Ex-APA Chair to Head Security Body

Baroness Ruth Henig, the former chair of the Association of Police Authorities, is the new Chair of the Security Industry Authority.

Commenting on the appointment, current APA Chairman Bob Jones said:
‘I warmly congratulate Baroness Henig on her appointment as Chair of the Security Industry Authority. This is a key role to ensure that the licensing of the private security industry is properly managed, and I am confident that she will provide strong leadership to the SIA.

‘Ruth Henig was outstanding as Chair of the APA and I am sure her skills and expertise will be invaluable in her new role at the SIA.’

Baroness Ruth Henig has extensive experience within the police and security sector. She was Chair of the APA from 1997 to 2005 and on stepping down as Chair was elected as APA President in 2005. She was previously Chair of Lancashire Police Authority and a member of the National Criminal Justice Board. In 2000 Baroness Henig was awarded a CBE for her services to policing and in 2002, was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Lanchashire. In June 2004 she was made a life peer.

Baroness Henig’s appointment to the SIA commences on 15th January 2007 for a three year period.

John Saunders Leaves the SIA

Security Industry Authority (SIA) Chief Executive, John Saunders, announced on 21st December that he was to leave the SIA at the end of 2006. The SIA Board accepted John's decision and subsequently approved the appointment of Andy Drane, currently SIA Deputy Chief Executive, as Acting Chief Executive.

In an open letter to the private security industry John said:
‘In early October I announced my departure from the SIA and my appointment as Managing Director of CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy). Since then, work has been undertaken in making succession arrangements. This has involved the parallel appointment of the new SIA Chair Baroness Ruth Henig, whose appointment was announced yesterday by the Home Secretary.

'I have now agreed with the SIA and Home Office to use the Christmas break as a natural break and I will be moving on from the SIA Chief Executive role at the end of December. Andy Drane will be undertaking the SIA Chief Executive role on an interim basis.

'Building and developing the SIA and implementing the regulation has been enormously difficult and demanding, but equally stimulating and immensely rewarding. I am pleased to have contributed, with the industry, to such a productive and positive programme of change. The big challenge, of course, is building on the foundations so that the industry can fulfil its aspirations and achieve the recognition and respect it increasingly deserves.

'I will watch developments and progress from the sidelines with enormous fondness and interest. I wish the SIA, the industry and all Stakeholders the very best future.’

John Saunders was appointed Chief Executive of the SIA in 2001. John's roots are in commercial and corporate banking where he worked for nearly twenty years in the UK and USA during which he held over 70 corporate directorships.

In 1992 he joined the national Business Link Network and as Chair of the National Forum, worked with the DTI and National Partners over the next eight years to establish the network and overhaul government backed support services to business. John has considerable experience of mergers, re-organisations and the management of change across public/private sector partnerships and has worked with the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum in South Africa and Eastern Europe.

He is a former member/director of the CBI Fit for the Future; 3rd Age Enterprise and Employment; the Competitiveness Working Party; SOLOTEC and the FHA Examination Council. He is co-author of the Corporate University for Business Support study (2000) & the Business Link Brand Review (1999). He was awarded the OBE in 1998 for services to the national Business Link Network.

Racist Attack on Security Guard

Police are investigating reports of a racially-aggravated assault at a building site in Portishead which happened before Christmas.

A group of youths broke into a partially-constructed retirement home block on the building site on Brampton Way at midnight on Saturday December 9th.

The youths were challenged by an on-duty security guard.

One of them then racially abused the guard before slashing him on the arm with a knife.

This suspect is described as a white man aged between 17 and 20 who was about 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build.

He was wearing a green baseball hat, black hooded top and dark coloured jeans.

The youths also caused damage to a door on the site by smashing several panes of glass with a fire extinguisher.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information concerning the identity of the suspects should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Security Roadshow Helps New Exporters Open Doors in Benelux Markets

A Security Roadshow for new exporters looking to do business in Benelux markets has been a huge success for South West businesses.

The regional businesses were amongst a group from across the UK to sign up for the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) roadshow event organised by International Trade Adviser Nigel Crowe.

Security companies from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset joined the roadshow, which visited venues in Belgium and Holland in November.
At events in both markets, participants had the opportunity to meet on a one-to-one basis with potential buyers. They have all had promising leads for new business, with some taking orders and signing deals with distributors.

They include Access Automation, of Frome; Btrack Solutions, of Warminster; Controlsoft Ltd, of Sherborne; Linear Guidance Illumination, of Devizes; Meadows Health and Safety, of Cinderford; Modern Security Solutions Ltd, of Swindon; and Trillibyte Ltd, of Cheddar.

Devizes company Linear Guidance Illumination (LGI) had great success at the two events and as a result has a distributor in both markets.

The company, which makes specialist illuminated marking systems, which are used by the police, military, security, rail and construction industries, had had some previous success selling its products in Germany but wanted to expand its range into other European markets.

