As you might expect, high security clearance at Black Rod’s Garden Entrance was mandatory, and then attendees were required to pass through the Royal Court to the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace.
Many took the opportunity to participate in guided tours of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons’ Chambers and surrounding rooms, while others headed straight for the refreshments!
Lord Imbert was in fine form, and gave an extremely entertaining welcome speech. Recently re-elected ASC chairman Roy Sutherland thanked everyone in attendance for making it such a special occasion, and explained that he was looking forward to leading and focusing on the future direction of the Association, as well as welcoming new members.
Importantly, Sutherland also thanked Laurie Doust, the ASC’s long-serving secretary, for his outstanding contribution to the organisation throughout the year.
There was an opportunity for spectacular bouquets of flowers to be presented to Lady Imbert and also to Brenda Braziel for her support during husband Colin’s term when he was ASC chairman.
Attendees for the fine dining
The evening was extremely well supported and attendees included Jack Case, an honoured guest from the USA-based International Association of Professional Security Consultants, with whom the ASC recently signed a reciprocal membership arrangement.
Some of the ASC Board members seen to be enjoying the proceedings included Jon Laws (deputy chairman), Chris Roberts (treasurer), Stewart Brown and Allan Hildage.
Excellent wine accompanied a delicious meal featuring the unusual combination of red trout, cod and smoked mackerel fishcakes served with hazelnut Waldorf salad, rhubarb and vodka ketchup as the starter. Cheek of English beef braised with Guinness and mushrooms was served as the main course, while the desert was Drambuie and raspberry cheesecake followed by coffee and the House of Lords’ very own chocolate truffles.
The House of Lords dinner has become an extremely popular annual event in the ASC’s annual calendar, and is invariably oversubscribed well in advance.
Consec 2009: Strategic Security for the 21st Century
Outstanding speakers, an excellent programme, a full complement of delegates booked, an exclusive exhibition and a superb venue all combined to make Consec 2009 – the ASC’s Annual Conference – a highly successful event.
Now in its 15th year, Consec was again held at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon last November and attracted an audience of, among others, ASC member consultants, consultants, Government officials, members of the police service, commerce, finance and retail sectors and industry security professionals together with those who have a responsibility for the security and safety of their staff.
‘Strategic Security for the 21st Century’ was the theme, and the conference advanced the discussion on the importance of having an effective and cohesive strategic plan in place to combat the continuing level of threats posed to our society.
After a welcome by ASC chairman, Roy Sutherland, Peter Clarke (former assistant commissioner, specialist operations at the Metropolitan Police Service) took over to keep the distinguished speakers in order and made the day run extremely smoothly with his exceptional wit and humour. Clarke also gave the audience invaluable input with his vast knowledge of the subject area.
Interesting and varied subject matter
Lord James Bethell (one of the ASC’s patrons) gave the Opening Address and provided an interesting outline of politics and security.
Keynote Speaker for the day was Sir Hugh Orde OBE, former chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and now president of ACPO.
Other specialist speakers included Christine Critchley of System Concepts, who gave a thought-provoking presentation on the Corporate Manslaughter Act, Wing Commander Paul Fyfe from the Home Office covered The New Century, New Challenges: The Changed Security Landscape for Government and Simon Trundle (of Grendon Design, and a member of the ASC) shared his views on lessons to be learned from terrorist attacks when weaknesses in security are exploited. Trundle included video footage of infiltration by terrorists.
Andy Blackwell, the head of security for Virgin Atlantic, provided details about current thinking on security in the aviation sector. In addition, an interesting and comprehensive presentation on the latest vehicle-borne threats and counter-measures was given by a CPNI Government security advisor. This presentatio included footage of tests carried out on a variety of innovative vehicle security barriers.
John (Jack) Case from the International Association of Professional Security Consultants shared the USA perspective on security consulting.
The presentations concluded with a representative speaker from the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism.
Sponsors showcased their talents
Sponsors showcased their products and individual security innovations at an exclusive exhibition. Major sponsor for the event was Lenel Systems International, while other sponsors included TDSi, Salto, Nedap, Meyertech, Vicon, ClearView Communications and Pelco, with the ASC having their own stand as well.
Attendees had ample time to partake of a delicious lunch, visit the sponsors, view the vast collection of aeroplanes at the RAF Museum, and meet with colleagues and friends and develop new contacts.
Roy Sutherland thanked all who attended the day.
Each year increasing numbers of delegates are coming to this popular event, with more attendees staying until the closure of the conference. The ASC believes this is because of the calibre of speakers and what they have to offer, and not because of the tea and scrumptious hot scones, jam and cream that are provided at the end of the day!
For further information about the ASC and its activities send an e-mail to: [email protected] or take a look at the website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)
