Security technology company Reliance launches new online presence

Reliance, the independent security technology integrator and provider of lone worker safety solutions, has launched new websites for its Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect brands to reflect the changing needs of its customers post-COVID.

The move towards greater business digitisation required Reliance to enhance its customer experience and online support material. As such, the new websites have a completely refreshed look and content, with easier navigation enabling customers to quickly find key messages, Case Studies, information and contacts.

The Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect brands are more closely aligned under the new online presence, reflecting in particular the consolidation and sharing of technologies within their respective markets. This will help customers to more easily navigate the breadth of technologies and services on offer that, when combined, can deliver tangible benefits across the two brands.

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Chris Allcard, lone worker services director at Reliance Protect, said: “Research suggests that digital transformation has been accelerated by as much as seven years due to the pandemic so now is an opportune time to refresh our websites and online brands as people increasingly turn towards digital channels to do business. While we are still a people-to-people business, we do understand the need to support our customers and partners through multiple channels as effectively as possible. This underpins our shift towards more intuitive websites that align the Reliance brands, enhance the customer experience and provide support and educational content in a range of formats.”

As well as improving the customer experience, the new websites will help both Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect in better understanding their customers and what their pain points, interests and priorities are from week to week. These insights will help to shape future service propositions and ensure the best possible level of service delivery.

*Visit the new Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect websites

Securitas appoints experienced sales director for electronic security division

Tom Clarke has been appointed to head up sales and marketing operations for the specialist electronic security division of Securitas UK. With over 15 years’ industry experience under his belt, and having occupied senior roles at companies including Mitie, Contract Fire and Security and Reliance High-Tech, Clarke brings a wealth of electronic sales expertise to Securitas.

In his new role, Clarke takes on the important task of leading on sales development for Securitas UK’s dedicated electronic security function, which includes overseeing the business development, account management and marketing teams.

Clarke has extensive knowledge of designing security solutions and managing relationships with national and European clients, particularly so within the corporate sector, where the wider benefits of security solutions such as building usage and occupancy management play a significant part. He’s also an authority when it comes to working in secure environments, among them defence organisations, immigration centres and prisons.

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On joining Securitas, Clarke stated: “I’m really excited to join such a well-established and highly reputable global security organisation. We see a fantastic opportunity to grow Securitas’ electronic security offer in the UK, sharing ideas with colleagues and constantly improving our solutions. With a highly experienced team and a global brand behind us, we’re committed to leading the way in the industry as a world class security technology partner for our clients.”

Commenting on Clarke’s appointment, Arthur Agnew (head of electronic security at Securitas UK) said: “This is a key appointment for the electronic security division at a crucial time as we push forward with our primary objective of doubling sales by 2023. With a strong background in electronic security sales and marketing, Tom’s addition to the business will help us to accelerate our growth and improve the efficiency of our sales department.”

Reliance High-Tech and Secure Logiq form partnership to promote use of specialist surveillance servers

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator, has formed a new partnership with Secure Logiq. Over the last decade, Secure Logiq has become established as an advanced manufacturer of state-of-the-art HD servers that are purpose-built for surveillance-based applications. Reliance High-Tech’s customers will now have access to technology that can process data from up to three times as many cameras as some of the most commonly used servers.

Secure Logiq’s long-standing experience in both the IT and security sectors sits well with Reliance High-Tech’s own background and, as such, both companies aim to change the perception of server technology, highlight its fundamental role and make it a key consideration when it comes to system design. Not only does this benefit the end user in terms of enhanced functionality, but it also means less time specifying, configuring, installing and commissioning.

“Reliance High-Tech only works with Best-in-Class technology providers, so I’m delighted to have formed this partnership with Secure Logiq,” commented Tom Clarke, sales director at Reliance High-Tech. “The worlds of security and IT are now more closely aligned than ever before and we share the view that only servers that have been specially designed for surveillance purposes can create a system that’s fully optimised, energy efficient, reliable and secure. Working with Secure Logiq means that we can add more value and give our customers an unrivalled level of service.”

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Secure Logiq offers a range of off-the-shelf devices alongside a custom build service. Its UK-manufactured servers are specifically optimised to efficiently handle multiple streams of HD video data, with a range comprising 1U, 2U, 3U and 4U devices that enable the recording of more channels at a faster rate and the ability to store data for extended periods.

For example, the top of the range HPS-4U-XL Series offers over one Petabyte of storage, three advanced RAID 6 arrays and dual redundant ‘hot swap’ power supplies for total peace of mind in mission-critical applications.

Uptime is everything

For Reliance High-Tech’s customers, it’s fair to state that uptime is everything. Their surveillance technology must be fully operational on a 24/7 basis. Leveraging Secure Logiq’s Logiqal Healthcheck utility, coupled with Reliance High-Tech’s extensive IT monitoring capability, enables an “unprecedented” level of proactive support for customers. 

In the unlikely event of malfunction, the combination of Secure Logiq’s detailed design configuration and Reliance High-Tech’s ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 experience results in fast, effective, secure and robust systems that are proactively monitored.

This means that Reliance High-Tech’s team members have all the information they need to address any issue immediately, proactively, securely and with information security at the very heart of every action.

Missing piece

“Many installers still specify traditional IT servers that simply do not offer the level of processing, storage density, resilience, throughput and overall performance required by modern surveillance systems,” explained Robin Hughes, Secure Logiq’s co-founder. “We provide the missing piece of the HD surveillance jigsaw with servers that are specifically designed for this purpose.”

Hughes added: “Our dedication to innovation and the highest standards of customer service and support are shared by Reliance High-Tech. Together, we will ensure that end users receive the best value and maximum return from their surveillance investment.”

Tom Clarke concluded: “The marriage of Secure Logiq’s standards of excellence with Reliance High-Tech’s IT capability, service capability and advanced monitoring services delivers a new level of system performance, integrity and pre-emptive maintenance and support which we’re extremely excited to introduce to our customers.”

*For further information visit https://reliancehightech.co.uk/

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.