Richard Jenkins said feedback from “speakers, exhibitors and our key sponsors has been overwhelmingly positive.”
The event brought representatives of more than 250 approved companies and industry stakeholders to the Vox in Birmingham on 21 March. The Summit is supported by IFSEC International and attended by senior representatives from the SIA, NPCC and NFCC, among other industry bodies. The main sponsors were BT Redcare, CSL, the BSIA and Texecom.
Richard Jenkins opened proceedings in the main conference room by emphasising the benefits to security service providers of becoming NSI-approved. He recounted how one business owner said that approval meant he no longer had to put up with clients “thinking I’m not serious”.
Next up was Surveillance Camera Commissioner Tony Porter, who reflected on how a wave of innovation – not least in AI and face recognition – had both revitalized an ailing video surveillance sector and created fresh privacy challenges.
Jonathan O’Neill OBE, MD of the Fire Protection Association, delivered a characteristically forensic examination of the challenges facing the fire sector and government as repercussions of the Grenfell fire continue to be felt.
There was also an update on the new fire and security Apprenticeship Standard from Simon Banks, group managing director of CSL.
Banks, also chair of the BSIA, said the industry needed 30,000 new – and “competent” – engineers “today”. The industry was doing its bit through the Apprenticeship Standard, Apprentices for Fire & Security initiative and the Engineers of Tomorrow competition that takes place annually at IFSEC International.
More than 25 speakers covered a range of subjects affecting the fire and security sectors, including the ECHO automated call handling project, updates on standards, new approvals, the SIA’s new Approved Contractor Scheme assessment, the management of unwanted fire signals and document awareness.
The 2019 event introduced two new features: an Apprenticeship Hub and a stand for the Associate Consultancy Programme
Fire safety and security product and service providers filled two large exhibition halls, offering delegates the chance to expand their technical knowledge and grasp of the latest technological innovations and market developments.
The 2019 event also introduced two brand new features: an Apprenticeship Hub, which championed the benefits of apprenticeships for installation firms, and a stand for the Associate Consultancy Programme.
Approved companies and NSI applicants could find out more about NSI certification and other services at the Meet the NSI Experts area.
“We were delighted to welcome more delegates than ever to this year’s Summit,” said Richard Jenkins, NSI chief executive. “Approved companies and industry stakeholders alike clearly value this focused and targeted event addressing topics specific to their needs, in an effective way.
“The Summit benefits from the significant number of like-minded industry experts ready to share latest developments in the sector. The feedback we have received so far from all participants including speakers, exhibitors and our key sponsors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many seeking to reserve their seats for our next event.
“I would like to personally thank all our sponsors, exhibitors and speakers for supporting this important event.”
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