Managing Director John King attended the showcase events in Belgium, where the stand attracted 20 potential buyers and in Holland, where he met three potential customers.

‘Our target was to appoint a distributor in both markets and we're delighted to have succeeded in that,’ says Mr King.

‘We're hoping that this will really open up a lot of new business to us. We wanted to break into the Benelux markets because they're easily accessible and easy to ship our products to. We have had done some groundwork in the new markets on an independent basis too, but it was great to take part in a bigger event organised by UKTI. It meant we were in the company of like-minded businesses and we able to meet a much greater number of potential buyers all in one place.’

Frome company Access Automation is also hoping for success as a result of the Benelux mission. Director Ian Child attended both venues and had enquiries from a number of customers, including police forces, and is hoping that some of the leads he established will be consolidated shortly.

The company makes high speed security gates and roadblockers and is already developing exports in a number of markets. Access Automation is taking part in UKTI's Passport to Export programme, which offers tailor-made advice and support to new and fledgling exporters. As well as the Benelux shows, Ian Child is also receiving UKTI support to attend a trade show in the United Arab Emirates.

Nigel Crowe, UKTI's International Trade Adviser and Specialist Security Adviser, who organised the roadshow, said:

‘The British security industry is recognised around the world as a leading provider of innovative solutions to many of the challenges that exist today. A wide range of quality products and services designed to meet the security needs of domestic, commercial, industrial, police and governmental customers continues to be developed by small companies in this dynamic business sector and those taking part in the Security Roadshow were keen to develop long-term business relationships with local partners and customers in Belgium and Netherlands.

‘The Roadshow was a great success for companies from across the UK, including those from the South West, where we have a wealth of innovation in this field.’

Anyone interested in finding out about UKTI's services for the Security Sector, should contact Nigel Crowe on 07713 680783.

Further information on Access Automotion is available from Ian Child on 01373 300029.

Further information on LGI is available from John King on 0845 2255603.

Security Institute Welcomes 500th Member

At its November Council meeting, the Security Institute announced the admission of its 500th member. Karl Barclay, Head of Global Security and Fraud Risk at HSBC Group had passed through the Institute's Validation process, and was admitted in the grade of Fellow.

Security Institute Chairman, Bill Wyllie, said, ‘I am delighted to welcome Karl as a member of the Institute. He is widely known as a consummate security professional who himself seeks the highest standards in security delivery, and so reflects the constant drive for excellence that is the goal of the Institute’.

On being told about his Fellowship, Karl Barclay commented ‘I am very pleased to have been invited to join the Security Institute as its 500th member. I fully support the Security Institute's work to raise professional standards in the security and risk management sector, and I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute towards that’.

Karl will be presented with his certificate of membership at the Security Institute meeting.

The Security Institute, established in 1999, is the umbrella professional body for security practitioners in the UK. Its vision is the enhancement of professional standards and performance across the security and risk management sector.
Alongside that vision sits the aim of raising the profile of security and its practitioners amongst end-users - whether they be major corporate organisations, public bodies, the emergency services, SMEs or the public at large.

The rapidly-expanding membership of the Institute is drawn from all walks of the security profession, and acceptance as a member has become recognised as the mark of a committed and qualified security professional.

Increasingly, membership of the Institute is being shown as a desirable attribute for candidates in employment advertisements.

Today’s security practitioners come from very diverse backgrounds. Each person joining the Institute brings his or her own unique blend of achievement and expertise, and adds to the strength and authority of the organisation, thus helping to further the aims and objectives of both the Institute, and the profession as a whole.

Admittance to membership of the Institute is by a Validation process carried out by a Board that meets monthly to measure objectively the lifetime qualifications and experience of applicants. Acceptance thus gives formal recognition that the member has been peer-reviewed and is considered to be a ‘serious player’ in the security marketplace.

The Institute's website is at: http://www.security-institute.org

SIA and Police Swoop on Door Staff

Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and officers from the City of London Police have carried out licensing checks to ensure door staff were complying with the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Visits were made to 33 licensed premises across the Square Mile. Out of 69 door staff checked: 62 held valid SIA licences and 7 people were warned for offences under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 - 6 for working without an SIA licence and 1 for failing to display their licence while working.

David Porter, an SIA Head of Investigation said:
‘I am extremely pleased with the level of compliance achieved and the support we received from City of London Police. The vast majority of door supervisors working in the City are trained, qualified and SIA licensed. I welcome their professional approach; however, all door staff must take responsibility to ensure they comply fully with the law, and for the protection of their customers, licensees must only allow SIA licensed door staff to operate at their venues.’

Since 20th March 2006, SIA licences have been legally required for manned guarding personnel (supplied under contract). For those working in relation to licensed premises, SIA licences have been required in London since 11 April 2005.

BS 8549: 2006. Security Consultancy - Code of Practice

‘After discussions within its Working Group GW3, the British Standards Institute has finalised, and proposes to publish, a code of practice giving ‘recommendations for the management, staffing and operation for the provision of contracted security consultancy services’, which it states ‘might assist those who wish to contract the services of a security consultant’, as British Standard 8549: 2006.

