David Ella (chief technology officer at G4S Technology) introduced John Whitwam MA MBE, the forward-thinking managing director of G4S Gurkha Services). John gave an excellent presentation on how the economic downturn has seen an upsurge in activist activity, and specific aspects of how the private security industry works to mitigate the effects.
Whitwam also captured the audience’s attention with details of a Case Study which covered maintaining business as usual for power stations under attack by environmental protesters.
Dan Smith (risk analysis manager with G4S Risk Management) provided details of how the Global Intelligence System can assist clients’ businesses in meeting their Duty of Care responsibilities, and what to do when a client is confronted by an incident they never imagined would happen.
Taking information security seriously
‘Taking Information Security Seriously’ was covered by David Toone (managing director of G4S Integrated Services). David talked about why it is that information security is not taken as seriously as it ought to be.
He duly provided various examples and recommendations on the appropriate handling and management of information to avoid future breaches and losses.
David Ella returned to offer his thoughts about the latest trends and drivers within the integrated security solutions market, and concluded by giving details of Symmetry Security Management Systems and Cashless Payments.
Problems confronting alarm installers
To bring the formal side of the meeting to a close, Dennis Judd (an associate member of the ASC) introduced Simon Banks from CSL DualCom, who gave a fascinating insight into the update on problems recently faced by many UK alarm installers.
Those installers have found their digital communicators to be failing for no apparent reason, and encountered the consequent delays on the installation programme of upgraded systems by BT across 5,000 exchanges.
Banks explained how installers and end users alike can protect themselves from their alarm systems failing to communicate.
New members accepted by the ASC
Two new members were able to join the capacity audience at the recent Association of Security Consultants (ASC) quarterly Business Club Seminar in St. James’s, London. Brian Sims reports.
James Henderson and Tony Wheat were accepted into the membership by Roy Sutherland, the ASC’s chairman, who was duly delighted to present them with their membership certificates.
Wheat’s accolade is certainly warranted as he has served for 25 years as a security specialist. As the business development manager for Wessex Fire & Security, he continues to design CCTV installations, access control and intruder alarm systems across the southern region.
Stuart Fisher – Wessex Fire & Security’s director – told SMT Online: “We’re delighted that one of our key staff has achieved this honour. ASC members are leading experts in their field with specialist skills, and they’re able to handle a broad range of strategic issues. Collectively, their expertise and experience covers every facet of corporate and Government sector security, in addition to all sectors of commerce and industry.”
Roy Sutherland concluded the proceedings by thanking all those who had provided the interesting presentations, and G4S Technology for sponsoring the event.
Forthcoming Business Clubs and events
The next ASC Business Club Seminar will be held on 28 April 2010, while Consec – the ASC’s international conference and exhibition – is to be staged on Thursday 4 November 2010 at the RAF Museum, Hendon.
The ASC organises a number of prominent events during the year which are of equal importance to both ASC members and other practitioners interested in security issues and technical innovations.
Further details can be obtained by accessing the organisation’s website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page).
