On July 10th Infologue attended the BSIA’s Security Industry Awards 2019 at the JW Marriot Grosvenor Square Hotel. Historically, Infologue has been very active in working with the BSIA but during the previous administration this declined somewhat. The arrival of new Chairman, Simon Banks, in July 2018 followed by an influx of new blood in their marketing department and finally the appointment Mike Reddington as CEO has heralded a period of change for the organization. While anecdotal, many Infologue readers have shared positive stories of their interactions with the new-look BSIA and their membership does appear to be growing again.
Entering the waiting room, it was standing room only, and we are told that attendance was in the realm of 340 which is up 100 over last year. Attendees were a mix of contract security companies, organizers and providers of support services to the security industry. Videographers were on-site to capture interviews with attendees as well as numerous photographers.
Upon entry into the main hall, an inspection of the seating chart detailed who was in attendance. Mitie was heavily represented with Securitas, Man Commercial and other large security companies having their own tables. The combined tables had a mix of product suppliers like Edesix, CSL and SelectDNA as well as journalists and industry figures. The SIA was out in force with both Chairperson Elizabeth France and new Chief Executive, Ian Todd being in attendance.
Sponsoring the event were the NSI, Camberford Underwriting, Securitas, SaferCash, TrackTik, Intersec and Innovise.
The event was opened with a speech from the Chairman and then followed by the new Chief Executive who emphasised the importance of partnerships within and outside the industry. The floor was then passed to TV presenter and journalist Jane Moore who talked about the bravery of some of the nominees and how they should be lauded for being the type of person who runs toward danger rather than away from it.
After lunch, the awards ceremony began. The winners were announced at a brisk pace, starting with the best new comer, and moving through technology, security performances, outstanding acts, bravery awards and finally the chairman’s award. (Winners listed below.)
The Bravery Awards seemed to get the biggest reaction from the crowd with nominees including individuals who had risked their own lives to help members of the public. The eventual winner of the Outstanding act award involved in three separate incidents including intervening to save a PCSO during a hammer attack, defending a pensioner from a gang assault and talking down a girl from committing suicide. The SaferCash public bravery awards included two builders who chased down and restrained a convicted murderer after he beat and robbed a cash courier.
All in all the event went well with many big names in attendance. The BSIA team did a good job in organising the event as the venue looked great and there did seem to be few missteps. It is good to see the trade association finding it’s feet again and we look forward to seeing what they do moving forward.
The winners of the British Security Awards 2019 were:
Lauren Summers (VSG) – Best Newcomer
Jim Mills (Project Vision – G4S) – Best Use of Technology
David Rutwaza (G4S) – Outstanding Act
Steve Allen (Westgrove Group) – Service to the Customer
Eurostar Security Team (Mitie) – Best Team
Sam Howard (EFT Systems) – Apprentice of the Year
Concept Smoke Screen (Sentinel Connect) – International Partnership
Selectamark Security Systems (SelectaDNA) – Innovative Security Project
The Security Institute & Volunteer Police Cadets – National Partnership
CSL Group – SME of the Year
Securitas UK – Business of the Year
Andy Gilmore (AAI Security Systems) – Contribution to the industry
Surrendra Chongbang (Loomis) – Bravery Award (Industry)
Krzysztof Gacki, Radu Brad, Domas Bagdonavicius – Bravery Award (Public)
David Snook – BSIA Chairman’s Award