The British Security Awards, hosted by the BSIA (British Security Industry Association), made a triumphant return to the live stage, honoring the dedicated efforts of security officers and businesses in safeguarding people, property, and places over the past 18 months.
Celebrating its 26th year, the prestigious event took place in 2023 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, with tickets sold out well in advance. The industry came together to recognize and commend excellence in security, with a total of 18 awards bestowed upon outstanding security officers and businesses. Esteemed clients and prominent figures from the industry were present to witness the well-deserved accolades. The ceremony encompassed various distinguished categories, including the Chairman’s Award, the SaferCash Bravery Awards, and the Police Partnership Initiative Award.
One significant highlight of the evening was the introduction of the inaugural Gaby Hutchinson Award for Best Newcomer. This esteemed accolade was named in honor of a security operative who tragically lost their life in December 2022. To pay homage to Gaby Hutchinson’s memory, a recognition award was presented to the Hutchinson family. Additionally, the ceremony unveiled the first-ever People, Property, Places: Professionally Protected Recognition Award, a significant initiative aimed at raising awareness of the essential role played by security officers.
The awards were presented by the esteemed broadcaster and President of the BSIA, Nick Ross CBE. Joining him on stage was Assistant Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police, Jayne Meir, who presented the SaferCash awards, adding a distinguished touch to the evening’s proceedings.
The 2023 winners are:
Service to the Customer : Margaret Rudge – Bidvest Noonan
Security Manager of the Year: Rhoni Ikhide – Securitas UK
Outstanding Act: Babar Awan – Lodge Service
Best Team: The Brewery – MAN Commercial Protection
Recognition: Gaby Hutchinson (presented to the Hutchinson family)
Gaby Hutchinson Award for Best Newcomer: Jack Davenport – Westgrove Group
3Ps Recognition: Danny Varao – Corps Security
Apprentice of the Year: Lauren Haddock – ATG Access/Andrei Puscasiu- TDS
Best Use of Technology: CCTV Centralisation Project – Lodge Service
Installer of the Year: Critical National Infrastructure Security Upgrades – Galliford Try Asset Intelligence
Environmental Project of the Year: Reducing our CViT carbon footprint – Loomis UK
National Partnership: JLL Partnership – G4S
Innovative Security Project: CarDefender – Pyronix
EDI Champion: One Team Philosophy – STM Group
Corporate Social Responsibility: Cost of living: Supporting our employees – Bradbury Group
SME of the Year: Selectamark Security Systems
Business of the Year: Corps Security
Contribution to the Industry: Nigel Brown – Mitie
SaferCash Public Bravery: Mohammed Ali
SaferCash Industry Bravery: Andrew Shackleton – NoteMachine
Police Partnership Initiative: Operation Atoll – Metropolitan Police Flying Squad
Chairman’s Award: Paul Connelly – CSS/ Satia Rai – IPSA/Securitas UK
Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: “The British Security Awards were created in 1998 to recognise those in our industry and particularly those operating on the front line who frequently go above and beyond to protect people and property and this year we have seen a record number of entries.
“It was an honour and a privilege to be able to recognise our winners and finalists for their professionalism, innovation and commitment to our industry. The scale of achievement we see every year from across each sector is remarkable, and our awards enable us to recognise the outstanding work being carried out by members of both the Association and the wider industry in keeping people, property and places professionally protected on a daily basis.
“As always, the standard of nominations has been exceptional this year, and the judging panel, made up of independent experts from across the industry have had a very difficult job selecting the winners. It is therefore a fantastic achievement by all the finalists.”
The British Security Awards 2023 were sponsored by Camberford Underwriting, SaferCash, TEAM Software, NSI, Securitas UK, Texecom, Fenix Monitoring, OCS Group, Skills for Security, Galliford Try Asset Intelligence, SGS, Commend and IFSEC.