.

Securi-Guard appoints new fire and security systems manager

Securi-Guard has strengthened its senior management team following the appointment of experienced security professional Robert Truesdale as its new fire and security systems manager.

Plymouth-born Truesdale – who has worked in the security business for the past 22 years – will oversee both the technical side, in terms of the installation and maintenance teams, as well as sales activities, in the fire and security division of the company.

He will also be responsible for client liaison, ensuring customer expectations are met at all times, as well as monitoring the latest technological developments in the security sector for the Plymouth-based company.

Success story in the security sector

“Coming from Plymouth I was already aware of Securi-Guard’s reputation, both on a regional and national basis, and I’m delighted to be part of a business which has been, and continues to be, a real success story in the industry,” said Truesdale.

Bob Truesdale: joining the team at Securi-Guard

“It’s an opportunity to use both my technical knowledge and management experience to help further develop the fire and security division and ensure we are delivering the best possible service with the most up-to-date technology. I’m looking forward to my new role immensely.”

Truesdale started out in the security sector as an alarm service engineer. Since then he has acquired extensive experience at senior levels having worked in both operational and sales management, as well as in customer support.

Truesdale also has a wide knowledge of electronic fire and security systems and considerable project management expertise.

Wealth of knowledge and experience

Scott Boyd, Securi-Guard’s managing firector for Fire and Security, explained that Truesdale will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, in addition to being well versed in the management of a large team.

“Bob will be a key asset in the future development of the division,” stated Boyd. “His considerable expertise will help us consolidate and build on our position as a leading supplier of fire and security services across the South West and beyond.”

Fake goods worth nearly USD $1 million seized in Interpol operation

Counterfeit goods worth nearly USD 1 million have been seized in a series of interventions across Eastern Europe as part of Interpol’s Operation White Mercury.

Involving seven countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia – the operation also resulted in the identification of a network spanning three countries involved in the production of fake everyday consumer goods.

An illegal production site manufacturing illicit household detergent was identified in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. In addition to the equipment, more than 10,000 litres of the fake liquid, 60,000 bottles and fake packaging material were seized with the follow-up investigation revealing connections to at least four other illicit manufacturers in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Greece.

Fake toys, shower gel, cigarettes, vehicle parts, electronics and home appliances were seized across all seven countries. In Albania, an entire counterfeit wine production line was identified and subsequently shut down.

Counterfeit vehicle parts seized in Serbia during Interpol’s Operation White Mercury

As a result of the 150 interventions and raids carried out by police and customs officials at border control points, airports, roadside checks, shopping centres and warehouses, some 330 people were investigated, arrested or reported to judicial authorities.

Tackling transnational organised crime networks

“Operation White Mercury has again shown that international police co-operation is essential to effectively tackle transnational organised crime networks involved in illicit trade,” said Iliya Pulov, director of the International Co-operation Operational Directorate of the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior.

“This operation and the work which continues are important in removing potentially dangerous and substandard goods from circulation, and so protecting the public from harm.”

Under the umbrella of Interpol’s Trafficking in Illicit Goods initiative, Operation White Mercury was conducted in two stages from 30 September to 6 October 2013 and from 28 October to 3 November 2013 for more effective intelligence-led interventions in the second part of the operational phase.

The programme assists police across the organisation’s 190 member countries to not only target the transnational crime groups but also identify the routes used in transporting fake goods, which are often also used for human trafficking and drug smuggling.