Everyone is into sport of some kind? writes Roy Cooper in his September 2013 Professional Security print magazine gossip column.
So the children are back to school and we are gearing ourselves up for our next Security TWENTY 13 event, which we are taking to Newcastle. We hope to see you there. The event has become four in one: an exhibition, a conference, a networking dinner and if you’re a golfer then come along and take part in the golf tournament (sponsored by our friends at Pelco) which we will hold on the first day , the Monday, September 23. You can read about who is speaking and more details on page 16. Let’s get on to gossip. Who should we start with, as we have quite a few movers this month.
Let’s talk about James Smith; now you may know that James worked as the marketing and communications manager at Samsung but left in February 2012 to join Axis Communications, as their regional manager for distribution. He is leaving them and joining Quadrant Security Group as the sales and marketing director. I understand that James will be responsible for some 26 or more sales people. Talking of golf, and not that James is a golfer, but not many of you will know that James has been with his partner Sarah for quite a few years and she is a professional golfer, apparently, but she keeps asking him when is he going to pop the big question, seems all his mates have tied the knot, even Kate and Will did it, so James I think you had better do that soon because I think you will find that next year is a leap year and well you know what turns round then. Did I mention Samsung, (the lanyard and goodie bag sponsor at ST13 Newcastle)? Had you heard that Simon Shawley has been promoted and is now a director of the company. I know Simon is not a golfer but his favourite sport is Cadbury’s chocolate; he told me that with the pay rise he will now be able to stock up his cupboards with chocolate Buttons.
David White who worked for ADI or Gardiners when I was there has joined QVIS labs (Adata) to look after export sales. You may recall David has worked at CCTV Direct and Videcon (the main sponsor of ST13 Newcastle), so he’s been around distribution for most of his career. Geoff Pye who worked at Optex for nearly nine years has just joined ISM, Integrated Security Manufacturing Limited, as their general manager. There are a few changes at the company as their MD is retiring next year, and Stephen Smith the sales and marketing director will be taking on the role. I know he is a golfer as he is a member at the Hever Castle course, but more about ISM next month. Clive Hunter has left ADT after just under four years to join Clearview Communications as the sales manager. I need to mention Hannah Broadhurst has joined Elmdene International as their business development manager, and I do know Hannah likes her netball.. Talking alarms, CSL have appointed Samantha Cambrook in the sales team to a specific FM and retail role; and added Ryan Kelly to their team in the north. And are you aware that CSL started the ‘100 in 100’ campaign again. Of course you are as I mentioned it last month. It seems that TDSi have taken on two new apprentices, Amanda White, a 20 year old with a passion for mechanical engineering, having rebuilt her VW Beetle with her Dad. She has grown up around mechanical engineering equipment and her hobbies also include karate (green belt) and scuba diving. A mental note to myself, don’t mess with he. Hannah Collins is an apprentice and recently secured a place at a local college to do an NVQ Level 2 in business.
You may recall that I told you Chris Webster had left BDI Holdings to work in the Middle East. It seems that Steve Marshall has taken over his role as the group commercial sales director. What does Steve do on the sporting front? It seems he is into Tae Kwon Do, in other words another one not to mess with. Why the sporting connection through the gossip? It was just so I could show you this picture of Dave Newbury of Case Security and the MK Dons team. David sponsors the team as you can see from the picture. We wish all you guys and girls every success in your new careers.
Finally on the theme of sport Sharon Mughal from the BSIA decided to do something in her words that is stupid; a parachute jump for charity on Saturday, August 31, hoping to raise a mere £300 to support the Kenyan Hospice. You can sponsor her at www.justgiving.com.
