The BSIA is the voice of the professional security industry, supporting and encouraging excellence; educating the marketplace on the value of quality and professional security; and creating an environment in which to flourish.
Our vision
BSIA Membership is the symbol of quality and professionalism in the security industry.
Your Association in 2024
FOREWORD
Mike Reddington Chief Executive m.reddington@bsia.co.uk
In 2024, we continued our work in consolidating the Association’s position as the recognised voice of the professional security industry, culminating in another active year of working with and representing our members and key industry stakeholders alike, as we navigated the everchanging face of professional security.
The last 12 months have been a very busy time for the BSIA, as we managed and facilitated a variety of launches and initiatives on behalf of our members and the wider industry. A major milestone in the last year was the long-awaited launch of the British Standard (BSI) for Facial Recognition Technology (FRT). The standard, Facial recognition technology - Ethical use and deployment in video surveillance-based systems – Code of practice (BS 9347:2024), allays concerns by helping organisations build public trust and address concerns about the safe and ethical use of this technology.
The BSIA’s leadership on this subject began in 2020 with the setting up of a Special Interest Group (SIG) dedicated to addressing public concerns with this technology, publishing the world’s first industry-led ethical and legal guide on facial recognition, which was acknowledged by UK Government and used as a template for this major British Standard.
In 2024, we appointed Martin Watson, the Industry Liaison Director for Mitie, as our new BSIA Chair. Martin takes over from Simon Banks, who held office since July 2018, overseeing significant changes over a six-year period, departing as the BSIA’s longest serving Chairman in its 57year history. We also appointed two new Non-Executive Directors to the board; Pauline Norstrom, CEO of Anekanta®AI and Anekanta®Consulting - and a former Chair of the Association - and Uzair Osman, Managing Director of Galliford Try Asset Intelligence As Non-Executive Directors, their appointments will add an invaluable independent insight into board matters, with their respective specialist knowledge offering an invaluable contribution to the Association’s overall strategic direction.
This year saw a series of successful events contributing to our member offering, including our marquee event, the British Security Awards in our new venue at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London. Our Spring Forum & Annual General Meeting was well-attended, with many new faces attending from our new members. We also held two regional forums, in the Midlands and the Northwest, offering thought leadership discussions across all our sections, which were also well-received and will now form a regular part of our events calendar going forward. On the international stage we exhibited at Intersec, Dubai 2024 hosting a sold-out UK Pavilion, which assisted members in increasing their export business in this region and further afield; nationally, we signed an exclusive sponsorship deal with the Nineteen Group, organisers of The Security Event (TSE), International Security Expo (ISE) and London Build, which provided us with three new major platforms to showcase our members, as well as providing new networking opportunities and a marketplace to meet potential new members.
Our commitment to developing member interests overseas and domestically remains steadfast, working with the Department of International Trade, UK Defence & Security Exports (UK DSE), and the Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC). We also maintain close relationships with the Police through SaferCash and SaferGems, and ongoing collaboration with the Home Office, Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), and the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The membership retention rate for 2024 was 94%, which was an increase of 3% compared to 2023 and is a positive achievement given the challenging economic environment we are operating in. Like most industries, the security sector has experienced the economic headwinds of an uncertain landscape, but the BSIA remains financially strong. I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated BSIA team, providing a comprehensive range of membership services and to our members, who once again played a crucial role in our success.
I truly believe that the work of the BSIA remains as critical as ever and potentially even more so given the future challenging economic environment we are facing. Through collaboration with our members and key industry stakeholders we continue to identify key issues and opportunities facing our industry, and proactively addressing these together we are a stronger force. There has never been a more important time for our industry to be addressing the rapid changes that are occurring in our sector and being at the heart of the security industry through the BSIA - Your Association - means it is better to be a member and not just an observer
Mike Reddington
Chief Executive
British Security Industry Association
Your Association in 2024
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Dave Wilkinson Director of Technical Services david.wilkinson@bsia.co.uk
I thought I would start off this review with an update on the changes within the technical team this year. We said goodbye to our Technical Manager Steve Lampett, who moved on to pastures new, and in the Autumn the retirement of our Technical Administrator, Kirstie. Between them serving more than 20 years in the Association!
Of course this provided a challenge to the team, but I am delighted to report that recruitment of both positions was swift and we saw the appointment of Mark Ryder in February and Marianne Davies-Crow as our new Technical Manager and Technical Administrator & Compliance Officer respectively.
A big welcome to Maz and Mark!
