Security tops the agenda

With a heightened state of awareness generated by the ever-present terrorist threat, Government and commercial organisations alike have realised the importance of defending national borders, property, employees and reputations.

There’s no such thing as 100% security, of course, but that should always remain the ultimate objective. And, since we last gathered together for the Security Excellence Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel back in November 2003, massive strides have been made in all directions.

The Security Industry Authority has begun to put theory into practice, beginning its licensing regime for door supervisors in line with Home Office legislation. A regime that continues early next year with the roll-out of a regulation programme targeted at security officers in the private sector.

Much has happened in the guarding world of late, most notably the merger of Group 4 and Securicor Security to create the biggest contracting concern in the UK. Group 4 Securicor will now set the standards for all others to follow.

From a systems perspective, Internet Protocol-based surveillance monitoring is coming to prominence, with many trial schemes reporting favourable results. The face of security is changing.

Given these notable strands of innovative thought and action, and many others in the same vein, it’s only right that we praise those pioneers who have shaped the industry’s success in recent times. The Security Excellence Awards are designed with that very purpose in mind. Now into their sixth year, the Awards recognise companies and individuals who continue to strive for professionalism at all times.

To this end, SMT, Security Installer and CCTV Today congratulate all of our 2004 finalists.

Brian Sims, Editor, SMT
Alan Hyder, Editor, Security Installer
Ron Alalouff, Editor, CCTV Today