CCTV, access control, fire – I have it all for you this month.
CCTV
OK, let’s start this month by talking about Mark Pritchard, No, not the Mark Pritchard who is the technical director of Argus Fire, or the Mark Pritchard from the DeVere group, nor are we talking about the Mark Pritchard the loss prevention manager at Loblaw. Perhaps we ought to call them mark one, two and three?! Nope, we are talking of Mark Pritchard from the distributor Norbain. Yes after 13 years he has left, to join Pelco as the Regional Marketing Director for EMEA. As you know Mark has been in the industry for over 20 years starting at Dedicated Micros: oh, and that was the US branch! You may not know this but Mark is married to Yvonne who works for Sony. What they don’t know about CCTV in that household is not worth knowing. And their neighbours are the Shawley family, namely Simon over at Samsung. Perhaps the local pub in their village is called the CCTV Arms?!
Fire
Still talking of Norbain, they report that they have acquired a fire alarm product distributor called Detection Supplies. So things are looking OK for the company. Detection Supplies have been in business for 20 years and it will continue to operate as a separate business under the Norbain umbrella. More about this later as I am going to speak with Charlie to catch up on the latest gossip at the company.
I was sent this old picture [see the May print issue of Professional Security magazine], not the usual quality of picture that you are used to in this magazine I know, but maybe it was taken in the days when a man stood at the camera under a cloth, said watch the birdie, and you had to stand still for a minute?! Can you spot Shaun Lenahan? What about Glen Higson at the back as is Terry Pedersen oh and is that Andy Fielding? Can you name any more?
Back to CCTV
Talking of CCTV companies were you aware that Vicon and IQinVision, announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that is expected they say to create a global provider of integrated solutions to the video security market. Have you forgotten who Vicon are? They design and make video security and surveillance systems. IQinVision designs and produces HD megapixel IP cameras. They say: “The transaction is expected to close in Vicon’s September quarter. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Vicon will issue shares of Vicon common stock to IQinVision shareholders in an all-stock merger …” and there are more technical bits.
Access control
TDSi has appointed a new director of UK sales, Adam Norris. He has been tasked with developing a revised channel and pricing strategy. Does that mean prices will go down, I hear you shout? I don’t know, the only way you will find that out is to ask him. Before joining TDSi Adam was business development director at AMAG Technology (EMEA and APAC) and national accounts director at Chubb Electronics Security UK. That’s where I was in my dim and distant past! Outside his career in security sales he also coaches the academy team at Bournemouth Rugby Club. The TDSi warehouse by the way is closed for a stock-take on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2. Is that because they’re still wiping the mud off themselves from their Tough Mudder challenge that I told you about last issue?!
More access
SALTO Systems welcomes Alan Horrobin who joins the access control product company as a new area manager for the northern region, reporting to UK MD Ramesh Gurdev. Alan has been in the security industry for over 30 years and has experience spanning many disciplines. I knew Alan when he worked at GE; that was back in 1994! He has held a number of management roles ranging from vertical markets manager to UK sales manager to country manager. His task now, developing the northern region.
IFSEC
Are you attending IFSEC this year? I will be there as always. More about the show in our June issue. I know May is usually our IFSEC preview issue but it’s all change – don’t that the show is from June 17 to 19 this year at the ExCeL in London Docklands. It’s looking like it’s going to be bigger than ever and you’ll have noted it’s only running for three days this year. No more sleeping off the excesses on Thursday!? And that means you need to plan your visit. The organisers are promising more education and have put together a number of things to help you make the most of your day or days at the event. I will be speaking in the Tavcom Training Theatre on the Wednesday afternoon, so come and hassle me if you wish! Or ask me for my autograph or I am available for photographs!? Maybe you might be able to attend the Security & Fire Installer Live party which if anything like last year will be great. See you there.
