Banham celebrates 95th Anniversary and ‘locks-in’ next generation’s future

Banham, the British high-end security company founded back in 1926 and with its head office located in London’s Earlsfield, celebrates its landmark 95th anniversary this month.

Still protecting the premises of the rich and famous, the business was established all those years ago by William F Banham after his wife, Ann-Marie, suffered a series of burglaries at her West London dress-making business. When the insurers pronounced the store uninsurable unless the door was bolted from the inside, Banham devised the first-ever automatic door bolt and, subsequently, Banham Patent Locks was born.

Such was Banham’s confidence in his product that, in 1936, he offered £25 to anyone who could break through a Banham door lock. Despite the stunt drawing quite the crowd in front of his premises in London’s celebrated Oxford Street, not a single person succeeded and Banham won his wager.

Fast forward nine and a half decades and Banham is still family-run and owned, with William and Ann-Marie’s grandson, namely executive chairman Charles Hallatt, at the helm.

Board members at Banham

The Board today consists of third and fourth generation Banham family members and is a diverse mix, which is especially unusual in what still remains a male-dominated industry. The company’s 400-person workforce comprises of numerous families who are proud to say they’ve worked for Banham, many of them for multiple decades.

Standing the test of time

Chairman Charles Hallatt commented: “We’re so proud of our family business and the fact that we’ve survived a world war, multiple recessions and a global pandemic. Banham has stood the test of time because of the strength that being a family business can bring. It’s not just about having our family involved at the helm, though. It’s also about all of the other families working here. We all have a strong passion and loyalty that unites us in any crisis and allows us to drive growth as well as look to the future.”

While the British brand continues to offer its iconic patented locks, it has expanded over the years into all areas of security including intruder and fire alarms, CCTV, safes, 24-hour monitoring and keyholding.

“Our ethos has always centred around letting our family look after your families, for the sake of both our colleagues and our customers,” asserted managing director Martin Herbert.

Banham has more than its storied history to celebrate. The company, which has its heartland in London and the South East, launched the Banham Academy in 2014 to deliver specialised training and career opportunities for young people aged between 16 and 24.

Lucie Banham, director of the business, stated: “Our vision for the Banham Academy was to provide young people with the skills and training they need to embark on careers as engineers. The UK has seen a dramatic decline in the uptake of engineers over the past decade and we’ve been committed to bridge that gap. The Banham Academy has never been so important given these recent challenging years. It continues to provide new opportunities for today’s youth, and particularly so to those individuals from less advantaged backgrounds.”

Systems taster course

In early 2022, the Banham Academy is holding a female-only, week-long ‘taster’ course on security systems to begin to address the gender gap in the sector. The current percentage of female technicians in the UK is only around 1% and Banham is committed to increase this number.

Lucie Banham concluded: “Banham believes in giving back to and working with the wider community, making sure that helping people is always a priority. Reaching our 95th Anniversary allows us to look back on all of our achievements, but more importantly to the future and continuing to support young people, via the Banham Academy, by helping them to learn new skills and gain valuable qualifications.”

*To find out more about Banham and the Banham Academy visit www.banham.co.uk

TDSi recommences full COVID-safe training at Poole headquarters

Integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi has announced the reopening of its on-site training programme, backed up by a robust COVID-safe regime of testing and Track and Trace which helps to protect everyone involved.

Additionally, the business has signed up to the Government-run ‘We Offer Testing to our Staff’ scheme. This facilitates all staff taking lateral flow testing in its offices on a twice weekly basis.

John Davies (managing director at TDSi) told Security Matters: “Now that UK COVID restrictions have relaxed a little further, it’s the perfect time to cautiously reintroduce on-site training for our partners and customers. While online training and assistance is invaluable, there are many practical training applications, particularly so those involving hardware installation, that benefit quite considerably from first-hand demonstration.”

Davies continued: “We fully appreciate that some visitors will have anxiety about frequenting other locations, so we have put in place highly robust measures to ensure those who visit and work at our facilities have maximum reassurance that the risks are minimised and that they’re protected.”

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While the testing remains voluntary, TDSi is positively encouraging staff and visitors to test themselves to ensure everyone’s peace of mind and safety. Davies asserted: “When trainees attend the Poole facility for training, we will present them with individual bags containing all of the equipment they need as well as an instruction pack. They will be advised to complete the lateral flow test in their cars before entry to the building to ensure that any potential issues are isolated.”

Return to the office

From Monday 17 May, around 70% of the TDSi team returned to the company’s headquarters for daily operations while always maintaining safe social distancing. However, the business will continue to support a mixture of home and office working to ensure there’s flexibility and also that all operations continue to run smoothly and safely.

