CDVI joins Zitko Talent Alliance as founding training partner

Security solutions manufacturer the CDVI Group has joined forces with Zitko Talent as one of the Zitko Talent Alliance programme’s founding training partners. The Zitko Talent Alliance is a partnership of employers, educators and manufacturers devoted to attracting and developing a fresh generation of fire and security engineers.

CDVI is a global manufacturer of front line security solutions, offering an extensive range of innovative products from online and standalone access control systems through to locking, door automation and the next generation of biometric entry solutions.

Now, CDVI will be running courses covering practical sessions on the basics of standalone access control, door automation and biometric systems. Talent trainees will learn all about how about how keypads, locking mechanisms, ancillaries and other elements connect and work in combination in order to keep premises secure.

The news follows hot-on-the-heels of the announcement that Reliance High-Tech, one of the industry’s leading integrators, has recently joined the Zitko Talent programme as a founding employer.

Paul Ramsay, general manager at CDVI UK, explained: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Zitko on its talent programme. We believe strongly in long-term investment when it comes to training and developing new generations of skilled professionals for the benefit of our industry and our customers. We know this is the best way to combat the skills shortage in the security industry and we’re thrilled to be working with Zitko to make a difference.”

Hands-on experience

Aaron Sadler, training manager at CDVI UK, added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Zitko candidates to our training programmes. We know that high-quality training is the key to boosting the security industry both now and in the future. Our courses are designed to give learners maximum hands-on experience with real-world products. We cannot wait to start.”

Zitko Talent consultant Priya Vencatasawmy concluded: “I’m over the moon to welcome CDVI to Zitko Talent. The business has an amazing facility in High Wycombe and the ability to provide a wide range of quality practical and theoretical training. Paul and his team have great in-depth knowledge of the industry and are well placed to help us achieve our goal of training and employing 1,000 candidates every year. We couldn’t be happier about the fact that CDVI has partnered with us on the Zitko Talent programme.”

*For full details of the programme access https://www.zitko.co.uk/divisions/talent

Brivo partners with Reliance High-Tech to accelerate growth of cloud-based access control for UK and European enterprises

Brivo has announced a new partnership with Reliance High-Tech, the independent security systems integrator serving the UK and Europe. As cloud-based access control adoption continues to grow across Europe, Reliance High-Tech will add Brivo to its service offer, thereby delivering on its commitment to bring key technology innovation and excellence in customer support to the market.

Both companies share a passion for innovation and forward-thinking technology and boast a record of high standards in customer service and support.

With 20 years of experience gained from delivering cloud-based security, Brivo replaces on-premises solutions for single-site, multi-site and enterprise businesses across multiple industries.

There are three key benefits of upgrading to a cloud-based system including the ability to access sites at all times from anywhere, save on security professionals’ time and money by giving them more efficient tools and using data to make better informed decisions about security requirements.

Elevation in demand

“The global pandemic has elevated the demand for cloud-based security that’s accessible from anywhere, is mobile-enabled, increases efficiency and is affordable,” explained Steve Van Till, CEO at Brivo. “Partners like Reliance High-Tech are helping to drive the adoption of cloud solutions to provide all commercial properties with better solutions to protect people and property.”

Tom Clarke, sales and marketing director for Reliance High-Tech, responded: “We’re really excited to partner with Brivo. Across our various markets, we’ve seen an opportunity to deliver more agile and robust security solutions while also noting that cloud-based access control demand has been accelerated by the pandemic. Adding Brivo to our portfolio allows us to bring Best-in-Class cloud-based access control options to our customers.”

Jon Polon, senior director of business development for Brivo, concluded: “Reliance High-Tech is an important partner for us. As the market for cloud-based access control continues to grow internationally, partners like Reliance High-Tech can engage with enterprise businesses to help them realise the many benefits of cloud computing.”

Reliance High-Tech names Blue Lamp Foundation as chosen charity for 2020-2021

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator and provider of lone worker protection services, has announced that its chosen charity for 2020-2021 is the Blue Lamp Foundation. 

The Blue Lamp Foundation was founded in 2010 by PC David Rathband after he suffered life-changing injuries having been shot at close range by Raoul Moat. The charity helps those from the Emergency Services who’ve been injured, physically or emotionally, in the line of duty by providing funding and support towards treatment, rehabilitation and out-of-pocket expenses.