Whilst it is exciting to contribute to the development of innovative standards covering ground-breaking technology and processes, we have not lost sight of the need to review the many standards that underpin our industry, that impact on our member’s businesses
This year we have reviewed in excess of 600 standards of relevance to our sector and worked with our members on 36 standards of key importance to their businesses
Moving onto another focus area for my team, we have continued working hard to update the BSIA publications, ensuring they remain relevant and accurate Additionally we have developed some new guidance around topics such as cybersecurity, cloud services and regulatory impact changes such as the PSTI Act, which came into law in the UK in October
o go, the team has gone into overdrive us year’s theme of connected products So it at we have focused on the regulatory and re us, both at a UK and European level rity Although they are not necessarily seen siness of the products, services or solutions hey have become an intrinsic part of the sector, be it the use of AI in their own or the use of the tech in what they provide to
of new tech, there’s a new standard on the Recognition Technology – Ethical Use and veillance-Based System. We have been the velopment of this British standard and I am as published by BSI earlier this year, which ble ethical process that can be followed for nk you to those members that gave up there expertise to develop this world’s first in a p ector.
Whilst the world continues to move further into the digital era impacting standards and regulation, UK projects such as the move to ALL-IP (the telecoms infrastructure change across the UK) have continued to develop as we transition to the recently revised PSTN switch-off date of Jan 2027! Government has stepped in to this space to support the need to protect vulnerable consumers as new technology replaces the good old copper phone lines So I am pleased to report that BSIA has partnered with BT Group to form i i d i d which is inclusive of nd industry fire and ransition to an ALL-IP
links with industry policing and insurers, opean commitments of Europe, having similar idance)
ct back on a changing f the efforts my team, into ensuring the BSIA dard development and urity sector.
m, Louis and Maz (and ghout the year Also to me above and beyond ains the voice of the
through our members!
Technical Manager
Graham Evans | Technical Officer g.evans@bsia.co.uk
SECURITY OFFICER SERVICES/EXPORT
John MacAskill Director - Security & Export j macaskill@bsia co uk
We started the year in security & export in positive style at Intersec Dubai, as the event celebrated its 25th anniversary, and to mark this occasion, the Association was awarded with Exceptional Contribution to Intersec to recognise the BSIA’s involvement over a quarter of a century in promoting our members overseas.
As well as hosting our sell-out BSIA UK pavilion, we were invited to the British Embassy to take part in the celebrations and to watch presentations from our British delegates from the UK Government. The event also saw our Chief Executive presenting on how the BSIA is tackling cybersecurity, which was well received, and a great platform in which to promote our work within this subject.
The BSIA s flagship event, the British Security Awards, returned to the live stage to recognise security officers and businesses working to keep people, property and places professionally protected during the last 18 months
Held in 2024 at the Royal Lancaster London, the industry celebrated security excellence with 18 awards presented to security officers and businesses in front of clients and leading industry stakeholders The show also featured the Chair’s Award as well as the SaferCash Bravery Awards and the Police Partnership Initiative Award
During the year we also welcomed eight new members to the section and we look forward to working with and representing you all in 2025 and beyond
In February we were able to benefit our Security Officer Services members with some key thought leadership from UK Government National Technical Authority, HMRC, National Business Crime Centre and the Security Industry Authority at our first Regional Forum which took place at our members MAN Commercial Protection’s offices in Solihull.
We were also able to represent and promote our members work as we debuted at the Security Event at the NEC in Birmingham in April
We are as active as ever on a variety of committees and groups representing the Association regarding national security and export, including working with the Home Office via the Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC), Security Resilience and Growth Partnership (SRGP), Protect Duty/Martyn’s Law and the Science Technology Analysis and Research
We have been working with the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism (OSCT)
The Association has been working with the UK Defence & Security Exports (UK DSE) on the 4Ps (politics, partnerships, products and price), and the Resilience Industry Supplier Community (RISC)
We also work closely with the Security Resilience Growth Partnership (SRGP), the Security Export Steering Group and attend the Security Industry Safer Scotland-Counter Terrorism (SISS-CT) meetings on behalf of our members.
During the year we hosted tables at award events for our members, including, the OSPAs in February, and we also attended the Women in Security Awards in September presenting an award to Amy Stanley from new members FGH Security
I was also honoured this year to be appointed to vice chair of SISS-CT Security Industry Safer Scotland – Counter Terrorism, and I was also invited to be a panel member with the SIA to distribute grants allocated for good causes
We also held a variety of successful section meetings on behalf of our members who were able to get excellent updates from the HMRC and the SIA.
This year also saw us on the road welcoming our new members from the section into the Association and presenting their certificates at offices and to meet their leadership teams and some of their officers
We were also able to attend a variety of exhibitions during the year including attending and exhibiting alongside our members at the Scottish Police College, which was organised by Police Scotland and partners PCPI
We look forward to another productive year in 2025 working with and representing our members once again
Keep in touch
Find out more about our work visit www.bsia.co.uk/security-officer-services
Your contacts
John MacAskill | Director - Security & Export
j.macaskill@bsia.co.uk
Mandy Miller | Senior Office Administrator m.miller@bsia.co.uk
If I was to choose a word to reflect on my first full calendar year as a member of the BSIA team, I would have to choose the word “invested”. Whether you’re a member of the Association, a member of staff or an industry stakeholder, everyone shares a common belief in protecting people, property and places in a professional manner.
