Editorial

Our feature last month on how installers could get involved in home automation brought an "overwhelming response" to the home auto company that was trying to set up a nationwide list of engineers (see Mailbox p 26). This is a hot area which will undoubtedly grow in the UK so well done to those readers who have vision enough to get in on something at the beginning. Many times I have heard installers say that a sideline became a big part of their business. These are the companies that can diversify enough to prosper in tough times

Yet again proving our readers are not slow when it comes to other aspects of the business, I had a call from BT redcare saying that our coverage of their EN50131 seminars had swollen the attendance considerably and "lent them credibility" (thanks for the compliment). Many installers attended after reading about them in Security Installer. I went along to the first of these sessions and can vouch that they are entirely objective and designed to help installers tackle thorny questions thrown up by the Euro standards, especially those involving risk assessment. There are three events left in April in Manchester (22), London (28) and Ipswich (29). So do yourself a favour and check out availability of places on redcare@bt.com

You will have noticed the 'thwack factor' of this issue ... once again due to our big bound-in IFSEC 2004 supplement. If you can spare the time out, then IFSEC attendance is essential for all installers. As with our "quick off the mark" readers, above, this show can open your eyes to new peripheral areas and business opportunities. If you can't find new ideas at IFSEC, you must have died on the way there. The exhibition and conference is without doubt the pivotal annual event for the industry worldwide ... entirely appropriate when you consider our ravenous consumption of security. Yes, the UK actually leads the world in something, so be proud of it.

Security Installer magazine is like parenthood ... mostly it's planned, but sometimes you have an accident. Looking over the pages in this issue I spotted three cases where writers have referred to electricians taking installers' business (have fun, spot the electrician bashing). Is this just coincidence or is there a theme emerging here? There's always been an overlap between the two trades but no love lost between them. So do you think the sparks are encroaching too much on security turf? email me at Mailbox (p 25).

We usually leave subjects like counter terrorism to our sister magazine SMT, but all installers, big or small, will be interested in protecting buildings from attack. Even if you only do domestics and small commercials, people will expect you to know something about a subject which now dominates our lives. Impress your friends with your insider knowledge. See Reality of Risk (p 55).