Throughout the year, Reliance High-Tech’s employees will engage in a range of activities to generate funds and put them towards the vital work that this charity transacts. Last year, those activities raised a magnificent £2,090 for SSAFA, the dedicated Armed Forces charity.

David Walton, finance director at Reliance High-Tech, told Security Matters: “SSAFA was our first ever charity of the year and I’m really proud of how the Reliance High-Tech team undertook a variety of fundraising activities, from the ‘Big Brew’ through to climbing the equivalent of Everest at our head office in Bracknell. This year, we invited nominations from the team as to which charity we should support and the Blue Lamp Foundation was chosen. Given Reliance High-Tech’s close working relationships with a number of police forces and, indeed, the NHS, this is a perfect fit for us to give something back to such a worthwhile cause and ably assist the brave men and women of the Emergency Services who sacrifice so much for us.”

Peter Sweeney, chairman of the Blue Lamp Foundation, responded: “We would like to thank everyone at Reliance High-Tech for choosing to support the Foundation over the next year. In the current climate, we know that Emergency Services personnel, along with many more key workers, are really stepping up to the plate to meet new levels of demand. At some point, their coping mechanisms will slow down and, on top of the physical assaults many are experiencing, they will reach a point whereby they can no longer effectively function with front line duties and will need support. Sponsorship from Reliance High-Tech will help us deliver that support.”

Reliance High-Tech names SSAFA as chosen charity in support of Armed Forces community

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator and provider of lone worker protection services, has named SSAFA (the Armed Forces charity) as its 2019-2020 corporate charity. Throughout the year, Reliance High-Tech’s employees will engage in a range of activities to raise funds and help with the vital work that SSAFA carries out for serving personnel, veterans and military families across the UK and worldwide.

SSAFA has been providing lifelong support to the Armed Forces and their families since 1885. Last year, its teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 82,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans through to young men and women who’ve served in more recent conflicts.

“We take the selection of our corporate charity very seriously and were unanimous in the view that the incredible work that SSAFA does to support those who’ve served their nation, and been prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, was a perfect fit with our own Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives,” explained David Walton, director of finance at Reliance High-Tech. “Furthermore, many of our current employees are ex-Armed Forces personnel and we believe that supporting SSAFA on a national level enhances our levels of employee engagement.”

Kelvin King, regional service manager at Reliance High-Tech, stated: “This is brilliant, I’m happy to try and collect funding as much as I can”.  This sentiment was echoed by project manager Lee Jones, who commented: “Being ex-Welsh Guards myself, I would be more than happy to be involved with anything in my regional area.”

Amendment of CSR policy

Although raising funds is vitally important for SSAFA, so too is providing the time, energy and resources needed to help it carry out its fundraising activities. As such, Reliance High-Tech has amended its CSR policy to give each member of staff one day of paid leave to actively volunteer their time to help with SSAFA’s charitable projects.

The company has also appointed eight regional co-ordinators who’ll ensure that help is available where and when it’s needed. The business has committed to match any money raised from employee activities.

Reliance High-Tech will  play an active role in Armed Forces Week, which runs from 24-30 June, helping out with Big Brew-Ups around the country. Big Brew-Ups are a perfect way to convene with friends and family, colleagues or neighbours, have a chat over tea and cake and donate to SSAFA.

Jonny King, corporate fundraising officer at SSAFA, enthused: “I’m delighted that Reliance High-Tech has selected us as its chosen charity for 2019-2020. The business will help us raise funds to support Armed Forces personnel and their families in their times of need. From speaking to David, it’s clear that there’s a genuine synergy between our organisations. I’m very much looking forward to working with him and the rest of the Reliance High-Tech team in the months ahead.”

Reliance High-Tech announces record-breaking annual financials as revenues rise by 24%

Reliance High-Tech has delivered record annual results thanks to the company’s continued focus on operational excellence and IP technology designed to provide a new breed of solutions for its corporate and public sector end user customers.

A continued orientation towards high security customers across the police service, the utilities, the lone worker and corporate markets, coupled with solutions infused by specialist technology, has resulted in a diversity of new applications and a leading position in high security markets for the Reading-based integrated security specialist.

“By focusing on the right technology and markets and coupling this with strong execution, we’ve created a unique position and advantage,” affirmed managing director Terry Sallas. “We’re winning new customers. Our revenues have grown by 24% and operating margins have improved by 6%.”

