The Security Industry Authority has changed its licence processing targets to reflect the continuous improvements it has made in this area. Previously, the SIA aimed to process 85% of licence applications from UK and EEA nationals within 33 working days, and 80% of all licence applications (UK, EEA and other) within 40 working days. The SIA now aims to process a minimum of 80% of all correctly completed applications within 30 working days, irrespective of the nationality of the applicant. The latest licence processing figures highlighted: April 2010, 94% of all applications were processed wi...

A new study by psychologists at the University of Leicester has identified dimensions of personality seen in persons prone to shoplifting. Three characteristics in his study stood out: Being male; unpleasant and antisocial; and disorganised and unreliable. The study also found that younger and outgoing people are more likely to pilfer from stores or commit minor fraud. In a paper published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, entitled, ‘Shoplifting, unethical consumer behaviour, and personality’, Dr Vincent Egan of the University of Leicester’s School of Psychology and...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has published a new guide to aid the healthcare sector in the use of access control systems. The guide is aimed at hospitals and residential care homes and explains how access control technology can better protect these sites, which are increasingly being targeted by criminals. Mike Sussman, Chairman of the BSIA's Access Control Section, comments: "Healthcare premises tend to be widespread and have large transient populations making it all the more easier for people to access the site. With high value items stored on-site such as computers an...

G4S, the world’s leading secure solutions group and an official ‘Back the bid’ Supporter of England’s 2018 World Cup bid, has today been tasked with delivering the 2018 World Cup Bid Book to the headquarters of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in Zurich, Switzerland. A highly specialised, secure vehicle left Wembley Stadium this morning to transport copies of the Bid Book and supporting materials to the headquarters of the football world’s governing body in time for the bid’s scheduled delivery slot on 14 May.  The 18 ton truck will transport the b...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has reacted to today's announcement of a hung Parliament. James Kelly, Chief Executive, comments: "Politics and public affairs have long been at the heart of the BSIA's activity, and we have worked hard over the recent decade to forge strong working relationships with the previous Labour Government.” "The continuation of this relationship is vital for the security of the nation, and as such any coalition that is formed following this result will need to be fully briefed of the importance of the private security industry in combating crime...

G4S Transport and Borders (‘G4S’) has appointed Elaine Morley as Business Development Director, with responsibility for the continued expansion of the UK transport security business. Elaine’s role reflects the company’s commitment to developing and strengthening the security proposition within the transport industry, and providing a tailored service package to meet the needs of its customers. With specialist transport sectors including Aviation, Rail and Maritime, G4S provides a complete, secure solution to a range of high profile clients across these industries.  Key services include...

G4S Transport and Borders (‘G4S’) has appointed Elaine Morley as Business Development Director, with responsibility for the continued expansion of the UK transport security business. Elaine’s role reflects the company’s commitment to developing and strengthening the security proposition within the transport industry, and providing a tailored service package to meet the needs of its customers. With specialist transport sectors including Aviation, Rail and Maritime, G4S provides a complete, secure solution to a range of high profile clients across these industries.  Key services include...

This is a reminder that this year’s SIA conference ‘A Common Purpose: raising standards in the private security industry' will be held on Tuesday 15 June in London. The day will feature: latest news from the SIA, examples of business best practice and an operational case study, an international view of the UK's private security industry, advice on buying private security and an exhibition by some of our partners and stakeholders. For more information and to book a place at the conference please visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk SIA Website...

The Lowry in Manchester provided the venue for the latest Reliance Security conference on 15th April. Catered to a diverse range of business environments and security requirements, the seminar was chaired by Chris Burnell, Reliance Security’s Area Director for the Central Region and attended by over 50 delegates from businesses from the North West of England. Presenters included a range of security industry experts, offering their advice and knowledge and a detailed insight into their experiences with a selection of security projects. A brief summary of speakers and themes from the seminar i...

With just a week to go until the General Election, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has urged politicians to think carefully over the future of R&D tax credits, claiming that they are "essential to economic recovery." The tax relief - worth £790m in 2008 - is currently available to businesses of all sizes in exchange for the continued development of new technologies. While both Labour and Conservative parties had previously planned to scrap the tax relief entirely, the Conservatives - under the guidance of technology entrepreneur Sir James Dyson - have now outlined plan...