To do so requires dedication and investment in doing the right things to the best of our ability. To this end, I have had the i il t fi t h d the passion, dedication and essional security solutions to security sector.
any changes in 2024; some were n circumstances, but we have lding positive outcomes.
We launched a number of new networking events such as the two regional forums - which took place in the Midlands in February and the North West in November - in addition to our Spring Forum (and AGM) in April.
Other interesting changes in 2024 have also included the creation of new partnerships, whilst strengthening existing relationships We were excited to align the Association with the very dynamic Nineteen Group in March. This facilitated our attendance at the highly successful Security Event in April, followed by a further three exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing our members at the Installer Show, International Security Expo and London Fire & Security.
The momentum and growth of our Special Interest Groups (SIGs), holds a strong attraction for myself and for many others across the Association The work done in the SIGs will (similar to our sections) benefit the whole security industry moving forward
Our AI & Biometrics SIG continues to provide a platform for broadening our influence, and this year saw the benefits of hosting such groups for our members when the BSI released its world first code of practice on facial recognition technology, which used our 2021 ethical and legal use of FRT as its template
The speed of change in both AI & Biometrics and the cybersecurity arena requires strong governance and guidance, and we continue to lead and provide support to members in both of these subjects.
Also, expect some big news in the realms of our cybersecurity offering; our cyber self-declaration scheme, CySPAG is now split into two parts (Manufacturers and Installers) and aims specifically to differentiate security equipment deployed on IT networks by competently trained security installers CySPAG also incorporates the spirt of the PSTI Act which came into law on 29 April, and we look forward to members taking up this excellent member benefit
This year also saw over twenty new members joining the Association, representing the majority of our sections, including Security Officer Services, Access & Asset Protection, Associates, Security Systems and Video Surveillance Systems; we are excited to welcome them to the Association, and look forward to working with and representing them over 2025
You can take a look at our full members in detail on page 15.
THE YEAR IN PICTURES
Mike Reddington presents at Intersec Dubai on the work of the Association around AI and Biometrics in January.
Business Apprentice Ben Mockford tries out virtual learning with members MOONHUB in July.
John MacAskill and Mike Reddington present members FGH Security with their certificate.
Outgoing Chair Simon Banks hands over the reins to current incumbent Martin Watson at the Spring Forum and AGM in April.
John MacAskill is presented with a longstanding award at Intersec Dubai in January.
New Chair Martin Watson meets with members Rathbone Results at the Security Event in April.
Graham Dean, Mike Reddington, John MacAskill and Paddy Kyle attend the OSPAs Thought Leadership Summit at the Royal Lancaster in London in February.
John MacAsklll presents latest security officer services members Vigilo Solutions with their membership certificate in June
John MacAskill and Export Chair Carl Gibbard meet with Paul Phillips and Steve Lampett at SSAIB’s offices in March.
The BSIA hosted its Spring Forum in London in April, meeting with its members to relax and network in April.
The marcomms team visit members ARC Monitoring at the Bristol Alarm Receiving Centre in September.
BSIA members enjoy the first of our three opens as part of the Golf Society in April
The Technical team present the latest guidance produced by the Association at the Regional Forum in November
Paddy Kyle and Graham Dean attend the ASC conference in September
Mike Reddington opens BSIA members RISCO’s new training centre, alongside Skills for Security’s Commercial Director James Gribben in April.
Our Chair and Vice Chair of the SOS section, Tony Cockcroft and Rachel Fleri at the British Security Awards in July.
The Technical team hosts its first ‘tech talks at the Regional Forum (Midlands) in February.
The membership team take to the road, attending various exhibitions during the year.
The BSIA join Figen Murray on the final leg of her walk from Manchester to Downing Street for Martyn’s Law in July.
OUR MEMBERS IN 2024
OUR MEMBERS IN 2024
CELEBRAting security excellence in 2024
The BSIA’s flagship event, the Awards, returned to the live s security officers and businesse people, property and plac protected during the last 18 mo
Held in 2024 at the Royal La the industry celebrated securi 18 awards presented to sec businesses in front of clients an stakeholders The show also fe Award as well as the SaferCas and the Police Partnership Initia
“Very
well organised, really good venue, awards were nice and snappy (not too long). Excellent to have Gaby Hutchinson's family there. Well done BSIA team."
