According to this morning’s official press statement, the group – currently consisting of existing BSIA members as well as companies new to the Association – met earlier this month for the first time to discuss objectives and the way forward.
Paul Tennent, an existing member of the BSIA, was voted chairman of the Training Providers Group at the meeting, and has since commented on its formation.
“In order for the security industry to be able to successfully carry out its important role in securing businesses as well as the general public and the national infrastructure,” said Tennent, “it’s essential that security personnel are consistently receiving the highest standard of training across the board. This, however, is not always the case, and it’s with this in mind that the BSIA Training Providers Group has been formed.”
Tennent continued: “The Group is keen on liaising with fellow training providers, colleges, security companies, trade organisations and the Government to improve the standard of training offered in the industry. Being part of the BSIA means that the group will be able to access the wealth of knowledge and connections the Association has within the industry and Government, allowing us to drive standards, increase professionalism and act as the voice of the sector.”
Companies wishing to find out more about the new section should contact Daren Wood (membership manager at the BSIA) via e-mail at: [email protected]
Manchester businesses learn importance of security when facing budget cuts
Manchester businesses were given a valuable insight into ways they can improve their security strategy even in the face of budget cuts at the annual Manchester Security business and seminar held on 13 April.
This year’s edition of the complimentary event, entitled ‘Security – Whatever the Cuts’, focused on keeping attendees up-to-date on the latest security developments while also providing advice on how to protect businesses and staff against crime in times of financial instability.
On the day, the event proved as popular as ever, with delegates from the police service, local authorities, the public sector and a range of businesses treated to a free exhibition and seminar.
Keynote speakers were sourced from Greater Manchester Police, Cityco, the North West Counter-Terrorist Unit and Securitas Security Services (who also sponsored the event).
The presentations covered areas such as the challenges to be faced by the police in the next few years following the Government’s announcement on financial cutbacks, the need for more effective information sharing between the police and the business sector to counter the threat of security breaches, the importance of reminding ourselves that terrorism is still a real threat and that budget cuts cannot impact on vigilance and how the dynamic threat environment faced by organisations in the public and private sectors can be countered by looking for flexible security solutions that can clearly demonstrate value for money.
Protecting the business during tough times
David Evans, the BSIA’s project director for London 2012, opened the event alongside Greater Manchester Police assistant chief constable Garry Shewan and Phil Yates, chairman of the Manchester City Centre Crime Prevention Panel.
“It was a delight to see so many people attend this event and learn more about how they can better protect their businesses when facing such tough financial times,” explained Evans. “This year’s edition proved as popular as ever and the new elegant venue provided this established event with a fresh feel.”
Feedback received was extremely positive. Paul Stephenson is a regular delegate at the event and commented on this year’s edition: “As usual, the event proved very interesting and a great networking opportunity. The speakers held relevant presentations that will help businesses understand the scope of the security industry and how the private sector, police forces and businesses across Manchester can work together to improve the city’s security environment.”
The event was organised by the BSIA in partnership with the Greater Manchester Police, the Manchester City Centre Crime Prevention Panel, Greater Manchester Chamber and Manchester City Council.
To register your interest in either attending or exhibiting at future Manchester Security events send an e-mail to: [email protected]
