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NEWS from the This section is dedicated to news and information from the BSIA
BSIA: Lessons in security partnership to be learnt from student protests As the clear-up continues at Conservative Party headquarters following last week's violent student protests against tuition fees, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is highlighting the important role that the private security industry could play in avoiding future clashes....More on this
BSIA pledges support to Olympic security conference The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has announced its support for the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Safety and Security Conference 2010. The event, now in its second year, will take place on 25 th November and is hosted by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in Whitehall, London... More on this
BSIA advises homeowners to protect their properties this winter As the days are getting shorter and the cold starts settling in, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is reminding homeowners of the importance of ensuring that their homes and possessions are protected this winter.Past events have proven that the risk of falling victim of crimes such as burglary increases during the cold season, as long hours of darkness make properties more vulnerable. However, simple and cost effective... More on this
BSIA calls for renewed focus on in-house licensing A recent court case highlights the need for licensing of in-house security guards, according to the British Security Industry Association (BSIA). Aaron Bishop, 23, died in July 2009 after being put in a choke-hold by a security guard at a high-street department store in Swansea after he had allegedly stolen a bottle of aftershave from the store... More on this
BSIA hits back against claims that airport security is "unnecessary" As Western airlines once again become the focus of terrorist threat, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is highlighting the ongoing importance of aviation security in the fight against extremism. A plot by Yemen-based members of terrorist group Al-Qaida to smuggle explosive materials within innocuous-looking printer cartridges on US cargo planes was uncovered late last week... More on this
BSIA announces National PR Committee chairman The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has appointed its National PR Committee Chairman. Tim Compston, from BSIA member company RemGuard Visual Management , will be heading the BSIA National PR meetings for the next 12 months, having been re-elected Chairman by the rest of the committee representatives last week... More on this
Public Spending Review: How the private sector can limit the damage As Chancellor George Osborne reveals the Coalition government's four-year Public Spending Review Plan, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) analyses how public and private sectors could work together to overcome challenges brought on by budget cuts, particularly within the police force... More on this
Careful consideration is essential in deciding the SIA's future, security industry alliance tells Theresa May. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has called for the Home Secretary to carefully consider the implications of the rumoured abolition of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), following recent speculation in the press that the security industry regulator is about to be scrapped... More on this
BSIA research confirms the benefits of BS8418 in CCTV Research carried out by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) amongst its CCTV section members has provided a valuable insight into the benefits of BS8418 solutions to the CCTV industry and its customers. First introduced in 2003, BS8418 is the British Standard for remotely monitored, detector-activated CCTV systems. As the standard has just gone through a process of revision, the BSIA's recent survey was devised to assess installer and manufacturer attitudes towards the popularity and value of BS8418 systems in the wider marketplace. When deployed BS8418 compliant solutions consist of cameras and detectors placed strategically around a site, linked together by specialised transmission equipment to a Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC). Here, operators can visually confirm what is happening, call up on-screen plans of the site and even issue verbal warnings to intruders via on-site speakers. If necessary, the RVRC operators can also alert the police who, as the incident is confirmed visually and is associated with a URN (Unique Reference Number), should provide a rapid response... More on this
BSIA members preview Security Essen 2010 Members of the British Security Industry Association's Export Council have given an exclusive preview of what visitors can expect to see at this year's Security Essen exhibition, which takes place from 5 th – 8th October. As the trade association representing the UK's private security industry, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and its dedicated Export Council play a vital role in forging productive trade links between UK security companies and overseas buyers from around the world... More on this
BSIA and Banknote Watch welcome the latest cash-in-transit convictions The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the sentencing of five cash-in-transit robbers, which took place at Preston Crown Court this week. The offenders, who were responsible for two cash-in-transit robberies in the winter of 2008 during which a cash-in-transit courier was shot and seriously wounded, received hefty sentences totalling over 50 years... More on this
BSIA welcomes government plans for CCTV regulation As the new coalition government publishes its plans for civil liberties in the UK, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA)'s CCTV Section has welcomed plans for a further focus on the regulation of CCTV and calls for the new Government to work closely with key stakeholders, including the BSIA, in its decision making... More on this
