Some 9,850 people from over 100 countries travelled to London in May for the 2017 Security & Counter Terror Expo (SCTX). The show again included the forensics show Forensics Europe Expo; and Ambition – an event for the emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR). Show organisers, Clarion Events, reported that the number of visitors was up three per cent on the 2016 event, with one in ten representing a police or counter terror force. They add that the next edition of SCTX will return to London on March 6 and 7, 2018.
Covering over 15,000 sqm, the show’s footprint also increased by 7pc, and some 351 companies showed their latest products and services alongside nine conference areas, two live demo areas and the World Counter Terror Congress.
David Thompson, Event Director at Security & Counter Terror Expo, said: “The recent attacks in London, Manchester and Paris have highlighted the vital importance of ensuring that nations, security professionals and the public, are fully aware of the best way to tackle terrorism. This year, the programme was specifically developed to inform and educate visitors on the most effective strategies to protect the public and infrastructure.”
That Congress was attended by 1,050 including diplomats and police officers. Covering policy and strategy, such as de-radicalisation and preventing attacks, the congress featured speakers including Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Europol head Rob Wainwright from The Hague and Lucy D’Orsi, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police.
Lucy D’Orsi, addressed the threat posed by international and home-grown terrorists stating the importance of educating children in schools on the “Run, Hide, Tell” message. Rob Wainwright spoke about the use of the ‘dark web’ and how extremists can buy a British passport for as little as £750. He went on to condemn the encrypted Russian messaging app Telegram, with its refusal to cooperate with the authorities in discovering and preventing attacks before they happen.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former Conservative Foreign Secretary and former chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, said: “Events such as the World Counter Terror Congress provide the ideal platform for experts across the field to come together and discuss best practice on the most effective ways to disrupt plots and protect the public and infrastructure.”
Richard Walton, former Head of Counter Terrorism for the Metropolitan Police Service added: “The biggest change we’ve seen from terrorists over the past year is the move towards simplifying their attacks as much as possible. This has completely changed the goal posts in how we must prepare and try to prevent these atrocities from happening. Motor vehicles are now one of the most common weapons of choice which presents a completely new challenge for security professionals to face. Events such as the World Counter Terror Congress are key in bringing the industry together to overcome these challenges and keep us one step ahead of the terrorists.”
SCTX provided free-to-attend conferences: on the cyber threat, infrastructure, border and transport security and technologies on the show floor. The Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference was presented by the tech trade body techUK. Talal Rajab, techUK’s Head of Programme, Cyber, National Security, added: “The cyber terrorism threat grows immeasurably year-on-year and we as an industry, must grow, adapt and react in equal measure. Security & Counter Terror Expo provides opportunities to learn from and meet with some of the key figures in the sector addressing the most important issues we face today.”
The Critical National Infrastructure & Business Reliance conference featured James Brandon, Director of Geopolitical Risk at the consultancy Stirling Assynt. He discussed the threat assessment challenge for critical business and infrastructure protection in the UK. “Carrying out accurate threat assessments on a regular basis can be challenging with the continuously changing environment, however it is vital in maintaining a security procedure that is both up-to-date and appropriate to the threat posed to that particular building,” said Brandon.