‘It must first be said that The Security Institute applauds and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing professional standards in all areas of the security business, including that of consultancy, and would like to see in place a regime that would bring the highest standards of professionalism, probity and performance to the practice of security consultancy in the UK. However, this British Standard (BS), far from achieving this goal, is likely to make the practice of good consultancy difficult if not impossible, and to send misleading messages to users of security consultancy services.

‘The Security Institute has within its ranks 92 members who either practice security consultancy as sole traders / SMEs, or who hold senior positions within large security consultancies. It is, thus, one of the largest bodies representing security consultants in the UK. On behalf of those members, the Institute's Council is both disappointed and concerned by the contents of BS 8549, as it believes that the document is, as was its PAS predecessor, seriously-flawed in a number of respects, the major ones of which are outlined below.

‘In general terms, this BS tries to cross the boundary between being a document that gives advice on how to run a security consultancy business, and the territory now properly-occupied by Skills for Security (SfS) (by setting out occupational standards for security consultants). We consider that it does neither of these things well, and that, in its present form, it conflicts seriously with the National Occupational Standards being published by SfS.

‘The Security Institute is concerned that the BS mandates attempted legal non-compliance in the areas of Rehabilitation of Offenders legislation, data protection legislation and, in certain circumstances, The Human Rights Act, in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, those of personnel screening and data release, both in respect of the consultant's own personnel, and in respect of companies and personnel to whom the consultant may sub-contract work (the latter being defined as ‘information, equipment and/or labour which is used in providing the service to the customer’). A more detailed statement of the legal issues involved may be obtained from The Security Institute on request.

‘Furthermore, the BS attempts unnecessary interference in the conduct of a security consultant's business, by directing minimum standards for insurance, accounting, release of organisational information, disciplinary procedures, office accommodation, report writing, document and data retention and storage and the format of personal identity cards.

‘While compliance with a British Standard is never a legal requirement, there is a tendency for procurement departments to include in tender documents a demand for compliance with BS publications and, as such, a consultant who did not fully comply with BS 8549 could find him/herself in breach of contract and subject to civil action. This, at its most mundane level, could arise from a situation in which a sole practitioner (a group which probably comprises some 40% of the security consultancy market) fails to comply with Section 5.3 by not issuing himself with an ID card bearing details of his name, address and telephone number, together with his photograph.

‘However, what is most alarming about the BS are its statements about the competence of security consultants, in which respect it lists 15 ‘competencies’, representing some, but not all consultancy activities, breaking them down into those that are ‘minimum’ standards for consultants (ie, must be possessed - the BS says ‘able to demonstrate that they have undergone basic training on’) and those that are simply ‘desirable’ to be possessed. Reference to the BS (para 5.4.3) will give detailed information on this, but the outcome can be demonstrated by the fact that, under the BS, a consultant whose speciality lies in advising on the hardening of vaults, safes and secure areas must have qualifications in business continuity planning and manned guarding. Likewise, a consultant whose speciality is advising on crisis management training should have qualifications in construction design and management regulations.

‘In summary, BS 8549 poses a number of dangers to the security profession and its clients. It purports to prescribe the qualities and attributes of a security consultant or consultancy, when it does not: it is a confused and misleading series of statements that will offer little practical help to a client seeking effective consultancy, whilst potentially disqualifying (in the client's mind) many competent and reputable currently-practising consultants.

‘Moreover, if and when the SIA once more turns its attention to the licensing of security consultants, the pre-existence of a British Standard for this group is likely to lead to a powerful tendency simply to use that BS as the basis for licensing. Indeed, the Foreword to the BS bears the note: ‘Attention is drawn to the statutory requirements of the Private Security Act 2001’.

‘Regrettably, even the draft versions of the BS had to be purchased from the BSI - a fact that mitigated against widespread review and comment, and to which The Security Institute objected. Because of that fact, we are not able to make even the draft of the proposals available on the Institute website.

‘Nonetheless, we urge our members - both consultants and users of consultancy - to review BS 8549 and consider its potential impact on their business. The Council of the Institute will continue its campaign to have this BS in its present form, set aside.

‘Those with concerns on this subject may wish to contact The Security Institute at info@security-institute.org. For further information from, or comments to, the British Standards Institute, contact can be made via cservices@bsi-global.com.

Bill Wyllie FSyI
Chairman

ArmorGroup International plc Acquires Leading Kidnap and Extortion Consultancy

ArmorGroup International plc, the international provider of protective security services, yesterday announced its acquisition of Neil Young Associates (NYA), one of the world's leading specialist kidnap and extortion consultancies, for a maximum consideration of £1 million.

