The two UK companies each boast 2,000-plus staff and now join established IPSA members such as ISS Pegasus Security. The decision mirrors a trend in recent times in which other, larger security solutions providers have turned to the Association for membership.
In 2008, new companies and in-house security teams to join or apply to IPSA include Schutzhund Security, Protea Security, Ultimate Solutions (UK), Metro Guards and Bradford College’s Security Department.
Currently, 57% of eligible IPSA member companies are also registered on the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), with the remaining 43% being inspected for compliance with British Standards by either IPSA inspectors or UKAS-accredited inspectorates such as the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board and the National Security Inspectorate.
Means of effective representation
The number of ACS-registered companies re-enforces the Association’s message that companies should become or retain membership of security associations in addition to whichever of the voluntary quality assurance schemes they choose. This ensures that they have the means of effective representation at their disposal, in addition to direct participation in Stakeholder consultation groups.
Speaking about his company’s decision to join IPSA, Richard Chappell – managing director of Carlisle Security Services – commented: “I felt that, in the changing security world and a post-regulation environment, it’s important for our company to align itself with a professional body who can be a voice to champion the industry issues on behalf of its members. We believe that IPSA represents that type of professional body. It will challenge traditional thinking and be inclusive to all members. I believe that the industry needs a brighter, more modern voice and one that’s inclusive.”
Carlisle Security Services’ commercial director Paul Trendall added: “It’s important to pick your friends wisely and, in the case of IPSA, we have the pleasure of being associated with the UK’s oldest professional body for the security industry. Having been impressed by IPSA’s commitment to the sector, and its selfless approach to working on behalf of its members, recommending to my colleagues that we join IPSA was a pleasantly easy decision to make.”
Response from the Association
In response, Justin Bentley – IPSA’s chief executive – said: “We believe that it’s important for security companies to be members of a professional Trade Association. There are a number of choices open to companies and individuals, and we consider that IPSA offers its members a high quality of service while at the same time keeping prices realistic. This is particularly important in the current economic climate.”
IPSA chairman Patrick Somerville concluded: “IPSA has been working hard to show that it can deliver a good service to both companies and individuals in the industry. These new members have made appropriate commercial decisions, and their example should be an encouragement to others to consider the benefits of association membership for their companies and their members of staff alike.”