Roy's Monthly Gossip

Welcome to STVE

by Mark Rowe

Summer is here, apparently, and what a shame we are not going to be able to enjoy it as we have in past years, with travel limited.

However if you are looking for something to do then why not visit out new ST virtual event, STVE. Ok, many of you have, but there’s loads of information on there and it’s on demand for you to view and watch at any time. We wanted to keep the success of the ST events rolling, so instead of coming to a town near you we are coming to a computer near you.

We have set up an exhibition hall with key exhibitors taking stands. Walk on and you see they have products and videos, some have even added their staff! (See if you can spot them?)

We have also set up a conference room and are grateful to the six speakers that have put presentations together specifically for the event, namely Prof Martin Gill (Perpetuity Research) who talks about security in the pandemic; Mike Reddington (BSIA) talking about the impact COVID-19 has had and what next, Mike Neville (Super Recognisers International) talks about ‘super recognisers’, David Scott (Skills for Security) talks about apprenticeships, Ellie Hurst (Advent IM) talks about ransomware; and Dave Roscoe (SSAIB) updates us on standards.

We have also put on there a library for those that want to learn more, or those that maybe needing research for an exam or qualification they are working on. Each month more or less our editor Mark Rowe evaluates industry books so there is a selection for you. We have a meet and greet page, similar to our networking drinks, yeah, it involves a bar! The only thing that is missing is the heads and tails game as I was not too sure how we could build that into the event.

We know that our ST events are very successful and are well received and we have already been told by one of the exhibitors that he has received an order from a new customer as a direct result of VE, so I am gratified that we can still help connect, educate and bring people together with their businesses. As I say it’s on demand so it will be there when you are ready to view it and you can go back as many times as you like. I should say it is our intention to update it as often as we can and we will market the fact that we have a new exhibitor, a new speaker, or even an exhibitor has updated their video or product range. We might even find a way of bringing in the heads and tails game!

There’s a downside to everything and in the case of STVE, it’s; instead of us providing the bacon butties, tea and coffee and hot buffet lunch, catering is by you, I’m afraid.

Can I congratulate all at the BSIA for what was an excellent presentation of this year’s security officer awards. I was asked to be a judge so had a particular interest in how they were going to present this year’s awards. They produced a video, the video, which is on our website, and had a number of speakers who like our STVE recorded their presentations in their own homes including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick. Very impressive I thought that she found time to do this for them and our industry. She presented the annual bravery award. BSIA chairman Simon Banks hosted the event of course and presented his chairman’s award to all the key workers from our industry for their input during the pandemic. Then someone over at the BSIA put all this together which was like watching the Oscars on TV. May I also congratulate all the winners, all the sponsors, the speakers and my fellow judges. Good job guys. Visit https://www.britishsecurityawards.co.uk/.

So during all these goings on had you noticed that Steve Harrison has joined Pelco as the Sales Director UK and Ireland. You may know Steve was over at Tyco for almost 12 years, having joined them after nine years at Honeywell. He clearly is a guy that gives it his all, but will he miss the super bikes; as whenever I went to those events, when Tyco was a sponsor, Steve was always there? What’s happened to Tony Burns, I hear you ask; well Tony has moved to become the Business Development Director also for UK and Ireland, Tony told me that he is at his best when he is networking and with customers so that is exactly what his new role allows him to do.

Winsted the control room console company has appointed Paul Brady as Business Development Manager for the UK. Paul brings with him experience of the security industry with prior roles at Morse Watchmans.

Sad news

Jamie Howard from Serv Group told me of his father Ken: “Unfortunately, I am letting you know that dad passed away on April 7. I thought that there will be many people in the industry who, due to current restrictions may not know. Dad worked in the high-security industry for around 30 years, initially promoted to Senior Manager at Thorn EMI Hi-Security Division, with responsibility for the City, West End of London and surrounding areas, and latterly as co-founder (with friend and colleague Pat Curran) of Bell Security Ltd, which spawned fire and technology based companies.

“At one stage it was responsible for the security requirements of over 70pc of UK retail banks (including NatWest, HSBC, Lloyds, RBOS, BOS, Halifax, Norwich and Peterborough, Yorkshire Bank and a number of others). Formed in 1986, it grew from a small one desk office in Ilford, to multiple sites worldwide, culminating in a full Stock Exchange listing in 1999. The company was purchased by Securitas in 2004 valued at circa £100m and is now part of the Stanley Security family. Dad retired upon floatation and became more involved in family and charity works, where he was a prominent member of the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) committee with the City of London Police, often driving his 1920s coach or 1950s fire engine in the Lord Mayor’s Show as part of DARE’s float, VP of his local rugby club and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

“There are many in the industry today who owe a debt of gratitude towards dad giving them opportunity and hope to succeed in their chosen field. He leaves wife Gloria, daughter Kerrie, son Jamie and 6 children in addition to many family and friends.”

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