“Why we Bought Tavcom Training” – Q&A with Linx Consulting

Tavcom Training has long been the dominant player in accredited fire and security training.

Still a family firm the business has nevertheless grown to be the preeminent UK provider of accredited security systems training for installers, operators, managers and designers of CCTV, Network IP, access control, intruder and fire alarms – and increasingly offers training beyond the UK too.

Last month the Southampton-based firm was acquired by Link International Group, whose stable already included security management training providers ARC Training International and Perpetuity Training, as well as Linx Consulting.

Seeking to put customers’ minds at rest David Gill, a Chartered Security Professional and CEO of Linx International Group, fields questions below about the acquisition.

IFSEC Global: Obvious question first – why did you buy Tavcom?

David Gill: Anyone who works within the electronic security industry will be aware of the outstanding reputation that Tavcom has built over the last 21 years for developing and delivering world-class security systems training.

It’s an area of security which neither ARC Training International nor Perpetuity Training has previously addressed. Tavcom is therefore a very welcome addition to our Group.

We can now truly claim to offer anyone who wishes to develop a career within the security sector the widest possible choice of specialist security systems and security management training programmes.

IG: Will the Tavcom name be retained?

DG: Tavcom will continue to operate under its existing brand within the group and clients can be assured that they will continue to receive the very highest levels of service that they have come to expect from Tavcom.

Mike Tennent, who founded Tavcom, has been appointed the company’s non-executive Chairman, whilst Paul Tennent, previously sales director for Tavcom, has been appointed Group Sales Director for Linx International.

IG: Why buy Tavcom rather than simply security systems training courses to the programme offered by your existing brands?

DG: When you invest in a company such as Tavcom, you not only acquire a superb portfolio of tried and tested accredited training courses, as well as a very large database of satisfied clients, you also gain access to its people.

With Tavcom, this is particularly significant because of the quality of its tutors who have all been handpicked for their technical knowledge as well as their teaching skills.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be working with these highly competent professionals who share a passion with myself and colleagues at ARC Training International and Perpetuity Training for helping security professionals add to their skill sets.

Our investment is just the beginning of what I’m sure will be a very exciting journey for the team and our clients.

We will, for example, continue to develop Tavcom’s superb classroom and workshop facilities in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire. Under the leadership of our group training director, Ken Livingstone, we can also expect to see further development of Tavcom’s accredited online ‘e-learning’ courses, which offer a practical alternative to traditional classroom style courses, allowing students to learn in their own time without having to come ‘off the road’.

In addition, we will continue to support initiatives such as the Tavcom Military Resettlement division which focuses on facilitating the transition of ex-forces personnel into the security sector.

IG: What does the future hold for Linx International Group?

DG: One thing we can be certain of is constant change, whether that be in the form of advances in technology or the increasingly sophisticated activities of criminals and terrorists.

I am in no doubt that to be effective and successful within the security sector during the 21^st Century, it is essential for security professionals to underpin their knowledge and expertise acquired at the coal face, with business acumen and career enhancing academic qualifications.

I am therefore determined that all three training organisations within the group continue to develop and deliver progressive training programmes that are topical and relevant to the challenges facing all who enjoy working within the security industry.

Tavcom Training are exhibiting at IFSEC International 2015 (stand B1320) and hosting the Tavcom Training Theatre, which is aimed at installers and integrators 

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