That’s it for another year, IFSEC I mean; did you go? I did and clocked up 45,000 steps. it was much of the same, as you would expect, with obviously more focus on things like drones with the show having its own drone area. So congratulations to all those that put in the effort to build those massive stands, such as Honeywell, which I am sure was down to Marie Tyler (of Xtralis) it was a very nice and thought out layout. Hanwha Techwin, IDIS, Axis Communications, Flir. Tyco Security Products (TSP) had the usual cinderella’s spot in the dead centre of the show but this year they brought in their truck. Yes if you saw it that was a truck which all folds away neatly so that it can be towed away to the nest event. It seems that they were not allowed to use the roof like they do everywhere else as it was deemed unsafe? Health and safety.
So to my best in show awards, which in the words of Paul Daniels means “not a lot”. The best different stand I award to Lilin, why? Because it reminded me of some flashy hi-fi shop. The best grass goes to Hanwha, (and their ice cream was nice too). The best bump to Marie Tyler (won’t be long now). The best truck to TSP of course. Best press conference, well we only went to two! Axis who can share the award with Hanwha. Best launch; that has to go to the Security Institute for their launch of the Women in Security awards oh yeah, our awards! Best stand I am giving to Vanderbilt; it was big, well played out and was a double decker. Best product I saw which I thought was relevant goes to Panasonic for their drone detector camera unit which I understand is a prototype. It provides detection of a drone, which when seen uses the camera to verify its payload then can control the drone. Using 32 microphones and a dome (Pan Tilt Zoom) camera, each sensor can detect a drone at distances of up to 300m. The drone finder analyses neighbouring noises and eliminates them from the detection. Once detected it can block the signal making the unit drop out of the sky. I did ask what if it returns to home as some have anti-jamming sensors, then we shoot it down, they said which I think that was a joke. But I digress. The best coffee to Pelco, best bus to CCTV Direct, best drinks goes to DVS.
IDIS used IFSEC to present some awards to loyal staff. Jamie Barnfield and Martin Cowley were presented with ‘Exceptional Performance’ awards for their contribution and dedication to the development of their brand. Well done guys. I really enjoyed the show so well done to IFSEC for pulling off another successful one, shame of course that some people can’t hold their drink and tend to spoil things for others but never mind just be grateful I haven’t named and shamed!
Now you may have heard that the top gossip coming from the show is that DVS Limited has been acquired in a management buyout (MBO) supported by a finance package from HSBC. No not bought out by HIKVision, as some have assumed. The buy-out was lead by finance director Tim Goodson. He was supported by strategic accounts director Gavin Dunleavy. Shaun Bowie, the current MD, takes early retirement and sales director Scott Douglas acted as vendors for the deal. Both will retain a minority share in the business, with Mr Douglas continuing in his current role. Mr Goodson will now become MD and Mr Dunleavy will become strategic sales director. Which means Scott now has to ask Gavin for time off LOL Oh and whilst talking about DVS, did you see they have launched a new demo van? They even have a big green umbrella to keep it dry! (You might have seen it last issue, among the photos of the golf day?)
Michael Murdoch joins Oprema as Business Development Manager. Michael has over 12 years’ experience in the security industry. Prior to joining Oprema, he was Territory Manager for the South East and Ireland at Network Video Technologies (NVT).
Did you also notice at the show some new faces at Dahua? Ben Perkins has joined them from Midwich as has Rob Scott who joins from Risco; mind you Rob has been in the industry from 1996 having worked with Norbain, Rexcel, Honeywell and so on. Doesn’t look old enough does he!
Cova gates (my neighbours) have recruited three new members of staff, taking their total workforce to 46. To head the service team Carl Benford has been appointed Customer Service Senior Administrator. Carl joins from a national recruitment agency in Crawley. Phil Jones joins with more than seven years’ experience in the gate, security and construction industry and has taken on the role of Service Engineer. And Karen Deacon has joined as Marketing Manager. This was a new position to the business. Karen initially joined on a short term contract basis, but after three months in the company were delighted to offer her a permanent position. Now not many of you will know this, but Karen’s son Will went to school in the same year and the same class as my son Sam. It’s a small world.
Charity
SSR is hosting a box at Wembley for the Community Shield match between Leicester City and Manchester United on Sunday, August 7, to raise money for Embrace – Child Victims of Crime. It promises to be a great match and attendees will enjoy drinks, refreshments and a meal from 1pm until an hour after the match finishes (a great way to enjoy any event). If you would like to join and help raise funds for this very worthy charity, a donation of £200 will secure you two tickets. Places will be allocated on a “first come – first served” basis, so please contact SSR as soon as possible.
Stuart Norris from Gratte Brothers is doing two bicycle rides. He told me: “I know I’ve bitten off more than I can chew (having spent hours in the saddle training) the pain and discomfort is nothing compared to what people with Parkinson’s go through. Whilst I’m doing the hard stuff I really need the support of friends and colleagues to help me raise as much money as possible for this brilliant charity. Donate now.
“Imagine not being able to move, sleep or smile. Feeling anxious or depressed and struggling to think or remember. Your body not feeling like your own, things that we take for granted on a daily basis. This is what Parkinson’s can feel like. Having witnessed this brutal debilitating disease over many years, we watched a proud man – husband, father and grandad deteriorate unable to recognise his family and totally dependent on the care of others to manage day to day life. Parkinson’s UK is here to make sure people have whatever they need to take back control. Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s. Please please support me!”