Neil Young Associates, which was founded by Neil Young in 1990, operates on a global basis and has particular expertise in providing governments, international corporations and private individuals with kidnap and extortion (K&R) prevention, training and response services, as well as other consultancy services. NYA is a recognised world leader in this highly specialised market, and is an approved K&R consultancy for most of the world's largest insurers and specialist risks brokers. NYA's exclusively retained consultants come from a variety of backgrounds, including the British Special Forces and intelligence services, and have worked on over 180 cases of kidnap for ransom and extortion in many different parts of the world.

Kidnapping, detention and extortion are now some of the fastest growing crimes in the developing world, with around 15,000 reported incidents worldwide each year. The insurance market relating to K&R is estimated to be valued at around $250 million, based on the annual premiums paid for this service, and growing at around 10-15% annually.

ArmorGroup has agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of NYA from Neil Young for an initial consideration of £250,000 in cash. The remainder of the £750,000 consideration may be payable in three annual tranches, dependent on the operating profits of NYA over the relevant period. Neil Young will continue to manage the growth of NYA, which will trade as NYA International Ltd.

Dave Seaton, Chief Executive Officer of ArmorGroup, commented:
‘We are delighted to be announcing the acquisition of NYA which is a first class K&R specialist consultancy. This is a fast growing sector and we believe NYA will be accretive to earnings in 2007. NYA's excellent reputation and well established track record will ensure that ArmorGroup can meet client demands for training, contingency planning and response to the growing threat posed by kidnap and ransom, and makes NYA an important addition to the Group.

‘While NYA will continue to service its existing client base, it will also have a key role in developing consultancy services for ArmorGroup. This acquisition will further diversify the Group's revenue stream, in line with the Group's strategy, and will allow us to offer our global client base an even greater range of high quality security services.’

Web: http://www.armorgroup.com

CCTV Center: First Company to be Appointed a Panasonic Systems Distributor

CCTV Center is the first company to be accredited as a Panasonic Systems Distributor (PSD) under Panasonic's new certification scheme.

Paul Meehan, Panasonic's National Manager for the UK and Ireland, endorsed the agreement with Andy Coombes, Managing Director of CCTV Center, at a ceremony to mark the achievement, on December 8th 2006.

Captured on CCTV: Paul Meehan (left), Panasonic's National Manager for the UK and Ireland, and Andy Coombes, Managing Director of CCTV Center.

PSD accreditation confirms that a distributor is fully trained in Panasonic system solutions and offers a high level of service and support. The accreditation of CCTV Center is an endorsement that the company meets Panasonic's high standards, and recognises the excellent level of customer service that CCTV Center provides to installers, both before and after sales.

CCTV Center is the only dedicated distributor of Panasonic security systems in the UK and Ireland. The company's Andy Coombes said, 'Two years ago, CCTV Center made a deliberate choice to become a dedicated Panasonic distributor. It's much easier for installers if the different components of their security system come entirely from one manufacturer.

'Panasonic is a clear market leader in CCTV. We've been distributing their products for more than 20 years, so we know they offer the best quality. We committed ourselves to becoming the number one Panasonic distributor, and now we've achieved that. Panasonic's high quality products and our service and product support are a perfect combination. We've proved that, and are thrilled to become Europe's first PSD.'

Said Panasonic's Paul Meehan, 'We are delighted to welcome CCTV Center as the Panasonic Systems Distributor for the UK and Ireland. It's an important accolade from Panasonic, which CCTV Center fully deserve as a recognition of their achievements in service and support.'

CCTV Center is based near High Wycombe, UK, and has offices in Dublin and Spain. Each office has fully fitted showroom facilities.

Web: http://www.cctvcenter.com

Minister Opens BSIA's New Premises

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, Vernon Coaker MP, opened the British Security Industry Association's new premises at Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester on December 14th.

David Dickinson, BSIA Chief Executive, comments: ‘I am delighted that the Minister is able to join us to open our new premises. At our Annual Lunch earlier this year, the Minister praised the private security industry for its contribution to public safety. We appreciate his support for our vital, and often under-appreciated, industry.’

‘The BSIA has been based in Worcester since the Association moved to Security House on Barbourne Road from London in 1986. The move to Kirkham House for the BSIA and its 23 staff represents a new era for the Association as it approaches its 40th birthday next year.’

Vernon Coaker MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, says: ‘I congratulate the British Security Industry Association on this move, which will allow it to provide an enhanced service to members. This in turn will help to promote professional standards, ensuring better public safety.

‘The private security industry is a significant business sector that is increasingly well trained and resourced. I wish the Association every success in its new premises.’

The BSIA will be able to provide the following additional services to its members as a result of the move: meeting facilities for membership committees, meeting facilities for members, video conferencing facilities, extensive car parking, good access from the motorway and railway network, and new local-rate 0845 phone numbers.

Paxton Access Slashes Keypad Prices by up to 33%

Paxton Access Limited, a specialist in the design and manufacture of electronic access control systems, has announced significant price reductions across its range of TOUCHLOCK keypads. Recommended retail price savings range from 12.5% to 33% and are valid throughout 2007.

