Tavcom Training raises £3,000 for Naomi House and Jacksplace

Tavcom Training, which is part of the Linx International Group of companies, has succeeded in raising £3,000 over the last 12 months for its nominated charities: Naomi House and Jacksplace. As part of the company’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, Tavcom Training pledged to make a financial donation for every training course booked between October 2020 and October this year in order to help make a difference to local families and children dealing with life-limiting illnesses.

Angus Darroch-Warren CSyP, managing director of the Linx International Group, said: “Tavcom Training and the Linx International Group are delighted to support the Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices and we look forward to developing the relationship over the coming years. These inspiring charities offer so much to local families who benefit greatly from the care given to family members faced with life-limiting and life-threatening circumstances. We’re all extremely proud of this achievement and hope that it will make a positive difference to many children and their families.”

Tavcom Training delivers accredited security systems training courses for installers, operators, managers and designers of video surveillance systems (ie CCTV), network IP solutions, intruder alarms, access control systems, fire alarms and all other types of electronic security systems.

The business offers a wide range of technical and non-technical courses within all security systems-related fields including security management, Control Room operations, system planning, project management, structured cabling, disaster recovery, counter eavesdropping, PAT testing and covert CCTV.

Expert hospice care

Naomi House and Jacksplace provide expert hospice care to more than 600 life-limited and life-threatened children, young adults and families from central southern England. Their nursing, care, play and family support teams are experts in delivering crucial emotional, spiritual and developmental as well as clinical and holistic care that children and young adults with some of the most complex medical needs require. They also offer vital respite support for families, giving them the chance to recharge their batteries and regroup in a calm and welcoming environment.

Connor Phillips, fundraising officer for Naomi House and Jacksplace, stated: “Everyone at the hospices has been completely blown away by Tavcom’s support. The company’s wonderful donation of £3,000 could fund many hours of a nurse’s vital care at Naomi House and Jacksplace. It’s only thanks to supporters like Tavcom that we’re able to be there for our families on the good days, difficult days and last days. Thank You so much to Tavcom Training.”

*For more information about Naomi House and Jacksplace, and the services they offer, visit https://www.naomihouse.org.uk/

**Further detail concerning Tavcom Training may be accessed online at www.tavcom.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

Johnson Controls adds “dynamic visual experience” to C•CURE 9000’s web-based client

Johnson Controls has introduced the “reimagined” web-based client for the Tyco Software House C•CURE 9000 security and event management system. With the addition of enhanced functionality for alarm monitoring to the already streamlined search and filtering capabilities, end users are now able to perform personnel administration and alarm monitoring for their C•CURE 9000 system from anywhere, using any PC with a web browser or tablet.

Featuring a modern web design with an adaptive interface, the new web client has redesigned how C•CURE 9000 users are able to view and process events to include a dynamic visual alarm monitoring experience. With the new Event Viewer, operators can easily prioritise the most urgent of alarms and recognise patterns and anomalies with analytical event bubble images that are reflected in importance by colour and size.

Further, manual actions and intrusion zones have been designed to handle core alarm management functions for critical infrastructure projects.

The new web client is also optimised for Control Room operations, where ‘dark mode’ is often preferred, with special consideration given to colour brightness in order to reduce light reflection for optimal viewing. Individual operators can now smoothly transition between light and dark modes with the click of a button to fit their individual preferences.

System administrators are able to customise the web-based interface to fit a variety of different users with Web Views, further streamlining productivity and balancing the end user’s responsibility and workload.

The screen appearance for each web view can be customised to show different tabs, columns and fields based on the individual end user’s role within the organisation. An operator preview mode allows admins to see defined roles and responsibilities as it appears to the user, without having to toggle back and forth between the admin and user logins.

*Additional information is available online at www.swhouse.com

Bidvest Noonan outlines bold plans for touchless and frictionless security

Bidvest Noonan has unveiled plans to introduce “disruptive new technologies” designed to bring about the company’s vision for “truly touchless and frictionless” security.

The business has just recruited industry heavy-hitter Stephen Webb (pictured below) as its director of technology solutions. Webb boasts over 20 years’ experience in leading the development of security technology businesses here in the UK and also in North America.

