Spectrum - Celebrating Security Excellence

spectrum THE VOICE OF THE

SUMMER 2021

PROFESSIONAL SECURITY INDUSTRY

CELEBRATING SECURITY EXCELLENCE Why recognising the work of our industry is more important than ever

ID FRAUD

EMPTY PROPERTY

END OF CRIMINALITY?

How information destruction companies are ensuring businesses remain safe | 30

A bigger issue lies in wait post pandemic - how can we deal with it? | 27

Is it time to start playing an active role in structural-level crime prevention? |17

THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Contents 4. Foreword with Mike Reddington

5. Industry briefing

10. British Security Awards winners

12. Securitas UK sponsor Gratitude statue

13. New benchmark in Lone Worker devices - Reliance High Tech

14. 'One Team' - STM Group

16. Restarting Cash - G4S

18. Time for the Industry to evolve? - Concept Management

20. Working towards the future - ADT/Johnson Controls

22. Totally Wireless - CSL Group

24. Saving the environment, making lives safer - Shred Station

26. A bigger post pandemic issue - empty property protection

30. How to protect yourself from ID fraud

34. Keeping companies and communities safe - Crimestoppers

36. 'Our Leicester City moment' - MAN Commercial Protection

39. New Members

Spectrum is produced in-house by the British Security Industry Association.

Andrew Cooper Katherine Ingram Design: BSIA Communications Contributors: Arevika Stephanian, STM Group | Victoria Douglas, ADT/Johnson Controls | Kristian Carter, Shred Station | Gideon Reichental, Clearway | Services Stuart Woolgar, Global Guardians | Chris Allcard, Reliance High Tech | Claire Bentley, CSL Group Editor:

Assistant Editor:

British Security Industry Association Anbrian House, 1 The Tything, Worcester, WR1 1HD Press Office: 32 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4HE

spectrum

Summer 2021

For the second time in just under over a year, the BSIA held its flagship event, the British Security Awards online due to the continued uncertainty of COVID-19.

Although we were restricted in holding a large-scale event to celebrate the talent and commitment of our industry’s finest, we were inundated by entries, receiving a record amount equating to over 50% more nominations since we rebranded the event in 2018. Once again in 2021, the security industry demonstrated its commitment to keeping people, property and places safe by presenting us with an outstanding display of talent, innovation and best practise making it no easy task for our panel of independent judges. You can read about who won on pages 9-11.

C H I E F

E X E C U T I V E ' S

F O R E W O R D

In the last quarter we also announced our next major event of the year, the inaugural National Shred Day. In partnership with the charity Crimestoppers, this national event is due to take place on Saturday 2 October at multiple locations across the United Kingdom.

The event is an opportunity for small businesses and members of the public to safely dispose their confidential waste for a nominal donation, with our Information Destruction members providing their disposal units at regional sites, which will be advertised locally over the summer and be based in the car parks of large commercial parks in regions stretching from the West Country to Scotland.

Skills for Security, our wholly-owned subsidiary, continues growth at pace and recently announced the launch of a Security Officers Services Apprenticeship, initially in Scotland with the training delivered by the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO). This landmark apprenticeship provides security officers with the most up-to-date training to develop the skills and expertise needed for a modern, professional security officer. Also, in light of recommendations that came out of the recent Manchester Arena Inquiry, Skills for Security has also launched two new top-up training courses for security officers. With the changing license requirements and the findings from the recent inquiry, employers have a duty to ensure the quality and professionalism of their staff, to which these courses are ideally suited. It has always been our goal to help improve the industry and increase the visibility of security as a career of choice.

We have also been active in lobbying government around the recent announcements on the 10-day rule, calling for clarification on how our members with double vaccinated staff can continue to work in their roles. With confidence, I hope that by the next quarter a great many of these restrictions that have affected our industry are in the past, and we can start moving on with planning for the next year.

Mike Reddington Chief Executive British Security Industry Association

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Industry

briefing

Tony Allen 1945 - 2021 It is with sadness that the BSIA announced the death of Tony Allen, Chairman of the Association’s wholly owned subsidiary Skills for Security and supporter of the BSIA for over 40 years. Tony was 75 and had been ill for a short while.

A physics graduate and a one-time technical lecturer, Tony held senior positions at Scantronic and was a founder of Dycon, as well as holding many board positions across the industry, including BSIA SEMs chairman and most recently as Director and Chairman of Skills for Security.

Simon Banks, Chairman, BSIA, said: “Tony brought a unique combination of talents to the roles he was responsible for. His considerable commercial experience combined with his own brand of discipline gave him a passion for understanding the systems and processes of the security sector.

“In his last major role as Chairman of Skills for Security these talents, combined with strong communication skills, meant he was instrumental in steering the company out of the poor financial position while also relentlessly driving quality improvements to course content and delivery. It was Tony’s tenacity and persuasion that convinced me to become Chairman of the BSIA over three years ago. He genuinely believed in the Association and saw the value of a professional security industry where others didn’t. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Tony was awarded the British Security Awards 2021 Chairman's Award posthumously for his services to the industry.

National Shred Day launched in partnership with Crimestoppers The inaugural National Shred Day in partnership with independent national charity Crimestoppers has been launched.

National Shred Day, which will be held at multiple locations across the UK on Saturday 2 October, is an opportunity for small businesses and members of the public to safely dispose their confidential waste for a nominal donation. The BSIA’s Information Destruction members will be providing their disposal units at regional sites which will be advertised locally over the summer and will be from the West Country to Scotland.

Kristian Carter, Chairman of the BSIA’s Information Destruction section and Commercial Director at Shred Station, said: “It is essential now more than ever that confidential documented information on people and businesses is destroyed securely to avoid the possibility of fraud occurring. “National Shred Day is an opportunity for us to assist in making sure that any confidential waste in your home and small office can be destroyed in a safe and environmentally positive way.” All donations given on the day go towards the regional projects carried out by Crimestoppers.

For more information on National Shred Day please visit www.bsia.co.uk/national-shred-day Spectrum

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5

Industry

briefing

Manchester Arena Inquiry: BSIA statement The BSIA and its members’ thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and had their lives shattered due to the terrorist attack that took place at the Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry has highlighted key areas to improve upon in the interest of the public’s safety and wellbeing. Some failures are evident and the sooner we address them, the higher the quality of protection will be for the sake of people, property and places the security industry protects.

It is important to highlight that many security companies regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to maintain their integrity and the security services they provide, something that as an Association we promote within our recognised membership. However, we feel the time has come for security services to be purchased on a risk and professionalism basis and not purely on cost, and the industry to be seen for what it is, a profession and not a minimum wage job.

The BSIA works with its industry, police and government partners to drive the security sector forward to the benefit of those who rely on these services and are committed to delivering the highest of standards required for all aspects of security. This ranges from mandatory training for security officers and the appropriate use of technology such as the legal and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automatic Facial Recognition (AFR).

The BSIA and its members will continue to support new legislation and the promotion of public safety with the goal of minimising and mitigating the threat of crime and terrorism in the United Kingdom.

Security Commonwealth launch new survey As part of the The UK Security Commonwealth's perceptions campaign, we recently asked end users and purchasers of security what they thought of the security industry, and now we would like to hear what the owners and senior managers of the security companies that provide those frontline security services to clients think about the industry.

To access the survey please visit the following link.

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Industry

briefing

BSIA Cybersecurity group release new code of practice for manufacturers The BSIA cybersecurity group have launched a new code of practice for manufacturers of safety and security systems.

Manufacturers of safety and security systems – cybersecurity code of practice, developed by the BSIA’s Cybersecurity Product Assurance Group (CySPAG), will assist in providing confidence throughout the supply chain promoting secure connection of products and services and delivering client assurance regarding connected solutions. The code of practice will assist the supply chain in its duty of care to other network users, particularly with respect to protecting the integrity of existing cybersecurity countermeasures, or the implementation of such countermeasures in new solutions.

This production of this code of practice follows the award-winning Installation of safety and security systems – cybersecurity code of practice released by CySPAG in 2020.

