Contributions made by security industry stalwarts were recognised on Wednesday, July 13, with the presentation of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA)’s Chairman’s Awards.
The categories: Contribution to the Industry, Services to Export, Contribution to Training and Contribution to Standards. The award winners were selected by the association’s Chairman, Julie Kenny CBE DL, pictured, and were presented at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon, which was held yesterday at the London Hilton on Park Lane. <br><br>Winners were: <br><br>The Chairman’s Award for Services to Export was awarded to Mike Parry of Remsdaq Ltd, who has worked for over 20 years to provide advice and encouragement to UK companies looking to gain a foothold in overseas markets. A long-standing member of the BSIA’s Export Council, Mike’s sharing of knowledge and expertise has helped many fellow members improve their understanding of exporting. As Chair of the Export Council for two years, Mike led the BSIA’s Export initiative, and his support of companies attending overseas exhibitions helped to ensure BSIA-led outward trade missions to countries worldwide, including Turkey, Greece, Austria and Scandinavia. <br><br>The award for Contribution to the community went to Brian Brown, Branch Manager for Securitas Security Services Ltd, whose voluntary leadership of the company’s Community Team has helped the company build community links while raising money for a number of charities. For two and a half years, Brian’s dedication has inspired many of his colleagues take on various challenges, from bike rides to boat races, to raise money for local causes as well as the company’s two main national charities, Help for Heroes and Child Victims of Crime.<br><br>The award for Contribution to training went to G4S Secure Solutions (UK) Ltd, in partnership with Skills for Security and Jobcentre Plus, for a joint careers initiative that provides jobseekers with a cohesive training plan to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to begin and progress in a long-term career in security. In the last 12 months, over 4,000 employees have undergone training, with most resulting in a nationally-recognised qualification. Blending in-house training with that delivered through partnerships with training providers as well as educational establishments, this learning and development framework tailors each individual’s career progression from initial employment up to to senior management level, giving each employee the opportunity to maximise their career potential at a pace that suits them. <br> <br>The award for Contribution to standards went to Sir Edward Lister. Representing the BSIA’s Security Systems Section on various British and European technical committees, working groups and standards bodies, Ed’s knowledge and experience has helped form police policy relating to security systems. Ed’s contribution to standards was recognised yesterday as he left the BSIA to become the Mayor of London’s Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Planning. Ed was unable to attend the awards ceremony, and Martin Harvey, from ADT Fire and Security Plc, collected the award on his behalf.<br><br>The award for Contribution to the Industry was awarded to Bill Muskin, Chairman and founder of guarding firm VSG, in recognition of his long career in security, spanning almost 40 years. Bill has devoted time and energy to numerous industry bodies and initiatives, including the BSIA, NSI, SIA and CoESS, while his passion for training has led to an active involvement in Skills for Security. <br><br>And the hard work and dedication of the security industry’s apprentices was recognised by the presentation of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA)’s annual Apprentice Installer Awards.<br><br>The awards recognise and reward the standards of service and professionalism that are demonstrated by apprentices working in the security industry.<br><br>From entries the following winners were selected: <br><br>•The overall winner of this year’s Apprentice Installer Awards is Mathew Pickles of Advanced Security Systems. Mathew joined the industry following a work placement whilst in school that led to an immediate job offer on completion of his studies. This young apprentice has shown ambition and tenacity and is now on the right path to achieving his objective of becoming Installations Director by his early 30s. He has been praised by lecturers, superiors and peers alike for his likeable and reassuring personality, combined with a strong work ethic and can-do attitude.<br>•Matthew Broughton of Chubb Fire and Security Ltd was awarded for his enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry and standards, which is well in excess of that expected from an apprentice. He has become a valued member of his Newcastle branch team, and has developed excellent customer service skills. This means he never shies away from becoming a customer’s main point of contact before, during and after the installation of a system, be it intruder alarms, access control or CCTV.<br>•Christopher Dawson of Crozet Alarms Ltd won his award for demonstrating a sound knowledge and understanding of the industry, and for his ability to relate real working examples to what he has learned on his course. Throughout his apprenticeship he has carried out a number of Intruder Alarm and CCTV installations, and has demonstrated the ability to work well both in a team and individually. Moreover, his lecturers have praised his professionalism and commitment to his studies on a number of occasions.<br><br><br>James Kelly, BSIA Chief Executive, says: "These awards recognise the elite of the security industry’s apprentices and are a tribute to the dedication of the new blood of our industry. Each of this year’s winning apprentices has demonstrated extreme commitment to their career in the security industry and the BSIA is honoured to acknowledge their achievements. I offer my sincere congratulations to each of the winners who should accept this accolade with great pride."<br><br>The awards were presented by Lynne Featherstone MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information, at the BSIA’s annual lunch, which was held on July 13, at the London Hilton on Park Lane.<br><br>The BSIA thanked Selectamark Security Systems PLC for their sponsorship of the apprentice awards.