TOUCHLOCK keypads are available as compact systems or for use with Switch2 and Net2 systems, thereby providing a suitable keypad for every application. Two models are available. The 'K' series backlit keypad is ideal for low light conditions and is supplied with a choice of black and white bezels. The 'K' series stainless steel keypad has a robust metal construction with a bezel finished in satin chrome. Both models are available in three sizes - 38mm, 50mm and 75mm wide - and every keypad is IPX7 rated for external use and comes with a 5-year guarantee.

Adam Stroud, Paxton Access' Sales and Marketing Director, explains the rationale behind the price reduction:

'Strong market demand for TOUCHLOCK led us to increase production thereby reducing the unit cost of manufacture. We‚re delighted to be able to pass these savings on to our customers - not as a time limited marketing promotion but as a permanent price adjustment that will last throughout 2007.'

For more information, visit http://www.paxton.co.uk or telephone 0845 838 1716.

Bell Security Launches New Systems Warranty Package

Bell Security has introduced a new support package, Warranty-Plus. This provides an enhanced reactive and preventative maintenance profile for security systems installed by Bell during the first 12 months of their operational life.

Claiming to offer 24/7 peace-of-mind, Warranty-Plus has been created to counter the 'grey areas' of responsibility that can often exist during the warranty period of an integrated security system, usually when system delivery involves a main contractor/multiple supplier process.

Andy McQueen, General Manager at Bell, says:

‘Warranty-Plus has been devised to ensure transparency within the warranty process. It provides the client with an enhanced service package that is specified up-front and is an integral part of our solution at the early stages of design and quote.

Recent investments in our Service Management Centre/Helpdesk will assist us in ensuring Warranty-Plus customers receive defined levels of extra commitment.’

Web: http:// www.bellsecurity.co.uk

'Bomb Squad' to Get State-of-the-Art New Robots

Britain's ground troops are to get a fleet of hi-tech new bomb disposal robots, under a £65M contract, Defence Procurement Minister Lord Drayson announced on 28th December.

The advanced capabilities provided by the remote controlled robots means they can deal with many more devices than the existing system, giving further protection to bomb disposal operators and civilians.

Known as CUTLASS, the six-wheeled remote controlled robots will replace the iconic 'Wheelbarrow' robots which have been used since the 1970s, when they were first used by bomb disposal operators in Northern Ireland.

Faster, nimbler, better powered and able to use a wider range of bomb disposal 'weapons', CUTLASS will incorporate the latest computer technology to ensure troops can operate more effectively - better protecting lives and property.

Defence Procurement Minister Lord Drayson said:
'This is good news for our troops and good news for industry. It demonstrates the considerable expertise available from British engineers to support the UK's efforts to defeat terrorism. The availability of technology to the terrorist has altered the complexity of the explosive devices we face and how they are being used. Once in service CUTLASS will provide an essential capability for those brave men and women who conduct bomb disposal activities, and who put their lives at risk in order to ensure the safety of civilians and their comrades on operations abroad and at home in the UK.'

CUTLASS uses modern robotics technology to provide a highly versatile bomb disposal capability. It has excellent mobility across a range of terrain and is equipped with a highly dextrous manipulator arm. It will enable specially trained soldiers, known as Ammunition Technical Officers (ATOs), to render safe Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a distance.

Under the contract the MoD will get 80 of the vehicles with a phased introduction into service beginning at the end of the decade.

The contract was placed with Remotec UK Ltd a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman

Nortech Control Systems Launches New Website

Nortech Control Systems’ new website has been organised into two sections which represent the company’s two strategic markets. The 'Parking & Automation' and 'Access Control' divisions have been set up to help users find the information they require quicker and easier.

All the information and tools from the previous site are available, plus more. Nortech has provided more detailed product information and recent case studies.

Web: http://www.nortechcontrol.com

Olympic Games 2012 Project Director Appointed

The British Security Industry Association has appointed David Evans, former Managing Director of Legion Group plc as Project Director to focus the work of the Association for the 2012 Olympic Games.

David Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BSIA, comments: ‘The 2012 Olympics will provide significant opportunities for UK business, particularly the security industry. The appointment of a Project Director has been welcomed by the Council of the Association as an exciting step forward to ensure that BSIA members can make the most of this unique event.

'The task of the Project Director will be to foster an environment whereby BSIA members are recognised as the leading resource for private security services in the UK. I am confident that David Evans' breadth of knowledge and deep experience within our industry will help us to achieve these aims.’

David Evans adds: ‘The Olympic Games will give the UK security industry the chance to demonstrate that we are world leaders in our field. I am delighted to be working with such a forward-thinking organisation on this unique project, which should bring huge benefit to BSIA members.’

Advanced Wireless Communications Deployed in London Tube Station in Minutes

Anvil Technologies (Canada) and Primetech (UK) Ltd., providers of wireless solutions for Emergency Management demonstrated RECoN™ wireless communications on the Aldwych tube station.