Steve Lampett, Technical Manager, BSIA, said: “Here at the BSIA we have long considered and debated how our industry sector can provide effective cyber secure solutions to end-users via its supply chain and we feel that to do this our supply chains must find ways to collaborate and support processes that achieve this.

"The publication of this new code of practice now provides a complete process for supply chains when utilised together with installers adhering to the Installation of safety and security systems – cybersecurity code of practice. This should provide peace of mind for end users in terms of cybersecurity of their systems, not only when they are installed but throughout the entire contract period.

"We hope to continue to drive the sector forward with this practical approach when addressing and managing cybersecurity risks. The idea is to steer safety and security practitioners into thinking outside the box on using new technology and equipping our industries with professional tools for the future."

The release of this code of practice is the next step in acknowledging a collective stakeholder effort of installers, manufacturers, and designers in providing a cyber secure solution.

To access the code of practice please visit the BSIA website.

BSIA member survey The BSIA values your thoughts on your experience as a member of the Association, and in order for us to find out how we are doing, we have created a short member survey. It is important for us that we are delivering relevant and informative products and services that assist you in your daily business, and by reaching out to you we are able to gauge how the BSIA - as your Association - can concentrate its efforts on delivering to you a first class member experience.

Take the survey Spectrum

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Industry

briefing

BSIA announce new section chairmen Three of the BSIA's sections have elected new chairmen.

For Information Destruction, Kristian Carter from Shred Station has taken over from Don Robins, of Printwaste, with Don being elected to serve as deputy chair. Don had been Chair of the Section and a Director from September 2016 to June 2021 as well representing the section on the BSIA Council from 2007 to 2012.

From left to right: Kristian Carter, John Davies, Howard Barron

John Davies of TDSi has taken over from Ray Jones as Chairman of the Access Asset Protection section. Ray was Chair of the Section and a Director from July 2017 to May 2021 and John has previously been a Director on two previous occasions; from July 2008 to July 2013 and July 2015 to July 2017.

In the Asset & Property Marking section, Kevin Howells of Datatag ID who was chair from July 2018 to July 2021 has been succeeded by Howard Barron of Retainagroup. The board and Associate staff thank the outgoing chairs for their invaluable contribution and wish the new incumbents the very best.

Skills for Security launch Scottish security officer apprenticeship Skills for Security have launched its Security Officers Services Apprenticeship imminently in Scotland with the training delivered by the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO).

This landmark apprenticeship provides security officers with the most up-to-date training to develop the skills and expertise needed for a modern, professional security officer. The apprenticeship itself will cover First Aid, Health & Safety and SIA licence (public space surveillance, door supervisor, security officer) followed by an opportunity to specialise in Public Space Surveillance, Door Supervisor or Security Officer. The first cohort of learners will be starting at the beginning of 2022.

Email info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk for more information on the apprenticeship.

Cycle Crime Conference 2021 The sixth annual Cycle Crime Conference, hosted by BikeRegister, the national cycle database, in association with British Transport Police (BTP), has taken place virtually after being postponed in 2020. New technology being offered by BikeRegister includes an App that 39 police forces have now adopted, which makes the registration of bikes easier at bike marking events and enables recovered and stolen bikes to be checked by officers on the spot on police mobile devices.

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SHREDDED. SORTED? NOT IF THEY HAVE THEIR WAY NO MATTER HOW WELL YOU MAY THINK YOU'VE SHREDDED YOUR CONFIDENTIAL WASTE AT HOME IT IS NOT 100% SAFE FROM THIEVES. FOR A MINIMAL FEE YOU CAN DISPOSE OF YOUR DATA SECURELY AS PART OF NATIONAL SHRED DAY THIS OCTOBER. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY.

BSIA.CO.UK/NATIONAL-SHRED-DAY

NATIONAL

SHRED DAY 2 OCTOBER 2021

WHICH ONE DID YOU WIN? The BSIA's flagship event, the British Security Awards took place online again this year, with sixteen winners taking the awards for their hard work and commitment during the last 12 months.

The awards were presented by broadcaster Sue Hill (pictured above), with the SaferCash awards being presented by Assistant Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police, Jayne Meir and Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Nicky Porter.

BY ANDREW COOPER

In June, we broadcast for the second year the British Security Awards Online,

recognising the work of our

members and their teams in keeping people, property and places safe.

Held online for a second year due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, the show also featured the Chairman’s Award, dedicated to Skills for Security Chairman and long-time BSIA associate Tony Allen, who sadly died at the beginning of the month. The awards also featured presentations from West Midlands and Greater Manchester Police as part of the Association’s SaferCash initiative, announcing the bravery awards for the Cash & Valuables in Transit members.

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The British Security Awards Online 2021 were sponsored

by Camberford Underwriting, SaferCash, TEAM Software, NSI, Texecom, Optex, Wagestream, CSL Group and Fenix Monitoring and its official media partner was Professional Security Magazine.

been in regular use only weeks before.

However it has been proven that it is

British

Security Awards

The 2021 winners are:

Thank you to our sponsors!

Best Newcomer: Katelyn Gordon - Mitie Service to the Customer: Anthony Chell - Mitie Outstanding Act: Denzil Wathen - Securitas UK Security Manager of the Year: Graham Rouse - Mitie Best Team: Beacon Shopping Centre Security Team - G4S Apprentice of the Year: Jessica Goodson - ADT (Johnson Controls) National Partnership: Network Rail - STM Group Installer of the Year: nmcn Innovative Security Project: GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio (All IP) - CSL Group Business of the Year: MAN Commercial Protection SME of the Year: Corsight AI Environmental Project of the Year: Frontline Faceshields Project - Shred Station Best Use of Technology: ID Ultra - Reliance High Tech Contribution to the Industry: Jason Towse - Mitie Industry Bravery: Rory Middleton & David Paynter - Loomis Police Partnership Initiative: DCI Christopher Mossop – Greater Manchester Police Chairman’s Award: Tony Allen

Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: “Once again in 2021, the security industry has demonstrated its commitment to keeping people, property and places safe by presenting us with some fantastic examples of the immense wealth of talent, innovation and best practice on display in both our membership and the wider industry.

“The scale of achievement in 2021 is remarkable, and today we were able to recognise these forward-thinking and professional self-starters who represent our industry on a day-to-day basis. Congratulations to every one of you on your success today.”

The British Security Awards is scheduled to take place next year, subject to government rules, on 29 June at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square.

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K U S A T I R U C E S

OUTSTANDING ACT Winners of this year's Outstanding Act at the British Security Awards, Securitas UK are sponsoring a sculpture to represent security officers to recognised the critical work being carried out on the frontline.

Gratitude, a spectacular public art installation to thank

We strongly support the BSIA's campaign to raise public

NHS staff and all key workers for their ongoing courage

awareness of the value of key workers in the security industry

and dedication, is being developed by leading global

and one of the ways we are doing this is by sponsoring

public art producer Wild in Art, and plans to open in

Gratitude, to thank all key workers for their work during the

Birmingham in summer 2021, ahead of a free to visit tour

pandemic.

across the UK which aims to take in high profile, accessible locations including Edinburgh and London.

“We’re committed to doing our part to change people’s perceptions of the role and value of security officers,”

The image of key workers standing together, but apart, is

confirms Shaun Kennedy, Country President, Securitas UK.

one of the abiding images of this time, and Gratitude will

“Time and again our colleagues go above and beyond to

connect people and communities, artists and businesses,

protect people and property. They were doing this before

NHS staff and all key workers, inviting people to come

COVID struck, and they’ve continued to keep businesses and

together, reflect and show their appreciation.

local communities safe throughout the global pandemic.”

Impactful and reflective, Gratitude brings together 49

The recognition of security officers as key workers is the start

uniquely-designed human form sculptures, sponsored by

of a re-appraisal; as we exit lockdown, security officers will

businesses, in a display which invites contemplation and

have a crucial role in supporting public confidence, particularly

takes visitors on a creative journey of discovery.

as we all start to navigate communal spaces again.

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ARTLU DI HCET HGIH ECNAILER

A NEW BENCHMARK IN LONE WORKER PROTECTION Reliance Protect, celebrated winning the prestigious Best Use Of Technology Award at the British Security Awards 2021.

