There’s now no doubt about it ...

Well, he would say that wouldn't he? you may think! But from the comments on the night and the calls and emails we’ve had since this year’s ceremony, there is no doubt that in just five years it has become a pivotal annual event. This year was a real record breaker with a massive 50 per cent increase in attendance and a move to the biggest and most prestigious awards venue in London. More than 600 guests – including most of the VIPs in the industry – let their hair down at the Grosvenor House Hotel. One of the most telling comments came from a guest who said “Last year I came with a colleague, this year we both brought our wives along”. Unlike similar events in other industries this evening was not a sea of dinner jackets and there seemed to be as many women there as men.

The judging process is of the highest calibre and although the awards have the very serious purpose of honouring those who have demonstrated excellence in their sectors, the evening itself has a party atmosphere and is anything but stuffy! Guests are encouraged to let their hair down and have a good time with laughter from our well known presenters, dancing

to a live band and a chance to win prizes in a charity casino. As organisers, we feel that this chance to “network” with other industry movers and VIPs in a relaxed party atmosphere is one of the secrets of the event’s success. A lot of serious business is generated when guests know that they are among the elite of the industry. And what better way to impress your valued clients than to bring them along.

There are other well respected awards in security – for instance, the IFSEC Awards centred around security products – but nothing else even approaches the scope of the Security Excellence Awards ... which is why many are eagerly awaiting the entry and judging process to start all over again. Next year you could be up there receiving recognition. Or, as a sponsor, your company can be guaranteed of a place on stage, supporting excellence and the push towards greater professionalism. For full details of winners and runners-up see our special supplement with this edition and pictures in our report on page 7. Due to a technical problem one of the categories was left out of the enclosed supplement so you can read all about the Integrated Solutions Award contenders on page 15 of this edition ... One last thing, Security Installer has moved. Contact us via our new details in the panel on the left.