Awards for the bravest and best in the fields of manned guarding, security installation and cash-in-transit were dished up along with a three-course lunch in London yesterday as part of the BSIA Annual Luncheon.
Currently in their 16th year, the awards recognise brave cash-in-transit couriers, the younger generation of security installers and security personnel who provide outstanding service and perform exceptional acts in the course of their duties. They also recognised best use of technology and exceptional team performance.
The awards would not be possible without the support of Camberford Law PLC, specialist insurance brokers to the BSIA and the private security industry, who have sponsored the awards since their inception.
Baroness Smith of Basildon, the Shadow Home Affairs Minister for Private Security, gave the keynote address and presented the awards to the 15 winners (listed below).
In her speech, she praised the work of the private security industry and its partnerships with the police.
Speaking about cybersecurity, she said that the laws should be toughened and it should be easier to investigate cyber breaches.
As a Labour peer, she attacked the Coalition government for, in her words, “actively blocking” further regulation of the security industry. She pointed to the fact that Baroness Ruth Henig, former Chair of the Security Industry Authority, had drafted legislation to further regulate the security industry which had been rejected by the government.
She said that given the threats from organised crime, cyber-crime and terrorism, regulation of the security industry should not be viewed as an ideological issue and she is keen to work with all parties to achieve it.
The new Chairman of the BSIA gave her inaugural address as well. Pauline Norstrom, Chief Operating Officer at the AD Group and former vice-Chair of the BSIA, praised the work of the former chairman and said the BSIA was going from strength to strength.
She said that BSIA membership represents a commitment to quality and integrity and that membership of the BSIA should be a requirement for tendering for certain types of projects.
Norstrom presented the Chairman’s Awards in five categories – Contribution to Exporting, Contribution to Standards, Contribution to Training, Contribution to the Community and Promoting the Industry – details of which are listed below.
She said: “It is a great pleasure that one of my first tasks as Chairman of the BSIA is to recognise and reward the significant and lasting contributions made by these dedicated individuals and companies. Their commitment to improving the reputation and quality of our industry is admirable, and I shall look forward to building further on these achievements in my next two years as BSIA Chairman.”
The Apprentice Installer Awards were presented by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner for England and Wales, Tony Porter. They serve to recognise the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems, and represent the commitment of security companies and training bodies in providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry.
The Apprentice Installer Awards were once again sponsored by Pyronix, whose Chair and Chief Executive, Julie A Kenny CBE DL, comments: “As the cost of University education has increased dramatically in the last few years, there has never been a better time for the security industry to appeal to the younger generation who want to work, develop a career and earn money.”
And the Building the Future Award, presented annually by industry editor Brian Sims and entrepreneur Bobby Logue, was this year given to the BSIA and its members. In previous years it has gone to figures such as Baroness Henig, Janet Williams (Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service) and David Evans (British Security Industry Association Project Director for the 2012 Olympics).
The winners of the awards were:
Special Award for Outstanding Service
Nick Lyons, Loomis UK Ltd – Lyons is a cash-in-transit courier for Loomis. In Spring 2013, while on a routine cash drop, he was attacked from behind. Despite the sustained assault, Lyons held onto the cash box. He managed to break free from the attack and sought safety for himself and the cash box. The assailant then fled the scene.
Head of Risk for Loomis UK Limited, Robert Johnson, praised Lyons for his actions: “Thankfully, Nick was not injured during the attack and to some extent this is due to his previous experience when under attack, the ongoing training that is delivered to our crews and his quick thinking in bringing the incident to a satisfactory conclusion.”
Lyons, who was presented with his award by Baroness Smith, commented: “Thank you very much for recognising me for this award. Raids are part of the job – they are something I’ve learnt to deal with, otherwise I wouldn’t still be doing the job 25 years on.”
BSIA Apprentice Installer Award winners
The overall winner of this year’s Apprentice Installer Awards is Darrell Gilmour, 19, of Kings Security Systems. Currently in his third year of studies, Darrell’s passion for security runs in the family, with his father, uncle and aunt also employed within the sector. He was nominated for this award by New College, North Lanarkshire, where his methodical, conscientious workmanship has impressed his lecturers. Meanwhile, working full-time at Kings Security Systems Ltd, Darrell has set the bar high for future apprentices, with a spokesperson from the business commenting: “Kings are taking on new apprentices, and Darrell will be an ambassador for Scotland in providing a role model for the new recruits. He is an asset to Kings and a valued apprentice to the business.”
Tom Parker of VSG received a national award for turning his fascination for technology into a blossoming career, already having worked on large-scale installations for high-profile clients including Macquarie Bank, London South Bank University and Lloyds of London. Selected to work alongside one of VSG’s leading technical engineers, 19-year-old Tom has already achieved the minimum level required to pass his college course and is currently undertaking additional modules while spending his spare time practising his work on a range of products.