Built-up areas can cause problems and

CHRIS ALLCARD, RELIANCE HIGH TECH

ID Ultra has been developed with

those

advanced GPS technologies that work

incidents where devices relying

alongside Wi-Fi technology to provide

solely on GPS would have not

location positions indoors.

provided a location.

The more Wi-Fi networks and access

Given

points ID Ultra can see, the better its

number

location

urban

incredibly proud to have received

environments it is far more effective than

the Best Use Of Technology

GPS. ID Ultra does this very quickly –

Award at the British Security

sending a Wi-Fi position within 15 - 20

Awards

seconds of an alarm. By comparison, some

delighted that our dedication to

lone worker devices can take upwards of

pushing

120 seconds to try to find a GPS location

technology has been recognised

before timing out.

by our industry peers.

To illustrate its effectiveness, in March

Find out more about Reliance

2021 Reliance Protect received 1,900

Protect

lone worker alarms into its BS 5979

www.relianceprotect.co.uk

Technology is an increasingly integral part of any security strategy and plays a key role in keeping people safe as they go about their activities. Whether it’s a community based NHS nurse, a social worker, an enforcement officer or anyone else that works on their own, when an alarm is sent location verification

needs

to

happen

quickly.

Therefore, when we decided to develop our ID Ultra personal safety device, being able to pinpoint the exact location of the wearer was a primary objective.

Although Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has had a positive impact on the effectiveness of personal safety devices, it needs to have line of sight to a minimum of four satellites to provide an accurate location.

when a wearer is indoors GPS can become either inaccurate or not work at all.

tracking

–

so

in

alarms

–

that’s

352

the

record

breaking

of

entries,

we

2021, the

and

equally

boundaries

by

are

of

visiting

Category II alarm receiving centre. Wi-Fi technology generated locations in 352 of

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13

P U O R G M T S

'ONE TEAM' RECIPE FOR SUCCESS In particular, this award recognises the

Operating

positive relationship between the wider Rail

commitment

Network family and STM Group. STM

service

deploys staff, across the Wessex Region,

enabled us to focus on customers

who are employed solely for the welfare and

who demand the highest of

wellbeing of rail passengers, and others who

standards, where innovation and

Everybody within STM Group (UK) Limited

frequent rail stations. It is a demanding and

service

is both delighted and honoured to receive

unique operation in which STM takes great

requisite

the

pride.

operates a ‘’One Team’ culture,

Winners of this year's National Partnership, STM Group look back over the challenges and opportunities they have faced as a business in the last 18 months.

BY AREVIKA STEPHANIAN, STM GROUP

National

Partnership

Award,

for

since to

2005,

a

continuous

improvement

has

quality

are

a

for

success.

preSTM

where the organisation applies

“Protecting the Public, Reducing Risk” Recognised as an expert in the demanding

its “Support, Trust, Manage”

transport sector, STM Group provides

philosophy in providing a positive

Filled with COVID-19 uncertainty, the last

bespoke service solutions. It specialises in

working environment for its

12 months has been a very challenging and

the

internal customers.

demanding period. Being honoured with this

cleaning, and customer-focused, services,

award has provided a beacon of light at the

underpinned and supported by leading edge

In one way or another, everyone

end of the tunnel for STM Group.

technology.

has been affected by COVID-19.

project at the British Security Awards 2021.

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delivery

of

high-quality

security,

STM

training

regime

Group

The pressures on both business and

The

also

involves

Paul Jacomb, CEO of STM Group,

individual, over the last 18 months, have

Samaritans

Training

and

Physical

commented “The transition I have

been significant. Not only the pandemic,

Intervention,

enabling

the

but also the restrictions imposed as a

professional discharge of responsibilities.

result, have demanded a different, more

Welfare Officers are also expected to

flexible, approach. Working remotely, and

proactively

working from home, have become the

providing a high level of customer service

customers, whilst promoting best

norm for many. However, for most within

and helpful travel advice.

practice through our commitment

engage

with

safe

the

and

public,

STM, the fundamental principle of going to work, despite all the unknown risks, has continued. Often, the nature of the required work has changed (to more of a

seen has been little short of remarkable.

"By

investing

in

our

internal

to continuous service improvement,

"One of the few positives of COVID-19 has been the

operational standards have gone from strength to strength.

focus on COVID-19 related activity), but

growing recognition of the

"I salute those who have made this

what has become very evident is the

critical work undertaken

possible, by working together as

growing recognition of the value of the work undertaken by so many STM

by the security industry,

employees working within the Critical

and the true value of many

National infrastructure.

of

This award, specifically, highlights the

our

front-line

operatives."

success of STM Group’s Trespass & Welfare

performance has been recognised through the award of yet another prestigious accolade.

"One of the few positives of

The high standards continuously delivered

COVID-19 has, undoubtedly, been

successfully

by STM have been recognised through

the growing recognition of the

suicide

numerous awards, including ‘’Transport

critical work undertaken by the

attempts, as well as assisting many more

Supplier of the Year’’ at the London

security industry, and the true value

vulnerable individuals. This has been

Transport Awards 2020, ‘’Security Project

of

achieved through ensuring the careful

of

and

operatives. BSIA members, like

selection of staff with the right profile,

‘’Outstanding Customer Service Initiative’’

STM, who seek to promote a

combined

at

professional industry, now have the

staff

prevented

prevention

and grateful that organisational

project,

where

suicide

‘One Team’, and am both thankful

have

well

with

now

over

a

100

focused

training

the the

Year’’ OSPAs

at

IFSEC

2021.

2020,

The

highlight,

many

of

front-line

programme, covering over 30 high-profile

however, was the award of the prestigious

opportunity

railway stations. Designated Welfare

British Security Industry “Business of the

important that industry is in the

Officers are trained to observe, assist,

Year 2020”, sponsored by BSIA.

provision of a safe and secure

and support, any vulnerable or potentially

to

our

highlight

how

environment for the public at large”

suicidal person, ensuring that anything

The Company is thrilled to be adding

unusual is identified quickly, with timely

‘’National Partnership 2021’’ award to this

For more information

engagement.

list of achievements.

visit www.stmsecurity.com

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S 4 G

RESTARTING CASH: GIVING CUSTOMERS THE CHOICE OF HOW THEY PAY Winners of Best Team 2021 at the British Security Awards, G4S continue to champion access to cash through their cash services division as well as working with government on improving employment opportunities.

Before the pandemic, it was estimated that close to two million people in the UK relied on cash for almost every payment that they made, and around eight million people would struggle if the option of cash payment was taken away from them. Now, as businesses are reopening to customers again, it is clear that for many people the reliance and preference to use cash

Since the UK first went into lockdown due to the

remains.

coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, with most commercial businesses forced to close their doors to

“The demand for our services in the cash cycle has gone up by

customers, the option to make payments in cash was

over 70% in the last few months, and continues to rise” said

largely taken away from customers for a lot of

John Apthorpe, Commercial Director G4S Cash Solutions.

transactions. Unable to attend premises in person, the

“This is happening for one reason - and one reason only; the

only options available to customers were card and digital

public are out and about again, they are making payments, and

payment methods, resulting in a significant drop in cash

now that they have the option again, a lot of people are

use across the UK.

choosing to make those payments with cash.”

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G4S Employee

Support Services

G4S CHOSEN TO SUPPORT OVER 100,000 PEOPLE TO FIND WORK The new Restart Scheme, launched by the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), was announced in 2020 to help more than a million people across the country who have been unable to find work as a direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

and the G4S

Employee Support Services (ESS) will deliver the Restart Scheme in the NorthWest of England.