Bidvest Noonan has accelerated its innovation and technology programmes in response to the pandemic. The business saw working practices change and clients grappling with a host of new problems during what has been a challenging period. The company’s security solutions team sought technology-enhanced systems to help clients keep their people safe, ensure business continuity and find new ways of achieving their longer-term objectives.

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The company set its sights on leveraging Artificial Intelligence-enhanced, cloud-based and biometric-focused security systems with a view towards transforming and unifying areas such as access control, alarm monitoring, video surveillance and visitor management.

Stephen Webb’s appointment to what is a newly-created senior leadership role signals the business’ commitment to advancing its security technology plans.

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Commenting on this development, Eddie Ingram (managing director of Security Solutions at Bidvest Noonan) informed Security Matters: “I’m thrilled to welcome Stephen to our team. He has a proven track record for leveraging technology to deliver performance improvements and added value to clients. He will play an important role in the development of our ambitious security technology plans and I know he will be very successful at Bidvest Noonan.”

Comelit delivers Secur Hub wireless intruder alarm system

Comelit has extended its security offer for end users by delivering a wireless intruder alarm system. Designed to seamlessly operate with its inclusive app technology, Secur Hub allows businesses to not only control their door entry and CCTV, but also their intruder alarm regime.

The Italian security specialist, which is well known for its high specification solutions, has launched Secur Hub as an intruder alarm system natively connected to the Comelit Cloud, which itself encompasses both Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity.

Secur Hub operates a high-performance, two-way radio link between the control panel and the sensors. It allows up to 16 IP CCTV cameras with HD resolution to connect to the control panel for users to view in live stream mode via the Comelit app and facilitates the recording of four cameras on alarm events for visual verification.

Francesca Boeris, Comelit’s UK managing director, explained: “To maintain and grow our position as a premier security specialist, we’re constantly evolving our solutions to present future-proof technology that keeps people and their places of work protected, in turn using the Internet of Things to deliver the latest app-friendly solutions.”

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Boeris added: “We’re also conscious of the need for simplifying the installation process to enable more installers to be able to offer this smart technology. Secur Hub’s functional design extends to all devices that communicate with the control panel and allows the system to be installed quickly. The support of a built-in intuitive wizard offers instant peace of mind and security.”

Setting the system

Specifically designed for quick installation, Secur Hub doesn’t require ports to be opened on the router – even for the app – for both system management and for viewing any connected CCTV cameras.  

Via the app, end users can set or unset the alarm system, check the status of each sensor and organise notifications or view the control panel event log. 

Boeris concluded: “Secur Hub is an exciting and innovative launch that really uses the best of our technology to offer a smart solution with the kind of stylish design that installers have come to expect from us. When combined with the Comelit app, it presents the perfect solution for the end user.”

*For more details on Comelit’s Secur Hub visit: https://www.comelitgroup.com/en-gb/systems/anti-intrusion/secur-hub/

Tavcom Training introduces virtual classroom training courses

Tavcom Training is launching the first in a series of virtual classroom training courses to add to its existing classroom training portfolio. The programme kicks off with two fundamental courses: the BTEC Level 3 course focused on Intruder Alarm System Design and the BTEC Level 3 course concentrating on CCTV System Design and Planning.

Delivered via Zoom through online interactive lectures and workshops and guided by the same expert instructors as the physical classroom courses, learners will have the chance to gain an accredited certification in a live environment without having to travel.

Andrew Saywell, business development manager for Tavcom Training, informed Security Matters: “We understand that a lot of our learners come to us for the high standard of training we deliver here at Tavcom. We wanted to find a way in which to provide that high standard of classroom learning to the many individuals who cannot travel at present. Our new virtual classroom courses are a solution to this problem. Delivered by and in partnership with our lead tutors, they’re fully interactive and designed to provide practising professionals with the necessary skills required to carry out the key elements of their role.”

Saywell continued: “The launch of our accredited virtual training courses is just one element in a series of developments that we’re implementing in order to increase the accessibility of Tavcom Training courses to learners on a global footing. Now more than ever, it’s easier for security professionals to gain a worldwide recognised qualification.”

