BSI Private Security Industry Summit 2006

The past year has witnessed significant changes for the private security industry, including the cut-off date for licensing, the launch of the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) and, of course, the increasing threat from terrorist activity.

As the dust begins to settle on our Brave New World, what lies ahead? How should managing directors be looking to position their businesses? What are the trends in new technology? What’s the latest news on British and European Standards, and how might security operations profit from the change that’s occurring?

All of these questions – and more – will be addressed at the British Standards Institution’s Second Annual Private Security Industry Summit. To be held at the Marriott (Kensington) Hotel in central London from 18-20 October, the Conference and Workshop programme is squarely aimed at senior and middle managers from private security industry organisations (including consultants, information security specialists and those from the security guarding sector).

Security and the economy

The growing significance of the private security industry to the UK’s resilience and economic prosperity is highlighted by Vernon Coaker – the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Policing, Security and Community Safety – in his KeyNote Address on Day One. This is swiftly followed by an examination of the impact caused by the ACS, courtesy of the scheme’s assistant director at the SIA, Andrew Shepherd. Andrew looks at the role of the ACS within the SIA’s overall strategy, who is applying to join the scheme and why, whether or not standards of service delivery to the client are being raised and future plans.

During the ‘Industry Update’ section of the Conference, David Dickinson – chief executive of the British Security Industry Association – is going to present an overview of Government regulation to date. Is it achieving its goals? What has been the effect thus far in business terms? David will also look at the effects of licensing on relationships with the police service. What does the industry want from the SIA? Make sure you are there to air your views.

By way of timely intervention, Euralarm chief executive Bert van Langeveld touches on the controversial EU Services Directive. He’ll be examining the lobbying process for UK concerns.

There is also going to be a high-level discussion and debate focusing on the theme for the event. Entitled ‘The Future for the Private Security Industry’, the debate sees this industry’s most prominent figures air their views on the state of security in 2006, its future role and direction.

Taking part are Colin Braziel of the Association of Security Consultants, Peter Davies (assistant chief constable of Lincolnshire Police), David Dickinson, Stuart Lowden (chair of ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208), Andrew Shepherd, Patrick Somerville (chairman of the International Professional Security Association), Geoff Tate (chief executive at the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) and Bert van Langeveld.

Business Update for 2006

Will insurance drive more spend on security provision? The insurance market is constantly changing, so what will insurers want from clients and practitioners in the security sector? Mike Jay – the convenor of IPCres (the Insurers Property Crime Research Group) – offers his views.

Solving human resources issues is another area of concern for many, and Liz Ogden (Human Resources director at the company’s largest contractor, G4S Security Services UK) is set to tackle the main points. What has been the real impact of licensing? Liz reviews the free movement of labour within the EU, and policies for cost-effective staff retention. Liz will also be addressing where the current skills shortages appear to be, and Best Practice for staff progression.

One of the major outcomes of regulation ought to be improved profit margins for the industry’s service providers. The rudiments of creating a new business model are to be outlined by Stuart Lowden.

An update on technical aspects and British and European Standards comes courtesy of Professor Martin Gill, director of Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International. Martin is in the process of reviewing the industry as part of the Strategic Research Initiative.

Interestingly, his presentation is to be followed by a session from Mike Alexander, the head of business security and safety at Henderson Global Investors. What is the client’s perspective on regulation? Mike proffers his opinions, which should make for compelling listening.

Systems and screening

Further presentations will be given by Geoff Tate (who is due to consider developments in alarms and electronic security), James Winter (the industry standards and liaison manager at BT redcare) talking about Internet Protocol security threats and opportunities and Pauline Norstrom. Pauline, group head of marketing at the AD Group and chair of the BSIA’s CCTV Section, reviews the future for CCTV and surveillance in general.

In addition, Derek Smith – business services director at Legion Security – outlines progress on revising BS 7858, BS 7499 and BS 7894, while BSIA technical director Alex Carmichael rounds up all the remaining Standards news.

How to book your place

Registration for the Summit takes place at 9.00 am on each day, with proceedings beginning at 9.30 am.