G4S will be working with 18 organisations

"We are delighted to be playing an important role in

across the North West, from the private,

getting people back into work in these difficult times."

public and voluntary sector to support Universal Credit claimants who have

The DWP’s Restart Scheme will develop a

The scheme will launch at the end

been out of work for between 12 to 18

strong

individuals’

of June. If you are interested in

months.

employment history, skills, aspirations and

working for G4S to deliver the

needs to develop the right package of

Restart Scheme, you can learn

support to help each participant succeed.

more about our available roles

“We are delighted to be playing an

understanding

of

important role in getting people back into

here.

work in these difficult times.” said

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP

Graham Levinsohn, Regional CEO of G4S

said: “Our Plan for Jobs is delivering fresh

We are delighted to be playing an

in the UK, Ireland and the Middle East.

hope and new opportunity across the

important role in getting people

country with people of all ages already

back into work in these difficult

being supported to move into work.

times.

employment. We are proud to be chosen

“The new DWP Restart Scheme will give

To find out more about G4S's

to continue to work closely with the

over a million jobseekers the crucial

commitment to restarting cash

Department to deliver and expand these

tailored support they need to find new

“We’ve been working with the DWP since 2011 to support people into lasting

essential

employment

thousands of people.”

services

to

employment and thrive as we

recover

from the impact on our jobs market.”

and

the

Employee

Support

Services visit g4s.com/mediacentre

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NEERCS EKOMS TPECNOC

IT’S TIME FOR THE PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY TO EVOLVE Epsom and St Hellier NHS wanted to create a positive impact on their IT equipment that was end of life or being replaced as part of a refresh project.

Enter Concept Management to assist with the project, which led to the the old equipment assisting a local charity.

BY MATT GILMARTIN AND SHAYNE HUBBARD, CONCEPT SMOKE SCREEN

We’re all security professionals – this, after all, is a security industry association publication. At Concept Smoke Screen we’ve pioneered the use of security fog as an innovative, practical crime stopping technology. We’ve been in the industry for decades. But there’s an aspect of the security business that isn’t remarked upon particularly often.

It’s this: at the heart of the security industry is a contradiction.

We believe the time has come for the security industry to start playing an active role in this structural-level crime prevention.

This goes beyond ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’. Genuine social change must be at the core of our businesses and our industry. Our aim should be to help to create a society in which criminality is less appealing, because other opportunities are widely available and accessible.

How can that happen?

• Security businesses should actively engage with organisations that make a difference to the lives of those who are most likely to commit crime: young people, the poor, the disadvantaged, those with drug problems.

• We should offer to partner with universities and other institutions to help undertake real world trials and research

Our goal is to prevent crime, yet we rely on the continued

into the causes of criminality and potential solutions.

existence and threat of crime to sell our products and services.

• We should advocate for structural changes and law

We look to stop criminals, but we rarely look to stop criminality.

reforms which would most benefit the vulnerable.

We help to find evidence of wrongdoing, but what do we do to

• Being seen to take the lead on civil liberties issues can be

help minimise the factors that contribute to that wrongdoing in

a powerful tool in changing the way the industry is

the first place? We believe the most important task of the

perceived from the outside. We should support any

security industry is to reduce risk for our clients: to help create

measures designed to protect privacy and promote

an environment where crime is less likely to happen.

inclusiveness and diversity.

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Industry

evolve

We believe the perspective of the industry needs to change,

This is what we think:

moving from a purely defensive mindset to one where

• We think all technology should be green technology.

protection and prevention goes hand in hand with ground-

• We think all businesses need to be green businesses.

up social reform.

• We think we should act before we are compelled to do so by legislation, standards or regulation.

Alongside that social reform sits environmental change.

Protecting the planet should be at the top of our agenda in all areas of life and greening business practices should be a no-brainer.

• We think we should actively and continuously look to improve our environmental practices, and work with others who do the same.

Let’s be realistic: there will be inexorable pressure to change the way we work and the way we live our lives to reduce the impact we have on the environment. We may as well start embedding greener attitudes and practices into all business areas now, because at some point we won’t have any choice in the matter.

"This

goes

beyond

‘Corporate

Social

Responsibility’. Genuine social change must be at the core of our businesses and our industry. Our aim should be to help to create a society in which criminality is less appealing, because

other

opportunities

are

widely

available and accessible."

There’s a commercial advantage too. Increasingly tenders and contracts will require evidence that our products, our manufacturing processes, our workplaces and our services actively work to minimise damage to the environment.

By demonstrating in no uncertain terms that environmental concerns are factored into every decision that we make, security businesses will immediately become more appealing prospects.

Ticking boxes, improving marketability, and doing the right thing for the world: what’s not to like?

What we’re calling for is a change in outlook, and a change in approach – to think more broadly and longer term about how we can effect positive change. We will be discussing how we can do so with our own contacts, customers and end users, through our Connected initiative, and we would like to invite any likeminded companies or individuals in the security industry to join us in this campaign.

Please get in touch – we’d love to hear how you think the industry can evolve and adapt to meet the needs of society in the 21st century. Drop us a line at connected@smokescreen.co.uk or join the conversation at www.smokescreen.com/concept-connected.

Spectrum

| Summer 2021

19

SPIHSECITNERPPA - TDA

WORKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE ADT's Jessica Goodson won Apprentice of the Year at the BSA online 2021. So what does a fire and security apprenticeship* look like at Johnson Controls?

VICTORIA DOUGLAS, JOHNSON CONTROLS

3 Diploma in Fire & Security Systems or Electrical Engineering.

An apprenticeship with us will see you building

We are committed to the continuing development of every employee, we

new skills, while applying your knowledge to real-

encourage and strongly support career progression, with opportunities

world live projects. There will be plenty of

for promotion within our organization and throughout the Johnson

opportunities to explore your potential and you’ll

Controls business.

enjoy full support from your line manager and a mentor. You will be required to ensure that you

Apprenticeships provide a foundation from which to progress on several

adhere to safe working practices and also be able

career paths within the Company as a Fire & Security Systems Installation

to take instructions and act upon them in a

& Service Engineer. During this apprenticeship you will learn Fire &

prompt and professional manner. We are offering

Security & electrical engineering skills suitable for installing, maintaining

a

3

and repairing state-of-the-art fire and security systems. This is a very

Apprenticeship Programme for talented people.

exciting, challenging and rewarding role that will provide a start point for

This is a genuine alternative to university for

a lifelong career within a highly innovative and technical business

people who have a passion for engineering and

environment.

full-time

permanent

Advanced

Level

who want to launch their career with us. The apprenticeship will combine on-the-job work

Find

experience, with time at college to achieve a level

johnsoncontrols.com/careers/students

20

Spectrum

| Summer 2021

out

more

about

working

at

Johnson

Controls

at

POURG LSC

TOTALLY WIRELESS CSL were delighted to have been announced as the winners of the Innovative Security Project Award for GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio at the British Security Awards 2021, despite being shortlisted against some great names.

connected devices. It is also important to

With the option of the highest

note that GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio has

levels of alarm signalling via

also overcome and achieved the prestigious

two wireless paths, DualCom

EN54 certification for fire signalling.

Pro has been removing any

BY CLAIRE BENTLEY, CSL GROUP

GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio represents an industry first as well as an innovative piece of technology by providing totally wireless dual-path alarm signalling, at all grades, for both intruder and fire. Having launched in January 2019, GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio uses two active 4G WorldSIMs, each with their own radio module, one as the primary and one as the secondary path.

A third standby SIM acts as a backup to the primary SIM on the primary path. The solution also provides access to CSL Live, CSL’s new device management portal and My Base, the handy Installer App that allows Installers to configure and test their

22

Spectrum

| Summer 2021

challenges Fire & Security The launch of DualCom Pro continues to

Installers may face if they

support upgrades from PSTN to Radio

chose products that depend on

and/or IP signalling as part of the UK’s All IP

wired connections including

project. The national migration is well

PSTN.

underway, and this is the start of an exciting period where large scale ‘stop sell’ and

For many Installers, the All IP

migrations become a reality. Openreach's

network upgrade means no

goal is a full withdrawal and closure of

more PSTN to support older

PSTN services by 2025.

signalling

systems

that

previously relied on analogue lines

or

exchange.

copper To

to

the

address

the

problem that many Installers face with their old signalling systems,

we

have

been

supporting them move onto the latest technology as part of our GradeShift Pro Radio/ Radio Upgrade Programme,

CSL Group keeping their signalling base working and CSL’s customers happy. In addition, we are seeing more and more companies that are now using technology to save time and money and end users are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Signalling

systems

like

GradeShift

Pro

Radio/Radio can now provide a secure route for upload, download and remote maintenance.

