IFSEC, the UK’s largest and longest-running security event celebrated its 50th anniversary in May this year

Following a hugely successful in-person comeback in 2022 after three years away due to Covid, IFSEC, in partnership with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), returned to ExCeL London from 16-18 May this year. A packed expo hall, topical seminar programme, live demos, new Distributor Network and a partnership with charity Mates in Mind were only a few things that our audience loved!

Thousands of senior security professionals attended keen to explore innovative solutions and collaborate with the entire community, including over 250 exhibiting companies and key security associations.

This year also marks IFSEC’s 50^th anniversary and the show has changed considerably since it launched in 1973, as Gerry Dunphy, IFSEC Event Director, explained:

“ISEC, as it was then called, was quite a charming and modest gathering of burglar alarm suppliers that got together at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.”

The event has come a long way since then and is now the UK’s longest and largest running security event.

“I have been thinking about how IFSEC has achieved such longevity, and it’s purely down to industry appetite and demand against an ever-changing backdrop of technology and suppliers.’’

“IFSEC brings buyers and sellers together and creates and enhances partnerships by uniting people from the same industry. It’s a place where they can collaborate, network, meet face-to-face, discover new technology, and be part of a huge global industry. The fact that it has been running for 50 years is a testament to the appetite for progression and evolution.”

New distributor network

In 2023, IFSEC successfully launched the Distributor Network which recognises the essential role distributors play in the security market. In bespoke distributor hubs on the show floor, 11 of the UK’s leading distributors met with the installer audience and invited them to VIP sessions to meet suppliers.

Distributors included ADI Global, DTS.Solutions (U.K), Dynamics CCTV, DVS, CIE-Group, COP, Dynamic CCTV, MAST Digital, Nimans, Oprema, and PureTech.

Live demo areas

Visitors to this year’s IFSEC experienced two live areas on the show floor:

• The Converged Security Centre, in partnership with Advancis, collaborated with several vendor partners to showcase the benefits of open, integrated security management platforms. Visitors experienced the technology in real-time and met with the experts behind the technology.
• The LPCB Attack Testing Zone showcased a range of highly engineered security equipment to the test by attacking them with hammers and wire cutters. Commenting on the feature, Gerry said, “I’m delighted that the very dynamic and energetic LPCB Attack Testing Zone is back, this is, without doubt, the most popular feature we have ever been involved with.”

Seminar programme

This year’s seminar sessions on the show floor covered the biggest topics affecting the security industry, including the impact of big tech on access control, the changing world of alarm signalling with the introduction of Move to All IP, use of body cams to make the workplace a safer space, and more.

In addition, a one-day session focused on the introduction of Martyn’s Law, a new piece of anti-terrorism legislation, discussed the high-profile campaign led the UK government to assess and legislate on security measures adopted by venues in the wake of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

Figen Murray, who is the mother of Martyn Hett, who died in the attack, and has spearheaded the campaign, was one of the key speakers.

Session highlights – IFSEC Tech Talks Theatre

With inspirational speakers, including Lee Odess (Access Control Expert), Blake Lekowitz (Axon Enterprise), Peter Kelly (Mates in Mind), Oliver Philippou (OMDIA) and many more, this year’s seminar sessions on the show floor covered some of the biggest topics affecting the security industry.

What is the impact of big tech on access control? Where are we at in the move to All IP and its impact on alarm signalling? And, how can body cams make the workplace a safer space?

A few highlights of the seminar programme included:

Tuesday 16 May

• OMDIA Insights – trends in video surveillance (11:30-12:00) – Speaker: Oliver Philippou, Senior Research Manager Security Technologies, OMDIA
• Mental health and wellbeing in the security sector (12:15-12:30) – Speaker: Peter Kelly, Head of Programmes, Mates in Mind
• Enhancing technical security solutions with behavioural analysis (13:00-13:30) – Speaker: Blake Lekowitz, Director of Enterprise Marketing, Axon Enterprise Inc

Wednesday 17 May

• Big tech and global trends impacting access control (11:30-12:00) – Speaker: Lee Odess, Access Control Expert
• Futureproofing your CCTV network (15:00-15:30) – Speaker: Peter Mason, Consultant

Thursday 18 May

• Benefits of engaging security consultants with an engineering background for projects within the built environment (11:30-12:00) – Speaker: Gary Thomas, Consultant

There’s plenty more to watch live on the show floor over the three days, too!

Mates in Mind – bringing mental health to the forefront

This year IFSEC has partnered with mental health and wellbeing charity, Mates in Mind. Gerry explains: “We are delighted to partner with Mates in Mind this year – since they launched in 2017, Mates in Mind have been committed to improving mental health across the construction industry.

“Their target is to reach 75% of the industry by 2025 and we are thrilled to be working with them to help spread their message within what has been a traditionally very difficult audience to break into.”

Meet leading suppliers

IFSEC offered tens of thousands of visitors an unrivalled opportunity to meet hundreds of leading security suppliers across access control, video surveillance, perimeter protection, intruder detection and more.