Not only will learners be able to interact with other members of their class and ask questions as they would in a normal classroom situation, but they can also expect to receive all of the typical benefits of traditional face-to-face training including full tutor support, training resources and protected soft copies of the learning material distributed prior to course commencement.

Essential course

The BTEC Level 3 in Intruder Alarm System Design is the first course in the portfolio to be delivered virtually. This is an essential course for technical specifiers, sales engineers and consultants who wish to work lawfully within the new legislative guidelines and determine the risk assessment of each installation on which they’re working.

Learners on the course will be taught the skills required to carry out risk assessments and surveys in accordance with current British Standards and their European equivalents in combination with design and planning exercises that will introduce all of the necessary new grading requirements.

The Intruder Alarm System Design course is scheduled to take place virtually on 15-17 February and will cover the following core topics: completing security risk assessments, an overview of detection devices, control and indicating equipment, signalling devices and considerations, the planning and design of systems, European Standards, insurance requirements, alarm verification techniques, equipment grading criteria, producing system proposals and information on how to conduct practical site surveys.

Learners can expect to undertake focused morning and afternoon sessions interspersed with project work requiring a level of independent research.

Designing CCTV

The CCTV System Design and Planning BTEC Level 3 course is designed for all those who have the task of designing and planning small or large CCTV systems while ensuring compliance with the latest international standards. This course will provide learners with the experience and knowledge necessary to offer solutions for a variety of clients’ CCTV requirements.

The course will be of particular interest to specifiers, consultants, sales personnel and CCTV system project managers.

It’s scheduled to take place virtually between 15-18 March. Throughout the course, learners can expect to cover the following core topics: an overview of CCTV technologies and products, developing an Operational Requirement, risk assessments and site surveys, CCTV system design and product selection, effective lighting for CCTV applications, legislation, industry standards and Codes of Practice, system planning (costing, installation, commissioning and maintenance), system documentation (specification, drawings, commissioning and handover), writing system proposals and, last but not least, the tender process (with a keen focus on pre/post tender meetings and presentations).

High standard of learning

Kevin Matthew, operations director for Tavcom Training, explained: “Delivery in a live virtual classroom has many of the benefits of face-to-face learning without the inconvenience of travel. This is a very important consideration for those whose need for accredited and quality training hasn’t changed, even if their ability to join a classroom course has due to COVID-19 restrictions.”

Matthew continued: “Learners will participate in the same way that they would in the classroom, interacting with each other and the qualified course tutor, as well as receiving the high standard of learning and support associated with Tavcom Training’s courses.”

In conclusion, Matthew observed: “This is just the start of a series of virtual classroom courses that we’re looking to develop in order to meet the ever-changing needs of security industry professionals.”

*Course prices start from £395 (excluding VAT). This includes a formal BTEC accreditation. Upon completion of the course, learners will also receive formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. **Further information is available online at https://www.tavcom.com/

Tavcom Training celebrates 25 years of professionalising global security industry

Tavcom Training, the Linx International Group company providing accredited security systems training courses, is celebrating its 25-year anniversary. Since 1995, the company has trained and certified upwards of 50,000 learners in over 100 countries by way of its extensive portfolio of more than 100 classroom and online courses.

With the mid-to-late 1990s growth in the number of manufacturers producing security technology including CCTV, access control, intruder alarms and IP networking, there was a burgeoning demand for expert vendor agnostic training regarding the design, installation, management and use of these increasingly complex safeguarding systems.

As a result, Tavcom Training was founded by Mike Tennent to meet this need. Tennent rapidly established the company’s international reputation as being the benchmark for training excellence. Today, the pace of technical innovation is faster than ever and Tennent’s commitment to delivering relevant and high-quality training continues to be a significant factor in Tavcom’s ongoing success some 25 years later.

Kevin Matthew, operations director at Tavcom Training, recalled: “In 1995 there were training courses accredited by a variety of industry bodies, but no standardised vocational qualifications universally recognised by employers in the UK and overseas.”

A key milestone came in 2001 when Tavcom’s BTEC courses were accredited by the Edexcel Foundation. Matthew added: “This proved to be a game-changer for the security industry, with quantifiable and accredited qualifications available for the first time.”

