SMT: ‘going live’ at Securex 2004

Every edition of Security Management Today (SMT) is designed to inform practising managers about the latest developments in the wider world as they affect end users. That’s why we hone in on Government regulation and licensing, career development opportunities and the latest employment laws from Westminster and the EU.

The journal is very much an educational vehicle wherein we strive to help practising security professionals to fulfil their role.

As the leading – and only – UK publication solely dedicated to the end user, it’s our duty to set the tone for security management practices. Where is the industry going to be in, say, five-to-ten years’ time? How can we reach the ultimate goal of this industry truly being recognised as a profession?

We really do need to know in which direction security management is heading. Of late, many of the well-known corporates have begun cutting back on their security spend at a time when, if anything, they should be allocating more resources to stave off potential risks and reputational damage. In a good many cases, this has translated into a blurring of the security role.

In essence, the security manager can very easily become part of an amorphous facilities management mass, tasked with looking after not only security but Health and Safety, fire protection, building maintenance and contract cleaning (to name but a few tasks).

Is that a positive development? Will the security emphasis be diluted over time? What are the benefits to be had from security, IT and facilities cross-pollinating?

The SMT Forum 2004

As part of our ongoing desire to promote Best Practice in the security sector, SMT will be using Securex 2004 to discuss the future of security management as a profession. In The SMT Forum (which takes place on Wednesday 13 October), we’ll be debating the motion: ‘Should security management continue to remain as a separate discipline’?

Chairman/facilitator for the day will be Bill Wyllie, head of security at MBNA Bank and one of the most well-respected security professionals in the country. Bill will offer his own views during the course of the morning, at the same time presiding over two panels of practising professionals debating for and against the motion.

Those who’ll argue for security remaining as a separate discipline are Chris Smith (head of regional security for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at HSBC Bank), Mike Bluestone (principal consultant at Integra Security Solutions) and UniSecure general manager Erez Sharoni who is based at the University of Hertfordshire.

Offering some alternative views as to how security might be best served if it were to become part of a general facilities function will be Bob Holmwood (principal consultant at Buro Happold and chairman of the Security and Business Continuity Special Interest Group at the British Institute of Facilities Management), Michael Jasper (head of risk at the New British Library) and Stuart Lowden, director of the security division at top contractor Wilson James.

SMT has extended personal invitations to all of the industry’s foremost managers and policy makers. If you want to come along and add your views as well then we’d be delighted to see you.

The SMT Forum is scheduled to run from 10.30 am through to 12.30 pm. There’s no entrance fee. We just want you to share your opinions on where the profession of security management should be heading in the years to come. This is your chance to shape the industry’s direction. Make sure you’re there.

Focusing on careers

Also new to Securex this year is a dedicated Career Focus Day. Taking place on Tuesday 12 October, we’ve lined up a series of seminars (sponsored by the industry’s leading recruitment company, SSR Personnel) aimed at helping managers to develop their skills and enhance their reputation.

Barry Walker – senior consultant at TPS Consult – will be discussing the benefits of being an ASIS International member and opting to study for the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) qualification. Meantime, SSR’s Del Hunter is set to review the development of business skills particularly relevant to security managers.

Interestingly, Juan Munoz (managing director of security consultancy Associated Projects) will offer an overview of the regulation experience in Spain which should provide some useful pointers for the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Aimed at all levels of security management, from decision-makers with recruitment responsibility through to those in the operational ranks looking to progress, the Career Focus Day really is a must-attend event.

We’ve also organised a series of Best Practice seminars to engage and inspire the end user. There will not be any product pitches here. Only insightful sessions presented by senior figures in the private sector and the police service (including Ian Johnston, chief constable of the British Transport Police).

Securex: the exhibition

The Securex 2004 exhibition runs from Tuesday 12 October through to Thursday 14 October, and has managed to attract many of the industry’s leading manufacturers and solutions providers for end users.

Among those exhibiting at Earls Court 2 will be Norbain and digital recording specialist Visimetrics. The SIA will also be on hand to answer all your questions concerning licensing.

For further information on Securex 2004, take a look on the Internet: www.securex2004.com