Reliance High-Tech has enjoyed a record-breaking year

Consolidating its position as a leading solutions provider for both demanding and regulated environments, Reliance High-Tech continues to build on its solid and strong reputation for addressing complex security and technology issues, in turn creating long-term relationships and securing major framework agreements.

“A long term view allows us to capitalise on technology trends and invest in our customers,” urged Sallas. “We will continue building our eco-system of partners and creating new services and value for end user customers, particularly in the era of the cloud.”

In conclusion, Sallas told Risk UK: “By any measure, our performance over the last year has been outstanding. We’re now building on that success. We will continue investing in processes, IT infrastructure and people as we focus on moving even closer to our customers and delivering industry-leading solutions and service levels.”

Affinity Water relies on Zaun’s Super10 for first single mesh SR2 fence order

Security fencing manufacturer Zaun has taken its initial order for the company’s HiSec Super10 system – believed to be the first single mesh to be certified to Security Rating 2.

Zaun will supply and install approaching 100 metres of the SR2-rated HiSec Super10 along with a series of Super10 gates for security systems integrator Reliance High-Tech on behalf of client Affinity Water.

The £50,000 contract is Zaun’s first since Super10 was certified to LPS 1175 SR2 (certificate number 1164a/01) by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) and entered into Issue 7 of the Red Book.

Affinity Water insisted on SR2 fencing to surround four enclosures at two sites to the north west of London.

Zaun will install 4 metre-high blue-coated Super10 fencing to surround a water tower and electric sub-station and a similar-sized loading bay together with single and double leaf gates at one site.

Two similar enclosures made from 3 metre-high silver powder-coated Super10 will go in at another water station nearby. Both sites will be completed by the end of March.

Security fencing manufacturer Zaun has taken its initial order for the company’s HiSec Super10 system – believed to be the first single mesh to be certified to Security Rating 2

Reliance High-Tech, of course, is a leading security solutions provider to Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) markets including the water, power generation and telecommunications sectors and, indeed, delivered the biometric smart card solution used for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Affinity Water is the largest water-only supplier in the UK, providing millions of litres of water each day to 3.5 million people across North West London and parts of the Home Counties.

To maintain accreditation and a listing in the LPCB Red Book (www.redbooklive.com), manufacturers must regularly demonstrate to independent auditors that they’re producing products consistent with those tested. This gives the customer the guarantee that they’re receiving a secure and quality product.

Products approved by LPCB are rigorously tested for resistance to deliberate attack and play an important role in protecting people and property against physical attack, burglary, vandalism and acts of terrorism.

LPS 1175 specifically covers the approval and listing of intruder-resistant building components, strong points, security enclosures and free-standing barriers.

Reliance High-Tech achieves further growth within integrated solutions market

Reliance High-Tech has realised strong year-on-year growth by way of the company’s focus on advanced security and IT solutions specifically designed for mission-critical projects involving end users across the corporate and Government sectors.

The strategy of delivering sophisticated, IP-based solutions for high end customers has resulted in an increase in profits, sales and revenue, with a number of important contract wins contributing to this growth.

“By focusing on both technology and delivery we are winning new business,” commented Terry Sallas, managing director at Reliance High-Tech. “Our workbook has grown significantly through strong sales in core markets with new customers in addition to organic growth derived from our existing client base.”

Reliance High-Tech has proven itself particularly capable in providing solutions for the police service, the utilities, the pharmaceuticals sector and customers in the critical infrastructure space, with integration and remote monitoring as well as specialist solutions such as lone worker protection and digital interview recording all coming to the fore.

Over the past six months, the company has won significant new contracts across its core markets and also in the manufacturing, financial and water sectors, in turn delivering major security solutions for QinetiQ, Thames Water, SGN and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Last month, Reliance High-Tech also announced that it was opening an additional Business Centre in Leicester designed to be a new hub for solutions development, product testing, system demonstration and training. Terry Sallas has confirmed that further investments will follow.

Reliance High-Tech specialises in the design, delivery and management of electronic security and remote monitoring solutions

“Our performance over the last twelve months has been very strong and we’re already building on that success,” affirmed Sallas. “We’re investing in our processes, IT infrastructure and people as we focus on increased capability and, most important of all, customer satisfaction.”

Reliance High-Tech: the Partner of Choice

Reliance High-Tech’s Mission Statement is: ‘To be the partner of choice for organisations where security is mission critical’. The company works with many large organisations across the corporate sectors, the utilities, the custodial and criminal justice sectors, healthcare and higher education, in all cases providing end users with security solutions that protect people, property, information and physical assets.

