"When I joined Corps Security back in 2010, one of the things that immediately struck me was the lack of independently collated, audited and analysed indices pertaining to the security industry. It strikes me that if an industry wants to be taken seriously and not become commoditised, it needs to provide its customer base with a set of benchmarks with which its effectiveness can be measured. "I believe that truthful and accurate data can help improve performance, perception and professionalism. "Unlike other industries – for example, retail – we have no clear indication of the state...

Four outstanding young apprentices from the UK’s private security industry were presented with national awards in recognition of their academic and practical success in the field of electronic security installations. Awarded by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the trade body representing the UK’s private security sector, the Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognise the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems, and represent the commitment of security companies...

In his latest blog for Infologue.com, Bob Forsyth, Managing Director of MITIE Total Security Management, reflects on the recent announcement of him becoming the security industry’s most influential person. He advises how others in the security industry can achieve their personal career goals. "I have had an amazing career in the security industry and one that has had a lot more ups than downs! One of the highlights of my 20 plus years was the recent accolade of ‘Most Influential Person in Security’ voted for by IFSEC Global – something I was truly honoured to receive. "The securi...

In his latest blog for Infologue.com, James Kelly, Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association, discusses the ways in which British security is playing an important role on the world stage. "As the UK economy enters a period of growth following a challenging few years, the UK’s private security industry is increasingly turning to export markets to generate new business and support economic recovery. James Kelly, Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association, explores the ways in which British security is playing an important role on the world stage. "I...

In his latest blog for Infologue.com, Stuart Lodge, Chief Executive of Lodge Service, discusses how retail is changing and the industry’s future in retail security. "Retailing will look very different in 20 years’ time, and the security industry had better be ready to respond to retailers’ new needs. "Over the past two decades, we’ve seen two major trends. Firstly, the continuing decline of the high street and rise of out-of-town shopping. Second, in a bid to increase shareholder value further, retailers have demanded ever better security protection but at the same or even a lowe...

In his latest blog for Infologue.com, James Kelly, Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association and Chairman of the Security Regulation Alliance, discusses the industry's comfort through clarity on regulatory enforcement. "With the ‘open for business’ date for the security industry’s new licensing regime now firmly in the past, the industry faces continued uncertainty regarding the future of business licensing. James Kelly, Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association and Chair of the Security Regulation Alliance, reports on the latest negotiations be...

In his latest blog for Infologue.com, Chris Cully, Managing Director for Dilitas Ltd, discusses the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner since its creation in 2012 by the Coalition Government. Chris writes: "During the General Election campaign of 2010, both the Conservatives & the Lib Dems outlined plans in their manifestos to either replace or reform the existing police authorities.  The reason for this was apparently the concerns being raised about the perceived lack of accountability of the police authorities to the communities they served. "Following the election and fo...

In his latest blog for Infologue.com, John Roddy, Chief Executive for The Shield Group, discusses how businesses can tackle the growing skills shortage whilst staying competitive in the global market. John Writes: " As one of the fastest growing industries, the security sector is playing an increasingly vital part in the UK’s economic recovery. However, intensified competition from Europe and the fast emerging Asian economies has meant that more than ever Britain’s workforce needs to have the right level of skills, competencies and abilities in order to stay competitive in the glob...

"As industry leaders we have a responsibility to develop the talented managers of tomorrow. Many of us subscribe to the idea that recruiting and retaining talent is a top priority, but in practice we are often not creating the right environments for the talented managers of tomorrow to develop in. "At Servest Security, we have clearly defined career paths, including apprenticeship programmes, for developing talent as a top priority. This has several benefits for the business. Not only do we reta...

The issues surrounding whether Scotland should leave the UK are never far from the news headlines at the moment and will continue to be so until the referendum takes place on 18th September. On that date the question – Should Scotland be an independent country? – will finally be answered. As I write this the yes vote stands at 34 per cent, a fall of five percentage points since the last opinion poll a month ago. There’s plenty of time left though and it is estimated that around 20 per cent of voters are still undecided on the issue. Chances are they are the ones who are struggling not...