As Patron of the Export Division of the BSIA, HRH Prince Michael of Kent helps to fly the flag for the UK security industry – in Athens, venue for the 2004 Olympics, to give one recent example. Una Riley meets HRH.
When I arrived to interview Prince Michael at Kensington Palace, I had some trepidation. There was no need, for as soon as I started the interview it was evident that HRH Prince Michael was so enthused about the work he does on behalf of the industry that I could hardly keep up with him. As some of you know HRH is the Patron of the Export Division of the BSIA. Firstly I asked how and when he became involved. ‘My first involvement with the industry funnily enough was 15 years ago when I was on the main board of a bank that had a subsidiary company, a small but very well run systems security company. One characteristic of the sector that I find interesting is that there are so many small companies, whose expertise in security means that we are in a very good position as regards exports. On top of that I have a passion for small and medium sized business.’ As the owner of a small company I am aware of Prince Michael’s involvement with the ‘Genesis Initiative’ which encourages the creation and growth of small and medium companies. One of the things that HRH wanted to point out is that from smaller companies larger organisations emerge. However, it is at the early growth stage that companies require all the help they can get. I went on to ask as Patron of the Export Division what had been the most successful mission. ‘How do you measure success’ Particularly an exhibition’ For example we have been overseas twice in the last few years and I have been to both of them. We have established strong links and our effectiveness, along with our expertise have given us a great edge that has provided a reservoir for us to dip into by way of our knowledge. This enables us to give advice on matters of interest to the other countries that we visit.’ What was your impression of the recent trip to Athens’ ‘It was very well received. It helped to focus on the subject of security in a positive manner. The other thing was that it was not very long before the decision to host the Olympic Games in Athens. Which gives a whole raft of opportunities to the BSIA.’ I asked how the British security industry is regarded abroad. ‘We have one of the best organised security industry associations in Europe; other countries have their own but ours is the best. We are better structured and have more members than any of the other associations.’ I have to say that it was great to hear such positive and enthusiastic regard for our industry. Given the success of Dubai and Athens, I enquired if there are any plans to visit Russia. ‘We would always consider any invitation from companies abroad to visit in very much the same way we have for Dubai and Athens. It is a question for council but I will always give every support I can.’ I asked how the manufactures and service providers in our industry could maximise overseas markets. ‘Forming long-standing relationships with the right sort of partners. It is very difficult without having people on the ground in each country who know the ins and outs. It requires patience and can be a long-term operation. However, building up awareness in different countries can only be beneficial.’ HRH Prince Michael is incredibly keen on the subject of SMEs (small to medium enterprises) so I asked him how they could be encouraged to participate in an overseas market. ‘Small companies have restricted resources and find it very difficult. I have made trade missions myself and taken with me representatives of small companies who otherwise would be unable to afford or contemplate participating in such an event. That is why umbrella organisations like the BSIA along with British Trade Partners make it so much easier for smaller companies to get involved. This is something I would very much like to encourage.’ What hope is there for SMEs in a globalising world’ ‘I think that there is so much inventiveness within every sector. So there is every hope is the answer. Remember more than 90 per cent of British businesses employ fewer than 200 people. Small business equates to major growth. In this country we have great expertise within small business which enables us to give advice to other small business within European countries. But remember that every large organisation stemmed once from a small company. History has shown us that for every huge organisation smaller companies will emerge.’ It will be ever thus’I hope. My last question was: how would you like to see your role develop within the security industry’ ‘I will always be available to represent the industry as far as I can. The industry is close to my heart and I admire the loyalty of people who work within it.’ <br><br>
HRH Prince Michael was born in 1942; his father, Prince George, was the fourth son of George V. He went to Eton and Sandhurst. In 1963 he was commissioned into the 11th Hussars. A keen sportsman the Prince represented Great Britain as a bobsleigh driver for many years and was reserve for the 1972 Olympics. It was actually as the result of a high speed bobsleigh accident that the Prince sustained facial scars. At this stage he decided grow a beard! The striking resemblance to his forebears is evident; HRH is related through his grandmother to Tsar Nicholas II. In 1978 he married Baroness Marie-Christine Von Reibnitz and they went on to have two children. Prince Michael was christened Michael George Charles Franklin; the then US President Franklin D Roosevelt was one of his godfathers.