BSIA enjoys successful exhibition at Counter Terror Expo The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has exhibited at the Counter Terror Expo event for the first time. The event, which took place on 14 th and 15 th April at Olympia in London, brought together the world's leading experts on counter-terrorism and provided delegates with the opportunity to view first-hand some of the new technology developed to aid the fight against terrorism... More on this
BSIA urges future government to consider needs of the security industry Following the announcement of the next General Election, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is urging the major political parties to engage with the security industry and consider its needs as part of their election manifestos in the run up to 6 th May. Working with the Government has long been at the heart of the BSIA's activity and the Association is proud to maintain good relations with key decision-makers at the highest levels. Continuing these relationships and establishing new ones will be high on the BSIA's agenda once the new Government is announced... More on this
BSIA welcomes Sabrewatch convictions The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the recent convictions of security company Sabrewatch who have been found guilty of supplying unlicensed security operatives to customers. Sabrewatch, based in East Grinstead, provided security for high street retailers including Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Harvey Nichols, GAP and Cadbury Schweppes. The firm had been supplying unlicensed security operatives to customers despite being well aware that the law states security personnel must be licensed.... More on this
BSIA welcomes GMB’s move towards better welfare for security officers The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has offered its support to the GMB trade union following the announcement of the union’s new charter, aimed at improving employee welfare and safety for security officers. The new charter, which was officially launched yesterday (March 1 st), will improve conditions for security officers through better sick pay schemes... More on this
BSIA defends the use of full-body scanners in UK airports In light of the full-body scanners recently hitting the headlines again, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is highlighting the importance of safety over sensationalism. Just last week claims were made from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan that on a recent trip through Heathrow Airport his scanned image was printed out and shared among staff. Following this incident, we have heard warnings from the Equality and Human Rights Commission that body scanners may be illegal because they could breach passengers' rights to privacy. More on this
CCTV is money well spent, says BSIA Public spending on CCTV is worthwhile to secure public safety, is the response of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to a recent online report highlighting concerns over the rise in the number of CCTV cameras controlled by local councils over the past decade. In its report, published in December, Big Brother Watch - an offshoot of the Taxpayers' Alliance - questions the effectiveness of CCTV in deterring or solving crimes, an inaccurate assessment according to Pauline Norstrom, BSIA CCTV Section Chairman. More on this
BSIA welcomes 'top-up training' for door supervisors The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the Government's consultation paper on the proposed introduction of additional training for door supervisors. Launched in December 2009, the consultation aims to make new skills in physical intervention, first aid, dealing with young people and awareness of the threat of terrorism, a basic requirement for all door supervisors either renewing an existing licence or new entrants to the industry who are applying for one for the first time. More on this
BSIA section highlights the benefits of access control technology Following the British Security Industry Association's (BSIA) recent research into crime in the recession, the Association's Access Control Section is highlighting the benefits that users can gain from access control technology. The BSIA's research revealed that security remains a key investment for UK plc despite the difficult economic climate with 92% of respondents retaining the same level of investment. In a summary report of the research findings, access control was featured as a popular security measure among the respondents. More on this
BSIA welcomes the appointment of a National CCTV Oversight Body and regulator The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the announcement from the Home Office on its formation of the National CCTV Oversight Body and decision to appoint an interim CCTV regulator. Among several responsibilities, the oversight body will develop the national standards for the installation and use of CCTV in public spaces, determine training requirements for users and raise public awareness of how CCTV works and the benefits it carries in tackling crime and protecting the public. More on this
BSIA announces the appointment of a new Chief Executive The Chairman of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Stuart Lowden, has today announced the appointment of James Kelly as the new Chief Executive of the BSIA. James brings a wealth of experience in lobbying, legal advice and commercial service delivery. With a very successful track record in professional representation he has performed leadership roles on behalf of the legal profession, engineering and marketing services industries. More on this
Association of Town Centre Management joins BSIA The Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) has become an Affiliated Organisation of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), ensuring the two organisations can benefit from the expertise of each other's members and share best practice. More on this:
BSIA to attend Intersec Dubai for the twelfth year running For the twelfth year running the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) will be facilitating a visit of 50 UK companies to Intersec Dubai 2010 - t he international meeting platform for security, safety and fire protection companies. The exhibition plays a major role in reflecting the security industry worldwide and will be an excellent opportunity for UK companies to showcase their capabilities and enthusiasm to explore markets throughout the wider Middle Eastern region. As the trade association covering all aspects of the professional security industry in the UK, the BSIA will attend the show as part of the UK pavilion. It will host its own information point as well as facilitate the attendance of some of the UK's leading security exporters.More on this:
Security remains an important investment for UK business Research from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has revealed that security remains a key investment for UK plc despite the difficult economic climate with 92% of respondents retaining the same level of investment. BSIA Technical Director, Alex Carmichael, comments: "It is encouraging that UK plc continues to take security seriously despite the pressures of the current economic climate. However, there are many ways that businesses can enhance their investment without large scale expenditure on their part." More on this:
Raid-control expands to protect cigarette gantries Raid-control – the national crime prevention initiative - has expanded its robbery deterrent package to include the protection of tobacco products within cigarette gantries in response to a new crime trend that retailers are experiencing. Criminals are targeting the cigarette gantries within several convenience store chains and demand that the person behind the counter hands over the cigarettes. In some cases the raiders jump the counters and sweep the cigarettes into bin bags before escaping with their haul. More on this:
BSIA welcomes further reduction in false alarms The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed another significant reduction in false alarms across England, Wales and Northern Ireland following the release of figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). The figures demonstrate a 13.9% reduction in police attendance to false alarms over the last year. More on this:
Businesses offered valuable insight into counter-terrorism Thames Valley businesses were given a valuable insight into the ways their organisations can protect themselves and assist in countering terrorism during the hugely successful Thames Valley Security 2009 event held on Wednesday at Royal Windsor Racecourse.The event played host to more than one hundred delegates from local businesses and police forces. More on this:
This week’s news - three major industry bodies join to seek new ‘differentiating’ standard for guarding service provision Hard on the heels of the launch of the Contract Quality Marque comes the news that the three major private security industry bodies – the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and Skills for Security – have announced another important initiative aimed at creating a high-level operational standard for companies wishing to demonstrate a significant and verifiable difference in the guarding services they provide. This will complement the Contract Quality Marque and is further evidence of the organisations' strong belief in the future. The organisations have senior representatives on a steering group which is chaired by VSG’s Bill Muskin, the Chairman of the BSIA Security Guarding Section Committee. Their aim is to reach agreement on a forward-looking standard which will be awarded to any guarding company once the company has passed an appropriate inspection. More on this:
BSIA publishes guide to access control for the education sector The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has published a new guide to aid the education sector in the application of access control systems.Education sites face a variety of threats including theft, vandalism and trespass. Therefore, safeguarding the wellbeing of pupils and staff is paramount. Access control systems can do just this by protecting assets as well as ensuring the physical safety of everyone onsite, whilst maintaining the continuity of education by preventing disruptions caused by theft and damage. More on this:
Businesses asked to contribute to countering terrorism The Thames Valley business community is being invited to attend a free one-day security-focussed event to look at ways organisations can secure their businesses and contribute to countering terrorism.Nick Gilbert, Thames Valley Police Business Crime Reduction & Engagement Manager, says: "Countering terrorism is an issue in which all businesses can play their part, protecting their own organisations and customers as well as the wider public. More on this:
BSIA members are high achievers at Security Excellence Awards Seven members of the British Security Industry Association were amongst last night's winners at the prestigious Security Excellence Awards. The winners were honoured at a glittering event held at the Park Lane Hilton in London.Kiri Gray, BSIA PR and Marketing Communications Manager, comments: "The Security Excellence Awards recognise achievements in the industry across a broad spectrum of different categories. More on this:
Successful visit to Singapore for British exporters British security exporters have just returned from an extremely successful visit to Singapore. The Safety and Security Asia 2009 exhibition, held in early October, saw 13 British security companies from a variety of industry sectors form a British pavilion to showcase their products and services to a broad range of visitors from across South East Asia.Chris Pinder, British Security Industry Association Export Services Manager, comments: "In a difficult economic climate, the BSIA was delighted to be able to organise for 13 companies to attend the Singapore exhibition, an increase from nine last year More on this:
