SIR – First of all, may I add my own voice to those congratulating you and everyone else on the Security Team at CMP Information for the quite splendid event that was The Security Excellence Awards 2006.

This is an occasion that, aside from providing a fabulous showcase for this industry’s many achievements, allows us the much-needed opportunity to demonstrate to customers, influencers and, of course, Government ministers the capabilities within the security sector.

It has rightly been said that recognition is the most powerful motivational tool. The Security Excellence Awards constantly reflect that maxim, and also the enormous amount of time, effort and resources deployed to arrange them by yourself and your colleagues.

Sadly, this year’s event was marred somewhat as Mick Lee rightly pointed out (‘Excellence on display at The Hilton’, Letters To The Editor, SMT, November 2006,) by a tiny minority who clearly neither recognise the importance of these Awards nor, frankly, know how to behave at a Black Tie function.

Here, too, I must add my voice to that of Mick Lee’s in condemning what he refers to with frank candour as this minority’s “yobbish behaviour". The industry does not need such people within its ranks.

Your own response to Mick’s original Letter To The Editor in last month’s edition clearly demonstrates if demonstration were needed your willingness to tackle thorny issues, whether personal to you or relevant to the industry at large, in both a robust and completely honest fashion. All power to your elbow!

David Dickinson Chief Executive British Security Industry Association

Source

SMT