Davies added: “Our employees are now testing themselves at home on Sunday and Wednesday evenings in line with the official guidelines, with the results reported back to the NHS. If any individual has a positive result, we will ensure they receive a PCR test to confirm that they’re negative before they return to the office such that any potential infection routes are immediately restricted.”

Further, Davies stated: “We owe this level of scrutiny and care to all our visitors and staff and are proud to be extending this level of reassurance to our visiting partners and customers. While there are still considerable potential health threats at large, it’s also important to ensure we safely deliver the right levels of support and training by adjusting to the needs of the ‘new normal’ as quickly as possible.”

*To find out more about TDSi’s Installer Training or to book a place on a COVID-safe course visit www.tdsi.co.uk/training.html

*For more information on TDSi in general visit www.tdsi.co.uk

IFPO and Ethos Farm launch ‘Being Human’ online training programme for security personnel

The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) has teamed up with global learning and development specialist Ethos Farm to create a ground-breaking, avatar-led online training programme for security personnel that’s running under the ‘Being Human’ banner.

Following on from the recent – and hugely successful – IFPO UK ‘Security Minds Matter’ webinar, Mike Hurst CPP MSyI (director of IFPO UK and Ireland) informed Security Matters: “We are hugely excited to launch the ‘Being Human’ training programme. At the very heart of IFPO is a desire to support security personnel by offering leading educational products. To this end, we were very excited to discover Ethos Farm’s unique approaches to immersive learning for a next generation experience.”

Ethos Farm was named the Learning and Performance Institute’s Learning Start-Up of the Year at the 2020 Learning Awards and has gained recognition for the development of engaging training techniques with clients such as Edinburgh Airport and Heathrow Express.

Speaking about the ‘Being Human’ programme, Josie Barton (Ethos Farm’s co-founder of learning and development) explained to Security Matters: “Working with IFPO on this joint initiative has enabled us to take the organisation’s unparalleled security industry expertise and combine it with training topics we’ve developed around human behaviours and empathetic service.”

Barton went on to state: “This has enabled us to collaboratively build a training product that delves deep into the reasons behind unusual behaviours and how to handle such situations as a security first responder. Our goal is to build appreciation of the spectrum of mental and physical conditions such that security personnel have the right tools to hand in order to assess the situation with emotional intelligence.”

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Responding to situations

As mentioned, ‘Being Human’ is an avatar-led e-Learning programme available to purchase on a learner-by-learner basis. It’s also available as a virtual classroom session. The training explores the many factors that influence how someone behaves and the challenges that individuals with a mental or physical condition may experience. It also focuses on how to respond empathetically to situations involving unusual behaviour and the importance of ‘Being Human’ in all dealings with other people.”

Chris Middleton Dip ML MSyl, security and client services director at ABM UK and an IFPO UK and Ireland Advisory Board member, commented: “We are acutely conscious that security professionals are expected to be the first responders in sometimes challenging and difficult circumstances, while also acting with calculated precision. Natural human engagement and empathy are often the very best ways to assess and diffuse situations so we’re delighted to be able to offer this enhanced training programme for the industry.”

Sally Alington, CEO of Ethos Farm, observed: “As a business that’s passionate about elevated employee and customer experiences, we know that front line workforces are seen as ambassadors for the brands they represent. Security personnel are often the first or last impression of any brand. We expect security employees to welcome guests and answer customers’ questions, but they’re also expected to handle extreme situations that can be very complex to judge. That being so, it’s imperative we support these individuals when dealing with challenging behaviours. We’re very proud to be working hand-in-hand with IFPO to offer these important learning programmes to security professionals.”

*The ‘Being Human’ e-Learning course is available to purchase online at https://ifpo.uk/product/being-human-e-learning-module/ or by sending an e-mail to hello@ethosfarm.com. Discounted pricing is available for IFPO members.

Police Crime Prevention Academy supports Home Office with specialist training

The Police Crime Prevention Academy is currently working with the Home Office, providing bespoke training with a focus on crime prevention and designing out crime.

Guy Collyer, head of the Police Crime Prevention Academy, said: “We value the opportunity to assist Home Office staff in gaining a more detailed understanding of this critical work within policing.”

The Home Office is instrumental in protecting the public and keeping people safe, recently launching the second £20 million round of the Safer Streets Fund for Police and Crime Commissioners and local authorities to invest in a range of crime prevention measures across high crime areas in England and Wales.

The Police Crime Prevention Academy is part of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, the police-owned, non-profit organisation that works on behalf of the police service throughout the UK, duly delivering a wide range of crime prevention and police demand reduction initiatives.

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Close working links

The Academy maintains close working links with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, as well as senior police officers, and is the established supplier to the police service for crime prevention learning and development.

Not only does the Academy offer a local delivery option that significantly reduces costs, but it also provides the flexibility to dovetail content into Continuing Professional Development and reflect local issues.  