The demonstration illustrated how quickly RECoN™ can be deployed at an incident site. Voice over IP, live video and data was transmitted from the Aldwych platform level, six stories below ground, to the surface and via satellite over the Internet. An interoperable communication system was also demonstrated, providing first responders using disparate radio systems, regular or mobile phones the ability to talk with each other above and below ground.

The London Assembly Report on the 7th July, 2005, London terrorist bombings identified that the key to an effective response to a major or catastrophic incident is communications. The Report also recognised that over the next few years communications will be vastly improved. The question is what happens in the meantime? What is the fallback solution if the existing infrastructure fails or is not available? What is the alternative and how quickly can it be deployed?

‘We believe that RECoN™ is a superb solution,’ said Henry Walker, Managing Director of Primetech. ‘The underlying technology is already in use with various agencies and armed forces globally. It is easy to use, lightweight, deploys in minutes, is highly secure and can be carried by a person anywhere, anytime. Running off batteries, generators or solar panels, it is not dependent on local power supply.’

‘RECoN™ provides more than just voice communication. Incident Commanders will benefit significantly from the enhanced situational awareness, that is, the ability to view live data streamed from an incident. They will also be able to retrieve critical or sensor data’, continued Mr. Walker.

Canadian technology integrator, Anvil Technologies, established RECoN™ as a global umbrella, Primetech being selected as the UK partner. John Mealin, Chairman of Anvil, stated, ‘Primetech is our ideal partner, offering superb service and complementary expertise, especially in satellite technology. Their customers are first responders, the same type of customers we deal with. RECoN will further safeguard their wellbeing at incidents and enhance their effectiveness.’

The Rajant BreadCrumb auto-meshing network is the underlying wireless infrastructure used in the RECoN™ solution. Jim Washington, President of the Rajant Corporation, noted, ‘We were pleased to participate in this impressive demonstration. The benefits of RECoN's wireless solution will greatly assist London officials in any prevention or response activities’.

Trilogy Communications provided the interoperability platform that seamlessly allowed full communication between disparate radio devices.
The demonstration was well attended by many UK and London public safety officials and generated significant interest.

About RECoN™
RECoN™ is the global umbrella that Anvil Technologies has established, with strategic partners in the US, Canada, UK, Belgium and Singapore. The purpose of RECoN™ is to provide mobile wireless communication systems for emergency management, tailored to specific customer requirements. The RECoN™ solution is highly scaleable and designed to co-exist with technology already in use by first responders.

About Primetech (UK) Ltd. Website: http://www.primetech.co.uk
Primetech, a RECoN™ Strategic Partner, is a privately owned UK company with its Head Office in Cornwall. Its success is built on a solid foundation of service to an extensive satellite customer base in England, Scotland and Wales. Primetech says that it is well positioned to become the leader in mobile wireless communication systems for emergency management. Its services include needs assessment and planning, tailored wireless solutions, mobile and static satellite installations, voice and video streaming, data vaulting and retrieval, on-line document access and publishing, autonomous computing, online / onsite training etc.

About Anvil Technologies Website: http://www.anviltech.biz
Anvil, founder of the RECoN™ Strategic Partnership, is a Canadian company that specialises in the provision of wireless communication solutions for emergency management. Anvil's customers include government authorities, first responder agencies, public and private companies. What differentiates Anvil is that it offers a fully integrated, tested and proven solution. Its 24/7 services include professional services, technology, on-site/online training and maintenance. As a system integrator, Anvil invests significantly in R & D, ensuring that its solutions work effectively and efficiently.

About Rajant Corporation Website: http://www.rajant.com
Rajant Corporation, a US based company, is a RECoN™ Strategic Partner. It has developed wireless broadband systems and components that have multiple applications in homeland security, public safety, emergency and enterprise networking sectors. Rajant's wireless LAN systems are portable, mobile, battery powered, meshing self-healing, highly secure, 802.11 access points. Rajant's company strategy includes working with government, military, civilian agencies and first responder organisations.

Teva Pharmaceutical to Implement Orsus® Situator™

Orsus, a specialist in security and safety situation management software, announced on 5th December that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries LTD., the world's biggest maker of generic prescription drugs, will implement the full suite of Situator software products to provide converged security and safety situation management.

Situator is a situation management software suite for integrated control rooms. It creates an environment where all current and future technologies, people and actionable procedures are fused into a unified, control and management platform that empowers control room personnel to focus on exception management.

‘Teva presents a perfect opportunity for Situator to demonstrate its true value by merging both safety and security management into a single, organic system,’ said Rafi Bhonker, vice president, marketing and sales at Orsus. ‘Situator's field-proven experience in significantly improving the speed, effectiveness and efficiency of exception response is a critical factor for high-volume operations. We are confident that Situator will be a significant enhancement to Teva's impressive combined safety and security strategy.’

The first in a series of Situator implementations for Teva will be at Teva-Tech, the fastest growing manufacturing facility of Teva's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) division. Teva-Tech facilities in Ramat Hovav, Israel include many high-volume manufacturing areas where most of Teva's APIs are synthesised.

