From a large number of high quality nominations, three winners were chosen. David Freestone from Initial Fire and Security was the overall winner, while Michael Considine (ADT Fire and security) and Chris Wilcock (Initial Fire and Security) were national winners.
“Young apprentices like these are the very future of the electronic security industry,” said David Dickinson, BSIA chief executive. “Their commitment to quality, strong grasp of theory and outstanding customer service is proof that the industry’s new blood has been trained to accept excellence as the norm.”
The annual lunch also featured a keynote speech from Jim Harrower, BSIA chairman. He took the opportunity to highlight some major achievements the BSIA has secured for members during the last year, and to reflect on the challenges ahead. “In the last year I have witnessed first hand the changing role of the BSIA, the way it has evolved to meet new challenges and to provide an ever-improving service to its members during such a crucial period for the industry,” he said.
Giving examples of the BSIA’s work, he said: “The Building Regulations Part P – had the BSIA not intervened, this legislation would have led to all intruder alarm installations being notifiable to local authorities, involving great expense, bureaucracy and unnecessary effort for our alarm installer members. “Another issue addressed by the BSIA has been export funding. When it became apparent that funding for security exporters was being drastically reduced, the BSIA began a targeted lobby campaign. We have received a great response in terms of letters of support from MPs, and whilst we have yet to see the final outcome, we remain hopeful that common sense will prevail.” He outlined the opportunities ahead for all sectors of the industry and referred to the growing acknowledgement, in police and government circles, of the expertise the industry has to offer.
The editor of Security Installer’s sister magazine, SMT, received a prestigious BSIA chairman’s award at the association’s annual lunch. Brian Sims received the Promoting the Industry award for his efforts in raising the profile of the private security industry as a profession worthy of a more prominent role within the business environment.