The project has been extremely successful with over 20,000 dual-radio installations since the launch and a 98% customer satisfaction rating. One of the biggest challenges facing this project and Installers is that they need to install dual-path systems in a world where PSTN is being removed and wired IP or LAN is limited and often unavailable.

Historically, dual-path signalling systems have required two separate technologies. Today, the latest standards highlight the requirement for “two or more network interfaces”.

GradeShift Pro’s Radio/Radio variant delivers exactly that, by having 2 modules, each with its own network diverse roaming 4G SIM. Making connections quicker and more effective.

There have been lots of changes in CSL over the past few of years with the recent acquisitions of Emizon and WebWay and the great technologies this has presented us them.

GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio encompasses as well as aligns the great technology and software capabilities that each companies’ offerings brought to the market.

CSL are continuedly dedicating themselves to working with Installers, ARCs and the wider industry to ensure all systems are future-proofed or upgraded in the next few years and are delighted that GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio has been acknowledged as their most successful product to date.

TNEMNORIVNE & ETAMILC

SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT - AND MAKING LIVES SAFER At this year’s British Security Awards, Shred Station was crowned the winner of the inaugural Environmental Project of the Year award. This was for their involvement in the Frontline Face Shields Project, which, at the height of the PPE shortage in the pandemic’s first wave, produced over 50,000 face shields for frontline workers across East Anglia and beyond.

BY KRISTIAN CARTER, SHRED STATION

there was also a national shortage of 3D printer filament at this time, and the price per kilo of extruded plastic was around 300% higher than usual cost prices.

Shred Station was able to use one of their powerful granulators to turn this filament into tiny 2-3mm fragments, making it suitable to reuse. Their involvement diverted a large amount of plastic waste from landfill, reduced project costs, and meant even more masks could be produced. As Shred Station are also CarbonNeutral®

The Frontline Face Shields Project was started by Colin

certified, the carbon footprint of their involvement was also

Breckons at the first peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

off-set to net-zero.

Colin, a man local to Shred Station’s head office, started the project with the aim of producing a few face shields for frontline workers in the area using the 3D printer he had in his shed. At the time there was a national PPE shortage, so news of Colin’s efforts soon spread, accruing the help of many local volunteers.

As the momentum of the project increased, volunteers became concerned that the 3D printing process was generating a large volume of plastic waste. If this waste was properly handled, there was an opportunity for it to provide

Kristian Carter, Commercial Director at Shred Station, says: “A huge thank you to the BSIA for organising the awards, which we all thoroughly enjoyed even though we couldn’t be together in person for this year’s ceremony! We are, of course, delighted to win the Environmental Project of the Year award. We try to do good in our local communities and raise the bar for environmental standards within our industry. We would like to say congratulations to all of the other finalists. We believe all environmental efforts are worth celebrating, and safeguarding our environment is the

more raw materials to continue the project’s production

only way to make sure we’re all winners in the face of

run rather than going to landfill. It’s also worth noting,

climate change”.

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Spectrum

| Summer 2021

Frontline Shred Station’s other environmental achievements

Faceshields Project

Shred a Tonne, Plant a Tree scheme Shred Station’s ‘Shred a Tonne, Plant a Tree’ scheme was

On top of winning this award, Shred Station is well-known

introduced in 2017 before the company’s CarbonNeutral®

in the data destruction industry for meeting their

certification. Over 4,200 trees were planted in the UK, which,

environmental responsibilities head-on, something the

when fully grown, will sequester 201,600lbs of C02 from the

company has focused on since their formation over a

atmosphere each year. This year the company relaunched the

decade ago. No greenwashing marketing tactics or

scheme, wishing to give their customers the option to plant trees

shortcuts, this is a company with their environmental

for every tonne they have shredded with Shred Station. This was

commitments at the very core of their ethos. Here are just

inspired by the UN Environment Programme’s ecosystem

a few of the ways Shred Station is setting the bar high for

restoration plans promoted through World Environment Day.

other companies in terms of environmental policies:

Starting from using Shred Station as a Certified Carbon Neutral business, joining the scheme would move the service for

CarbonNeutral® certification

customers to Carbon Negative.

Shred Station is a CarbonNeutral® certified company and has been since January 2019. Through their already

Eco-friendly fleet

numerous methods of reducing emissions, alongside their

Shred Station’s fleet is comprised of ultra-low emission vehicles

offsetting projects, the company has had net-zero

meeting Euro 6 emissions standards. To get a picture of how low

greenhouse gas emissions for the past three years. This

the fleet emissions are, the majority of Shred Station’s trucks,

certification is awarded by Natural Capital Partners who

even high-tonnage trucks, can drive for free in London’s Ultra Low

are experts in the delivery of solutions for positive impact

Emission Zone. Not only this, but the company already has plans

on carbon and renewable energy.

in place to incorporate fully electric collection vehicles into their fleet by the end of 2021. The emissions of the company’s fleet are

Global offsetting projects

also covered under the scope of the company’s CarbonNeutral®

As part of their CarbonNeutral® certification, Shred

certification, meaning all of their journeys are also certified

Station has invested in several offsetting projects around

carbon neutral.

the globe, all meeting numerous United Nations

Company cars moving to hybrid or fully electric

Sustainable Development Goals. These projects included

Shred Station has already invested in car-charging ports at each

a community reforestation project in Uganda, providing

of their depots, and are transitioning all company cars to hybrid or

important education to local farmers on biodiversity,

fully electric models.

conservation farming methods, and business acumen to maximise the yield of their land. Farmers were also

Zero to Landfill policy and 100% paper recycling

compensated for all of the trees successfully grown. There

Absolutely nothing Shred Station destroys goes to landfill, and

have also been multiple investments into wind power

100% of the paper they shred is recycled at UK mills. Simply by

projects. This year, the company is offsetting through the

shredding all of the paper they shred for their customers, they

West India Wind Project and the Gobi Wind Power

save 30,838 trees per month, as well as 12,698,000 gallons of

Project in China.

water, 689,320 gallons of oil, 7,256,000 kWh energy, and 5,442 cubic yards of landfill space.

Plans to go carbon negative Neutrality wasn’t enough for Shred Station, and this year

More information about the Frontline Face Shields Project and

they have plans to further offset their carbon emissions

information about Shred Station’s environmental commitments

beyond net-zero. This will mean Shred Station’s

can

operations for 2021 will be carbon negative.

www.shredstation.co.uk

be

found

on

the

Shred

Spectrum

Station

| Summer 2021

website:

25

YTREPORP TNACAV

A POST-PANDEMIC BIG ISSUE As the UK finally starts to open up again fully, it’s very apparent things are definitely not back to life as we knew it before Covid hit us and the country went into lockdown in March 2020. People are still apprehensive, and many fearful of yet another wave and the possibility of further restrictions again. The mutating virus makes planning and strategy almost impossible to get right, whether you are in Government or business.

have started to terminate their leases as they realise staff can work remotely and the cost savings are enormous. Others are downsizing to smaller premises so there is all sorts of movement in the lettings market as tenants come and go and re-organise.

Apart from the change to our shopping habits, something which was already evident before the pandemic, lockdown has proved devastating to the nation’s high streets. Even before COVID-19, 2540% of retail space was no longer viable or needed. The demise of household names and familiar brands still continues apace but it is not

BY CLEARWAY SERVICES/GLOBAL GUARDIANS

just the big chains that have suffered.

For office-based staff, working life has changed.

