Security Management Today wins Skills for Security Special Award

Brian Sims, the Editor of Security Management Today (SMT) – CMP Information’s flagship monthly security journal dedicated to serving the educational, training and information needs of practising managers – has won the inaugural Skills for Security Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Security Business Sector.

The Award was bestowed by the organisation’s business development director Stefan Hay following last month’s Skills for Security National Conference, held at Birmingham’s famous International Convention Centre (ICC).

This is a National Award that individuals can neither apply for nor be nominated for, the recipient being determined by the team at Skills for Security (including chief executive Linda Sharpe).

The Special Award is designed to be “an honour for the industry’s unsung heroes who, perhaps unlike many other Award recipients, have no vested interest other than to lead the security industry forward into the future, altruistically and with true passion."

In his citation to the 200-plus delegates in attendance at the ICC, Stefan Hay commented: “Brian Sims is an outstanding individual who has adopted our industry as his own and who, through tireless effort, has highlighted the need for – and determinedly pursued the concept of – Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for security managers, directors and operational personnel ever since taking over at the helm of what he has made the private security industry’s leading journal.

“Brian has been fully supportive of Security Industry Authority licensing, but has never been afraid to challenge the decisions of the Regulator when appropriate. He has consistently been first on the scene to report both honestly and transparently on every major initiative or event that has impacted on our industry during the past six years. He has also given hundreds of ours to additional activities on behalf of The Security Institute, the British Security Industry Association, The Company of Security Professionals, ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208 and our own organisation in pursuit of the furtherance of this business sector and its many practitioners.”

Hay continued: “This year, Brian also launched the excellent Four Issues, One Voice Campaign in tandem with Infologue.com’s Editor Bobby Logue, calling for the licensing of in-house security operatives, equal representation on the SIA Board, fair charging within the Approved Contractor Scheme and the cutting of regulatory red tape. That Campaign is now under discussion at The Home Office.

“In addition, Brian is playing an integral role on the Skills for Security CPD Sub-Committee that is currently involved with devising a Register of Security Professionals, membership of which will depend on compulsory CPD activity.”

Plaudits from the industry

“I’d like to offer you my warmest congratulations on this well-deserved Skills for Security Special Award,” stated Mike Bluestone, the head of training and career development at MITIE Security. “You are a true professional. I read Stefan’s tribute and agree with every word. Well done indeed.”

Kevin Smith – regional manager of CCTV solutions provider Pelco’s operations in the UK and Ireland – said: “Congratulations, Brian, on receipt of what is a hugely prestigious accolade. It is most certainly deserved.” Audrey Clark – marketing manager at the OCS Group – added her own tribute. “Many, many congratulations. Just reward for your efforts in promoting professionalism within the sector at every opportunity.”

In addition, Patrick Somerville – chairman of the International Professional Security Association – commented: “Tremendous. I cannot think of a more worthy recipient. During a period when this industry has been undergoing a tremendous transformation, you have always offered balanced comment from within. You write from the heart of the security sector with genuine passion as opposed to commentating from its periphery.”

CMP Information’s chief executive Gary Hughes was understandably delighted by the news. “Outstanding, Brian. Simply outstanding, and very well done indeed.” Live Media Portfolio managing director Jane Risby-Rose added: “Many congratulations on what is yet another fantastic piece of recognition from the industry following last year’s BSIA Chairman’s Award success. These Awards are brilliant achievements for you and the journal.”

FSS group director Simon Parker said: “I am immensely proud of you and your journal, Brian. It is proof-positive of your standing within the industry and the great appreciation your peers have for all that you do in the wider security community.”

A view from within

Commenting on what is a major achievement, Security Management Today’s Editor Brian Sims said: “I am truly delighted to receive this Award from the security business sector’s skills and standards-setting body. To be honoured in this way by the sector and its professional individuals and groups has to be the ultimate accolade for any serious Business-2-Business journalist.”