The Police Crime Prevention Academy also delivers several qualifications to the private sector, working closely with local authorities and relevant specialists such as architects and planners, and offers a number of distance and virtual learning qualifications.

The Academy prides itself in keeping the quality of qualifications at a premium and the costs of its service delivery at a minimum.

Abloy UK issues 2021 dates for free online training sessions

Abloy UK has released its Academy calendar outlining the company’s free online training courses to be delivered in 2021. The webinars are going to be presented by specialists and aim to keep practising professionals operating in the sector up-to-date with the Building Regulations and compliance standards, as well as current security and technology trends.

A suite of four courses will be held across the year on specific themes: Escape Door Systems, Electric Locking for Fire and Escape Doors, Digital Transformation in Physical Security and Digital Access Solutions. The latter is a new subject for 2021.

Pat Jefferies, commercial director at Abloy UK, told Security Matters: “Ongoing COVID restrictions mean that in-person training is very difficult. However, this shouldn’t prevent security professionals from striving for self-improvement and ensuring that they always keep up-to-date with the latest Best Practice across the sector.”

The full list of course dates is as follows:

Escape Door Systems: 1 April, 4 June, 5 August, 6 October and 2 December.

Electric Locking for Fire and Escape Doors: 4 March, 6 May, I July, 2 September and 4 November.

Digital Transformation in Physical Security: 11 March, 13 May, 8 July, 9 September and 11 November.

Digital Access Solutions: 22 April, 10 June, 12 August, 14 October and 9 December.

The Electric Locking for Fire and Escape Doors and Digital Transformation in Physical Security online courses are CPD-accredited.

*To register for one or more of the training sessions visit https://bit.ly/3asYtwS

360 Vision Technology joins Zitko Talent training programme to impart surveillance-focused expertise

360 Vision Technology – the UK manufacturer of rugged HD, radar and thermal imaging PTZ cameras – has now entered into an enhanced partnership with Zitko and its Talent Programme (a growing alliance of tech providers, educators and manufacturers, all of whom are dedicated to attracting and developing the next generation of fire and security engineers).

With regard to developing and deploying CCTV technologies for the most demanding security requirements and physical conditions, Zitko Talent’s course content will draw on 360 Vision Technology’s expertise in the field of surveillance camera and detection technology.

360 Vision Technology will be running generic course modules on CCTV theory, applications and system design considerations, as well as providing certified product training to Zitko Talent trainee engineers working with their products.

The partnership is active immediately and comes as Zitko Talent welcomes its first quarterly intake of trainees. These include graduates, career changers and experienced engineers entering from other industries.

Developing new talent 

“I’ve worked with Zitko to resource engineering positions for several years now and we’re very pleased to be supporting its new Talent initiative,” enthused Sara Fisher, sales director at 360 Vision Technology. “Developing new talent is the only way in which to solve the looming technical skills shortage and we’re determined to give trainees the strongest possible grounding in CCTV. We’re really looking forward to working with our colleagues across the industry with a view towards making the programme a resounding success.”

George Zitko, managing director at Zitko Consulting, responded: “Manufacturers can play an immense role in developing the next generation of fire and security engineers and it’s terrific to have 360 Vision Technology on board. I cannot think of a better and more innovative company to lead on the subject of CCTV education. The business has a formidable technical team and an outstanding track record having delivered some of the most challenging CCTV solutions seen anywhere in the world. Welcoming them to the initiative is another major milestone for Zitko Talent.”

*For more details about the Zitko Talent Programme visit https://www.zitko.co.uk/divisions/talent

British Land awards Shopping Centre security contracts to Incentive FM

British Land, which is one of the largest property development and investment companies in the UK, has awarded Incentive FM three new Shopping Centre contracts and renewed a further two agreements.

Incentive FM has been awarded contracts to provide a range of soft facilities services for Ealing Broadway in London, the Beaumont Shopping Centre in Leicester and the Crown Wharf Retail Park in Walsall. 

British Land has also renewed Incentive FM’s existing contracts to provide similar services at the Whiteley Shopping Centre in Hampshire and at the Old Market in Hereford.

Under the Terms and Conditions of the three-year deals for each site, Incentive FM will be responsible for ensuring the Shopping Centres are secure, safe and clean as well as providing Front of House and customer service solutions in addition to looking after car parking at the busy locations.

Over 110 members of staff will be mobilised across all five sites where the teams will be using the latest equipment, technology and other systems coupled with Best-in-Class development training to enhance the quality of service delivery. 

Richard Nield, head of retail operations at British Land, informed Security Matters: “The successful relationship we have built up with Incentive FM at the Whiteley and Old Market Shopping Centres, along with other retail locations, made it an obvious choice for us to award more contracts. The business is undoubtedly our preferred partner of choice for these sites.”