The security industry has changed almost beyond recognition in recent years. The continued convergence of security with IT, the proliferation of disruptive technologies and threats that continue to evolve rapidly has seen the requirement for a new type of security integrator.

Reliance High-Tech is at the forefront of helping customers benefit from that convergence of physical and IT security solutions. Whether it’s through leveraging the power of IP systems across the corporate network or delivering integration and the management of a unified identity across physical and logical systems, Reliance High-Tech helps its customers establish a consolidated and more manageable view of their organisational assets and security provisions.

Terry Sallas: md at Reliance High-Tech

Reliance High-Tech defines the security agenda by realising a multi-dimensional approach to the subject that addresses the full spectrum of security issues for its customers, from the protection of physical and logical assets right through to the monitoring and remote management of critical systems and the protection of lone workers. This multi-dimensional approach to security is something the company refers to as ‘720Security’.

Through the development of a strong understanding of its end user customers’ unique security challenges, the company is readily able to identify the right technology for delivering security solutions that can both reduce cost and add value back to the business as well as minimising risk and optimising protection regimes.

Reliance High-Tech launches 720˚ Security

A suite of networked services that leverage the power of IP to increase security, efficiency and business intelligence has been introduced to the market by Reliance High-Tech

The 720˚ Security suite of IP services capitalises on the company’s highly accredited monitoring capabilities not to mention the continued growth in networked systems.

Reliance High-Tech 720˚Security

Reliance 720˚ has uniquely combined specialist monitoring technologies and IT support capabilities to successfully provide customers with intelligent IP services that have complemented traditional security activities and increase security, efficiency and business intelligence. These include:

• System Health and Usage Monitoring: Live usage and performance monitoring across networked access and CCTV systems to reduce cost and improve resilience through a pro-active and condition-based maintenance regime

• Environmental Condition Monitoring: Monitors critical environments for changes and trends in temperature, moisture, power supply and air quality, in turn ensuring the continued safe operation of facilities and key system components

• Hosted Access Control: A solution that eliminates the day-to-day cost and risk associated with managing an access control system. This includes a safe and simple online card bureau service to manage identities across disparate estates through to complex hosting and storage services

Commenting on the launch, Terry Sallas (managing director of Reliance High-Tech) said: “We have long embraced advances in technology and the growth in networked systems, and we’re now providing innovative services that deliver real value and improved intelligence.”

For details on 720˚ Security go to http://www.720security.co.uk or e-mail info@rht.co.uk for more information

“Transformational growth” delivered at Reliance High-Tech

An emphasis on IP technologies and security software integration has generated strong first quarter results for the security integrator.

The strategy of focusing on specialist technologies for markets where security is a business critical issue is reaping rewards for Reliance High-Tech.

A new breed of IT-centric solutions has stimulated growth across integrated IP, Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) and networked digital interviewing markets.

The strategy has yielded a diversity of new customers including Pfizer, Newell Rubbermaid and Loughborough University. It has also resulted in major projects with EDF Energy Nuclear New Build and a new deep-sea container port and logistics park in the Thames Estuary, where Reliance has integrated traditional and new technologies to protect critical infrastructure programs.

Terry Sallas: managing director at Reliance High-Tech

This success is coupled to new long-term frameworks with (among others) Western Power Distribution and the National Health Service, and consolidates Reliance’s position across the criminal justice, utilities, education and healthcare sectors.

Tangible results include sales in excess of £10 million in the first financial quarter, up 140% on the previous year.

Blending of security and IT expertise

Terry Sallas, managing director of Reliance High-Tech, commented: “We recognise that issues such as IT convergence, disruptive technologies and evolving security threats will increasingly coexist with traditional security needs.”

He continued: “Through blending security and IT expertise and collaborating with specialist partners, we’re providing solutions that improve security and address complex technical issues pragmatically and efficiently. This approach has increased the proximity to our customers and created new opportunities.”

Reliance High-Tech’s company logo

Looking ahead, Reliance High-Tech will continue to embrace new technology shifts and grow its capabilities in security-based software, data mining and analytics.

Later this year, the company is set to launch its 720˚ Security Solution, a multi-dimensional offering addressing a diverse spectrum of security issues from the protection of physical and logical assets through to the remote monitoring of critical systems and the protection of lone workers.