The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) annual luncheon in London was the occasion for the national winners of this year’s Security Personnel Awards.
The industry awards in their 19th year have been sponsored by Camberford Law plc – specialist insurance brokers to the security industry – since they began. The awards serve to recognise the talent, dedication, skill and bravery exhibited by security personnel. This year, there was a special commendation, runner up and overall winner for each of the five categories: Outstanding Act, Best Newcomer, Best Use of Technology, Service to the Customer and Best Team.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA said: “The past year has been extremely testing for the United Kingdom, with numerous terror events shocking the nation. In times like these, it is important to recognise the true value of security personnel, who are often the first responders in times of emergency and play a vital role in keeping our country safe. This year’s winners are a perfect testament to the truly high calibre of personnel we have working within our industry.
“We received a high number of fantastic nominations this year, making the judging process a tough one; this year’s winners should be extremely proud of their achievements.”
The presentations were at a new venue, the Grand Connaught Rooms near Covent Garden, on Wednesday, July 12; also a celebration of the association’s 50th anniversary.
This year’s keynote speaker was writer and broadcaster Andrew Neil, who entertained diners about the political climate in the UK, Europe and the United States.
David Ottewill, Managing Director for Camberford Law plc, said: “Camberford Law plc is delighted to be involved in the sponsoring of the BSIA’s Security Personnel Awards 2017. We applaud and encourage the promoting of professionalism within the industry and also the hard work and dedication required by the entrants to achieve such an award.
“We have been insuring security companies for over 30 years and all too often the work of the security company and their individuals is overlooked, despite the fact that they play such a crucial role in public life and we feel it is only fair to recognise the outstanding achievers in this field. Well done to all the finalists.”
Service to the Customer
Special Commendation: Phillip Hillman – Mitie Total Security Management
Runner Up: Winston Cooper – Mitie Total Security Management
Overall Winner: Tom Lewis – The Westgrove Group, pictured left with James Kelly.
Outstanding Act
Special Commendation: Charles Stewart – SecuriGroup Services
Runner Up: John Atkins – Vision Security Group (VSG)
Overall Winner: Megin Dorrian – The Westgrove Group.
Best Newcomer
Special Commendation: John Moore – Robinson Services
Runner Up: Erin Jackson – SecuriGroup Services
Overall Winner: Simon Searle – Vision Security Group (VSG).
Best Use of Technology
Special Commendation: Jason Thomas – The Westgrove Group
Runner Up: Steven McKenzie – SecuriGroup Services
Overall Winner: Andrew Horner – Kings Security Systems.
Best Team
Special Commendation: JLL Bridgewater Place – Vision Security Group (VSG)
Runner Up: North Bristol Trust Southmead – OCS UK Ltd Group
Overall Winner: Union Square Security Team – Vision Security Group (VSG).
