PSIFebruary2017

February 2017 – £4.00 

@SecurityDrum 

www.psimagazine.co.uk 

Professional Security Installer 

INSTALLER 

LICENSING 

Red tape or must have? 

PRODUCT 

TESTS 

Concept Pro AIR3526-IP4M-Z 

KeySafe Supra C500 

ANALYTICS 

More than surveillance 

EDITOR’S 

CHOICE 

A look at the best 

new products 

MOUTH 

OVER MATTER 

Is voice control the next big thing?

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Pyronix Ltd. | Secure House | Braithwell Way | Hellaby | Rotherham | S66 8QY | UK

February 2017 

February 2017 – £4.00 

@SecurityDrum 


5 Editorial 

This month we touch on the subject of licensing in the 

security industry specifically for the systems installer. It 

worked for gas fitters and security officers, could it work 

for you? 

6 Industry news 

News and events from the security and fire industries 

11 Appointments 

We meet some of this month’s security industry movers 

and shakers 


Professional Security Installer 

INSTALLER 

LICENSING 

Red tape or must have? 

PRODUCT 

TESTS 


KeySafe Supra C500 

ANALYTICS 

More than surveillance 

12 TESTED - AIR3526-IP4M-Z 

The Concept Pro bullet camera from Videcon is put 

through its paces by an independent reviewer 

16 TESTED - Supra KeySafe C500 

The pushbutton combination keybox goes under the 

microscope 

18 Editor’s Choice 

The pick of the latest security products 

21 Online trading troubles 

This month PSi talks to Chris Chapman and Lisa Toms of 

Aston Scott to find out more about securing your online 

trading platform 

25 Shout it out loud 

The biggest selling item on Amazon over the festive 

period was a voice recognition system for the home. 

Could it have a place in the security industry? 

EDITOR’S 

CHOICE 

A look at the best 

new products 

MOUTH 

OVER MATTER 

Is voice control the next big thing? 

Mouth over matter 

Amazon’s Echo system has caused quite a stir in the electronics market 

in recent months and took the 2017 CES show by storm. Is there a 

place for a voice controlled platform in the security sector? 

29 Licenced to install? 

Licensing works well for gas fitters so would it work for 

you or just be another level of paperwork? The PSI Panel 

looks at such a scheme 

35 News Extra 

We talk to Veracity’s Alastair McLeod about the 

company’s acquisition of icomply 

37 More than security 

Video analytics can do much more than provide security 

solutions for your customers 

43 Meet the installer 

This month we talk to Katy Stewart of Jensen Security 

Systems about industry life 

53 Candidate challenges 

The key challenges when it comes to employee 

recruitment in the security sector 

56 The PSi Directory 

Your guide to vendors and service providers 

CONTACTS 

EDITOR Andy Clutton 

Tel: 020 8295 8308 

E-mail: andy.clutton@psimagazine.co.uk 

Twitter: @SecurityDrum 

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Matt Jarvis 

Tel: 020 8295 8310 Fax: 0870 4292015 

E-mail: matt.jarvis@proactivpubs.co.uk 

ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR David Lewis 

Tel: 020 8295 8309 Fax: 01322 292295 

E-mail: david.lewis@proactivpubs.co.uk 

DISPLAY ADVERTISING Paul Amura 

Tel: 020 8295 8307 Fax: 01322 292295 

E-mail: paul.amura@proactivpubs.co.uk 

ADMINISTRATION Tracey Cole 

Tel: 020 8295 8306 Fax: 01322 292295 

E-mail: tracey.cole@proactivpubs.co.uk 

MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark Quittenton 

CHAIRMAN Larry O’Leary 

PSi QR Codes 

For ease of access, some of the items in 

PSi carry QR codes. Simply scan with 

your phone to visit relevant websites. 

Security-based editorial contributions to PSI are 

welcomed, and the Editor reserves the right to alter or 

abridge text prior to publication. The views expressed in 

PSI are not necessarily those of the publishers. 

Editorial and Advertisement Office 

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3

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EDITORIAL 

Window frame 

Office drawer 

Front door 

Window frame 

Patio door 

Drinks cupboard 

Velux window 

Fridge door 

The great debate 

This month’s PSI Panel feature appears to 

have split opinion with our experts agreeing to 

disagree on the notion of installer licensing 

As readers of this esteemed tome will know, the Panel debate 

articles we carry every month can show a diversity of 

opinion when it comes to issues of the industry. Over the 

years we’ve covered a lot of ground from myths, tips, Brexit, new 

Prime Ministers, IoT security and much more, however this month 

we have a question that has divided opinion. 