Forging strong ties

The commitment to professionalising the industry and improving standards through recognised and accredited training has continued for 25 years, with Tavcom Training forging strong ties with the British Security Industry Association, the Security System and Alarms Inspection Board, the CCTV User Group/NASCAM, the National Security Inspectorate, Skills for Security and the Career Transition Partnership, as well as other certification bodies including City & Guilds.

The company has also taken the lead in other industry-defining initiatives, notably so the Register of Certified Technical Security Professionals. Launched in 2017 and managed by Tavcom, this professional public register recognises the competency of individuals fulfilling technical roles in the electronic security and fire sectors.

Tavcom continues to make significant long-term investments in its training provision, seeking out world-renowned subject matter experts and trainers, developing new courses in response to the changing requirements of security professionals and also the rapidly evolving technology accessible to them.

The business has also made significant upgrades to its state-of-the-art and future-proofed Training Centre in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, as well as opening a new facility in Shipley, West Yorkshire and delivering courses at a purpose-built Training Centre in Singapore.

Matthew observed: “One of the biggest transformations in terms of how we deliver training has taken place in the past few years, with demand for online courses growing exponentially. Our portfolio of accredited online security training courses, bite-size training and interactive courses enables practising security professionals to access the training and qualifications they need from anywhere in the world.”

Online education programme

Tavcom’s established online training programme has proven invaluable for many security professionals this year given restrictions on travel and national lockdowns imposed as a result of COVID-19. This has allowed many industry professionals to improve upon their knowledge and skills. Matthew concluded: “We’re immensely proud of our rich 25-year heritage. As the security market and technology continues to evolve and grow, Tavcom is committed to being a trusted and respected training partner for learners at every stage of their career, whatever their training needs, circumstances and requirements may be at any given moment.” 

Security systems developer Vanderbilt joins Euralarm

The Board of Directors at Euralarm has welcomed Vanderbilt as the newest member of the long-standing and influential association of European security and fire safety solution manufacturers, installers and service providers, with the security systems developer joining the Security Section. The latter represents companies involved with CCTV, intruder alarms and access control and serves as a key stakeholder in organisations such as CertAlarm, CEN-CENELEC, IEC and, indeed, the European Commission.

The Security Section collaborates on a regular basis in a bid to find security solutions in what is now a digitised and somewhat challenging world. Section meetings feature recognised experts offering presentations on topics such as the standardisation landscape within the video surveillance market.

Importantly, the Security Section liaises with key standardisation groups in the security field and closely follows technological developments with a view towards guiding regulation and standardisation. In terms of standards, the Security Section informs member companies of changes and advocacy activities at both the national and European Union (EU) levels.

Being a member of Euralarm, Vanderbilt will enjoy access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors. Membership of Euralarm will realise opportunities for both parties as it also strengthens the association.

Vanderbilt is a global provider of high-performance security systems for access control and intrusion detection. The business is recognised for its future-proof, innovative and easy-to-use portfolio that contains access control systems including the ACT365 and ACT Enterprise and the popular SPC and SPC Connect intruder detection solutions.

A strong advocate of open platforms and system integration, Vanderbilt (itself an ACRE brand) understands the issues customers face and provides multiple solutions that are designed to meet these needs.

Expertise on markets and opportunities

Companies joining Euralarm benefit from a unique insight into what is happening in European markets and the opportunities they might offer. They can not only tap into the political expertise and understanding that underpins EU policy, but also make personal connections with technical and political experts as well as potential business partners.

Euralarm members have their voice heard in Brussels and can actively support and direct standardisation and legislative processes.

Founded back in 1970, Euralarm now represents over 5,000 companies within the fire safety and security industry valued at 67 billion Euros. The membership comprises national associations and individual companies from across the European region.

“87% of Britons feel unsafe at their place of worship” reveals Jacksons Fencing survey

Jacksons Fencing’s latest research has uncovered the experiences and concerns of the UK’s faith communities when it comes to criminality. Six-in-ten people of the 2,000 individuals surveyed believe their place of worship has been a target of crime, while it appears that almost half of all places of worship are targeted on a monthly basis and upwards of one-in-ten are targeted daily.