Businesses urged to take identity fraud seriously During National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, the British Security Industry Association is urging businesses to take identity fraud seriously in order to protect both their own organisations and their customers. Russell Harris, BSIA Information Destruction Section Chairman, says: "Identity fraud is a very serious issue, not just for individuals More on this:
21CN test results published The British Security Industry Association has published the results of its members' testing on the BT 21st Century Network. The testing, which has taken place over 18 months, has been undertaken on a live 21CN network in order to understand how communications equipment is affected by the network. BT has been the only Communications provider that has fully engaged with the security industry on this network change and this has led to the creation of a specific security equipment test plan, which provides a rigorous sequence of tests that covers the various signalling formats used in the industry. More on this:
BSIA Chief Executive to step down John Bates is to step down as Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association with immediate effect. John Bates comments: "It has been a privilege and I am proud to have led the BSIA. The team are conscientious, dedicated and serve the members well and I have enjoyed working with them. More on this:
Learning from industry experience in major events The UK Security and Resilience Suppliers' Community (RISC) and the Olympic Security Directorate (OSD) are asking for input from industry about organisations' experience in securing major sporting events. More on this:
New European standard for security smoke devices welcomed The British Security Industry Association has welcomed the publication of the new European Standard for security smoke devices – EN50131-8. The new standard started life as a BSIA code of practice and was then developed into a British Standard before progressing to Europe. More on this:
Inaugural meeting of BSIA Close Protection Section The British Security Industry Association has this week held the inaugural meeting of its new Close Protection Section. The section has been formed to provide representation for companies providing close protection services within the UK. More on this:
New BSIA vice-chairman appointed Julie Kenny CBE DL has been appointed as the new vice-chairman of the British Security Industry Association. Julie Kenny has been involved in the BSIA for some 17 years including two stints as Chairman of the Security Equipment Manufacturers Section. More on this:
Businesses be aware of regulation of the security industry in Northern Ireland The British Security Industry Association has published new advice to Northern Ireland's business community ahead of the introduction of regulation of the security industry. More on this:
Excellence in crime prevention celebrated at Raid-control awards Excellence in crime prevention was celebrated at the Annual Raid-control Awards dinner held on Thursday 7th May. Three awards were presented to individuals for their "Outstanding achievement in promoting the Raid-control concept.” Raid-control Chairman, John Birkenshaw, comments: "Raid-control is proud to honour this year's award winners. Without the hard work of Raid-control members, retailers across the UK would not be benefiting from a considerably reduced risk of robbery. Each of our winners thoroughly deserve their awards and I congratulate them on their success." More on this:
Saudi commercial officer recognised with BSIA Chairman's Award The British Security Industry Association's Meet the Buyers event at IFSEC saw the presentation of a BSIA Chairman's Award for Services to Exporting to Mohammed Farooq, Commercial Officer to Saudi Arabia. The BSIA's Chairman's Awards recognise outstanding contributions to the work of the British security industry and are usually presented at the Association's Annual Luncheon in July More on this:
BSIA overseas event welcomes royal visitor The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) welcomed HRH Prince Michael of Kent to its hugely successful Meet the Buyers event held at IFSEC. The royal guest visited the event in his role as Patron of the BSIA’s Export Council More on this:
BSIA publishes BT 21CN test plan The British Security Industry Association has published a test plan for the use of security equipment on BT's 21st Century Network. The test plan has been put together after almost two years of development by the BSIA and its members including extensive testing of systems on the 21st Century Network at BT's facilities at Adastral Park and Swansea. More on this:
Quality security solutions essential to effective home security The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is supporting the Home Office in its ongoing work to prevent burglary through an initiative to provide discounts on professional property marking systems, whilst also emphasising the importance of quality security products and systems installed and maintained to professional standards. More on this:
Secure your future – BSIA and CTP publish new guide The British Security Industry Association and the Career Transition Partnership have published a new guide for service leavers to careers in the security industry. The guide includes case studies on ex-service leavers that have forged successful careers in the security industry and highlights a typical career path, as well as detailing the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) courses available. More on this:

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BSIA welcomes 'top-up training' for door supervisors

Successful visit to Singapore for British exporters

Businesses urged to take identity fraud seriously

New European standard for security smoke devices welcomed

Inaugural meeting of BSIA Close Protection Section

New BSIA vice-chairman appointed

BSIA publishes BT 21CN test plan