Using Situator, Teva will converge the company’s awareness technologies, including surveillance and safety video, perimeter security, distress buttons, fire alarm sensors, environmental sensors and other devices and systems so that they can be easily monitored from a single control room.

These converged technologies will be integrated into a unified security and safety strategy with automated procedures to help reduce control room complexity and to accelerate response to routine and emergency situations.

‘We believe that safety and security go hand in hand,’ said Mr. Yehuda Arad, Teva's Vice President Safety & Environment and KM executive leader. ‘In addition to the impressive technology, we chose Orsus because the company’s awareness and response convergence approach matches ours. Teva is looking forward to using Situator to raise the already high level of efficiency and protection that our organisation demands.’

Situator reduces potentially costly human error, makes it easier to establish and maintain compliance with industry and government regulations and dramatically improves the speed and effectiveness of incident response and recovery while actually reducing operating costs.

For more information, or to request a Situator demo, please visit http://www.orsus.com or contact Orsus at info@orsus.com.

Budapest Adopts Wireless IP Video Surveillance

Budapest has adopted IndigoVision's complete end-to-end IP Video solution to provide citywide CCTV surveillance. The new system is helping the Budapest authorities increase public safety with remote monitoring of public places, tourist spots and parking areas.

The system was installed by IndigoVision's local partner Erando Ltd, and consists of 68 dome cameras monitoring the 14th District around central Budapest. At the heart of the system is 'Control Center', IndigoVision's enterprise video and alarm management software, installed in the central control room situated at the district police station. Five operators each use a 'Control Center' PC workstation, four monitoring live video feeds and one analysing recorded video. The recording of all the camera video is accomplished by using IndigoVision's Networked Video Recorder (NVR) software. 'Control Center', which was fully translated into Hungarian, enables the operators to view live or recorded video from any camera or NVR, anywhere on the IP network.

‘This application is one of many city-wide monitoring systems that IndigoVision has recently installed,’ said Dr Oliver Vellacott, IndigoVision's CEO. ‘Traditional analogue CCTV technology is not suited to the large distances involved in wide-area surveillance such as city centres, road and rail networks, ports and airports. IP-based systems are also well suited for extending existing CCTV installations and creating a hybrid solution that utilises existing investment and creates a foundation for migration to full IP Video in the future.’

Erando has installed a wireless network around the central district that accommodates the current system and has additional capacity and range for expansion in the future. Each dome camera is connected to an IndigoVision 8000 transmitter/receiver unit which converts the analogue feed to DVD quality full-frame rate digital video for transmission over the wireless network. IndigoVision's advanced compression technology minimizes bandwidth requirements and ensures that the operators at the police station view video that is comparable to analogue.

Web: http://www.indigovision.com

ADT to Help Secure BankAtlantic Centre with Video Monitoring Solution

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced recently that ADT Security Services - the electronic security services provider - has extended its multi-year agreement as the official security services provider of the Florida Panthers and the BankAtlantic Centre for an additional three years through the 2009-10 Florida Panthers National Hockey League season.

ADT will also install a comprehensive video surveillance system throughout the BankAtlantic Centre to help provide a more safe and secure experience for the Centre's visitors and staff. The newly enhanced security platform employs a combination of the latest security technologies including ADT Safewatch® VideoView, which allows the BankAtlantic Centre's security team to view live video of the arena and its premises at any time over any Internet connection. The BankAtlantic Centre will also be monitored by trained personnel in ADT's world class Customer Monitoring Centres.

‘People from all over South Florida and the country are drawn here to the BankAtlantic Centre because of the quality of sports and entertainment that is showcased. As a result, this sponsorship has provided tremendous exposure for the ADT brand among existing and potential new customers,’ said John Koch, president of ADT North America. ‘An arena of this stature demands the most comprehensive and technologically advanced security protection available, and ADT was honoured to develop a video monitoring solution to better protect this gem in the heart of South Florida.’

ADT's sponsorship features several additional advertising and promotional opportunities including oversized ADT yard signs placed in front of the BankAtlantic Centre, an ADT build-out in the arena's main lobby and increased signage throughout the entire venue. ADT will also continue to sponsor the 'Defensive Player of the Month/Season Award' for the Florida Panthers and will be the presenting sponsor of a number of community initiatives including the 'Streetcats Programme' and 'Safety Nights' during Panthers home games at the BankAtlantic Centre.

‘ADT's extension is a strong endorsement of our organisation and how it has positively impacted their business over the last two-plus years,’ Sunrise Sports & Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Michael Yormark said. ‘ADT's sponsorship features a host of innovative and successful benefits that will continue to enhance the visibility of their brand throughout South Florida.’

ADT will continue to receive all the special benefits associated with the Pillar Partner designation. Pillar Partners is a special designation and collection of benefits developed to recognize the organisation's key marketing partners. Pillar Partners receive exclusive benefits such as branded recognition throughout the BankAtlantic Centre, permanent signage on the arena horseshoe fascia, print advertising in SSE publications, exclusive rights to the Pillar Partners logo, identification at arena VIP entrances and permanent VIP parking.

