Security Installer's extra ‘thwack factor'

With all the techno changes going on, the new competition from the IT industry and the challenges of working to the Euro regs, installers have to stay on the ball, and nowhere will you be able to do this better than at this show. The only cost is your time, so have a look at the raft of seminars aimed at installers and all the new goodies on show detailed in our pages.

But manufacturers ... if you didn't manage to hit the editorial deadline for this issue, next month we'll be printing a big IFSEC Extra. As far as installers are concerned IFSEC can also be a great opportunity to show off the skills of their talented young engineers. The Apprentice Skills Challenge is going from strength to strength and has an even higher profile now that the winners receive their awards at the industry's Big Night Out - the Security Excellence Awards. So if you've got an apprentice who's up for a challenge contact the organisers. Excellent apprentices not only demonstrate your commitment to upping the professionalism of the industry but put your company's name ‘in lights' as a winner.

Along with my esteemed, award-winning colleague Brian Sims, I went on a trip to California this month (well, someone's got to do this job!) We had a close look at production at Pelco, the world's biggest CCTV manufacturer. Having been round the premises of many of the big names in this industry, I can say with authority this was something else entirely. Yes the production process was impressive and on a grand scale, but what really got to both of us was the effort and dedication Pelco has shown to the memories of those who died in the 9/11 atrocity. We were both truly moved on our visit to the company on-site memorial and California Memorial Museum. It brought home to me in a very direct way this industry's front-line role in the fight against terrorism.

Big changes going on in the guarding sector could have a positive kick back for installers. According to some, the backlog in the issuing of licences could create more demand for electronic security. Without wanting to take advantage of colleagues in the guarding sector, there might be trading opportunities here, particularly for installing temporary systems. I was interested to hear from a reader who has gone into this in a big way with an impressive sounding mobile security vehicle that's got all the kit under the sun and even has a bunk bed for the operator to take a break!.