SME of the Year - Fenix Monitoring Innovative Security Project - Commend UK
This year we also awarded the second Gaby Hutchinson Award for Best Newcomer - named in honour of the security operative who tragically lost their life in December 2022, and the People, Property, Places: Professionally Protected Recognition Award, part of the campaign to raise awareness of security officers, also announced during the ceremony This year also saw the inaugural Mental Wellbeing initiative, supported by Mates in Mind, presented for the best industry practice in supporting mental wellbeing
The British Security Awards 2024 were sponsored by: Darwin Clayton, Nineteen Group, SaferCash, TEAM Software, NSI, Texecom, SGS, Commend UK, MAN Commercial Protection, OCS Group, Galliford Try Asset Intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks, MoonHub, STM Group, Securitas UK and Fenix Monitoring
The official media partner was Security Journal UK and the show was produced by Eclipse Productions and the BSIA’s communications team
THANKYOUTOOUR2024SPONSORS
CElebrating security excellence in 2024
NATIONAL WINNERS 2024
Service to the Customer
Gill Yardley, MAN Commercial Protection
Best Team
Templars Square Security Team, Westgrove Group
Outstanding Act
Martyn Ward, Bidvest Noonan
Security Manager of the Year Tom Meredith, Mitie
Gaby Hutchinson Award
Caitlyn Turner, Lodge Service
People, Property Places Recognition
Enadeghe Nosakhare, STM Group
“One of my favourite events of the year, it is always a great opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues and plenty of time to network. Thank you very much for all your efforts to organise this event, very much appreciated!"
SME of the Year
Fenix Monitoring
Business of the Year Mitie
Best Use of Technology
Dyson Technology
Innovative Security Project Commend UK:
Installer of the Year
SecuriGroup Systems
SaferCash Industry Bravery
James Goodram, Post Office
National Partnership
Galliford Try Asset Intelligence
Contribution to the Industry
Shaun Kennedy, Securitas UK
Chair's Award
Ken Meanwell, NPCC
Management Excellence
Beth Davies, Galliford Try Asset Intelligence
Apprentice of the Year
Terry McJimpsey, SecuriGroup
Excellence in Leadership
Iain McCallister, MAN Commercial Protection
Mental Wellbeing Initiative Westgrove Group
EDI Champion G4S
Environmental Project SecuriGroup
Outstanding Act - Martyn Ward - Bidvest Noonan
EDI Champion - G4S Security Solutions
PR & Communications
Andrew Cooper Head of Communications a.cooper@bsia.co.uk.uk
The world of PR & communications changes yearly, and it is important as the team who represents both the work of the Association and its members that we don’t rest on our laurels when its comes to communications best practice across both the digital and analogue landscape.
In 2024, we worked hard on overhauling our digital estate to keep us in line with both the trends and demands that our discipline requires, and we are excited to showcase in 2025 both our refreshed channels and campaigns as we navigate the ever increasingly fluctuating world of professional security.
Watch this space for the launch of our new website, social media channels and podcasts to name just a few changes - hold on tight it’s going to be another very busy year.
This year saw the 27th British Security Awards (the seventh in its current guise), held at the Royal Lancaster London on 3 July 2024
It was another year of record breaking entries and a fantastic turnout at our new venue
As the industry’s oldest and established awards scheme, it is vital that we showcase the many facets of our membership and industry, and each year we see a wider range of entrants, which help us in achieving this goal as part of our mission of raising the profile, from frontline to back office, of the security realm
We were also excited this year to plan and present our first Security Event at the NEC (above); with short notice we got a fantastic members lounge ready, which has set the ground for our return, bigger and better in 2025
But what of 2024? We focused on improving our
ell as the many events that we organised and ded, one of the key highlights of the year for eam was meeting our members in a one to one g, including visiting our members at their sites orkshire, Lancaster, Bristol, Birmingham and et, and with many catch ups over coffee in the al
e meetings out on the road are vital in finding ow we can assist, and also demonstrates that communications in the 21st century shouldn’t ely on the digital onslaught
year also saw a settling down of the team after w years of changes, with our Senior Marketing ommunications Executive, Chelsea Peplow, g up the helm in January and establishing elf as a very competent member of the team were also lucky to have our business entice Ben Mockford transition into the team permanent basis having chosen marcomms as his route into the business world
Having a multi-generational team in such a crucial department for the Association really helps to consolidate our future plans to work with and represent our members and understand the rapid
SAFERCASH
Sarah Staff Head of SaferCash s.staff@safercash.org.uk
SaferCash was launched in 2009 for BSIA Cash & Valuables in Transit (CViT) members after over a 1000 attacks committed that year with 500 offences in London alone. In 2012, 383 attacks were reported and within seven years (2019) 151 attacks occurred. In 2023, the lowest number of attacks (31) were recorded and this year up to the beginning of December is 29 offences.
This continued success is testimony to the effective way that both the industry and UK Policing has sought to tackle cash in transit crime, through the deployment of a variety of physical security solutions, tracking, dye, and the wearing of body worn video, which act as a strong deterrent to offenders and provide vital evidence to support police investigations.
The positive rapid response received by the police - should a crime in action occur or a suspicious incident be reported - has been key, and these cases are always undertaken through an effective investigation supported by SaferCash and our members; many offenders are caught and convicted, which deters others from committing similar offences.