Although a lot of employees are gradually

Hospitality in particular has taken a serious hit, but so have a multitude

making their way back to their former desks,

of small independent retailers – the continued lockdowns and

most seem to be operating under a hybrid

restrictions simply went on too long and people couldn’t hold out. At

arrangement of part remote/part office work

the start of 2021, it was estimated that some 50% of retail rents from

and no one knows how long this will be the

2020 remained unpaid and the UK’s high streets had lost more than

norm, or indeed if the classic Monday to Friday

17,500 chain store outlets with an average daily closure of 48 shops,

in an office, 9-5.30, will ever return. How this

restaurants and other leisure and hospitality venues.

impacts on the commercial property market long term is something else unknown, but it is

This crisis has not been simply down to change of retail habits or

obvious many companies

Government regulations. Without the bustle and daily business

26

Spectrum

| Summer 2021

Vacant

Property

brought by office workers to the local sandwich bars, pubs,

Stuart Woolgar, CEO of Global Guardians, agrees. Global

dry cleaners, hairdressers and the host of other small retail

are London’s largest property guardian company. “It’s

outlets in the business districts of our towns and cities, they

terrible to watch what has happened to some of our

have become redundant, and some streets seem creepily

formerly thriving and busy city high streets and secondary

deserted like a scene from some post-apocalypse movie.

shopping locations, as well as larger retail and business parks,” he says, “and no building or property seems to be

All of this has resulted in countless vacant commercial

off-limits to the threat of illegal occupation or petty

buildings and retail units across the country. And,

vandalism. However, I’ve always looked at problems like

unfortunately and inevitably, this has provided a dream

this with a slightly different eye. I firmly believe in the old

come true for anyone with either a nefarious or anarchic

proverb: one man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity, or

intention.

words to that effect… and this is never more true than in the current climate where we seem to be surrounded by so

“Quite frankly, we’ve never seen or experienced anything

much vacant property, but at the same time people are

like it,” says Gideon Reichental, Commercial Sales Manager

crying out for more affordable housing.

of Clearway Services and Chair of the BSIA’s Vacant Property Protection section. “It’s both sad and very worrying and everyone suffers – tenants and landlords, not to mention the neighbouring properties where businesses are trying to keep going and attract customers again. We’ve seen premises vandalised, fly-tipped, squatted, metal fixtures and roof coverings stolen for scrap, just about everything. We’ve been hard put to keep up with demand to secure buildings for our clients, and unfortunately many have turned to us after the damage has been done… and of course that makes it even more expensive for them to get decent insurance cover.”

"This is particularly true in and around London where rents can be prohibitive and buying your own home beyond the

“A lot of small shop units are owned by private landlords,

mortgage capability of most. For our key workers,

and many are feeling beleaguered, hit hard financially, not

especially over the past year or more, the need to be near to

having received rent since last year and unable to pursue or

their place of work, to do the punishing hours they’ve been

evict tenants who owe them money or have simply

putting in, has been critical.

disappeared. Clearway’s ShopShield package has been ideal for them when paying for security is a further stretch they

"Who wants or needs a lengthy commute home to the

know they need, but have trouble affording. As ever, it’s

distant suburbs when all that will give you is a few hours’

always about the deterrent factor which normally is all that

sleep before you have to get up and repeat the process… if

is required to stop the opportunist, or mindless

you’re even lucky enough to get home?” cont. overleaf

troublemaker. But every premises is different, so expert security advice and help is always the best bet."

Spectrum

| Summer 2021

27

Vacant

Property

“This situation has been rising up the agenda for years,

on lower salaries, whether key workers or simply those in

especially now large organisations in the public sector -

hospitality or retail or other similar low paid infrastructure

Government, local councils, the NHS, etc - are trying to

jobs, is an added bonus. Global Guardians are happy to take

centralise and economise and reduce their property

over any unoccupied building, provided it has connected

portfolios; but a lot of these buildings are difficult to re-let

utilities. They will convert part of it to basic but comfortable

as they are often old, purpose-built, or need considerable

living accommodation for lower than equivalent rents in the

updating and refurbishment. Many are simply being sold off

private sector nearby. In one fell swoop, the building is

and demolished to make way for new housing or other development, and regrettably, often there isn’t enough affordable or social housing within the scheme. Obviously the financial dynamics of the deal are understandable, but sometimes there has to be a third way.

"I was really glad to read the new report by the Centre for Policy Studies in mid-July which shows that if just our unwanted retail space could be repurposed, it would potentially create at least 500,000 homes, or more if the

‘guarded’ and secured by responsible people, thereby preventing trespass and vandalism, whilst also providing safe and affordable homes to those in need.

Stuart calls it repurposing in the best way, and a great example of sustainability. For other sites, with different security issues, or shorter-term requirements, Gideon’s answer, ShopShield, or other options from Clearway’s extensive

offering

might

be

more

suitable.

Easy,

space were converted into flats. ‘Reshaping Spaces’ also

inexpensive, fast and practical. Sometimes, a mix of both

shows how allowing for mixed use regeneration could

could be an option, eg, if concrete blocks are needed to

unleash tens of billions in private finance to “build back

prevent the growing scourge of midnight fly-tippers in a car

better” and level up left-behind high streets and commercial

park, or wireless CCTV and alarms a good idea, but the key

spaces across the UK. ”

point is the deterrent factor. Visible security either by way of occupants or physical barriers. And of course, with that, other benefits follow: easier and possibly cheaper to insure in the first place, regular maintenance checks to stop deterioration of the fabric of the building making it easier to re-let, and a happy property owner who can get on with more important things knowing their building is in safe hands.

Although coming at the same problem from different perspectives, the solutions of both property security organisations to this growing issue, and our decimated shopping streets, are all about affordable, practical and efficient security, and peace of mind for the property owner. Even if Government finally seems to be taking notice of the problem, it will still take a long while for change to come about. In the meantime, for Stuart especially, being able to provide accommodation for people

28

Spectrum

| Summer 2021

As the other old proverb goes, a problem shared is a problem halved, especially when you share the problem with experts. No matter how long the property world has to live with the diverse ramifications of Covid and ongoing change to the way we work and shop, securing our buildings, homes and business places has and always will be one of the most important and basic things security experts do.

DUARF DI

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE RISK OF IDENTITY FRAUD Identity theft is a real threat for both individuals and businesses. The loss or theft of confidential information could have a devastating impact on finances, credit, and reputation. But there are ways to protect yourself from the risk of identity fraud.

Fraud can also have a psychological impact on victims. It’s easy to brush the risk of these crimes under the rug and think it will never happen to you. Unfortunately, these crimes are not always committed overtly or by an obvious scammer. There have been many cases of fraud going unnoticed for months or even years!

BY KRISTIAN CARTER, SHRED STATION

The first thing to do is to establish what confidential information you possess. This could include anything from old insurance documents, bank statements, expired ID cards, digital files, and for businesses, even physical assets like staff uniforms. When you have a good idea of your vulnerabilities, you can begin to understand and manage the risks of that data falling into the wrong hands.

For Individuals – Fraud, including credit card fraud, identity theft and cyber-fraud, is the UK’s most prevalent crime, costing the UK economy around £190bn a year. Identity theft can be extremely damaging for your finances and

For businesses – Any information you process containing personal or confidential information could, if incorrectly handled, cause a data breach. Data breaches can devastate organisations and can lead to huge fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office if your actions or inactions were the cause of that breach. Not only is there a risk of financial loss, but corporate identity theft could also risk your brand’s reputation and result in a loss of trust from customers.

Once you know what information you need to keep safe, it’s time to pinpoint the areas where there could be a risk of loss or theft. This could include visitors to your property,

credit score. If your credit score is affected by identity

how documents are secured when not in use, and what

theft, you could become ineligible for mortgages, loans,

happens to that information once no longer needed.

insurance products, and even jobs.

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Fraud

protection

Techniques we all use to protect ourselves from burglaries are

You should also use strong, unique passwords for each of

also effective against identity theft. Keeping doors and

your online accounts, enable multi-factor authentication,

windows bolted at night and when we are out will help to

and also make sure your confidential documents are

prevent criminals from accessing our homes, valuables,

inaccessible to anyone who visits your home.

confidential information and identity documents. It’s also important to keep valuables out of sight from windows and doors if possible. Criminals will often stake out properties before breaking in to see where they can gain the most “reward” for their risk. Various high-reward items can include electronic devices and any information that can be used to create false identities. Many of our valuable electronic devices contain a wealth of confidential information, so it’s vital to keep these devices out of sight and locked away, if possible, when not in use.