Glenn Wilson, operations director at Incentive FM, responded: “We look forward to continuing to support British Land with our added value and partnership approach. Our portfolio of Shopping Centres and retail parks now stretches the length and breadth of the country, from Inverness Shopping Park in Scotland right down to Drakes Circus in Plymouth. We are now operational at over 40 such sites in the UK.”

Fire Technology Ireland unveiled as Nittan’s Elite Partner of the Year

Nittan Europe, the UK manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, has announced that Dublin-based Fire Technology Ireland (FTI) is the company’s Elite Partner of the Year. At the same time, the business has expanded its Nittan Elite Distributor Programme with the appointment of Eurotech Fire Systems.

Nittan’s Elite Programmes have been developed to acknowledge and reward a select group of installation partners and product distributors that have shown commitment to promoting the Nittan brand and undertaken product training to a high level in order to ensure the highest standards of customer service.

A well-established, highly respected company serving Southern Ireland, FTI’s projects range from complex multi-loop, multi-panel analogue addressable systems down to simple conventional systems. The company prides itself on providing exceptional value for money coupled with some of the best products on the market.

“This is the third consecutive time that FTI has been awarded the Nittan Elite Partner of the Year accolade,” commented Lee James, general manager for product marketing at Nittan Europe. “It’s a remarkable achievement, and particularly so bearing in mind the stiff competition, as well as testament to the company’s strong sales performance and clear commitment to staff training and close co-operation.”

Specialist distribution

All Nittan’s products are sold through specialist distributors, with only those businesses that can clearly demonstrate in-depth product knowledge and excellent customer service being eligible for the Nittan Elite Distributor Programme. 

Eurotech Fire Systems – a privately-owned company based in Waterlooville, Hampshire – has now been awarded that privileged status.

Established ten years ago, the very first fire detection system to which Eurotech put its name was Nittan and, throughout the time since, Eurotech has shown outstanding commitment to the Nittan brand and products. 

Eurotech’s managing director Michelle Agius stated: “To be recognised for our sales and support is very much appreciated by the Eurotech team.”

Underpinned by quality support

Lee James went on to inform Risk Xtra: “Nittan has built an enviable reputation for first-class fire detection products, but it’s essential to back that up with quality support. Our Elite Programme identifies those installers and distributors that demonstrate loyalty to Nittan and have taken the time to invest in the brand by undertaking rigorous training on the full product range.”

He concluded: “As a manufacturer, our end user contact is minimal. These customer-facing companies are often the first experience people will have of Nittan so their product knowledge and commitment to Nittan is exceptionally important and deserves to be recognised. The key benefit for Elite Programme members is that we can direct new customer enquiries to them as we know they’re a safe pair of hands.”

Security Monitoring Centres signs Armed Forces Covenant

Security Monitoring Centres (SMC) has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and pledged to be an Armed Forces-friendly organisation. SMC is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.

SMC offers valuable employment, training and flexible working arrangements to those who have served their country, relatives of those who are currently serving or those who might be reservists who need time away to fulfil their military obligations.

When an individual leaves the Armed Forces, SMC will assist potential recruits’ transition into civilian life through bespoke forums, meetings, recruitment sites and/or breakfast clubs where SMC can showcase career opportunities for ex-services personnel to work in their business.

The Armed Forces Covenant aims to support military spouses with their job-seeking through The Army Families Federation, in conjunction with the Naval and RAF Families’ Federations, which have come together to create ‘Forces Families Jobs’, a ‘one-stop shop’ where spouses and family members of UK Armed Forces military personnel can apply for jobs directly with employers who’ve signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

“SMC welcomes this opportunity, which is only available to those who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant,” said Colin Walters, managing director of the firm. “We’re able to promote our organisation, advertise job vacancies and access a large, highly skilled candidate database of working Armed Forces family members.”

AMG continues expansion drive with opening of new northern office

AMG – the ISO 9001:2015-approved UK manufacturer and global provider of fibre, analogue, IP/Ethernet, wireless and hybrid communication transmission solutions – has announced the opening of a new northern office.

Expediting company growth on the back of new leadership, AMG has started its growth plan, providing a presence and local support for its customers in the north. Capitalising on significant new external investment, the new Leeds office will offer technical, sales and training support as well as customer demonstration facilities.

As part of the company’s expansion drive, AMG will also offer new sales and technical career opportunities.

“Demonstrating our commitment to providing a broader depth of customer support, I’m delighted to announce the opening of the new AMG northern office,” explained managing director Steve Clarke. “This latest move forms the first stage of AMG’s exciting expansion strategy whereby we’ll be looking to recruit expertise to broaden the depth of our customer sales and technical support. Our aim is to build a solid platform with which to bring the technical and performance benefits of AMG’s products to more customers.”