Security exporters from across the UK gathered with key industry stakeholders during the IFSEC show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Export Council.
Set up in 1994, the Export Council serves as a forum for relationships between the UK’s security industry and overseas buyers to be founded and cultivated, and acts as a port of call for overseas-based contacts interested in developing a relationship with a UK company as a partner, customer or distributor.
Celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Export Council took place on the BSIA’s stand (D1500) at IFSEC, and featured brief presentations from current Export Council Chairman, Greg Stuttle of GJD Manufacturing Ltd; a founding member of the Export Council, Julie Kenny CBE DL of Pyronix; and UKTI DSO’s Senior Security Advisor and Head of Business Strategy, Simon Everest.
Speaking at the event, Greg Stuttle welcomed the support of key stakeholders, including BSIA members and UKTI: “Exporting has become very important to our business and for all those involved in exporting. We get incredible support from stakeholders, the BSIA and UKTI.”
Reflecting on the progress made by the Export Council over the past 20 years, Julie Kenny CBE DL added: “In the last 20 years we have worked together with the BSIA and UKTI to grow exporting within the industry. At the time [of the formation of the Export Council] we did not export more than 5% of our annual turnover, and that number has now exceeded 40 per cent. For some members, this figure is as high as 70pc.”
On the relationship between UKTI and the BSIA, Simon Everest said: “We work closely with the BSIA and exhibitions around the world, and our relationship continues to grow from strength to strength supporting companies to grow their exports all over the world.”
Visitors to the trade body’s stand for the celebration included Commercial Officers from British Embassies around the world, as well as companies new to exporting, seeking advice and guidance on getting started.
Daren Wood, Membership and Export Services Manager at the BSIA, said: “For BSIA members, exporting became increasingly important throughout the economic downturn, and now that the country enters a period of growth, we expect more and more of our members to be exploring opportunities abroad. UK security suppliers enjoy a favourable reputation in overseas markets for their experience and track record in supplying quality security products and services, and the Export Council continues to help businesses capitalise on this through facilitating contacts with overseas buyers and the organisation of UK pavilions at trade shows including Intersec Dubai, Security Essen and of course, IFSEC’s overseas counterparts.
“For two decades, the help and assistance offered by the Association’s Export Council has enabled UK security exporters to grow their business on a global scale, and we were proud to celebrate this achievement.”
For more about the BSIA’s Export Council, visit www.bsia.co.uk/export-council