In November, in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police and the National Crime Agency, SaferCash supported a Kidnap Continuous Professional Development Training Event relating to Tiger Kidnap offending - the event was opened by Chief Constable Tim Smith from Kent Police, the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Kidnap and Extortion
The training event was set to provide an opportunity to increase our collective understanding around Tiger Kidnap To support the development of shared plans to:
Protect areas and staff from the risk of Tiger Kidnap methodology
Prevent opportunities for the methodology to be effective
Prepare plans to reduce impact and effectiveness and strengthen opportunities to pursue offenders
Over 100 guests attended the event including, senior law enforcement representative, staff from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and members from the three sections of SaferCash including CViT, UK Finance and Data Subscription
Presentations were delivered by the following representatives:
Overview of Tiger Kidnap threat: Lee Turner, National Crime Agency Anti Kidnap and Extortion Unit
Tiger Kidnap Response Plan (Prevent): Catherine Hughes, Head of Security, Vaultex UK Ltd
Pre-Thinking Crime Management Approach and learning (Prepare): Gareth Skinner, Head of Operational Risk G4S Cash Solutions
Presentation on police investigation response to Tiger Kidnap (Purse): Detective Chief Inspector Laura Hiller, Metropolitan Police Flying Squad
Four offenders were identified and charged for 17 different offences, including conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to handle stolen vehicles and goods and when convicted, they received lengthy jail sentences with a combined total of more than 30 years
This operation highlights how well these officers developed a successful working partnership with a number of industries bodies to bring these offenders to justice
This year’s SaferCash industry award was for an act of bravery, but under very tragic circumstances. Michelle Hodkinson was off to meet her mother when she was brutally attacked by a stranger Jim Goodram (bottom left) was awarded for his brave unselfish actions whilst he was undertaking his duties as a Post Office courier, attempting to stop the attack by first sounding his horn before getting out and shouting and making as much noise as he could, trying to draw the perpetrator’s attention and to prevent the frenzied attack continuing, with the attacker eventually running off During the attack, Jim also called the emergency services
Coming to the aid of the victim, Jim provided comforting words and empathy whilst undertaking CPR until the ambulance arrived Despite all attempts made by the paramedics Michelle tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene. A 29 year old man has subsequently been charged with this killing and is due to stand trial in December 2024
Michelle was dearly loved by her family and will never be forgotten, For Michelle’s last moments her family have taken heart that she wasn’t alone and for this they have thanked Jim for his selfless act
SAFERGEMS
Sarah Staff SaferGems Manager s.staff@safergems.org.uk
SaferGems is a major initiative against crime in the Jewellery, Pawn Brokers, Antiques and Fine Art Trades, hosted by the BSIA and funded by the retail jewellery industry through our founding sponsors TH March Insurance Brokers and The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). SaferGems was introduced in June 2009 following concerns about the increase in crime committed against the jewellery industry. It is intended to collate attacks, incidents, and intelligence in relation to jewellery crime around the UK.
SaferGems, which has strong links to all the UK police forces, records details of crimes against the jewellery/pawnbroking industry, sends alerts to its members A key role of SaferGems is to coordinate data across police forces to improve identification and conviction of criminals, circulates images and new crime trends and assists the police in linking offences and offenders.
We are delighted to announce that in November 2024, The Company of Master Jewellers became the first affiliated sponsor of SaferGems The CMJ is the largest specialist jewellery and watch buying group in the UK and Ireland, with more than 150 retailer members
During 2024, SaferGems actioned the following:
Circulated 176 Alerts and Bulletins
Provided 209 analytical reports to Police
Assisted UK Law with identification, arrest and convictions of 61 persons
Believed to have prevented over 100 crimes
In Partnership with the Art Loss Register (ALR), 57 stolen/lost watches have been located on the basis of SaferGems registrations
During 2024 SaferGems recorded:
43 reports of robbery (18 armed) with 29 confirmed cases and approximately £4 million worth of goods stolen
170 reports of theft with 135 confirmed cases and approximately £3,800,000 worth of goods stolen
57 reports of burglary with 43 confirmed cases and approximately £1.8 million worth of goods stolen
64 reports of fraud with 17 confirmed cases and approximately £266,000 worth of goods stolen
SaferGems did not record any robbery series of note the year The robbery offences that did occur were sporadic and committed mostly by local/cross border offenders.
During 2024, SaferGems and UK Law Enforcement recorded an increase in crimes committed by organised gangs from South America The majority of these offences involved travelling sales representatives and traders across England and Scotland being targeted. These South American gangs engaged in anti-surveillance techniques, such as changing clothing and disguising their appearances before using effective distraction techniques; throwing money under the victim’s car, spraying substances on their clothing or deploying tyre slashing tactics to steal high value goods from traders and reps As a result of this serious and continuing threat SaferGems, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad, hosted an online security webinar offering advice and guidance for members. The Metropolitan Police also set up a dedicated intelligence unit to record national offences that were believed to have been committed by organised gangs from South America
The Metropolitan Police Flying Squad made eight arrests in relation to jewellery trader and bank follow off thefts. The investigation started after a jewellery trade fair event in Birmingham in September 2023. The eight suspects have now been charged with offences of conspiracy to steal, participating as an Organised Crime Group. In total, twenty-three offences involving the theft of over one million pounds of money and jewellery can be linked to this group.