Over the time that we have been running the Panel feature the 

subject of licensing for installers has cropped up in more than a 

few answers we’ve received from the industry insiders, so I 

thought that this month we should address the question head-on. 

Does the industry need, or would it benefit from, installers 

being licenced with only these individuals being allowed to work 

on contracts for the benefit of all? A straightforward enough 

question that follows the path well-trodden by the manned 

guarding sector around ten years ago. At that time the guarding 

sector felt that there were a number of threats facing the 

industry, most notably from ‘cowboy’ companies driving down the 

margins of the business; all just to get the contract - then not 

carrying out the work properly with untrained officers etc. The 

idea was to take out the dodgy companies at a stroke, raise the 

standards of professionalism in the sector and make guarding a 

positive vocation for potential employees to look at. To all intents 

and purposes this has happened, although the margins are still 

low (as everyone knows, once you drop your prices they can 

never go back up) but the government run SIA licensing scheme 

seems to have improved the image of the sector no end. 

In the security installation industry there is also a need to 

keep standards high, especially as the equipment being fitted is 

there to protect and detect, so lives could be at stake. Nobody 

would want a system, especially a fire system, to be installed by 

someone who was no more than an electrician with a basic 

understanding of what the system should do. Also, since the 

dramatic rise of IP technology the number of IT installers now 

looking at security work has grown. Therefore you can see where 

licensing for installers would fit in, however, there are also 

reasons why another layer of red tape, with a hefty slice of 

paperwork and prices, might be a step too far for installers. After 

all, we already have very well established and respected third 

party accreditation schemes in the UK so why ask for another 

level to be added to the mix? 

This month’s Panel debate will hopefully generate a lot more 

dialogue within the industry as to whether such a scheme is 

needed or even viable. Quite clearly if such an initiative were to 

be set in stone anytime soon there would be a number of high 

profile opponents. 

www.texe.com 

Sales: +44 (0)1706 220460 

Andy Clutton 

EDITOR 

5

In brief 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

NW Systems has signed a 

partnership with Swissbased 

VSaaS company 

Morphean which will see 

NW Systems offering 

Morphean’s VideoProtector 

platform to professional 

security and IT resellers, as 

well as direct to UK-based 

end-users. 

Kings Security has been 

awarded Secured by Design 

accreditation for its KIS 

product which provides 

commercial security 

solutions. 

Vemotion has announced 

the appointment of 

CriticalStreaming.com as its 

first specialist solution 

provider, dedicated 

specifically to the transport 

and logistics sectors. 

Exports for the security industry 

up 18% says report 

ADS, UK trade association for the security 

industry, has launched data showing that export 

growth for the industry is into double-digits, up 

18 per cent on the previous year, generating 

£4bn for the nation’s finances. 

The latest Outlook Report shows that: 

- Europe, North America and the Middle East 

are the leading markets for export opportunities 

- In the list of top 20 exports (excluding 

cyber) access control systems, communications, 

and intruder alarm systems hold the top three 

positions by sales 

- 60 per cent of companies anticipate export 

growth of more than ten per cent. 

According to ADS this growth is a clear 

indication that UK companies are developing an 

international reputation for agility and 

innovation, and are becoming increasingly 

relied upon to provide protection for people and 

businesses. 

With 44 per cent of the industry’s turnover 

coming from exports, remaining competitive is 

vital for companies wishing to win business in 

tough international markets. 71 per cent of 

companies surveyed for this Outlook Report 

identified exports as a key driver for growth, 

New UK premises for Raytec 

Having outgrown its current premises, Raytec 

has announced that it has moved to a new, 

bigger facility. The move to the 30,000 sqft UK 

premises in Ashington, Northumberland 

supports the company’s plans for continued 

growth– providing nearly three times the 

amount of space for expansion and brings all 

manufacturing, R&D, software development, 

Mayflex hit 100-year milestone 

Mayflex is celebrating its 100th anniversary 

this year - the company began in 1917 as a 

distributor of Swan Kettles with the Mayflex 

brand name coming in 1985. 

