At this year’s International Security Expo, the finalists for the UK OSPAs 2020 have been announced. The 4th annual Outstanding Security Performance Awards will be held on Wednesday, 26th February 2020 in London at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. Each year, the OSPAs celebrate the exceptional contributions made by organisations, teams and individuals to the security industry. “The standard of entries this year has once again been extremely high, providing some real challenges for our experienced set of judges, who all marked independently to a set of ethical guidelines.  All those who a...

The British Security Industry Association has appointed Tom Ford as their new Membership Development Manager, effective immediately. While new to the security industry, Tom has over eight years of experience managing accounts and building relationships for a number of trade associations and non-profits. Tom has worked in a variety of sectors including education, marketing, finance and retail. In his new role, Tom will be largely responsible for growing the BSIA membership and supporting all existing BSIA members on a day to day basis. Of the appointment, British Security Industry Chief Execu...

While not yet formally announced, the SIA has confirmed that from April 1st 2020, all new license holders will be required to undertake mandatory First Aid training. While this is only currently affecting new applicants, it is expected that this will be extended to all existing badge holders in the near future. This news has been welcomed by those in the industry with several approved trainers hailing the move as a solid step forward in raising standards. Magenta Security Services, Managing Director, Abbey Petkar was quick to put out a statement praising the decision and throwing his sup...

On the 17th October 2019, James Barnett of Swindon, the director of Gold Shield Group ltd and its’ three subsidiaries, said that his security business was “just a hobby” as was investigated, and later convicted, for working without a license. Barnett also pleaded guilty to failing to respond to information requests by the Security Industry Authority, despite the requests being legally enforceable. Despite having his license suspended in March 2017, Mr. Barnett continued to accept security contracts and hired out security operatives. His prosecution was brought about after the SIA’s ...

In December 2018, Steven Nixon from Portadown, who was the owner of Eventsafe Security Ltd at the time, was given a nine month custodial sentence for fraud, and a further three months for supplying unlicensed security operative. Both sentences were suspended for three years with an additional 100 hours of unpaid Community service. Nixon, who has just finished serving a 4 month jail sentence for breaching the community service order, was further determined by the courts to have benefitted to a total of £237,756.14 last week. His conviction, related to numerous offences against the Private Sec...

The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) has officially announced that they will be partnering with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) for the 3rd Annual UK OSPAs Thought Leadership summit at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on the 26th of February. Each year, the Summit aims to bring together security providers, buyers and other stakeholders to engage and discuss key issues that affect the security industry at large. Of the partnership, Professor Martin Gill, Founder of the OSPAs, is quoted as saying, “The full programme is yet to be announced but promises to be lively, informat...

On the 7th of October 2019 at the Annual Dinner of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, DS Joby Reeve was awarded the 'Principal Bravery Award' by Sheriffs Prof Michael Mainelli and Christopher Hayward. The Sheriffs' Award was conceived following the 7/7 attacks in London to recognise the outstanding bravery and actions of members of the public. Each year, the Sheriffs seek nominations for individuals who have confronted danger, acted without thought for their own safety or faced adversity in an inspirational manner. After reviewing all of the nominations, the company dec...

October 16th 2019 It is with great sadness that we report the death of David Clark who passed away suddenly on the morning of the 14th of October. David was well known in the industry, having been involved with it for over 25 years, and being the Chairman of ASIS UK. A former member of the British Army, he was well respected and well-liked by his colleagues and friends. As a sometime contributor for Infologue, we did not know him as well as many who made read this, but we offer our sincerest condolences to his friends and most of all his family.  ...

16th October 2019 IFSEC, the prominent security exhibition, has announced the launch of IFSEC Europe. The exhibition, which already has shows in 7 countries including the UK and several Asian nations, will be finally be extending it’s reach into Europe with their new event that will take place every 2 years. IFSEC Europe will be held between the 20th and 22nd of September 2021 in the Netherlands at RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. Taking place for the first time on 20-22 September 2021 at RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, IFSEC Europe will create a pan-European home for integrate...

October 11th 2019 On October 8th 2019, businesses from around the North-West region of Britain converged on St. Ann’s Church in the city of Manchester for the 2019 Manchester Safe and Secure for Business. This annual event is organised by the Manchester City Centre Crime Prevention Panel (MCCCPP) in conjunction with the Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police and Atmaana Business Consulting. Speakers at the event included Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson QPM, Deputy Mayor Beverley Hughes, Baroness Ruth Henig CBE and Chief Inspector Zac Fraser. The topics were varied and c...