Nathan Sefton of Chubb Fire & Security won his award for demonstrating a sound knowledge and understanding of the industry, and for his methodical, level-headed approach to problem-solving. Already a point of contact for other engineers, Nathan excelled on a large project, where his documentation for over 30 sites was error-free and met strict deadlines. Nathan, 21, was selected to travel to Denmark in 2013 as part of Skills for Security’s Leonardo project.
Aaron Noble of Kings Security was selected for a national award following his nomination by Kings Security’s Managing Director, Anthony King. With an ambition to become lead engineer by his mid-30s, Aaron, 21, has demonstrated an excellent understanding of theory and practical work. He already has experience of running complex jobs on-site and continually out-performs other apprentices of his age.
BSIA National Security Personnel Award winners
Service to the Customer
Roger Vanhinsbergh – Roger has worked for security company City Security Services Limited and has worked on a contract for their client – Horsefair Shopping Centre – for over seven years. He was nominated for the award by his managers for being the ‘lynch-pin’ of security operations at the shopping centre.
Since starting on the contract at Horsefair, Roger has consistently continued to exceed the high standards that are required of him. Through his hard work, commitment and willingness to ‘go the extra mile’, Roger has gained the respect and gratitude of the Centre’s customers and its management team.
Leonard Brownsword – Leonard has worked in the security industry for over 12 years and has been a Senior Site Supervisor for Corps of Commissionaires Management – Corps Security for over a year. He has been nominated for the award by his managers for being an extremely hard working individual, who has very good rapport with the staff, regular visitors and contractors on site.
Leonard works for Corps client – Joint Service Adventure Sail Training Centre and has been on looking after this site for a number of years. He regularly provides a service ‘above and beyond’ his remit as Site Security Supervisor that ensures the security of our staff, visitors and assets. He is always helpful, courteous and enthusiastic, he is also someone who delivers results.
Kim McCarron – Kim works for security company UniTrust Protection Services (UK) Ltd after having worked with BNP Paribas Securities Services, for nearly seven years. She was nominated for the award by her managers in recognition of her professional attitude and commitment to her role.
Demonstrating a proactive approach to her role, Kim effectively deals with a wide range of staff and visitors on a daily basis. She caters for all their individual needs and understands the requirement to balance effective security policies and procedures with bespoke customer care and service. This has been supported on a number of occasions by positive customer feedback.
Outstanding Act
Gary Douglas and Ajaz Ahemd – Gary and Ajaz have work for Securitas Security Services and have worked on a contract with WYCA, West Yorkshire Combined Authority for several years. They have been nominated for the award by their managers for their quick thinking and immediate reaction to a sexual assault at a bus station where they were on duty.
Gary and Ajaz showcased their excellent vigilance when witnessing a male following a female into the women’s toilets. Responding immediately, they followed the gentleman into the toilets where, on their arrival, the male fled the scene and it was apparent that the female in question had been sexually assaulted by the male. Both Gary and Ajaz escorted the lady to the security office where they proceeded to contact the police. A week later Ajaz was on duty when he recognised the male in question, who had returned to the bus station. He discreetly monitored the male whilst contacting the police, who subsequently arrived and arrested the man.
Robert Smith – Robert works for security company VSG and has been a key member of the security team at The Mall in Maidstone for just over 10 years. He was nominated for the award by his managers following an incident in which a 15 month old girl was taken seriously ill at the Centre.
A mother and her infant daughter were shopping at The Mall when her daughter had a fit and stopped breathing. Without any hesitation, Robert acted fast to clear her airways and help lower her temperature before handing her over to the ambulance services. Robert’s quick thinking led to the saving of the baby’s life.
Best Newcomer
Dean Baverstock – Dean, a secuirty Supervisor for The Westgrove Group, has been working on a selection of the Group’s Midlands portfolio for over a year. He was nominated for the award by his managers because of unrivalled passion for his work and hunger to succeed.
Dean began his career with The Westgrove Group as a relief cleaner but quickly progressed to Security Officer and then to Security Supervisor in little over a year. He liaises confidently with clients at all levels and is mentoring and passing on knowledge to other new recruits. He has achieved a great deal of success in a short space of time and is currently working through the Westgrove Development programme.
Karl Smith – Karl works for security company VSG and has been working on a contract for their client – The Kingdom Shopping Centre – for just under a year. He was nominated for the award by his managers because of his commitment to the role and proves to be a valuable asset to his team.
Having just started his career in security with very little knowledge of the industry, he has shown that he is prepared to learn his role quickly and shows commitment to The Kingdom Shopping Centre team by providing support to the site when additional manpower is required.
Emilija Zemaitaityte – Emilija, of security company VSG, has been working with their client – Credit Suisse – based in London for just over 18 months. She has been nominated for the award by her managers because she has not only established herself in a core security position, but has risen quickly through the initial security ranks to become Acting Control Centre Operator.
Having just started her career in the security industry, there is evidence to show that Emilija will dedicate her career to security for the long term. She is always keen to develop her security knowledge, and her enthusiasm and dedication to the company shows in her commitment to her role.
Best use of Technology
Garry MacLean – Garry of Securitas Security Services, has worked with their client, Scottish Power, for over five years and has been nominated for the award by his managers for the initiative he shows and his dedication to his role.