Andrew Percival, Managing Director at 

Mayflex comments: “This important and 

exciting anniversary marks the longevity of 

our business and demonstrates our 

adaptability as market conditions and 

technology have evolved. A huge thank you 

goes out to the teams across the business 

that strive day in day out to provide the best 

service possible to our customers.” 

There will be both staff and customer 

events taking place throughout 2017. 

citing North America, the Middle East and Latin 

America as key regions of focus. 

Paul Everitt, CEO of ADS Group said: “The UK 

security industry is delivering public safety at 

home and is increasing demand abroad. 

Industry exports grew by 18 per cent to £4bn in 

the last year, providing a real boost to the 

economy. The UK’s skills and expertise 

developed through delivering major 

international events and densely- trafficked 

transport systems is in high demand around the 

world. The UK’s security industry saw total 

employment increase by five per cent to more 

than 121,000 high-value jobs.” 

quality, technical support, lighting design, 

sales and marketing under one roof. 

“We have always been proud that all of our 

illuminators are designed and manufactured 

here in the UK. We started out in Ashington 

over ten years ago and we’re thrilled to be 

moving to our new premises and staying in the 

local area – just 100 metres down the road in 

fact!” comments David Lambert, Raytec 

Managing Director (Joint). “Crucially, the new 

move will allow us to tackle more challenging 

projects, provide quicker lead times for our 

customers, with the flexibility to respond to 

market demands for more intelligent and 

bespoke solutions.” 

“Outgrowing our current premises is an 

exciting prospect for Raytec, and this move is 

another step along that continuous journey of 

development and growth” adds David. 

6 

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In brief 

The Security Buying Group 

has launched a remote 

CCTV, site monitoring 

service, complete with IT 

system integrity checks. 

Sites are visually monitored 

24/ operators using the 

Digifort open platform VMS 

and the IT equipment 

running the CCTV system is 

also continuously checked 

for correct operation. 

IDIS is celebrating 20 years 

in the security industry in 

2017 and will be marking 

the anniversary at regional 

offices, over social media, 

during tradeshows and local 

events and with partners 

and customers. 

Biometric data captured from HD 

camera images 

The capabilities of HD cameras were highlighted 

recently when Isao Echizen, a professor at the 

Digital Content and Media Sciences Research 

Division of the National Institute of Informatics 

successfully obtained fingerprints from 

photographs taken from up to three metres 

away. He specifically warned against posing with 

the peace sign, as it could give identity thieves 

Predator PTZ cameras star on 

the silver screen 

360 Vision Technology is celebrating a starring 

role for its Predator ‘all-in-one’ PTZ camera 

range in The White King, a feature film coming 

to UK cinemas in late January 2017 from 

Signature Entertainment. 

A sci-fi drama featuring Jonathan Pryce, 

Agyness Deyn and Lorenzo Allchurch, the film 

is set in a dystopian world and revolves around 

a 12-year old boy who is coming to terms with 

his father’s imprisonment by a totalitarian 

state. The film follows the young boy and his 

mother as they try to navigate through 

propaganda and government abuse, as they 

the opportunity to match fingerprints with a 

face. 

Robert Capps, VP of business development at 

NuData Security, said: “While physical 

biometrics will always have a place when it 

comes to in-person user authentication, there 

are significant drawbacks to consider when we 

extend biometric identity verification online. 

“We shed physical biometric data wherever 

we go; leaving fingerprints on everything we 

touch, posting selfies on social media and 

videos with friends and family. Much of this 

information can be captured by fraudsters. 

Fingerprints can be stolen from doorknobs and 

glass and easily replicated. High-resolution 

photos, as Isao Echizen demonstrates in this 

zoom-and-enhance technique, can take a picture 

from great distances that can be used to copy a 

physical biometric. This technique was also 

brought to wide-scale attention by Jan 

"Starbug" Krissler when he used Angela 

Merkel’s photo to unlock an iris biometric test at 

a security conference in 2015. We can expect 

more creative attempts by hackers to capture 

this information.” 

risk everything to reunite their family. 

“Used in many scenes throughout the film, 

we employed the powerful aesthetics of 360 

Vision Technology’s Predator camera to help 

establish the atmosphere of the social 

structure in the world of The White King,” 

explains Director of Photography René Richter. 

“The film depicts a world where ordinary 

citizens are not allowed access to any form of 

technology, and where the technologically 

equipped elite control society. We found the 

futuristic and rugged appearance of the 

Predator cameras perfect for their role in the 

film.” 

