Security installer

winner: Reliance High-Tech

Reliance High-Tech’s submission demonstrated the company’s flexibility and resourcefulness in meeting two extremes. The management team at The Royal Yacht Britannia represented a demanding end user with specific security requirements and a difficult environment in which to install. A visitor attraction in Edinburgh, the vessel was to have a CCTV system installed along with integrated alarms and two dedicated Control Rooms (one on board, the other on the quayside). Reliance’s engineers had to work in cramped areas with difficult cable routes and unusual camera mounting locations. It was also imperative that the changeover of all control equipment could be carried out within a single day.

The second installation put forward by Reliance High-Tech for this year’s Excellence Awards was the Times Square fit-out completed on behalf of the Mellon Bank, whereupon the company provided a shell-and-core solution for the entire building, encompassing CCTV and access control systems.

“Reliance High-Tech has shown great skill, working alongside other trades on a particularly tough project (The Royal Yacht Britannia) in a difficult environment and against pressing deadlines”
– JUDGES’ COMMENT

Runners-Up

Intruder International
Intruder International is an independent security system installer specialising in integrated systems, while focusing on network and IP-based solutions. The company currently employs 46 members of staff in four regional offices throughout the UK. Its application for the 2004 Security Excellence Awards was based on two successful installations, both of them reliant on extensive knowledge and understanding of IP-based systems – London Luton Airport (where the entire CCTV system was converted to an IP-based solution) and a comprehensive access control system installed on behalf of Devon County Council.

Kings Security Systems
Over the past year, Kings Security Systems has continued a structured growth programme with turnover increasing from £7 million to £10 million. The efficiency of Kings’ installation work has been augmented by the roll-out of hand-held palmtops which allows its installers to download technical manuals. The company employs a rigorous QA system in all aspects of the business. In its submission, Kings cited a combined alarm audio and CCTV installation at Norfolk Heritage Park, and an intruder alarm system at Dixons, Belfast International Airport.

Reflex Systems
Reflex Systems cited three large contracts in its submission to the 2004 Judging Panel. The first was a nationwide review and comprehensive CCTV coverage of key areas across the Moat House Hotels chain. The second involved more than 100 surveillance cameras and associated technology at Sheffield’s Hallam FM Arena (covering all public spaces including car parks and Back-of-House areas, and featured in the October 2004 edition of SMT), and the third a security management system for the North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust, which encompassed external car parks and key internal public areas.

Universal Security Systems
Universal Security Systems specialises in the provision of stand-alone and multiple site security solutions. The company has secured high profile, prestigious contracts with leading organisations. In its submission to the Juding Panel, Universal cited an upgrade of the CCTV system at the London headquarters of UBS global investment bank, and a complete security fit-out at 30 St Mary Axe, the distinctive 40-storey tower built by leading reinsurer Swiss Re where the installation and consultancy team recommended an Integral digital CCTV set-up which is fully-integrated with the building’s access control systems.

Zoom CCTV
Zoom provided two submissions: an upgrade of the CCTV surveillance system at the Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre (covering all areas accessible by staff, contractors and customers) and an installation at Baxi Potterton, the largest central heating and hot water products manufacturer in the UK.