Founding Sponsors
Affliate Sponsor
All eight suspects have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in late December 2024. The Metropolitan Police Flying Squad are still investigating the crimes committed by this group and seeking to apprehend others involved.
Another increasing crime trend during the year involved offenders snatching and running off with prestige watches or items of gold jewellery with offenders targeting both independent and multi-chain jewellery stores. Between July and September SaferGems recorded a series of prestige watch thefts and robberies linked to an organised Irish gang.
Fraud trends include counterfeit cash, ‘Super Fake’ prestige watch, CNP Fraud, IFC Fraud, Bank Transfer Scams and Bogus Traders and Clients. Hole In The Wall and Roof Top burglaries remain a significant threat to the industry.
As a result of an increase in sales rep/trader robbery offences across the UK between September 2023 and January 2024, SaferGems hosted an online Organised Distraction Crime Against Traders and Reps Crime Prevention Webinar which offered advice and guidance against these type of offences for members with inputs from Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspectors Laura Hiller and Scott Mather from the Flying Squad.
SaferGems assisted Hampshire Police with the identification of two Romanian Nationals responsible for a sleight of hand theft in Basingstoke. In April we reported the first ‘Switch’ thief offence, the suspect used sleight of hand to switch 18ct gold pendants with fakes at a store in Witham, Essex. The suspect went on to commit further sleight of hand switch thefts at stores in Hailsham, Witham, Hungerford and Stoke-on-Trent. He was later identified as a 45yr old Romanian National. SaferGems also assisted US Law Enforcement with the identification of two Romanian Nationals responsible for a high value distraction/sleight of hand theft in Indiana.
As a result of an increase in distraction/sleight of hand offences across the UK during the first four months of the year SaferGems hosted an online Distraction/Sleight of Hand Crime Prevention webinar which offered advice and guidance against these type of offences for members with inputs from Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspectors Laura Hiller and Scott Mather from the Flying Squad.
In October, Sarah Staff was invited to present at the National Pawnbrokers Association Conference which was held at the Hilton Tower Bridge Hotel, London. Sarah highlighted the work of SaferGems, discussing current industry crime trends and providing crime prevention advice and guidance around sleight of hand thefts, hole in the wall burglaries and reconnaissance activities.
Testimonials
Lee and Sarah have played a pivotal role in maintaining SaferGems’ unique and valuable collaboration with police forces across the UK. Their efforts have been recognised multiple times this year with exceptional feedback highlighting that several suspects would not have been detained without their assistance. Simon Dawe, TH March Insurance Brokers
Sarah, and the team work tirelessly to keep the trade informed and provide timely information to the police, making a real difference for NAJ members. Their efforts not only help safeguard businesses and people but also lead to more convictions Ben Massey, National Association of Jewellers
From a CMJ perspective, we have certainly seen a heightened level of criminal activity impact our trade; this impact would have been considerably greater if it wasn't for the incredible work done by SaferGems.
Emmet Cummins,The Company of Master Jewellers
The SaferGems network, knowledge and reach has supported my teams on a number of high value investigations in the past few months, effectively overseeing and forecasting new and emerging crime trends as well as providing valuable support. Detective Chief Inspector Laura Hillier, Metropolitan Police Flying Squad
Penalty ChaRge Notices
Andy Smith Transport Liaison Manager andy smith@bsia co uk
During 2024, we continued to negotiate with local authorities and private parking companies across the UK on behalf of the Transport members, proactively exploring options to reduce the number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) generated, seek resolutions, and determine a long-term agreement process.
In-depth analysis of PCN data continues and, through liaison at a high level, agreements are being reached that significantly reduce the costs to the industry and assist in maintaining the safety of crews as they go about their unique work. A training guide was developed that highlighted the main reasons PCNs were received and how, under the agreements negotiated, the PCN’s could be avoided.
This was delivered to SaferCash Cash & Valuables in Transit fleet managers for them to cascade to their crews.
The BSIA and SaferCash have secured a voice on behalf of the Cash & Valuables in Transit members directly into several schemes, partnerships and consultation areas as follows:
British Parking Association (BPA): the BPA are the trade association for the private parking industry. A working partnership has been built resulting in positive liaison with UK wide private parking companies at a high level.
Weekly Freight Call: hosted by TfL and attended by representatives from freight and logistic companies, major high street retailers and other trade associations. The agenda varies and includes updates on all matters that affect freight and delivery logistics, legislative changes, consultations, and projects.