Shot on location in Hungary, 360 Vision 

supplied the filmmakers with black and white 

colour versions of the Predator camera, camera 

control equipment, and provided training for 

the film’s production staff on how to operate 

the cameras. 

“360 Vision Technology is thrilled to have 

had the Predator camera chosen to appear in 

this compelling film,” says Mark Rees, 

Business Development Director at 360 Vision 

Technology. 

8 


CES 2017 event showcases a host of home 

security/smart home trends 

Every January all eyes in the electronics world turn to Las 

Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to see what 

might be the next trending product or platform. There’s more 

about Alexa elsewhere in this edition, so what else did the 

50th CES event showcase? Here, Blake Kozak, principal 

analyst, smart home and security technology, IHS Markit 

gives us an overview: 

• Smart home announcements weren’t just about cameras or 

light bulbs. The announcements focused on the consumer 

and enriching the consumer experience through seamless 

integrations and feature-rich offerings. 

• Globally in 2016, there were more than 80 million 

shipments of smart home devices with an installed base 

that exceeded 190 million devices. 

• For cameras, the smart home focus at CES was around 

facial recognition, 360 degree viewing, security motion 

detection and HomeKit. 

• Outdoor cameras were featured as well, with 

announcements from Bosch and Ring, each of which had 

outdoor cameras connected to outdoor power sources and 

integrated with lighting. Baby monitors were also a 

trending item, with Netgear Arlo and OneLink by First Alert, 

each of which have features such as air quality monitoring 

but the OneLink camera offers video respiration detection, 

a feature that uses non-invasive methods to monitor a 

baby’s breathing. 

• Overall, the smart home camera market continues to 

expand as suppliers enhance their portfolio with cameras 

designed for various purpose such as outdoors, indoors, 

wired, wireless and cameras with lower price-points. A few 

new cameras that were announced combine several 

connectivity standards and automation features into one 

device (including voice control). 

• Light bulbs such as Lifx provide two types of illumination, 

one of which is infrared to assist with outdoor cameras 

using night vision. The infrared helps the cameras see 

clearer in complete darkness, which for battery powered 

cameras, will dramatically increase battery life. Other light 

bulb announcements featured integrated motion detection 

and speakers. 

• In addition to device refinement, business models are also 

changing at CES. Many of the top service providers offering 

smart home have focused on manufacturing their own 

devices in order to create a seamless look and feel across 

devices. 

• Simplifying smart home also was also a trend. IHS believes 

making smart home easier to install for the consumer (as 

well as professional installers will remove one of the 

biggest barriers to mass smart home adoption. 

• And (as mentioned elsewhere) voice assistants could be 

found at nearly every smart home booth at CES this year. 


THE BOTTOM LINE 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH CSL 

The interview that gets 

the facts from the top 

This month Simon Banks 

talks to Philip Carse, 

Principal Analyst at 

Megabuyte – a leading 

market research company for the IT 

Service, software and telecoms 

industries. 

How important is recurring revenue and recurring margin when valuing a 

business. 

Cash flow is the fundamental driver of a business’s valuation, with the most 

attractive companies converting a high proportion of profits to operating cash flow 

and having modest capital investment requirements. However, other things being 

equal, a business will attract a higher valuation multiple if it enjoys one or more of 

the following; high growth, high recurring revenues and high margins. In particular, 

high recurring revenues and margins give investors confidence as to the future 

performance of the business and its ability to withstand economic challenges. To 

mix metaphors, revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is king. 

How easy is it to diversify into tech verticals? 

There are examples of very successful business diversifications into tech; for 

example online book seller Amazon has become the world’s biggest provider of 

Cloud computing infrastructure. At a more mundane level, every business these 

days – whether traditional, people based or tech-heavy – needs to constantly 

evaluate the use of technology for business advantage. This is especially true given 

the pervasiveness of the internet, the proliferation of mobile devices, the growth in 

broadband, the rapid growth in Cloud computing and advances in areas such as 

data analytics. Established traditional businesses with customers have a good 

starting base, though should not underestimate the challenges of embracing tech. 

In the case of the security sector, the broader Internet of Things (IoT) is an 

obvious opportunity, leveraging devices/monitors, connectivity and data analysis 

for business intelligence and consumer benefit. However, it is also an opportunity 

for closely related sectors such as home automation, which could change the 

competitive dynamics of the security sector. 