The company has released various insights into security at religious venues contained in its White Paper entitled ‘Places of Worship: Understanding Security Issues’. The findings highlight the most pressing safety concerns of the UK’s faith communities, centred on from physical and verbal harassment through to theft, burglary and vandalism.

More than half (54%, in fact) of those people surveyed agree that lots of physical security makes them feel nervous, while the majority (76%) feel safer with a certain amount of security measures in place.

Crime perpetrated at religious venues is far too frequent, with three-quarters (74%) of respondents saying their place of worship is a target of crime at least on a yearly basis. Compared to five years ago, the situation hasn’t improved. Most people (81%) report that the amount of crime on-site has either remained the same or increased.

Despite the frequency of incidences, places of worship play an increasingly vital role in society, with 44% of worshipers saying they are more a place of asylum and safety than they used to be.

Greatest concerns

Three-quarters of respondents remain concerned about security threats, the most worrying of these being vandalism (18%), burglary, theft and robbery (17%) and personal physical attacks (17%). Of those concerned about vandalism, these individuals are most worried about broken windows (52%), damage to the building’s exterior (46%) and graffiti (45%).

With only 13% of people saying they feel secure enough at their place of worship, there is clearly much work to be done. However, while three-quarters (76%) feel safer with security measures in place, there’s a fine line to be drawn. As stated, 54% say lots of physical security makes them feel nervous.

Popular security measures taken by religious bodies include more tightly controlled access (38%), moving donation boxes to more secure areas (37%), removing valuables from display (30%) and increasing physical security measures (25%).

Moving forward, people would feel safer with CCTV (42%), alarm systems (31%), gates (27%), better lighting (24%) and the installation of security fencing (23%).

Detect, defend, deter

Peter Jackson, managing director at Jacksons Fencing, commented: “Places of worship need to be both safe and welcoming. Security has to make worshipers feel safe, provide solace and not deter those requiring support. With so many religious buildings of all faiths being regularly targeted by criminals, the security measures implemented should not only detect and defend against attacks, but they should also deter potential criminals or intruders from making an attempt at crime in the first instance.”

Michael Brooke, head of operational services for Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, advised: “A sensible and practical level of security, which will not adversely affect the efficient running of the place of worship, is essential. The majority of burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves who choose premises that have no obvious signs of security and where they think they will not be seen.”

Brooke added: “Having someone in place who meets and greets visitors is a great preventative measure. In particular, having someone there who knows the congregation enables strangers to be identified such that they can be either welcomed or turned away. It’s also useful to remove and lock valuables away during times outside of services.”

Amthal fires up 20th Anniversary celebrations by launching specialist logo

Amthal Fire & Security is celebrating its 20^th Anniversary with the launch of a new logo, dedicated to showcasing the company’s fast-growing and evolutionary journey towards becoming a fire and security specialist.

Launched in 2000 by close friends John Allam and Paul Rosenthal, Amthal Fire & Security now has over 60 members in the team and operates on a nationwide basis providing design, installation, maintenance and monitoring services across the commercial, public and residential sectors.

Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security and safety by offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire and security solutions, including intruder, fire, access and CCTV systems.

In 2008, Jamie Allam joined the management team to become commercial director and created the structure to drive an ambitious growth plan, incorporating all aspects of the business from operations through to sales and on to commercial targets.

Since last year, a dedicated senior management team has been created to manage day-to-day operations, including team members from across the business, some of whom began their Amthal journey as apprentices.

Jamie Allam commented: “Since we opened our doors in 2000, the economy and the challenges our clients face have evolved dramatically and our business has always taken a proactive approach. We’ve continued on our dynamic journey, transforming the way in which we work to operate as a total solutions provider for clients in order to deliver full fire and security services.”

Allam continued: “We’re very excited to reach our 20^th Anniversary and wanted a special way to celebrate our year, which reflected our mission, vision and values, both to our incredible team and our customers. The logo was created by providing keywords we associate with Amthal, such as ‘Strength’, ‘Diversity’, ‘Understanding’ and ‘Trustworthy’ alongside recognising our commitment to smart solutions and the latest technology.”

The logo will now be appearing across all social media channels and marketing material, and marks the start of the celebrations through the year, culminating in a special event on Amthal’s actual birthday, which is 14 November 2020.

Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).