Thursday, June 23 is not only the last day of IFSEC and FIREX International for 2016, it’s the day of the UK’s European Union membership referendum.
The security and fire industries are deeply woven into the tapestry of the European construction sectors, say the shows’ organisers. Europe is the world’s second largest security market with 23pc share worth about $6bn (according to the Memoori report: The Physical Security Business 2014 t0 2018). Therefore the effect of the UK’s decision to stay or leave the EU will reverberate around the industries for years, say organisers. Major areas such as harmonised standards, testing, approvals and collaboration may be fundamentally affected by the vote and these areas will be addressed at IFSEC and FIREX on the day of the referendum.
IFSEC and FIREX will host a panel debate at London’s Excel in the IFSEC End-User Seminar Theatre alongside stakeholder groups such as Euralarm, Loss Prevention Certification Board, European Fire Sprinkler Network, BSIA, FIA and the EAPFP.
Attendance to this panel debate will be free to registered IFSEC and FIREX visitors and you can register to attend the shows here.
IFSEC and FIREX International Event Director Gerry Dunphy says: “In view of the potential outcome the EU Referendum could have on the security and fire industries, both IFSEC and FIREX welcome the opportunity to provide a platform for stakeholders to assess how the landscape may change should the UK leave the European Union. The shows represent significant opportunities for the security and fire communities to gather in one place to find new products, discover solutions, network and extend their knowledge so we’re making the most of the timing of this unique occasion to address a major national event.”
And Martin Harvey, Head of Regulatory Affairs EMEA Tyco/ADT, Fire Industry Association Chairman and Euralarm says: ‘’We’re very pleased to be able to participate in this debate at our industry’s main trade events. As Euralarm has a direct interest in the promotion of harmonised standards across Europe, the referendum could have a far reaching influence on the future of the European security and fire sectors. It’s a good opportunity as the main protagonists will be there from the industry and market so the debate will be lively and robust as we look at how the UK’s security and fire businesses could potentially be transformed by an EU exit.”
