A happy Easter everyone. What? Yes, it’s that time of year and Easter eggs are now in the shops, and where is the year going?! Right away to the gossip, and I was delighted to launch the WIS Academy at the prestigious offices of IFSEC on February 7, and thank you to Professional Security (the guarding company, no relation to us at the magazine!) for sponsoring the event and picking up the tab for all the drink and food, and more drink!
The academy has been set up for all those winners and those that were shortlisted for a Women in Security (WiS) award. If you have not yet joined it, do let us know. Its objectives are to to support each other with mentoring, networking and any type of assistance they may need. We have put together a board of directors that has lawyers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, end users altogether each offering some expertise. We are forging a close relationship with training schools and police departments for its members to call upon but more about that on page 31 of the March print edition of the magazine.
Were you aware that Scott Pearson has left Farpointe Data and joined a company called Glutz UK. Who are Glutz? They been making and selling Swiss hardware products since 1863. What once started with the manufacture of locks and hinges has developed over the decades into a comprehensive product and service offering, they say. Glutz has grown into a solutions partner (no less!) with an international reputation. You may know Scott has been in our industry since 1991 and worked with Samsung, HID, Schneider and even Motorola – that was before they went off on the acquisition route.
Damian Marsh has changed jobs and is now working for the ACRE Group. Now you may recall he was over at QCIC before. I first met Damian when he was working for Anixter back in 2016, but you may not know he started in the industry as an apprentice (just like me!), in 1989 for Siemens I believe? Who are ACRE? They deliver integrated, intelligent technologies and services. Founded in 2012, ACRE’s Open Options, ComNet, RS2 Technologies and Vanderbilt brands deliver to thousands of customers. The components and systems provided by ACRE’s family of companies are sold through traditional distribution and integration channel partners. ACRE employs about 400 employees in more than 25 countries. Or rather 401 now Damian has joined.
Back in our industry after a few years out of it is Binit Shah. He left the industry to set up his own restaurant, he was involved in some marketing for the industry and is now back as the Marketing Manager for Dahua UK and Ireland. I do recall him winding me up after IFSEC one year saying I had won a prize, he then sent me a second hand battered remote control for a TV; that’s another story. Andrew Keeley has rejoined the industry as Marketing Manager for Texecom. I first worked with Andrew when he was at Norbain. Welcome back both. You see, once you join the industry you can’t escape it!?
Grosvenor Technology has appointed Colin Leatherbarrow as Managing Director. Colin, who joined the company as Technical Director in 2017, has over 30 years of industry experience. As the instigator of lean methodology for operating the business and with a drive to build a culture with a focus on quality, compliance and high performance, Colin has already shown his strong leadership and strategic ambition, say Grosvenor.
Heras has appointed Jason Sharpe as its Head of Operations UK. Jason’s task is to develop key accounts, sales channels and the supply chain – as well as its servicing and maintenance support. Heras says that it sees huge growth potential for sites that simply can’t afford downtime if entrance control systems are not working efficiently. He has a background in healthcare and medical devices, and, more recently, in the oil and gas industry.
A couple of promotions to tell you about at Chubb UK and Ireland. David Dunnagan has become MD after Brendan McNulty’s promotion to the newly created role of Vice President – Europe last summer. David began as an apprentice with Chubb in 1993. Gary Moffatt has become director for fire and security UK. Gary’s had several promotions since joining the firm in 2001 as a university graduate. And a newcomer is Terry Sallas, as Managing Director of Major Projects. He was as you will recall many years at Reliance High-Tech. He will lead projects for specialist solutions through Chubb Systems, Frontline Security Solutions, Fire Systems, and software brands Sisys and Mentor.
David Dunnagan said: “We’re guiding our customers through the digital switchover and harnessing the power of new technology, so our fire and security solutions are even better connected and help customers lower their impact on their operations. By getting the basics right, we can be even more responsive and tailor our offering to provide a personal service to our customers.”
UK installers now have wider access to RISCO security solutions, as the company signed a national distribution agreement with the security distributor, ADI Global Distribution. Installers can access RISCO products via ADI’s branches or online through ADI’s Digital Branch. RISCO reports a long-standing relationship with ADI, which has distributed its wired detection devices for over 30 years. Now installers can access the full RISCO portfolio via the distributor.
