Here we are, the last magazine of the year and we’re fast approaching Christmas. Let me be the first (!?) to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
It’s been a busy year. Loads of you have moved jobs, some retired and some, likes of our very own John Cully sadly passing away. We have brought ST25 to a town near you whether Belfast Dublin, Glasgow, Manchester Birmingham and of course our last one of the year Heathrow where we ended with a party. I am always amused at those that like to step up to the microphone and perform with the band, some good and some …. not so lol. We also ran our very successful meet the buyer event at Twickenham and our even more successful Women in Security awards. Thank you to you all for supporting these, you make them happen and we at Professional Security are truly grateful. Next year’s events are launched and will see us doing very much the same again. If you want to take part, take a stand or even sponsor any of these well just reach out to me.
Business development
Let’s catch up with the gossip, shall we. Comelit-PAC has appointed James Pyle as Business Development Manager (BDM) for the north west, to provide specialist support for customers across the region, where from my visit to their Stockport office in July I know they have a base. James, pictured, joins with a background in the security and building technologies sector, having worked with installers, consultants and end users on tailored solutions in residential and commercial markets. The company has also promoted Bradley Ward to Business Systems Manager. Kentec Electronics has appointed Gaurav Arora as General Manager, Product Management and Technical Support to cover service, support and training. Managing end to end product lifecycles across the company’s portfolio, Gaurav will lead market-driven product development and will be responsible for the product roadmap. He will direct technical support and customer training, to turn insights gained in the field into added features and new product ideas. Gaurav bring with him 20 years’ experience in the fire and security sectors. Azure Access Technology, a US-based manufacturer of enterprise-grade access control hardware platforms, has appointed Joseph Grillo to its board of directors. Now he brings over 30 years of experience in the security technology sector. E&B Fire has welcomed Simon Parr as Operations Director to cover the company’s life safety and security work. Simon brings over two decades of experience in fire and security, having held operational and management roles across teams, projects, and contracts. Risco have appointed John Reid as their new regional sales manager covering the Central West patch. John Redfern CTSP M.ISRM M.IPSA has joined the Works Stores Ltd.
Acquisitions
CDVI Group, the manufacturer of access control and locks, has acquired Robin Telecom Development B.V. That’s a Dutch company that makes IP video intercom and door communication systems. CDVI says this strengthens their position in the access control and communication markets and expands their technological expertise.
Obituaries
Jeff Berg died in August. He would be best known from his time at Dedicated Micros. Jeff wrote the manual for a new product back then called a Uniplex as a sideline to his work at a CCTV installer. A few years later he had moved to working for DM where he pioneered training courses for the installers, which at that time was a new concept. He loved to travel (and rack up those air miles!) and so for many would have been the face of DM around the world. Also Jeremy Cocks passed away in September. He was an innovator of the early security distribution market with his CCTV Warehouse company. He was always looking for new ways of doing business was highly respected and those that knew him held him in high esteem. Our thoughts are with their family, friends and former colleagues.
