The Big Issue

“Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid...” not – in this case – of “the party”, but of our industry! writes David Dickinson.

The effects of regulation are being felt, the work associated with becoming licensed and regulated is immense and the need for a really cohesive effort has never been greater. Yet there is still real difficulty in drawing together all those who firmly believe they are acting in the very best interests of the industry, but who do not always take into account the needs, views and opinions of others.

A little more than three years ago, when I first joined the British Security Industry Association, I spoke at a meeting held by The Security Institute and was duly asked what I believed would be the best way forward for the industry. My response? “Co-operation, not confrontation.” That is as true today as it was in 2002.

We must find ways of settling (often longstanding) differences for the sake of all our futures. Some 500,000 people depend upon our various organisations for their livelihood. Corporate Britain needs our products and services to support its individual businesses. There is now a real opportunity for us to take our place in the ever-widening spectrum of public safety, reassurance and crime reduction. We must not risk losing that opportunity for the want of a pan-industry agenda.

We will not achieve anything like our full potential as individual organisations, as people or as contributors to the wider community until and unless we can find a strategic direction to which all can subscribe – and do so with enthusiasm.

Looking back to that meeting of The Security Institute’s members, I recall making a clear pledge that we would “work co-operatively with any and all individuals or organisations who want the same outcome as ourselves: an industry that is fully understood, totally accountable and appreciated.” That, too, remains the case.