What are you waiting for? Installer members discuss the benefits

BY KATHERINE INGRAM, BSIA

As a security equipment manufacturer, we strive to not only produce products but deliver quality goods which continue to drive the industry forward. Our membership gives us the credible voice and influence on the national and international standards which are the key to what we do. We can always learn something new and being able to share our thoughts and expertise with quality industry professionals means that we can forever improve the professional security industry for generations to come.

We are proud to have renewed our BSIA membership for another year to cement and further demonstrate our commitment to providing a professional, high quality service. Membership enables us to offer our staff opportunities to further support their skills and knowledge with the advice, guidance and networking opportunities that this offers. Membership has also ensured us we are kept up to date on the industry standards and initiatives.

The BSIA has always been the beacon to the wider industry, and a voice for the security sector. But it's the small stories, the conversation, and the inclusiveness that sparked our interest. Since day one the interaction and open-door approach to ideas has certainly been apparent which has helped my business network to reach a wider community for my products, services, and our industry views.

A great marketing and communications team supports our online presence and only recently we have received invites to large Government procurements meaning a lot of leg work prequalifying for possible opportunities has been negated. I have had full value of my BSIA membership, without taking advantage of any BSIA networking events - this is full credit to Mike and the team who keep the whole membership connected.

The BSIA have adapted in difficult times which shows you how agile and innovative such a large organisation can be to still give us full value and more. The best way I can demonstrate the full value I have found is that we have plans to renew our membership past its original term and to also extend the scope of our membership to incorporate other disciplines. A real organisation built and delivered by real people.

At Mitie Security Ltd we really value our membership and relationship with the BSIA. As a significant business in a number of aspects across the security industry from physical security, mobile response, keyholding to electronic and technical services the BSIA represents all the aspect of these service lines and provides not only timely knowledge and advice within the sectors we operate in, but also the ability to ‘have our say ’ and ensure our views and opinions are consolidated into a single industry voice.

A key example of this was the BSIA quickly engaged in the Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) debate to ensure the UK’s views on AFR were accurately reflected and launched an industry-first ethical Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) framework to provide guidance and clarity to UK businesses.

The BSIA actively works to raise the competency and professionalism of the security industry, which is something we also encourage and actively pursue.

We at Mitie Security Ltd are proud of our relationship with the BSIA and long may it continue.

If you are an NSI silver or gold certified company, the BSIA is running a special membership offer which gives you the first two months of your membership for FREE if you join before the end of 2021. If you work with any companies which fit the bill, we recommend you let them know of this fantastic offer and let them know just how many great benefits they can get as a member of your Association. Find out more at www.bsia.co.uk/installer or email Tom Ford at t.ford@bsia.co.uk