A brand new event is set to provide Scottish businesses with a wealth of advice and guidance on security issues, including the centralisation of Scottish fire and police services, cyber security, transport security and the opportunities presented by the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Alongside a conference and exhibition, the event also offers an opportunity for Scottish-based security businesses to explore business partnerships by providing one-to-one meetings with large security suppliers interested in partnering with small and medium enterprises based in the region. Entitled ‘Scotland...

India’s TOPSGRUP has announced the completion of its acquisition of The Shield Guarding Company Limited UK, an industry leader in the provision of quality security solutions. TOPSGRUP originally acquired a majority stake in the company in 2008, and has now taken up its option to purchase a 100 per cent stake in the company. As part of the acquisition deal, the management team will remain in place with Stuart Kedward, who has been with The Shield Guarding Company for fifteen years, assuming the role of Managing Director. The company will ensure that its reputation for superior service and q...

More than 400 door supervisors were inspected during a London borough-wide operation on Friday [29 June]. The Metropolitan Police led the operation, supported by Security Industry Authority investigators, local police units, local authorities and trading standards and other partners. The operation was part of the Met’s Operation Condor, which saw officers deployed across London boroughs to crack down on licensing issues such as unlicensed door staff working at pubs and clubs. The SIA supported inspections that took place at 109 venues in the following boroughs: Greenwich, Hackney, Hammers...

Demonstrating the tangible benefits of trade association membership is key to the British Security Industry Association’s future growth and success, says Geoff Zeidler, the Association’s newly-appointed Chairman. In his inaugural address to BSIA members at the Association’s Annual Luncheon, Geoff stressed the importance of “absolute clarity” in setting the long-term direction of the Association against a challenging backdrop of a changing regulatory and market environment. He said: “In support of this objective I want to ensure the BSIA can demonstrate the tangible benefits and...

ISS, a leading global provider of facility services, today announces a new partnership with Barclays Bank. ISS will oversee and deliver facilities management services to Barclays operations in the UK, Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. This new partnership will deliver an integrated facilities management platform, including security services across these Barclays locations. To support this ISS will design and implement a new Management Information System ‘Insight@ISS’ that allows information to be collated, reviewed and analysed on a global basis to inform and suppor...

With the Olympic and Paralympic Games about to arrive in London, time has almost run out for visiting VIPs and dignitaries looking to secure quality Close Protection for their visit to the UK. To help visitors locate a reputable supplier, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has launched a dedicated Close Protection co-ordination unit, which puts visiting dignitaries in touch with suppliers that work to the relevant British Standards for quality. This service will be in operation throughout the Games period and thereafter, providing a single point of contact for visitors to the U...

ACPO lead for performance management, Chief Constable Steve Finnigan, comments on the HMIC report. “The police service must close a funding gap of £2.5 billion in today’s prices over the 4 year Comprehensive Spending Review period. Chief Officers have been preparing for these cuts and there are plans in place across all forces to address this huge challenge for the service. “This report shows that during the first year of these cuts, we have been able to continue to reduce crime and increase public confidence in policing. Maintaining this performance will beco...

The Chairman of the Security Institute, Mike Bluestone CSyP, has announced the appointment of two Vice-Chairmen – both Institute Fellows and Chartered Security Professionals - to underpin the two main disciplines in the Institute. Existing Institute finance director Emma Shaw MBA CSyP FSyl FCMI is appointed Vice-Chairman (Business) whilst Garry Evanson MSc BA CSyP FSyI PgDip PGCE MCGI FCMI, previously responsible for standards, is appointed Vice-Chairman (Operations). Emma is the Managing Director of Esoteric Ltd, a well established Electronic Sweeping, Counter-Espionage and Intelligence ga...

Three exceptional cash-in-transit couriers have been recognised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) with Special Awards for Outstanding Service. The awards, sponsored by Security Plus Ltd, acknowledge the outstanding courage and level-headedness displayed by cash-in-transit couriers when faced with exceptional, challenging or dangerous situations. BSIA Chief Executive, James Kelly, comments: "Cash in Transit couriers carry out an essential public service, and this year’s award winners deserve praise for demonstrating courage and sound judgment both on and off duty. A...

Key contributors to the ongoing success of the private security industry were recognised today (27th of June 2012) in this year’s prestigious British Security Industry Association Chairman’s Awards. The awards were presented at the Association’s Annual Lunch at the London Hilton on Park Lane, in the following categories: Contribution to the Industry, Contribution to the Community, Services to Exporting, Contribution to Training and Contribution to Standards. Hand picked by newly-elected Association Chairman, Geoff Zeidler, each of the winners was selected in recognition of the signifi...