Megabuyte reports on 400 companies across a number of sectors. What do 

the best companies have in common? 

Whilst we Megabuyte analysts like to opine on the companies that we cover, we 

also back up our analysis with a rigorous, quantitative financial assessment – the 

Megabuyte Scorecard. The Scorecard ranks UK companies – public and private – 

based on seven revenue, profit and cash flow measures; therefore taking into 

account a far fuller range of factors than other ‘fast track’ type league tables. 

The Scorecard tells us that the top 25% of companies are growing revenues and 

profits at about 20-25% a year, enjoy profit margins of about 25%, and convert 

about 90% of their profits to cash after investment spending. CSL consistently 

ranks in the top 50 UK private companies according to the Scorecard. 

What is the projected growth in the tech sector? 

Whilst the better performing (top quartile) companies are growing at above 19% in 

organic terms, the average is of course much lower, at 12%, whilst a quarter of 

companies that we track fail to grow organically due either to market or 

competitive pressures or because of business transformations; for example 

moving to software as a service (SaaS) models. The fastest growth areas tend to 

be in Cloud computing/web hosting (for example Amazon Web Services) and SaaS 

(for example Salesforce), whilst other hotspots include cyber security and mobile 

Machine to Machine (M2M). The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to be a future 

major market and one which, as previously noted, could be a target for security 

companies given the overlap with areas such as home cinema, automation, 

biometrics, cameras and big data analytics. 

YOU SAID IT! 

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9

Always a suitable solution 

with the DIVAR hybrid 

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At Bosch, we believe that video surveillance solutions should be as easy to 

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The most trusted brand in Alarm Signalling 

www.csldual.com @CSLDualCom ©CSL DualCom Limited

TEST 

PRODUCT TEST 


What’s in the box? 

4MP Bullet style camera 

Sunshield 

User manual 

Software CD 

Drilling template 

Allen key 

3 x screws and wall fixings 

Weatherproof RJ45 connector 

seal 

BNC to 2 pin socket test lead 

NOTE: This PSI Product Test 

was carried out by an 

independent third party, 

not editorial staff. The 

manufacturer had no input in 

the review or the final result 

This camera is promoted as an ONVIF 

compliant 4MP 2.8 - 12mm motorized zoom 

lens weatherproof bullet camera with 35m IR 

range, suitable for short to medium range 

applications. It is the in-house brand from the 

distributor Videcon. 

The camera housing is IP66 rated and 

therefore is suitable for internal and external use. 

A 4MP 1/3” CMOS sensor provides images of up 

to 2560 x 1440 pixels at 20fps with 3MP and 

1080P options at up to 30fps. A motorised 2.8mm 

to 12mm lens with one-shot focus simplifies the 

installation effort. Smart IR support is rated to 35 

metres. Power is via PoE or external 12v DC; 

Power is 10W maximum including LEDs and 

heater. Internal memory card capacity of up to 

64GB for edge storage. 

Software 

The supplied disc included a range of folders and 

files that did not seem to have been compiled 

with any logical structure or sufficient explanatory 

notes. Six top level folders were titled Adobe 

Flash Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader, 

Documentation, IMS (Inview Management 

Station), Tool and Update Tool. With the first two 

being self-explanatory the Documentation folder 

included an IMS Operation Guide and two 

versions of their Web Operations Guide (Camera 

set-up). The Web Operation guides were a 

useable V1.9 dated August 2014 and an 

apparently irrelevant V1.8 incorrectly dated May 

2015 on the front cover and not relating to the 

installed firmware browser presentation style. 

Sub folders provided some IP support help files 

and an ONVIF-sourced help document. 

The IMS folder provided an executable that 

acts as a licence-free application for accessing 

Concept-Pro NVRs and Cameras. This includes 

facilities for multiple camera layouts and recorded 

image playback by time selection or alarm search. 

The Tool folder included sub folders for an IP 

Search Tool that required the IP range once 

entered to be added to a secondary selection box 

before a search is started. This is not very intuitive 

and took some time to work out in the absence of 

any instructions however it discovered the camera 

and allowed modification of basic camera network 

settings. 

Further sub-folders included an RTSP tool, an 

SD Driver, SNMedia Player and a Time Tool where 

only the Time synchronisation tool had any 

reasonable support documents. 

Some attention to appropriate detail and 

selection of the right documents is needed to suit 

the likely audience for this information. 

