The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) – the trade body representing the UK’s private security industry – has revealed its activity plan for this year’s IFSEC International exhibition and conference, which takes place in Birmingham from 13 – 16 May 2013.
Relationship building is at the heart of the BSIA’s activities at the show, with a series of networking events scheduled to take place throughout, including those open to both members and non-members of the Association. This activity kicks off on Day One of the show with an international networking event aimed at boosting the industry’s overseas trade by introducing members of the BSIA’s Export Council to UKTI Commercial Officers from around the world.
The networking opportunities continue on Wednesday 15th May, as the BSIA hosts an informal luncheon for existing Association members, or those security companies interested in finding out more about the benefits of BSIA membership. Attending as the BSIA’s special guest is Baroness Ruth Henig, former Chair of the Security Industry Authority and the BSIA’s special advisor on regulatory change, who will be on hand to discuss the issues surrounding the security industry’s transition to a new regulatory regime.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, said: “Enabling the sharing of best practice between industry professionals is a key function of the Association, and IFSEC provides an annual opportunity for the wider industry to reflect on the successes of the past year and exchange ideas about the future direction of our dynamic industry.”
Acknowledging the fast-growing market for lone worker protection products and services – which was recognised at last year’s IFSEC International with the inclusion of a dedicated Lone Worker Protection Product Area – the BSIA is launching a brand new section of membership for companies dedicated to providing lone worker services.
Taking place on the BSIA’s stand on Wednesday 15th May, the official launch of the BSIA’s Lone Worker section will feature the election for the section’s inaugural Chairman, as well as an address from Rachel Griffin, Chair of personal safety charity, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
“Changing business practices and a greater drive for efficiency in today’s 24-hour culture mean that demand for lone worker protection products and services looks set to increase in coming years,” added Alex Carmichael, Technical Director at the BSIA. “As more and more companies enter this fast-growing market, the importance of quality is paramount. The transition of the BSIA’s already successful Lone Worker Industry Group into a fully-fledged section of Association membership is set to drive the future development of related standards and codes of practice as the sector continues to grow.”
Another growing market represented by the BSIA’s activity programme at IFSEC this year is that of Information Destruction – the BSIA’s fastest-growing section of membership – which focuses on the importance of the secure destruction of confidential data.
A brand new video produced by the section, explaining the importance of professional information destruction, is set to premiere at the BSIA’s stand on Tuesday 14th May, with registered attendees already including industry leaders, end-users and media representatives.
Education and technical updates are also key elements of the show for the BSIA, with many Association staff and members taking part in this year’s conference programme, including speaker slots in both IFSEC Centre Stage and the Lone Worker Education Theatre. Topics under discussion include advice for security exporters, reflections on the ‘state of the security nation’, and the changing relationship between the police and the private security industry.
A full event listing, including all of the BSIA’s activity at the show with links to online registration forms for all Association events, can be downloaded from the BSIA’s website.
