For many businesses, of course, the last day of March signals the end of the old financial year and 1 April the commencement of a new one.
It’s also the time for company annual reports and thoughts focused on insurance matters. In terms of the former, SELECT members will be keen to learn that security giants Securitas and G4S have already issued their 2010 reviews.
Not to be outdone, MITIE Group plc’s security operation has just launched MiTec – an all-encompassing hub offering a suite of bespoke services for customers. Read my report from Belfast and watch the videos.
What’s happening with security sector regulation?
As ever, the Regulator has been busy of late. The latest Approved Contractor Scheme Review has just closed, there’s a new enforcement page online and licensing and customer service targets are being exceeded.
Is now the right time to revisit the in-house licensing issue? Simon Downie certainly thinks so.
There’s plenty of ongoing development in the counter-terrorism world just now, too. ACPO has issued a report on the successful delivery of Prevent-focused policing, while the Home Office urges members of the public to report suspected terrorism and extremism online.
In addition, a major breakthrough in counter-terrorism technology has been unveiled by Cambridge Consultants at the same time as IFSEC 2011 organiser United Business Media publicises launch details for National Security Technology Expo in 2012.
Speaking of IFSEC, do take a look at the latest show news from Visimetrics, Nedap, Sony, FAAC, Ubiqz, Abloy UK, Bosch and Paxton.
Don’t forget to check out info4security.com’s upcoming Movie Night, either, and also the UK’s “smallest personal safety device” introduced by Skyguard.
Information security and smartphones
In the information security space, CESG is offering salient guidance on the secure use of smartphones in Government. Also, the coalition’s e-Borders initiative has snared close on 3,000 criminals in 2010-2011.
Following on from the success of its 2011 European Security Conference and Exhibition, ASIS has revealed that next year’s event is coming to London.
That’s great news, as is the fact that Emprise is now signed up to support the Security Research Initiative’s latest study.
‘CCTV in schools: are we really protecting our youngsters?’ is the subject of CameraWatch compliance director Paul Mackie’s latest blog. Check out the current thinking of The CCTV Doctor, too, and learn how IP video became part of the mainstream.
By the way, do take a look at the new A|D|S report pinpointing the economic benefits of investment in the UK’s defence sector. It’s well worth a read.
SMT SELECT: register now for IFSEC 2011
As I’ve mentioned in the last few editions of SMT SELECT News, my colleague at UBM Live, Rob Newton, has set up the registration page for all SELECT members who wish to visit IFSEC 2011 (which runs from 16-19 May at the NEC in Birmingham).
Please make sure you visit the best and most comprehensive security exhibition and conference programme in the world!
The 2011 Conference Keynote session on the first morning of the show includes The Big Debate chaired by yours truly. Make sure you’re there!
The latest timetable for the SMT SELECT Lounge is as follows:
SMT SELECT: your end user meeting place
Your opinions as to how we can best organise SMT SELECT events for you – and provide information in such a way that you derive the most useful and productive outcome from SMT SELECT membership – are vitally important.
If you could spare a few minutes of your precious time to send me any suggestions on what topic areas you’d like to see covered in future editions of this Newsletter (or at SMT SELECT IFSEC events) it would be greatly appreciated.
Don’t hesitate to contact SMT Online’s Editorial Desk… Call me direct on 020 7921 8286 or 07957 164351.
Alternatively, feel free to send an e-mail to either: [email protected] or [email protected]
Until next time…
Brian Sims
(Editor, Security Management Today Online and Group Content Editor of the UBM Live Protection and Management Division’s Security Portfolio)
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/smtonlineeditor
Read my blog: http://thesecuritylion.wordpress.com/
Date of next SMT SELECT News: Tuesday 3 May