For businesses, areas containing personal information should have some form of access controls, code entry systems, as well as CCTV and alarmed gates where possible. Any cupboard,

Another common way identity thieves will target victims is

desk, or drawers that contain confidential information should

through social media. Ensure any social accounts you have

be lockable, and employees should be aware of their

are set to private and you only accept friend or follow

responsibilities to keep this information secure. You should

requests from people you know. ‘Sharenting’ is something

also use lockable bins to store confidential information before

else to be wary of. Practice extreme caution when it comes

destruction so this cannot be accessed by any unauthorised

to sharing information about your children online.

personnel.

Unfortunately, children are often prime targets for identity thieves due to their clean credit scores and the fact that

Confidential information can easily slip out of our homes and

the crime is likely to go unnoticed for a significant amount

company doors, whether that’s on paper or digitally. To stand

of time.

the best chance of keeping this information safe, everyone in your household or business must be vigilant when it comes to data.

For Individuals –There are many tricks identity thieves will use to try to steal your identity or convince you to send them money. This includes bin raiding, phishing scams, door-to-door scams, computer software fraud, romance scams, pension scams and many more. The best way to protect yourself from these attempts is to keep your personal information or bank details secret from anyone you meet online or any unexpected

Perhaps even more shockingly, in identity theft cases where the victims are children, it’s estimated that around 60% of thieves are known by the child or their family. Be careful not to post anything about your child that reveals the day they were born, where they were born, their full name, the name of their first pet, photographs of them in their school uniform, and their mother’s maiden name if applicable. Things like new baby announcements can be treasure-troves of personal data for identity thieves, so be careful not to expose your family to this risk while celebrating any new additions.

visitors or callers.

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| Summer 2021

31

Fraud

protection

Businesses of all sizes are vulnerable to data theft, and thieves

suppliers, or impersonate your workforce. Not only could

do not discriminate. If there is any vulnerability within your

this damage your brand, but it could also damage your

digital security, website security, or even premise security, an

business relationships. Uniforms with out-of-date branding

experienced thief will be able to find it. For this reason, your

should also be destroyed for the same reason.

business needs to be active in looking for potential risks and vulnerabilities. Strong digital data security measures should

Remember, a data breach can be something as simple as a

also be in place for all online resources your business uses. This

post-it note containing customer information going in the

can be enhanced through document and shared drive access

wrong bin. It’s also worth remembering that, just because

controls,

firewalls,

your data is currently stored digitally, that doesn’t mean it

encryption and secure passwords. Portable devices, for

can’t become physical. Large volumes of confidential

instance, work mobiles and company laptops, should also be

information such as customer databases or HR records can

protected. Your IT department should also keep an up-to-date

be printed with the click of a button. This is then easily taken

record of which devices have been issued to which employee

out of company doors, put in the wrong bins, or viewed by

so these are easy to recover if necessary.

unauthorised personnel. Your employees need to receive

anti-virus

software,

anti-malware,

clear training on the risks of printing out data, and what Uniforms are another thing to bear in mind. If you have an

needs to be done with that data once no longer needed.

employee who leaves, you must recover their old uniform. This is because your ex-employee could continue to use your uniform to gain access to other branches, approach your

Holding onto unwanted documents or digital storage devices can clutter up your living spaces and workspaces. It can also expose you to the risks of identity theft.

When it comes to any documents or devices you need to dispose of, destruction is the safest and most secure way to protect yourself. This is done best by secure data destruction providers. When you use a reputable and accredited data destruction provider, your information will be destroyed in line with European security standards by security-vetted personnel, and your data will never be publicly accessible. A professional organisation will also mix your confidential materials with tonnes of other materials, removing the risk of reassembly.

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Fraud

protection

If you’re shredding at home and putting your fragments

When they need to destroy or dispose of business

into an unlocked recycling bin, these can easily be put back

documents, they should either return these to office

together by an experienced thief.

premises in person to be disposed of in the usual ways or use a secure shredding service. Tracked postal shredding

For businesses, the secure destruction of confidential

services are also available, and any reputable data

information is a legal requirement. With a secure

destruction supplier will be fully accredited and able to

shredding service provider, you’ll receive proof of

issue a Certificate of Destruction for your audit trail.

destruction for your compliance records and audit trail.

This is usually in the form of a Waste Transfer Note and a

"All businesses have a legal duty to ensure

Certificate of Destruction. A regularly scheduled service

any sensitive or personal information about

will allow your organisation to keep on top of data destruction requirements and ensure you don’t exceed any

their customers or staff members is kept safe

timeframes set out in your data retention policies. Of

from the risk of theft or loss. Data thieves

course, communication is also vital. Staff at your

operate in many complex ways and it isn’t

organisation should be aware of what data they need to

always easy to identify a breach or what

destroy, how to destroy it, and where to store it before

caused it."

destruction.

All businesses have a legal duty to ensure any sensitive or For remote workers, it’s also worth remembering that

personal information about their customers or staff

business documents should not be disposed of in domestic

members is kept safe from the risk of theft or loss. Data

bins. It could be worth supplying your remote employees

thieves operate in many complex ways and it isn’t always

with lockable storage for their business paperwork.

easy to identify a breach or what caused it. Because of this, businesses should be proactive in their actions to combat the risks of data theft, and all staff members need to be aware of their own responsibilities too.

When it comes to paperwork and digital storage devices, we would always recommend a Shred Everything policy. It takes away the risk of confidential information being left in the incorrect bins and takes the pressure away from employees who may not feel confident enough to decide whether a document needs to be shredded or just recycled. For individuals, it’s about self-preservation. What is convenient, such as ripping up paperwork and putting it into the recycling, isn’t always safe. When it comes to our identities, it’s always better to be safe than sorry”.

Spectrum

| Summer 2021

33

SREPPOTSEMIRC

KEEPING COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES SAFER TOGETHER The independent charity Crimestoppers is working closely with partners across the security industry and beyond to give people the power to speak up and stop crime.

BY RODGER HOLDEN, CRIMESTOPPERS

For over three decades, Crimestoppers has worked on the frontline supporting the public, businesses and individuals to speak up safely and report crime 100% anonymously. As an independent charity, we’re able to provide a highly trusted anonymous reporting service; any member of the public with information about a crime can fill in our online form or call 0800 555 111 to tell us what they know with guaranteed anonymity.

Our innovative partnership with BSIA member Mitie Security sees us sharing information on criminal behaviour gathered by businesses, which is then fed into police investigations. Mitie is the first security company to form such a partnership with us, with the aim of bridging the gap between the public and private sectors to help keep people, customers and communities safe.

But we couldn’t do our important work without help from organisations who believe in our mission as much as we do.

That’s why we support and collaborate with over 60 partners including

commercial

organisations,

trade

associations,

government agencies and not for profits to deter criminals, as

Mitie uses its experience delivering security services to hundreds of public and private sector clients to provide us with insights on the key security issues that businesses and communities are currently facing.

well as unearth and share anonymous information to help stamp

Working with the Home Office, we then use this

out crime and wrongdoing across a wide variety of industries,

information to create national awareness campaigns, to

including security.

help tackle these challenges.

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Crimestoppers Our services Detecting

and

uncovering

criminal

activity

within

organisations and across extended supply chains requires a multi-faceted approach; our service portfolio is carefully crafted to help organisation leaders achieve their goals.

Our expert teams help partner organisations to: Build business resilience against the threat of crime from internal and external sources Develop trust with hard-to-reach audiences Network and learn from our key stakeholders from government, business, the public sector and trade bodies Understand crime trends affecting their business and sector Enhance reputation by aligning with our work Engage in exciting CSR activity to support employees, customers and communities Protect their financial position by preventing and detecting crime that hits the bottom line Our range of services include information sharing, employee

reporting

lines,

industry

reporting

lines,

intellectual property, 3rd party relationships, corporate partnerships, cause-related marketing and networking events and fundraising.

