The Business Services Association (BSA), who represents security industry players such as Mitie, OCS, and G4S, has declared the 2015 Budget a “big win”. The extension of the removal of VAT charges for private sector outsourcers for public sector work will create a level playing field with “in house” bidders. Previously, the private sector companies were required to add VAT to their charges. Mark Fox, Chief Executive of the BSA declared it a “big win”. “At the moment the private sector provider has to factor in an additional 20 per cent VAT when they pitch the cost of contract ...

Eighteen security organisations and associations attended the first meeting of a new Security Commonwealth hosted by UBM in London on 4th February. The Security Institute initiated the gathering, which included representatives from the Defence Industry Security Association, the Royal United Services Institute, the British Security Industry Association, ASIS UK Chapter 208, the International Professional Security Association, the Register of Chartered Security Professionals, the Association of Security Consultants, the Association of University Chief Security Officers, the Pharmaceutical Indu...

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is seeking the views of SIA licence holders to complete an Equality and Diversity questionnaire. The survey will help the SIA understand the experiences of those working in the private security industry, in areas of equality and diversity. The survey is open to all SIA licence holders, frontline and non-frontline, but the SIA is particularly interested to hear from licence holders across a diverse workforce. The online survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and responses will be treated in strictest confidence. To complete the survey, please click ...

G4S the world’s largest security solutions group, which specialises in business outsourcing bounced back into profit in 2014, posting a pre-tax profit of £14.8m  for 2014, compared to a loss of £190m a year in 2013. The share price moved upwards by 10.3% at the time of going to press, writes Infologue.com publisher, Bobby Logue. Commenting on the 2014 results, G4S Chief Executive Officer Ashley Almanza said, “The group made good progress with its strategic plan, delivering commercial, operational and financial progress during 2014. This is reflected in a 1.48% increase in underlying ...

As of March 9th 2015 Kingdom Security Ltd has acquired the business CDO Group Ltd. Operating nationally and specialising in the food security sector, CDO employs 160 people with a turnover of over £4m. The acquisition continues the expansion of Kingdom to £90 million turnover and 4,000 people. Terry Barton BA Hons Law, Managing Director of Kingdom said "Our ambition is to grow each of the ten sectors we currently specialise in. This acquisition enhances our food sector portfolio. The acquisition represents the continued desire for Kingdom to increase significantly its market share and ...

Lord Bates, Home Office minister, has appointed David Horncastle to join the Security Industry Authority This will be David’s first non-executive appointment following a long and successful career at BT, where most recently he was Director of Security Professional Services. David has valuable experience of audit and risk management and will join the SIA’s Audit and Risk Committee as well as being a member of the Board. David will work with SIA Chair Elizabeth France, and the other Board members, to contribute to the overall strategic direction of the SIA, and to ensure the SIA carries...

On 24 February, Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) coordinated a joint international operation from its operational centre in The Hague, which targeted the Ramnit botnet that had infected 3.2　million computers all around the world. The operation involved investigators from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom – who led the operation – along with partners from　private industry. Representatives from the various countries, Microsoft, Symantec and AnubisNetworks worked together with Europol officials to shut down command and control servers and to redirect 3...

Only two weeks remain to have your say, by answering the Security Research Initiative survey. Your response will help to establish a better understanding of the real benefits of security.  Most organisations agree that security is needed in the workplace to prevent and respond to crime, but what, if any, are the wider benefits, to other corporate departments like HR, Sales and Marketing, Finance, Legal, Procurement and Operations? Does good security help organisations to care for staff and increase their productivity? Does it give a competitive edge? Does it help make a profit? Perp...

This year’s Incentive FM Group roundtable addressed the issue of margin erosion in the UK contract security industry, and asked whether it is having a detrimental affect on the safety of client’s buildings and the viability of the security industry at large. The attendees also addressed what could be done to address this commodity pricing approach and whether the industry is selling itself short by broking labour as opposed to defeating risks. It asked - is there a way of setting a new standard and options for a better way of working? Attendees at the roundtable were: Jeremy Waud, Incenti...

Elizabeth France CBE, Security Industry Authority Chair, today [20 February] announced the appointment of Alan Clamp as SIA Chief Executive. Alan will take over from Bill Butler on 1 June. Alan is currently the Chief Executive of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA), where he has been responsible for implementing the strategic plan of the HTA to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regulation, and for ensuring that the HTA is governed effectively and provides good value for money. Alan has considerable experience in the field of regulation and has successfully managed significant organi...