Menu Options 

The camera can be configured using a Web 

browser or via the IMS software although a 

“More” option on the IMS configuration tree takes 

you directly to the Web browser view so this is 

probably the preferred method for camera 

configuration. 

There are no settings for the image quality 

such as day to night switching, IR control and 

back-light compensation etc. Right clicking on the 

live image however, brought up a “Sensor 

Settings” window providing access to Tabs for 

Time Segment, Image, Scene, Exposure, WB, Day 

Night, Noise Reduction, Image Enhancement and 

Zoom Focus. Only a single mention to this Sensor 

Settings window was found in the Web Operation 

guide after time was spent searching through all 

available documentation provided on the disk and 

the suppliers website. No information on the 

individual settings was given. While these could 

be considered standard items, some of the 

parameters such as Time Segment were given no 

context so must be assumed to relate to alarm 

handling. 

To make changes to these settings a lower 

drop down box required changing from “Standard 

mode” to “Debug Mode” where Operation and 

Configuration may have been more appropriate if 

indeed necessary at all. 

This area provided access to the Zoom and 

Focus adjustments which operated in the manner 

of a typical vari-focal lens where the focus goes 

out as soon as the zoom is adjusted but the oneshot 

focus button worked well in optimising the 

image. It was found during more detailed testing 

that the camera struggled to find focus in lowlight 

scenes if the IR illumination was turned off; 

while this mode would not normally be used, 

12 www.psimagazine.co.uk

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TEST 

This is a very capable 

camera with good 

image quality and 

mid-range sensitivity 

(continued from p12) 

it is useful to evaluate how well the focus will set 

for all lighting conditions but of course can be 

manually set if necessary. 

While the stream settings included an option 

for ROI (Region Of Interest) no detailed 

information was provided as to how this should 

be implemented but drawing a box within the 

image for either high resolution stream gave full 

resolution imaging within this box and a much 

reduced level of detail in all surrounding areas 

with a 1 to 5 level of detail reduction being 

selectable. 

Video Motion Detection is based on a 22H x 

18V grid with 7 sensitivity levels. The Privacy Zone 

function worked well but there was no mention of 

the maximum zones that could be added and in 

practice this was found to be limited to four. The 

PTZ window was included for this function and 

not greyed out, so could be used as an alternative 

method to zoom and focus the lens. 

Performance 

With the original settings, the image was found to 

be quite ‘blocky’ and relatively noisy where there 

was a reasonable amount of movement in the 

scene. Increasing the default variable bit rate 

maximum from 2Mb/s to 5Mb/s and raising the 

Quality setting from 6 to its maximum of 9 

produced good results with a high level of image 

detail and good colour rendition. 

Sensitivity was good for a 4MP image sensor 

with the 4 IR LEDs beneath the lens providing 

reasonably good night illumination but only to 

around 25 metres with default settings. Switching 

the Smart IR function off and raising the output 

from 50% to 100% gave good results beyond the 

stated 35 metres range. It was apparent from the 

night testing that it is important to carefully check 

focus if any camera is being used in such low light 

conditions as the one-shot auto-focus was unable 

PRODUCT ASSESSMENT 

RESULT 

Does it perform as expected and intuitively? 7 

Were all necessary accessories provided? 10 

Are manuals and guides clear and easily available? 6 

Is the specification detail accurate? 8 

Can the product be used without specialist training? 7.5 

Are security industry conventions followed? 7.5 

Is the product compatible with industry norms? 8 

Is there a novel or unique feature? 7 

If known, is the price point favourable /reasonable? 10 

Is detailed technical information available? 6 

Total score 77 

Averaged score 7.7 

TEST SCORE (marks out of ten) 7.5 

to adequately optimise the scene. The default 

settings would probably suffice for the majority of 

shorter range applications and would help 

prevent close subject flaring and extend the life of 

the IR LEDs. 

The sensitivity is stated as being 0.05 Lux 

colour but as is now common from all suppliers 

no supporting information for such a figure is 

given. In practice the camera performed well with 

good colour images being achieved down to less 

than 1 Lux when set to its default 1/20th second 

shutter speed with negligible motion blur and still 

an acceptable colour image albeit with noise 

when set to 1/50th second. In normal operation, 

the camera would be expected to switch over to IR 

supported monochrome mode before this light 

level is reached. 

