Baroness Henig was introduced by BSIA chief executive David Dickinson. She was here to open the guarding village at what she described as “the world’s leading security event”.
In a thirty minute speech, communication was at the top of her agenda. She highlighted the importance of good working relations between the SIA, private firms and the government.
With over nine halls and 100,000 sq metres, it is clear why she sees the event as an excellent opportunity to meet key players in the industry and to see this year’s cutting-edge technology.
Henig, who has been at the helm of the SIA since January, also discussed how impressed she has been with the ‘keenness to cooperate’ in the industry since becoming involved. She said she feels that the industry is united by a vision of high standards and a contribution to crime reduction.
“The SIA”, she continued, “plays a critical role as a dependable partner for industry and government”. She said she believes the authority must always act proportionately with a light touch, but act forcefully when necessary.
With 210,000 SIA licenses now released, and plans to move into Scotland and Northern Ireland next year, these are exciting times for the SIA. A newly-updated website and corporate plan, and the new stakeholder investment strategy suggest that the SIA are indeed doing their bit for communication.
Again Baroness Henig assured that the SIA will endeavour to keep in touch with all companies and consequently, understand the demands and needs of the industry.
Officially opening the ceremony and closing her address, she continued,
“IFSEC is an essential stage in my security industry education.”
IFSEC runs at the Birmingham NEC until Thursday as part of The May Series.