Installation or manufacturing? Make your minds up. So much to talk about this month as we have seen quite a few new moves; which is interesting, as some of them are moving across the industry to the other side!
What am I talking about? Firstly James Smith, pictured, has joined Wavestore as their Marketing Director. Now you will recall that James first appeared in our industry at Norbain, in 1997. I think he was about five then, anyway he moved to Samsung, Axis Communications, and then went to work for the other side – installers, that is, Quadrant Security Group as the Sales Director. Well, he has re joined the manufacturing side of the business, Wavestore, who seem to be doing really well as we keep reading about their successes in the industry. Well done James. The last time I featured James in my gossip column I talked about the fact that he has been with his partner for years but not yet done the honourable thing and gone down on one knee. All these years later I can advise you that he still hasn’t; come on, James, time must be running out for you? I also understand from my sources that Andrew Keeley is also joining James to cover for some maternity leave. Andrew worked with James at Norbain all those years ago so one could say the old team are back together.
My sources also tell me that Peter Ainsworth has left Samsung after just over six years and is joining Tyco Security Products as Director of Product Marketing and Management EMEA; a new role. You may recall that Peter has also been in the industry since 1990, but did you know he was a Royal Marine for six years and six months? More about his new role next month once I understand it better.
Did I mention Samsung? They have appointed Dan England as Technology Partner Manager for the Security Solution division of Samsung Techwin Europe Ltd. I am told Dan will be working with Samsung Techwin’s Applications Partners and video management software developers to raise awareness of how Open Platform technology can provide users with significant added value from their video surveillance systems”. I hope that means something to you as it went right over my head.
Marcus Eaves who joined the industry in 1990 with a company called Chroma Visual Ltd in Wellingborough has moved sides and gone back to the installation world and joined a company called CVL Systems. I believe this is the same guys or rather their sons from the original company. You may know Marcus went to work with Xtralis and RVR before returning to the other side, can I say ‘dark side’; but then what is the dark side? Installations or manufacturing? What are distributors then? I suppose it depends on which side you are, answers on a postcard please.
Grundig Security have appointed Paul Dodds as Country Manager for the UK & Ireland. Paul’s role is to develop new distribution channels for the company and support the distribution partner Security Buying Group. Paul has also switched sides over the years as he too has been in installation, manufacturing and distribution. Paul came from working on the tools, having trained as an electronic engineer and installer. He’s been with Xtralis, Honeywell, The White Group and ESI. He rides a Honda Fireblade. Don’t mess with Paul, unless you too are a Wadokai Karate Black Belt.
ezCCTV have been growing fast so it seems, as they recently added four extra staff. They are Aaron Banton, Technical Support Specialist; Sean Fox, IP Sales Specialist; Johanna Billings, Sales Administrator; and Neil Rogan, Warehouse Manager. And they are seeking to recruit more staff this year. Work has started on their new premises which they expect to move into in early summer. Did I mention new premises? Redvision have moved. They now have a much larger premises in Blacknest, near Farnham, that’s Surrey in case you didn’t know. See also page 84.
Charity
Word from Icomply. They heard that their customer, Mark Babington, Safer Travel Manager for Centro, the West Midlands public transport operator, planned to cycle, with two friends, from the northern most point (Malin Head) to the southern most point (Mizen Head) of Ireland. So let’s all get behind him, rather than on a bike and support them. Donate on this link: https://www.justgiving.com/stannah/.
Sad news
Mike Welply died last month. He was the Master of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals in 2004-2005 Some may be aware that Mike was ill last year and appeared to pull through, but became ill again culminating in his admission to a hospice. At the RAF Regiment Dinner at RAF Honington, where it had been hoped Mike would attend, the Commandant General’s Commendation, awarded for his work and support of the RAF Regiment, was announced. Mike had begun the affiliation with the Regiment. Air Commodore Andy Hall, the Commandant General, who had isited Mike a few days beforehand to present his Commendation, acknowledged the work Mike had done for the Company with the RAF Regiment and that they were extremely proud to be affiliated with our Company. A great testament to Mike.
See also the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI) website for their tribute.