If you would like to learn more about how we can partner with your business to address crime concerns and help keep companies and communities safer together, please visit our website or download our Business Development brochure and get in touch today. www.crimestoppers-uk.org/Partner-with-us Crimestoppers are also the official partner of the BSIA National Shred Day campaign on 2 October 2021. For more information visit www.bsia.co.uk/national-shred-day

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RAEY EHT FO SSENISUB

"OUR LEICESTER CITY MOMENT" The family-run Midlands-based firm are at the top of their game “This was our Leicester City moment. An unbelievable achievement,” says proud boss Iain McCallister of his company’s recent Business of the Year triumph at this year’s British Security Industry Awards. McCallister is of course referring to the 2015/16 Premier League campaign, which ended with 5000/1 Leicester City being crowned champions only two seasons after entering the top flight.

Now, while there are some similarities- both beat past winners and big-name rivals – MAN Commercial Protection Ltd’s success did not come out of the blue and is the result of many years of dedication and hard graft. The prestigious accolade is well-earnt - the company has recorded double digit growth for the 10th consecutive year, with a 47% increase last year alone.

MAN Commercial has in fact been trading for over 28 years now, after launching in 1993 as the brainchild of three friends who decided to utilise their already vast experience and skills in the industry and set up a small security firm.

Today, it remains privately owned by McCallister, one of the founders and current CEO.

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From 1993 to 2009, the business grew to employ 200 employees and operated a 24-hour control room and fully staffed head office. Moving 3 times since it’s infancy to accommodate expansion, MAN Commercial now occupies two large offices in its hometown of Solihull, West Midlands, after purchasing and renovating premises for a second HQ this year due to exponential growth. The two offices are situated together, giving a total space of 7000 sq ft.

In the early years MAN Commercial became established working events and private security, offering door supervision and close protection of high-profile celebrities working in 36 countries, becoming familiar, reliable faces on the UK festival scene and running large teams at Frank Warren’s Sports Network boxing matches. Fast-forward to 2021 and MAN Commercial Protection has become a heavyweight of the UK security industry, boasting a team of over 1500 people, having seen a 64% increase in the number of people employed in the last three years alone.

Experts in all areas of manned guarding, MAN Commercial are currently operating throughout the UK with contracts from Glasgow down to Poole and everywhere in between, recognised as industry specialists in CCTV operation,

MAN Commercial keyholding and alarm response, loss prevention, concierge services and event security management. The company offer bespoke security solutions for every business sector, having a huge presence in logistics and distribution, working within

the

public

sector,

entertainment,

retail,

manufacturing, engineering and transport.

Everyone at MAN Commercial is delighted with the BSA Business of the Year title, and winning it after battling through a global pandemic makes it feel even more welldeserved. McCallister said: “The only disappointment was that my superb team did not get to enjoy an afternoon out in London as the awards ceremony was held by video link due to Covid restrictions,” although he added: “We were still able to pop a bottle or two of champagne at the office when the news was announced!”

winners

Even with such significant rapid growth, we take pride in consistently delivering the same great service to our existing clients and as a result enjoy an extremely high retention rate of both employees and clients.”

Employee retention and wellbeing is important at MAN Commercial, with the Management Team keen on engagement and investment in people. The Company actively utilise their apprenticeship levy, with two former apprentices now in department lead roles within the Head Office structure, as well as providing enhanced training for operations support officers and supervisors out in the field.

"MAN Commercial Protection Ltd’s success did not come out of the blue and is the result of many

The trials of the last 18 months

need

no

introduction, as there surely isn’t a business out there that

hasn’t

experienced

some tests as a result of the ongoing

pandemic.

As

a

people-centred organisation, challenges were faced regards employee welfare and management of self-isolation; ensuring all colleagues were supported whilst making sure that none of their client’s services were interrupted. Despite these testing times, MAN Commercial continued to grow significantly over the last 12 months, with weekly security provisions now topping 280,000 hours, and the control room handling 85,000 calls per month.

What is the secret to industry longevity and becoming a driving force in modern security? “The personal touch, definitely” says McCallister, “Along with our drive to continually grow, we also challenge ourselves to be the best we can be, with our latest ACS score of 133 putting us up there in the top 2% of security companies in the UK

years of dedication and hard graft. The prestigious accolade is well-earnt."

MAN Commercial run a popular Employee of the Month scheme – winners are nominated for outstanding efforts by their managers or clients – and the Company also included the entire workforce in a Christmas prize draw as a thankyou for all their efforts in 2020. As the motto emblazoned on a wall at head office states, “The Heart of our Business is Our People”.

So, what’s next for the family-run firm with big dreams?

“Continue onwards and upwards,” McCallister says. “Our second office has just opened, and we are dedicating even more space and resources to expand all areas of the business.

"This summer our brand-new state-of-the-art control room will be completed which will assist with supporting our growth, and I also plan to invest further in our recruitment, sales and marketing teams."

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MAN Commercial

winners

Alongside this, McCallister is keen to explore expansion opportunities through business acquisition, saying, “So far all of our growth has been organic, but I have always believed that acquisitions could be bolted on easily to our current structure, as our existing set-up is so robust. I have been interested in buying up smaller security companies for a while and I think that as the furlough scheme draws to a close more opportunities will arise”.

Always open to work in new areas, when a potential new sector is identified, MAN Commercial’s approach is to ensure they hold all necessary accreditations to supply security services in the specific field. Recently, the Company have been awarded EcoVadis gold sustainability rating and have become members of Sedex. Obtaining these accreditations benefit both MAN Commercial and their clients, and demonstrate a passion and thorough business understanding of corporate social responsibility.

MAN Commercial are also one of a handful of security companies who have been recognised by the British Transport Police as part of the Railway Safety Accreditation Scheme which will be developing in the coming months. Other sectors the company have targeted to explore include ports, manufacturing, as well as further opportunities within the NHS, who are already a longstanding client.

MAN Commercial are immensely proud of their teams across the UK; sourcing the right people is essential, along with providing access to developmental opportunities for existing staff who are eager to progress internally. The recently expanded recruitment team work continuously to ensure vacancies are being filled, often at short notice, with excellent, high-calibre security officers. Vacancies are kept up to date on the company’s website and Indeed.com business page – these are great opportunities for ambitious security professionals to join the 2021 Business of the Year.

The only way is up for MAN Commercial Protection. If you are interested in a role within MAN Commercial Protection or would like to discuss the security needs of your business: www.mancommercialprotection.co.uk

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SREBMEM WEN

Welcome to the all BSIA members who have joined us this quarter!

Wagestream – their mission is simple. Wagestream want every working person globally to have complete financial freedom by giving them power over their pay.

Power over pay means the ability to instantly access, track, save and manage earned wages. Wagestream want to transform people's lives and the organisations they work for.

Lowers & Associates is an internationally recognized risk management company, providing risk management and loss prevention services. Offering a full range of solutions from assessment to mitigation to recovery, Lowers & Associates is able to design, implement, and provide ongoing support to long- and/or short-term programs that respond to your organization’s specific needs.

System D Limited are a small independent security systems company based in the South East of England, with a number of years experience in delivering small projects and large integrated systems throughout England and Europe. They pride themselves on delivering high quality services from start to finish and aim to always meet your requirements.

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New

Members

ID Cyber Solutions - Decades of extensive experience in the Brand Protection Arena and fighting against cyber crime has led to the birth of ID Cyber Solution. Through cyber training, education and certification, ID Cyber Solutions will provide the professional necessary knowledge to protect companies from cyber attacks from competitors, employees, counterfeiters, fraudsters or other sources.

Safe Site Security Solutions was formed in 2009 by a group of experienced security specialists with over 25 years experience between them.

With their considerable industry experience, they can use their knowledge to provide tailored security solutions for any situation.

CONXTD was built with the experience and knowledge of the physical security industry of WebWayOne, a leader in Approved Alarm Transmission for over 20 years. The core Management Team brought CONXTD Technologies forward after CSL Dualcom’s acquisition of WebWay in 2018, with the goal of changing the way we manage and manipulate our key alarm-event data.

For over 40 Years, Clear Sound Security have established a reputation for suppling only the very best electronic security systems

in

Homes

and

Businesses

throughout

Coventry,

Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.

Established in the North West, with a reputation for excellent quality and competitive prices, Secure Workforce is thriving by commitment of the leadership and team delivering the services.

Secure workforce is a name in which their customers trust and believe.

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