As a controller in the Scottish Power security control room, Gary is responsible for monitoring over 700 CCTV cameras and seven alarm systems covering 42 sites. Throughout his time in the control room, he has been instrumental in pushing forward the quality of service delivery provided to Scottish Power. He is seen as the key trainer within the control room and will dedicate his own time to training up members of staff and ensure they have all the prerequisite skills to carry out the demanding role in the control room.
Joe Palmer – Joe Palmer, who is employed by Security Company, VSG and has worked with a DIY Retailer for a number of years, won the award for Best Use of Technology in the Midlands heat of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Regional Security Personnel Awards.
In 2013, Joe was appointed to lead a Crime Line & Data Analysis team, which was tasked with establishing a solution capable of gathering data reported by telephone and email, with the ultimate goal of using this to pro-actively tackle organised crime. Joe has displayed an unwavering desire to always be one step ahead of the complex fraudster within a constantly challenging retail security environment.
Best Team
Commando Training Centre Royal Marines – The Commando Training Centre team work for security company Corps of Commissionaires Management – Corps security -and are currently contracted to work for their client The Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. They are a 27 strong team of individuals who continue deliver an exceptional services to their client.
The Training Centre is a complex and an extremely busy site that has a diverse range of tenants, workers and visitors, all of whom produce their own particular security challenges. The team are able to multitask and deal with all of these challenges in a professional manner as well as securing the area during high profiled events.
IKEA Milton Keynes Team – Officers a IKEA Milton Keynes are a group of seven strong and determined security personnel officers. They are an outstanding group of individuals who excel at every part of their role. The team has an excellent relationship with the client which is supported by the plethora of compliments they receive on a weekly basis.
The team use their retail knowledge and experience to educate and support other IKEA Risk UK teams and IKEA co-workers. This naturally raised awareness within the IKEA Milton Keynes store and also brought a real sense of ownership and understanding to the store which has recently been identified as a store of excellence in the UK and the VSG team have played an important role in the store achieving this title
National Distribution Centre, Magna Park – The team work for security company VSG and have been excelling on their contract for their Midlands-based client for a number of years.
The eight strong team are a committed group of individuals who continue to exceed the standards required of them. The team have been through a number of changes since they have been working on site but they continue to support each other in various different ways from shift cover to help deal with difficult issues and situations.
Chairman’s Awards
The Award for Contribution to Exporting was presented to Ian Moore of Elmdene Ltd. With an export career spanning 20 years, Ian has made a positive contribution to the international growth of a number of businesses. In 2003, he founded Detector Technologies and oversaw the company’s growth from a start-up to an international business with offices in the UK, Australia, Dubai and South Africa in just six years. A long-term contributor to the BSIA’s Export Council, Ian’s expertise continues to help new exporters gain a foothold in overseas markets.
The award for Contribution to Standards was presented to Robbie Calder of Broadland Guarding, who was recognised for his contributions to the development of training standards requirements for SIA licenses relating to CCTV Operators. As the main BSIA representative on many revisions of BS7958 (CCTV Management and Operations) and BS8523 (Management and Operation of Warden Schemes), Robbie has continued to promote best practice and improve quality of service delivery in these areas. As Chairman of the BSIA’s Police and Public Services Section, Robbie has also represented the Association at various Parliamentary roundtable meetings, ensuring that our industry’s capabilities are recognised and respected.
The Award for Contribution to Training was presented to PHS Group Training Department and PHS Datashred, in recognition of the organisations’ efforts to develop recognised training schemes for the Information Destruction sector. As the first organisation in the UK to be awarded accreditation from Skills for Security for Information Destruction Operations, PHS Datashred has worked together with the wider PHS Group’s training department to develop an in-house training course, designed to further enhance the quality of service provided to customers and the wider public. Recently, the Group has opened the PHS Academy, a dedicated training and development centre in Gloucester which houses the delivery of this course.
The award for Contribution to the Community was presented to David Bone of Securitas Security Services Ltd who, as an active member of the organisation’s Community Team since 2008, has dedicated countless hours to the company’s fundraising and community events programme. David’s contributions have made a difference to various local and national charities, including the Poppy Appeal and St. Theresa’s Hospice, with events raising over £31,000 in total. Organising security for charity events, as well as celebrity appearances, are key elements of David’s contributions, and he pledges to “continue to build and maintain excellent community links… and encourage others to take part in delivering the Securitas Community Spirit.”
And the Award for Promoting the Industry was presented to Simon Banks of CSL Dualcom, for his work on the 100 in 100 Apprenticeship initiative. A driving force behind the success of the initiative – which aims to place 100 security apprentices in just 100 days – Simon has been instrumental in its success, which has seen over 1800 young people placed in security careers, including installers, engineers, technicians, customer service personnel and locksmiths. Inspired by his own experiences as an apprentice, Simon believes that the continued recruitment of young people into the security industry is crucial to maintaining the industry’s professionalism, while helping to avoid a potential skills gap in a few years’ time.