Switchover is controlled by a front mounted 

light sensor and very flexible Day to Night and 

Night to Day transition controls with variable 

delay to allow the switching point to be accurately 

set. Two covers are found beneath the camera; 

the first protects sealed Focus and Zoom 

adjustment holes that would have been used on a 

previous model and the second gives access to 

the MicroSD card slot, a factory reset button and 

the 2-pole test CVBS video output connector. The 

supplied User manual still refers to manual zoom 

and focus adjustments even though this model 

has remote adjustment only, only a reference to 

motorised options being available is given. 

The test video output shows an SD image of 

most of the sensor area and is perfectly adequate 

for camera positioning. The IP address is shown in 

white text centred at the bottom of the screen but 

is quite small, so may be difficult to discern on a 

small test monitor. The manual also suggests 

pressing the reset button to return the camera to 

its default IP address of 192.168.0.120 if a DHCP 

address has been allocated by the router however 

it was found in practice that DHCP was the factory 

default setting so the camera would continue to 

use a router allocated address until this option 

was turned off. 

Audio input and output leads are provided but 

there is no external alarm input or output 

capability. A corridor (9:16) mode is supported 

through the ‘Scene’ option but is called ‘Aisle’. 

Conclusion 

This is a very capable camera with good image 

quality and mid-range sensitivity. It is currently let 

down by its documentation which should not be 

too difficult to address. It is clearly worth 

spending time familiarising yourself with all of the 

available features so that the camera’s 

performance can be optimised for the intended 

scene to be viewed. 

14 


NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? 

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER 

TIME TO TALK TO VISTA 

With so many products and choices available, navigating 

the security market can be a real challenge. Vista has 

years of experience developing solutions to match the 

needs of installers and end-users alike. 

If you want to find a cost-effective and scalable solution to 

address your security needs, why not talk to us now? 

01253 887 988 

info@vista-cctv.com 

www.vista-cctv.com 

vistacctv 

Search for Vista CCTV 

Search for Vista CCTV

TEST 

PRODUCT TEST 

Supra Consumer 500 Outdoor 

KeySafe 

What’s in the box? 

Key safe 

Weather cover 

Four wall tapping screws 

Code change tool 

Instructions 

9 out of 10 

Today there are a number of ways in 

which you can open a locked door 

ranging from biometrics to NFC and 

smart devices, however for the vast 

majority of homeowners a key is the 

method of choice. The problem arises if 

you need to grant access to a keyed 

property without the presence of the 

occupant or if the homeowner is unable 

to come to the door; a daily occurrence 

for health visitors, social workers etc. 

Leaving the key under a plant pot is not 

a secure solution. 

One answer is the Supra Consumer 

500 KeySafe (also referred to as the 

C500), available via The Key Safe 

Company, which provides a secure way 

to store keys for convenient access. It 

has been designed following 

consultation with users and is regularly 

reviewed (see later). The C500 has LPCB 

(Loss Prevention Certification Board) LPS1175: 

Issue 6, Security Rating 1 accreditation, equal to a 

front door of the same standard and as a result of 

this security rating, the product has achieved 

Police approval through Secured by Design. 

The C500 KeySafe itself is made of heavy 

gauge stainless steel and a thick zinc-alloy shell. 

It has a double wall construction and a stainless 

plate around the twelve buttons which allow 

access to the safe contents when the correct code 

(of which there are over 4000 variations) is 

punched in. The locking mechanism uses a longtravel 

bolt for pry-resistance and a clutch 

mechanism prevents the handle from being forced 

open. If the C500 is locked and the handle is 

turned with force, the handle slips and turns 

without opening. Turning the handle back to the 

closed position until it clicks re-latches the 

handle. 

The 76x53mm vault of the C500 allows users to 

store up to six keys depending on key type and 

length (5-6 Yale type or 2-5 Chubb style keys) and 

it features an integral hook to ensure easy access 

to keys. 

Installation 

The first thing you will notice when taking the 

safe from its box is the weight and solid ‘feel’ of 

the zinc alloy unit. Clocking in at over 1.7kg for 

such a little box the safe certainly gives the 

impression that it is a robust product, as you 

would expect from its accreditations. 

