Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
17th April 2024 Issue no. 701
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BSIA presents business accolades to outstanding security companies
Six member companies of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) were recognised for their commitment to promoting the worldwide reputation of the industry in the Association's inaugural Security Business Awards.
The brand new awards were presented at the BSIA's Annual Luncheon on 12th July at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Presented in three main categories - The International Partnership Award, The Environmental Award and The Innovative Security Project of the Year Award - the awards invited contributions from all sections of BSIA membership, with one special commendation and one overall winner being announced in each category.
"Following the success of our Security Personnel, Apprentice Installer and CVIT Special Awards for Outstanding Service, which focus solely on individuals or teams, we felt it was important to broaden the scope to ensure that the success of entire companies were also rewarded," comments James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA. "This has also enabled us to encourage companies from outside of the manned guarding industry to engage with our awards programme. The nominations we received this year were a testament to the fantastic reputation of our member companies and we look forward to the ongoing success of these awards."
The International Partnership Award
The International Partnership Award aims to showcase the capability of the UK security industry in embodying the BSIA's Export brand values of world class security innovation and experience.
The winner in this category was Concept Smoke Screen Ltd, for their partnership with established Brazilian security firm, Allarmi, in helping to prevent explosive attacks against ATMs in Latin America. After one of the largest privately owned banks in Latin America was being mercilessly targeted on an average of 40 times per month, Concept Smoke Screen Ltd worked with Allarmi to install closely monitored security fogging systems at 1,600 branches. The impact of the systems was so dramatic that the bank has now installed the systems across 4,300 branches, with the systems successfully decreasing the number of attacks to a minimal amount. Concept Smoke Screen Ltd and Allarmi have a shared value of protecting people and livelihoods, leading to a successful collaboration, so much so that Allarmi now hold regular training sessions regarding the systems and have significantly expanded their network of installers. They also founded Concept Smoke Screen Brazil Ltda, in order to produce the same quality products at an affordable price in order to help the local market and create new jobs in the process.
Talking about their achievement, Matt Gilmartin, Managing Director for Concept Smoke Screen Ltd, commented: "Concept Smoke Screen Ltd is delighted to be recognised by the BSIA for its partnership work in Brazil. Although Brazil, as a country, is facing significant economic challenges, the people of Brazil are determined to improve safety and security for the entire population. Concept Smoke Screen Ltd and its partner Allarmi are exceptionally proud to be part of that and our shared beliefs have successfully produced significant loss reductions for some of the country's and world's largest financial institutions."
The special commendation in this category was awarded to GJD for their work with a South East Asian International Airport. GJD's D-TECT Laser detector range helped to secure a gap above a glass wall in the arrivals area, which could have allowed objects to be thrown over before passing through security. The D-Tect Lasers have performed so well that they have now fitted more lasers in other areas of the airport.
The Environmental Award
The Environmental Award recognises the commitment of a security company or its employees to improve sustainability within the organisation or to improve the wider environment in their local community.
This year's overall winner was Printwaste Recycling & Shredding who received the accolade for their installation of 384 solar panels on their roof in order to move away from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. As well as installing the solar panels, they also fitted light sensors in corridors, toilets and to external lighting in order to reduce the amount of electricity being used. They continued to show their commitment to energy conservation by closely monitoring their usage against material processed in order to assess ways in which they could reduce electricity consumption, whilst increasing their output. By transforming their unused roof space into an environmental asset, their electricity bill has been reduced by 51% with their annual C02 emissions decreasing dramatically. Their commitment to the environment has also resulted in their employees being more energy conscious, as well as their customers being happy in the knowledge that their materials are being shredded through eco-friendly solar energy.
Don Robins, Managing Director of Printwaste Recycling & Shredding, enthused: "Winning this award is fantastic recognition for the business and our staff at our security shredding facility in Cheltenham. We all know that in this day and age it is increasingly important that data and media products must be securely destroyed. It bolsters our green credentials and gives even greater re-assurance to our clients to know that the electricity used in shredding their data and confidential papers is generated by solar panels on the Printwaste building roof."
The special commendation in this category was awarded to Magenta Security Services, who are on track to reduce their energy usage by 75% through a number of environmentally friendly initiatives. Such initiatives include changing all electronic equipment to low energy equipment, as well as investing in environmentally friendly lighting systems throughout their offices and the installation of recycled flooring tiles.
The Innovative Security Project of the Year Award
The final award recognises projects that represent a first for the industry, a first for a particular market or a new application of an existing security solution.
CSL (pictured) were the overall winners in this category, receiving the award for their CSL Connected project. Working in partnership with the industry's leading panel manufacturers, CSL Connected combines CSL's Critical Connectivity with the customer's chosen alarm panel, with the added option of an end-user app. Utilising their partnership with over 60 UK ARCs, CSL Connected ensures that professional installations are not overlooked in exchange for cheaper, self-monitored solutions, combining the expertise and innovation of CSL and their manufacturer partners, with the end-user preference for a Smartphone App and the added insurance requirement of ARC monitoring.
"Installers already have access to signalling products that provide end-user Apps. CSL Connected is the only product to offer Smartphone Apps with reliable ARC Connectivity. With end-user convenience and a guaranteed response to an alarm, CSL Connected also discourages self-monitored systems that bypass ARCs," explained Rob Evans, Sales Director at CSL. "We are delighted to win this award, alongside our CSL Connected Partners. It is testament to the hard work of each of our companies in delivering this project to the industry."
The special commendation in this category was presented to Nocturna Ltd for their Sentinel Range of night vision solutions, which provide crystal clear low light imagery up to 100 meters away, increasing search capabilities at night and the successful early detection of people lost or injured in low visibility scenarios. The range has been providing essential support to security, military, blue light industries and civilians worldwide.
For more information on the BSIA's extensive awards programme, please visit www.bsia.co.uk
19th July 2017