Our March edition of Internaitonal Security Buyer featured Adam Evans, Managing Director for ABUS UK in our get to know Into the Cloud interview.
What does ‘security’ mean to you?
To me, it’s about responsibility and trust, reflecting our mission statement, “Making Life A Little Safer.” Security is about creating genuine peace of mind through practical, well considered measures that reduce risk and safeguard people, property and reputation.
When security is approached thoughtfully and applied consistently, it becomes part of everyday life, enabling individuals and businesses to operate with confidence and focus without unnecessary disruption.
What is one thing you would change about the industry?
The industry needs less commoditisation and a more practical view of value. Security should be rated for quality and reliability, not just price, because buying on cost alone often leads to short term thinking and inconsistent results. When businesses focus on well made, properly tested products that are built to last, it leads to better outcomes and stronger confidence in security overall.
What is the biggest trend you see today?
The integration of physical security with smart technology is shaping where the market is heading. We are seeing more demand for solutions that combine strong, dependable mechanical products with intelligent, connected features that make them easier to manage. The challenge is getting this balance right, ensuring technology enhances security rather than complicates it, while maintaining the reliability people expect.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your CV?
I am far more competitive than people expect, whether in sport, business targets or even a family board game. I do like to win, and I tend to throw myself fully into whatever I am doing. But I also believe competition should be enjoyable. For me, it is about raising the standard while making sure everyone involved feels part of it.
Who is sitting at your dream dinner table?
I would have Billy Connolly and Max Boyce for the humour and storytelling, Tiger Woods for his perspective on performance and resilience, and Richard Branson for his outlook on leadership and innovation. Comedy, performance, leadership and experience all in one room. And I suspect it would end with a good sing song as well!
What advice would you give your younger self?
To have the confidence to ask more of the “silly” questions, because they
are usually the ones everyone else is thinking but hesitating to say. And I would reassure they do lead to the clearest understanding. In fact, they are not silly at all!
I would also remind myself to listen more than I speak and to be patient. Not everything needs an immediate answer, and some of the most important lessons only make sense with time and experience.
What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?
My ideal weekend is fairly simple, spending time with family, enjoying good food and getting out for a proper walk to clear my head. I like to include something competitive as well, as that is how I tend to unwind. Golf and squash are my usual go to options, both giving me the chance to focus, reset and enjoy a bit of healthy competition.
What three traits define you?
Driven. Commercial. Straightforward.
What three items would you take to a desert island and why?
I would take a BBQ, as priorities matter and good food makes any situation better. A solar powered speaker would come with me, simply because music lifts the mood and brings a bit of normality wherever you are. And a whiteboard, as I suspect even on a desert island, I would end up mapping out a five year growth plan for something!
What’s your approach to change? Do you like change?
Change is necessary. If it drives progress and performance, I am all in. I am comfortable making decisions and moving at pace when improvement is needed, but I also believe change works best when people understand it and feel involved. Clear direction and open conversation make it far easier to turn good ideas into lasting results.
Do you have a creative outlet?
Strategic planning is probably my creative outlet. I genuinely enjoy building growth plans, shaping ideas and working through how they translate into practical results. There is something satisfying about taking a concept, challenging it, refining it and then seeing it delivered properly. For me, creativity is not always artistic, it is often about clarity, structure and making progress tangible.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself having grown ABUS UK with clear momentum, developed future leaders internally who are ready to step up, and strengthened our position in the market in a meaningful way. It is about steady progress, stronger capability across the team and ensuring the business continues to move forward with energy and purpose.
