Ahead of the NSI National Installer Summit 2016, Mark Rowe, Editor, Professional Security Magazine, has a Q&A with Graeme Hazlewood, pictured, Business Development Director, at the National Security Inspectorate.
So here we are and it’s 2016 and time for the third National NSI Installer Summit! Does this mean that you’re happy with the formula?
Well, yes! At NSI we’re planning for even greater interest than and we saw in 2015 and have some exciting new elements this year, to build on the success of the previous Summits and to give our installers something they really can value. The Summit date is Thursday, March 10. Once again the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham is our chosen venue. The now familiar, tried and tested formula that has worked well before will apply, but with some new additions that will keep it fresh.
So why do you hold these events?
You’re right to ask this question. We are the certification body of choice for the UK’s most progressive and professional fire and security organisations, be they small and locally based, or with regional or national coverage. Our mission is to raise standards, and together with our approved companies it’s clear we are achieving this. The process of regular and robust auditing against the relevant standards by our network of auditors (around 4000 audits are delivered each year) is crucial. It ensures a consistency of approach, and a sharing of best practise leading the sector. However, co-operation of NSI approved companies and their desire to be the best in the business is key.
Our mission also places great emphasis on providing guidance and knowledge, and helping to ensure NSI approved companies keep up-to-date with the latest technology. To deliver these benefits, adding value for the companies we work with, the Summit format is a way in which we do that. In simple terms you could say that we are providing an efficient platform or forum that informs and educates. It’s targeted and relevant to our approved companies’ leaders, all of whom are busy people taking the opportunity to learn more about their industry, and raising the bar in terms of quality, customer service and innovation.
But there’s more to it than that. NSI, and our approved companies are in it for the long term. We see this as another means of stimulating dialogue, but also to connect the “NSI Community”. This is as much about networking and collaboration as it is about seeing and learning.
So just “same old, same old”?!
Well we’ve got a good formula and are refreshing it. So first off, we are delighted that Matt Allwright of “Fake Britain” and “Rogue Traders” fame is joining us again to act as our MC. Matt is a greatly respected champion of high standards and was fantastic last year, bringing his own unique humorous insightfulness.
Then we’ll have a broad range of exhibitors from across the industry as well as major presence from our lead sponsors, CSL Dualcom, RISCO, BT RedCare and IFSEC International. Finally, a really good cohort of speakers from a wide range of specialities and sectors will bring energy to the familiar “quick-fire” conference session, and the afternoon workshops or ‘Summit Sessions’ will have greater specialist focus – targeted at key areas of interest to approved companies.
This is the third NSI Installer Summit. What has been the feedback from exhibitors and visitors so far?
The response from exhibitors, speakers and delegates has been extremely positive and well beyond our expectations.
There are plenty of other events in the security sector calendar. Why should installers visit the summit?
I think it’s fair to say that this is the only event that’s specifically aimed at installers, and exclusive to NSI approved companies. This means the event is very focussed and all participants know exactly that their time can be well used. This applies equally to installers, exhibitors and sponsors, and hits the spot for everyone. We are certainly expecting a strong turnout for this Summit.
I understand you’ve held other, “mini” summits. Will this be the only event in the calendar going forward or is there space for others?
You are right: we have held very successful regional Mini Summits in the North West and Scotland. The national event will always be the principal focus, but we will supplement it with up to one additional event per year where there is strong interest.
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