Michelle Bailey, Managing Director of Active Response Security, the security company based in Yorkshire is no stranger to awards but even she never thought they would be a cruise. Winning the 2017 Women in Security Industry (WiS) award was a unique experience, she said, on being presented with the industry category award at last night’s Professional Security Magazine WiS Awards, hosted by the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) on the Harmony cruise boat of Bateaux London on the River Thames.
The level of support for her nominations was high and the judges agreed with the many plaudits that were offered on her behalf. Michelle said afterwards:
How does it feel to win this award?
It’s very special to me. At first I was overwhelmed at the number of people coming forward to nominate me from both within the security industry and from outside. Even my local Member of Parliament made a nomination. This in itself is very uplifting and encouraging. So many people came forward to say “It must be your year” that I had to put it out of my mind.
How have your staff reacted?
No person or business ever succeeds alone. My team are a major contributor to this award. What they do on behalf of our customers and colleagues is exceptional. When I left for London views were split. Some suggested if I won I would be dancing on tables, others said If I didn’t I might jump overboard!!
Was there damage to tables then?!
A Lady never tells. I am certainly glad there was no need to jump overboard. The warmth of congratulations was lovely. Whilst it’s true we are competitors, what we share in common is always greater than our differences. We all work in a proud industry.
What kind of year have you had?
After a successful 2016 when we laid some strong foundations for this year’s goals its been best foot forward. We have had the pleasure of working closely with great partners like our police and crime commissioner, The Yorkshire Regional Cyber Crime Unit, South Yorkshire Police and others. Our Initiatives on Cyber Crime and Counter Terror Awareness have been very successful. In fact the Head of the Cyber Crime Unit was one of those who nominated me. We should not forget either that our 3D Video character BuzzBee got a new friend in Freddie the Fly to support and safeguard children. As I am saying this I realise the bar is now set very high for 2018. That’s a good thing of course because it stretches us to Improve further.
What are you expecting for next year?
The level of our expansion has moved at a pace. We are looking at new premises and part of our plans Include looking at Acquisition. We will continue providing projects that meet the needs of our customers, staff and our community. We always look forward to the next episode of our 3D Character Buzzbee to help educate and safeguard children. Our positive progress means we will create more employment, not just locally but around the country. All in all it’s exciting times for us.