Central London Freight Quality Partnership: partnership between the freight industry, government, businesses, local community, and environmental groups, raising an awareness of freight's importance within London.
Kerbside Management Strategy: it is recognised by many local authorities that the kerbside has multiple users competing for space and time, such as residents, visitors, businesses, trades people, taxis, delivery vans, bikes, and many other groups. There is a commitment to re-allocating a percentage of kerb space to higher priority users and ensuring that factors affecting the kerbside are fully considered in future road developments and re-developments.
SaferCash, through the BSIA will continue to actively and positively promote the industry to ensure that the unique requirements of their Cash & Valuables in Transit members are considered at a higher strategic level and that the industry is at the forefront of consultations, change and developments.
THE YEAR IN SOCIAL MEDIA
We released an industry-first certification registration scheme for our members to assist with cybersecurity.
Promoting our guidance is paramount, and we regularly highlighted our latest releases online
Our biggest release of the year was announcing the BSI’s world-first standard on automated facial recognition - this code of practice used our industry-first legal and ethical guide as its template.
BSIA Connect is promoted online first as the whole edition and latterly with individual article posts
The Business Approval Scheme was big news in the industry and we worked with the SIA to promote this consultation online
Working with our members to clarify issues of the day to assist the industry was a large part of our Redcare campaign
Martyn’s Law was big news again in 2024 and we encouraged our members to take part in this major consultation
Recognising key days throughout the year is important to us; International Men’s Day was one of many of our promotions
BT Redcare pulling out of the signalling market was a big concern for our members and we worked with the members to communicate their concerns to the company.
We were pleased to announce our two non-executive directors joining the team in October
We launched a key code of practice on cyber exposure mitigation as part of our drive to raise standards in this field
Our most popular Special Interest Group, AI & Biometrics appointed its new Chair in September
We were excited to announce the Dave Wilkinson of the Technical team was appointed into a key Euralarm role
EXECUTIVE TEAM AND CHAIRS
Nick Ross CBE BSIA President
Mike Reddington Chief Executive
Nick has had an extensive broadcasting career, best known for hosting BBC Crimewatch A keen supporter of the private security industry, Nick’s experience as a campaigner gives him valuable insight into the role the security industry can play in supporting police and other agencies.
Nick was appointed as President in 2023.
Mike has worked in the security industry for over 25 years, beginning his career in electronic engineering before moving into sales and marketing, rising into senior roles for a variety of organisations, such as Honeywell and ADI Mike holds an MBA from Leeds University.
Mike was appointed as Chief Executive in 2019.
Martin Watson BSIA Chair
Tony Cockcroft Vice Chairman
Martin is Industry Liaison Director at Mitie Fire & Security Systems and has a wealth of expertise in management alongside an in-depth understanding of technologies to inform sound business decisions.
Martin was Chair of the Security Systems since between 2017-2024 and was elected as BSIA Chair in April.
Tony is the Director of Independent Contractor Security Ltd providing security guarding, patrols and alarm responses and key holding.
He was elected as Section Chair in 2015, and in 2019 Tony was also elected by the Board as Vice Chairman of the Association.
James A Brown Asset Property Marking
Carl Gibbard Export Council
James is Managing Director of Selectamark Security Systems and sits on the ADS Security Export Focus Group. James was appointed Managing Director in May 2014.
James as elected as Chair of the APM section in July 2023.
Gareth Skinner Cash & Valuables
Gareth is UK Head of Operational Risk at G4S plc Gareth's role at G4S is to drive the Loss, Security and Business Continuity Management activities across the UK.
Gareth has been Chair of Cash & Valuables in Transit since 2019.
Dossa
Carl is the Chairman of Concept Smoke Screen Ltd, who specialise in fogging devices in the UK as well as on the international market in countries ranging from Holland to Brazil.
Carl was elected as Chair of the Export Council in 2017.
Kristian Carter Information Destruction
Kristian is Commercial Director at Shred Station and has worked in the sector for over 15 years.
Kristian was elected Chair of the Information Destruction section in 2021
Naz is Chief Executive Officer of PeopleSafe, part of the Send for Help Group, the largest lone worker protector provider in the Europe.
Naz is currently in his first tenure as Chair of Lone Workers and was elected in 2020.
Adrian Mealing Security Equipment Manufacturers
Adrian is Head of Industry Affairs at Texecom and has over 20 years experience in complex multi disciplined projects, from initial concept to delivery and completion.
Adrian has been Chair of Security Equipment Manufacturers since 2020.
Naz
Lone Worker
EXECUTIVE TEAM AND CHAIRS
Brett Gough
Security Systems
Brett is Key Accounts Director for Mitie Fire & Security Systems with a technical operational and strategic background.
Brett has been Chair of Security Systems since 2024.
Benjamin Linklater
Video Surveillance
Ben is the Sales Director at Optex (Europe) Ltd, a world leading manufacturer of high performance sensing technologies.