“This year’s IFSEC was fantastic because we saw a lot of previous companies returning after COVID. Some headliners include the likes of Uniview, who are a major camera manufacturer who couldn’t attend last year due to the restrictions in their own country, so it is brilliant to have them back again. We’ve also got the likes of ASSA Abloy, Provision ISR, BT Redcare, CAME BPT, Hikvision, HID, and Texecom,” added Gerry,

Exhibitor launchers and demonstrations

Several exhibitors will be showcasing brand new products at IFSEC this year, including:

Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (IF.3440) – showcasing Secured by Design (SBD)

Police CPI showcased Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit. Visitors to the stand were able to discover best practice around crime prevention, as well as find out more about the Police Preferred Specification product accreditation scheme for products that can prevent and deter crime.

CLD Physical Security Systems (IF.6045) – showcasing its latest innovations

CLD, the manufacturer and supplier of rigid mesh fencing and security gates, showcased its latest innovations including off-grid on-ground, agile security products, that are said to deliver true sustainable solutions. Product demonstrations were available all day, every day on the stand, including the new non-metallic SR range of GRP solutions, SR rated temporary hoarding solution and off-grid access control range.

Igloocompany (IF.3449) – showcasing the new iglooco Padlock 2E

Igloocompany, a smart access solutions provider, showcased its iglooco Padlock 2E (SP2E). Designed to be used in extreme conditions, surviving harsh cold and heavy rainfall, Padlock 2E is a heavy-duty IP68 insurance-grade Padlock at IF.3449.

Henry Squire & Sons Limited (IF.6040) – demoing inigma, smart technology bike locks

Lock maker Henry Squire & Sons Limited showcased further developments with its inigma product. These Bluetooth operated bike locks featured one of the world’s most secure smart operating systems.

WiBase Industrial Solutions Inc. (IF.4837) – demoing smart dashcam and body-worn camera

WiBASE specialises in developing IoT communication devices, including in-vehicle systems, rugged handheld terminals, and wearable IoT devices. At IFSEC, WiBase demonstrated its smart dashcam and body-worn camera with functions such as SOS, live streaming, push-to-talk, location service and more.

Innovative Contractors for Advanced Dimensions (ICAD) (IF.4020) – showcased new Visetec security cameras

ICAD provides system technology services for facilities such as: airports & airlines, metro rail and bus, hospitality and events, healthcare, government, stadiums, public venues, educational, residential infrastructures and more. At IFSEC, ICAD’s I-Defense division and i3s launched  and showcased its new Visetec security cameras and video analytics system (PSIM).

Terracom SA (IF.3012) – showcasing QR-Patrol and MyLoneWorkers

Terracom SA, a provider of guard tour solutions for modern businesses and enterprises, showcased the latest version of its most successful products, QR-Patrol and MyLoneWorkers, including new features, such as Face Verification, Dynamic Guard Groups, and the addition of a vast library of Business Intelligence reports.

Provision ISR (IF.3410) – launching new products

As well as continuing to showcase its embedded cyber solution from Check Point, Provision ISR launched three new products at IFSEC: a new integration with Tyco alarm system – Visonic, DSC, Bentel, an intercom series and thermal cameras.

Cento Personnel Ltd (IF.2630) – launching Cento Sustain

Cento launched ‘Cento Sustain’ at IFSEC. Using its offsetting platform, Cento planted a tree for every visitor to the stand meaning the carbon footprint for visiting the show was offset. This initiative will then continue to be rolled out throughout 2023 at all Cento events, meetings and beyond.

Delta Telecom Sound & Security (IF.5001) – launching new Torus key cabinet

Delta Telecom Sound & Security launched its new Torus key cabinet at IFSEC. Torus keeps keys safe and secure, whilst monitoring usage for auditing in real time, according to the manufacturer.

Webro Cable & Connectors (IF.5015) – demoing Eyenor cameras

Webro partnered with Norden to launch the Eyenor range of NDAA-compliant CCTV solutions, including cameras and NVRs. Webro has also expanded its CPR-compliant range of cables for improved fire safety.

Suprema Systems UK Ltd (IF.4615) – demoing BioStation 3 and Airfob Space 2.0

Suprema, the global provider of access control, time and attendance, and biometric solutions showcased its BioStation 3 Face Recognition device. It also showcased the Airfob Space 2.0, a fully hosted access control solution.

Elizabeth Line – Travel to London’s ExCeL now easier than ever

The launch of the brand-new Elizabeth Line meant visitors could now access ExCeL direct from as far away as Reading, Heathrow and Shenfield.

“The Elizabeth Line is now open and visitors can travel to ExCeL from central London in under 13 minutes, and direct from Heathrow in 45. It’s an absolute game changer,” concluded Gerry.

Four shows in one

IFSEC and its three co-located events – FIREX, Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo – are all free to attend.

• FIREX, Europe’s leading annual fire safety event, exclusively in partnership with the Fire Industry Association (FIA), supports and reinforces third-party approved solutions and is the only event in the UK that makes accreditation a condition of exhibiting.
• Facilities Show is the dedicated facilities management event where visitors can prep for the future of the workplace and explore solutions for making them smarter, more efficient and more sustainable.
• Safety & Health Expo welcomes thousands of health and safety professionals to connect with peers and discover solutions to combat safety risks in the workplace and keep up to date with mental health initiatives.