BSIA: forging overseas links

At a time when the physical and electronic sectors of the industry are facing fierce competition from overseas products, it is more important than ever to strengthen ties with buyers from other countries.

Key to enhancing these relationships is the BSIA-hosted International Visitors Lounge at IFSEC, which is traditionally used as a base by overseas visitors throughout the May event at the NEC. The Lounge is designed to facilitate visits from IFSEC’s many overseas delegates, and is attended by a number of multi-lingual interpreters. It also offers free Internet access and complimentary refreshments.

Chris Pinder – the Association’s projects manager – comments: “Much of the BSIA’s work on exporting involves assisting UK security companies to exhibit abroad. However, the IFSEC International Visitors Lounge is essential when it comes to extending a warm welcome to overseas guests, and providing them with everything they need to make their visit as productive as possible for all concerned.”

Visiting the UK’s manufacturers

The BSIA also joins forces with the Fire Industry Confederation to host a structured visit for a number of overseas buyers during IFSEC week.

This year, 70 buyers interested in the security and fire sectors took advantage of this excellent opportunity to see what the UK has to offer. The international visitors came from a number of countries including Brazil, Greece, Iran, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Sweden, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The delegates’ stay included three days at IFSEC visiting the wide range of security companies exhibiting this year. Scattered throughout the four days were presentations from exhibitors (among them the BSI).

The Monday evening also saw a lavish dinner and the presentation of the IFSEC Security Industry Innovation Awards 2005. Of particular interest to the overseas visitors was the presentation of the export categories, which showcased UK security companies’ ability to successfully forge overseas links.

Wednesday evening witnessed another opportunity to get to know UK suppliers in a social setting with a drinks reception hosted by BSIA Export Council member Cooper Security.

Following their time at IFSEC, some of the international visitors grabbed the chance to visit the state-of-the-art training facility offered by Tavcom Training (a BSIA Export Council member and SITO Steps Partner). The site offers a suite of lecture rooms equipped with the latest educational aids, an impressive CCTV workshop offering technologies from a range of manufacturers and a dedicated intruder alarm and access control workshop.