Ben was elected as Chair of the Video Surveillance Systems (CCTV) section in 2019.
Richard Breckell Vacant Property Protection
Sarah Staff SaferCash/SaferGems
Richard is the Operations Director for Mitie Fire & Security Systems and oversees the field engineering and back office functions.
Richard has been Chair of the Vacant Property Protection section since 2024.
Sarah is responsible for the BSIA joint intelligence initiative SaferCash and is former Head of the Flying Squad, with a 30 year career in the Metropolitan Police.
Sarah was elected to the Board in 2019.
Rob Evans
Alarm Receiving Centres
Rob is Sales Director for CSL Group and has worked in the industry since 1995, having previously worked for Risco
Rob was elected ARC Chair at the inaugural section meeting for Alarm Receiving Centres in 2022.
VACANT Access & Asset Protection
Our most recent chair John Davies, retired in 2024.
A new chair will be announced in early 2025.
Andy Schofield AI & Biometrics
Pauline Norstrom Non-Executive Director
Andy is Chief Technology Officer at Reliance High-Tech, leading the technology teams researching the feasibility of the latest cutting-edge technologies.
Andy was appointed Chair of the BSIA AI & Biometrics Special Interest Group in 2024.
Tracy Pearsall HR/H&S Forum
Tracy is Senior HR Business Partner for Securitas UK, responsible for financial, operational and service targets.
Tracy was appointed as Chair of the HR/H&S Forum Special Interest Group in 2024.
Pauline is CEO of Anekanta®AI and Anekanta®Consulting, and a former Chair of the Association.
She has a background in leadership, innovation and commercialisation, and in her current role at Anekanta®, has created the architecture for several AI risk and governance frameworks.
Uzair Osman
Uzair is a corporate executive with over 18 years of experience driving t growth and operational excellence across diverse sectors, including construction, security and digital innovation.
He is also the Managing Director of Galliford Try Asset Intelligence.
ASSOCIATION TEAM
Dave Wilkinson
Director of Technical Services
With over 35 years’ experience in the industry, Dave is responsible for ating all technical and quality within the Association duties include leading UK, an and International ds committees and ng and contributing to UK regulations & Directives that BSIA members
John MacAskill Director - Security & Export
s
John has over 25 years of experience in the industry, working for Pointer Ltd and Connelly Security Systems John is responsible for the Security Officer Services section and the Export Council, working with government and related export agencies to raise the UK profile of security.
Andrew has over 20 years of experience working for central government and trade associations, and is responsible for the communication and marketing functions of the Association, including public relations, events and campaigns. Andrew meets with members at meetings and events, and liaises with industry partners.
Paddy has over 25 years of commercial experience in the fire and security industry, previously working for Texecom and Pyronix.
Paddy is responsible for driving membership retention and accelerating membership growth, working collaboratively with the marcomms and membership teams.
Sarah is responsible for the BSIA joint security intelligence initiative SaferCash and also manages SaferGems, the initiative against crime in the Jewellery, Antiques and Fine Art Trades, hosted by the BSIA and funded by the retail jewellery industry through TH March Insurance Brokers and the National Association of Jewellers
Graham has over 20 years experience working in the security industry prior to which, he enjoyed a career in the police Graham is responsible for growing overall membership and providing support to the Association’s existing members
He is the first point of contact for membership enquiries and ongoing relationships with existing members
Dean Griffin Financial Controller
Dean is responsible for the finance of the Association, which includes management accounts and the departmental reports, working with the auditors and any regulatory items for VAT and tax.
Graham's background at the beginning of his career was in electronics and then progressed onto data compliance dealing with all matters to do with UK GDPR, DPA, subject access requests and policy development. Graham looks after a variety of our technical sections, working closely with other members of the Association.
Mark is responsible for the day-today management of the technical requirements of the BSIA sections as well as the standards committees at both UK and international levels, ensuring we maintain our representations in key committees. He also manages activities related to environmental compliance.
Andrew Cooper Head of Communications
Graham Dean Membership Development Manager
Paddy Kyle Chief Commercial Officer
Mark Ryder Technical Manager
Graham Evans Technical Manager
Association TEAM
Mandy has over 30 years of key administrative experience, from credit control to office management. Mandy is responsible for supporting new member onboarding, renewals and membership retention, alongside coordinating the delivery of board, finance and section meetings, and offering administrative support to the CEO & Directors.
Chelsea looks after all our digital comms, including content creation and website management, marketing and events, including the Security Event and the British Security Awards. She also assists in the development of marcomms products and services and is responsible for metrics and evaluation reporting.
Ben
Maz provides support to the Technical Services team, coordinating the technical work load, proof reading all technical documentation, managing the technical database and acting as focal point for all technical enquiries
Maz also manages our quality management & compliance systems and carries out internal quality audits
Mandy Miller Senior Administrative Officer
Chelsea Peplow Senior Marketing & Communications Executive