Celebrating its 131st anniversary, ADT Security Services, Inc., a unit of Tyco Fire & Security, is the largest provider of electronic security services to more than six million commercial, government and residential customers throughout North America. ADT's total security solutions include intrusion, fire protection, closed circuit television, access control, critical condition monitoring, electronic article surveillance, radio frequency identification (RFID) and integrated systems.

Sunrise Sports & Entertainment is the premier company of its kind in South Florida. Home to more than 185 events annually and the Florida Panthers Hockey Club, the BankAtlantic Centre is consistently a top 15 U.S. venue according to Pollstar. The BankAtlantic Centre welcomes more than two million guests each year and is also the home of the Sinatra Theatre presented by BankAtlantic and three monthly South Florida publications: Live On Stage Credentials, Unrestricted and Panthers Insider.

The SSE Pillar Partners is a special designation and collection of benefits developed to recognise the organisation's key marketing partners. The Pillar Partners are: ADT Security Services, Anheuser-Busch, BankAtlantic, Carls, Carls Patio, Coca-Cola, Comcast, FSN Florida, Havoc Energy Drink, Lexus, MetroPCS, Office Depot, Seminole Indian Tribe, Spirit Airlines, Southeast Toyota, Southern Wine & Spirits, Universal Express, and WCI Communities.

Web: http://www.sselive.com

New Hi-Tech Radio System to be Installed in Ambulances

A new state-of-the-art radio system is to be installed by all NHS Ambulance Trusts in England beginning in early 2007.

Ambulance Trusts have chosen to implement radio terminals provided by Sepura which will operate on the O2/Airwave network, and work with control room equipment being provided by Sungard Vivista, as part of Airwave's Ambulance Radio Replacement Programme contract.

The new radio system:
will be interoperable with police and fire service radio systems, meaning improved communications between the emergency services;

minimises the risk of interference with vital medical equipment;

offers significantly better coverage in rural areas; and

has greater security and resilience than existing systems.

Sepura will supply over 18,000 TETRA radio terminals to Ambulance Trusts - the largest single deployment of TETRA radios anywhere in the world to this type of emergency-response user.

The Department of Health signed a 13 year contract worth £390m in July 2005 with Airwave, to provide the new digital radio and communications system. It offers a complete solution for accident and emergency personnel, comprising of a combination of vehicle-based radios, lightweight hand-held radios and new equipment in control rooms.

The radios will be be installed in a wide range of vehicles, including rapid response vehicles and motorcycles as well as ambulances. Work on the overall programme is already well underway, and deployment of the new radio equipment will commence in 2007 and will complete by September 2008.

Health Minister Lord Warner said:
'The ambulance service has made excellent improvements in patient care over the last few years. Digital technology means a more secure system, with less interference and improved interoperability between trusts and the other emergency services.

'The new digital equipment will provide a more reliable service and help bring further improvements to patient care.'

Graham Matthews, CEO for Sepura said:
'This is not only a tremendous recognition of Sepura's technical expertise, but also of our long-standing commitment to understanding the needs of public safety organisations and developing solutions that meet these needs.'

Web: http://www.sepura.com

Appian Wins 3 New Orders Totalling £470,000

Appian Technology plc, the AIM listed provider of Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems and traffic management products, has won 3 new significant ANPR contracts.

It has just signed a £270,000 order to provide a fixed-site ANPR system to a major UK metropolitan police force. The technology will be deployed at a number of sites at critical points in a large city in the south of England. The contract is part of a three phase project which commenced in November 2005 when Appian was awarded an initial order worth a further £180,000. The Company expects to receive additional orders from the final phase of this project, which is due to begin later this year.

Appian won the order after a live demonstration of its newly developed Cobra ' long range' ANPR camera, which has a unique capability of reading vehicle license plates at a range of 45 metres. The Cobra ANPR cameras will be installed in a 'ring of steel' configuration providing the authorities with a powerful counter-terrorist and crime fighting system.

Additionally, the Company has received its third major police order from Mexico: the State of Tlaxcala has placed a £100,000 order for mobile ANPR systems, which will be used by State Police to recover stolen vehicles.

Furthermore, Appian has won a significant contract for a commercial application for its ANPR technology with a value of £100,000 to supply the UK's largest exhibition centre with its Talon ANPR technology. The centre has in excess of 22,000 parking spaces. The technology will be used for security monitoring of car parks, analysing usage, capacity and also measuring vehicle journey times.

Appian Chairman Pat Ryan said: 'These orders reinforce our status as a key player in the counter-terrorism and commercial markets. Our ANPR system is increasingly being chosen for mission critical security and counter-terrorist applications due to its accuracy, competitive pricing and through its endorsement by UK and international police forces.'

Web: http://www.appian-tech.com