BSIA appoint Martin Watson as new Association Chair

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has appointed Martin Watson as its new Chair at the Association’s Spring Forum and Annual General Meeting.

With a background in fire, security and engineering spanning 40 years, Martin is currently Industry Laison Director for BSIA members Mitie Fire & Security Systems; he is also the Chair of the Fire Industry Association, and until recently, was Chair of the Association’s Security Systems section.

Martin will take over the role from Simon Banks, who was appointed Chair in July 2018, overseeing significant changes over a six-year period. Simon departs as the BSIA’s longest serving Chairman in its 57-year history.

Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: “On behalf of the BSIA and its members I would like to thank our outgoing Chair Simon Banks for his guidance, support and work over the last six years as we addressed many issues the BSIA were facing, and I am delighted with the progress we have made during this time in addressing those issues and truly establishing the BSIA as the recognised voice of the professional security industry.

“We look forward to working with our new Chairman Martin Watson as we build on the strong foundations, we have built over the last 6 years and we further progress the BSIA in shaping and developing the Professional Security Industry on behalf of our members and the wider industry.“

Simon Banks, outgoing Chair, BSIA, said: “I am pleased to see the many achievements at BSIA over the last six years. Recent robust finances have allowed us to form the Special Project Fund that has invested £400k directly to Member Companies for their nominated projects and good causes. All profits from BSIA’s part-stake in Skills for Security (SfS) feed directly into this fund. SfS has also transformed from a £300K loss in 2018 to a profitable enterprise with 85 staff, delivering essential skills to our sector with 1000 apprentices live on program. I remain as Executive Chairman for Skills for Security and am excited to continue our growth with the talented team we’ve built.

“In parting from the BSIA, I would like to thank the dedicated team for their efforts; I was a reluctant Chairman, turning down the role twice before getting onboard and changing out the CEOs of both Skills for Security and BSIA, both companies were suffering extreme financial turbulence. I wish everyone well and hope to see the association evolve in sync with an ever-changing sector.”

Martin Watson, Chair, BSIA, said: “I am delighted to be taking over the reigns as Chair of this great Association and want to thank Simon, the BSIA team, the rest of the Board and all our contributing members for all their hard work. It is such important work that our member companies do and the BSIA works hard to provide valuable support to them.

“It is an ever-changing landscape we operate in though, so we still have much to do, and I am looking forward to addressing both the opportunities and challenges our industry faces.”

Read more exclusives and news in our latest issue here.

Never miss a story… Follow us on:
Security Buyer
 @SecurityBuyer
 @Secbuyer

Media Contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, Security Portfolio
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

OneLink

Product Spotlight – Gallagher’s OneLink

Gallagher Security presents, OneLink – the product that is elevating remote security through the power of the cloud 
Pinaccle systems

Pinnacle Systems further supports Installers and System Integrators

Pinnacle Systems has launched the Pinnacle Partner Programme, a new initiative designed to provide enhanced support for installers…
Stephen Tickle

Comelit-PAC Appoints Stephen Tickle as Regional Sales Manager

Comelit-PAC has appointed Stephen Tickle as its new Regional Sales Manager.  Stephen will focus on supporting PAC’s access control…
Intersec Saudi

Intersec Saudi Arabia returns with record exhibition space

Intersec Saudi Arabia, the premier industry platform for security, safety and fire protection, will return to the Riyadh…
Abloy UK

Abloy Academy breaks attendance records

Abloy UK has achieved record breaking attendance at its Academy, with more professionals than ever attending its…
Hikvision

Hikvision Introduces X-ray Baggage Inspection System

Hikvision India has recently introduced X-ray Baggage Inspection System with AI- enabled Intelligent Recognition Capabilities…
GBV

IFPO Column: The Quiet Signals of Danger

Yoyo Hamblen of IFPO and Gary Simpson, Nonverbal and Behavioural specialist discuss the important topic of Gender-Based Violence..
Doorbird Carousel

Product Spotlight – Door Communication for the “Neue Wallufer”

 A customised solution case study for a residential complex is presented by DoorBird and CompuNet Systems GmbH 
suprema

Suprema Achieves EN 60839 Certification

Suprema, a global provider of AI-powered access control and security solutions, has achieved EN 60839-11-1:2013 Grade 3 certification
Gallagher

Gallagher Security cultivates key partnerships in Riyadh

Organised in partnership with the New Zealand Embassy, Gallagher Security hosted an event in Riyadh to explore business…
Scroll to Top