In order to maintain its Secured by Design 

status the unit must be fitted as instructed using 

the four self-tapping 60mm masonry screws that 

fix into brick or concrete without the need for rawl 

plugs. There is a mounting template on the 

instructions sheet for marking the four points to 

drill using a 5mm masonry drill bit. The four holes 

must be across two bricks (not in the mortar or in 

breeze blocks) and if the wall is rendered it must 

be no thicker than 10mm. Once all four T30 screws 

are tightened the unit is ready for use and the 

rigid black weather cover can be lifted into place. 

Setting the code 

The safe code can be changed as many times as 

required to maintain security and is not as 

complicated as first glance at the instructions 

might make you think. Furthermore any 

combination of the right buttons can be 

depressed to open the safe – there is no set order. 

So for example you could press 1245A or A4512 to 

open the box. To determine the ‘active’ buttons 

ensure the opening handle is closed and simply 

turn the internal screw allocated to each number 

using the included code change tool. 

When opening the safe the user presses the 

designated buttons and turns the lock to open the 

unit. Should an incorrect button be depressed 

then the clear button in the centre of the safe 

should be used and then the correct code can be 

applied. 

Conclusion 

The developers found from working alongside 

Police Forces, throughout England, Scotland and 

Wales, that opportunist thieves would rather 

'break and enter' than stand around outside a 

property trying to pick a lock or a key safe which 

is why a unit such as this is a beneficial way to 

store a key outside a property. Our reviewers tried 

using a host of methods of entry on the safe 

without even getting close to opening it up so it 

certainly fulfils its protection ratings. 

One note of interest is that earlier mention of 

regular reviews following consultation. During our 

research of the unit we came across an online 

video claiming to show how to break the code on 

a C500. This glitch has for some time been 

designed out of the safe and anyone now trying to 

use this method of entry will be unsuccessful 

according to the company. Just to be sure, our 

reviewers tried it anyway and could not get in. 

This is a solid, easy install product that boasts 

some serious and well deserved accreditations. 

16 www.psimagazine.co.uk

IDIS 

Europe 

1000 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9HH, United Kingdom 

T +44 (0)203 657 5678 F +44 (0)203 697 9360 E uksales@idisglobal.com 

www.idisglobal.com

EDITOR’S CHOICE 

Second generation network 

video recorder announced 

Analogue cameras integrated 

into open VMS platform 

As a result of working with Milestone to achieve 

optimal interaction between disparate 

manufacturers’ devices, Hikvision’s Full HD 

analogue encoder DS-6700HQHI-SATA series can 

now be fully integrated into Milestone’s XProtect 

open platform networked VMS. While the Hikvision 

encoder supports HDTVI signal input, this means 

that Hikvision’s entire Turbo HD range of cameras 

can be supported to provide an integrated 

Milestone controlled Hikvision based system. 

Hikvision’s Turbo HD Analogue Solution 

enables existing coaxial-cable based CCTV 

systems to be simply upgraded to high-definition 

surveillance. 

Alongside the news of Milestone XProtect 

Device Pack 8.9 support, Hikvision is introducing 

the expanded Turbo HD family, which will feature a 

range of analogue cameras at 5MP resolution, 

longer transmission distances and increased 

signal capacity. www.hikvision.com 

App for simplifying and 

speeding up installations 

Tyco Security Products has introduced Kantech 

EntraPass Go Install, a free mobile app that uses QR 

codes, pre-populated fields and a simplified 

commissioning process to help decrease 

installation time. The app works with other security 

devices, such as cameras managed by exacqVision, 

zones managed by DSC PowerSeries Neo intrusion 

panels and Kantech card readers. 

Kantech EntraPass Go Install allows system 

integrators and end users to connect to their 

Kantech EntraPass servers by selecting from a list of 

existing servers or 

adding one manually 

to configure Kantech 

KT-1 and KT-400 door 

controllers. 

Configuration is 

done by scanning a 

QR code that 

contains the 

controller’s MAC 

address and serial 

number, enabling 

remote configuration 

of controllers as well 

as doors without a 

desktop computer. 

www.kantech.com 

FLIR Systems has announced the 

second generation of the FLIR 

Meridian Network Video Recorder 

(NVR) aimed at small and medium 

business users. 

An all-in-one video surveillance recording 

system, the second generation product adds a 

built-in 8-port PoE switch and dual monitor 

display functionality. 

The NVR’s new PoE switch and external 8- 

port PoE switch options allows the connection of 

up to 24 cameras. With new dual monitor 

support, users can control multiple cameras, 

browse through recorded footage, and generate 

detailed reports using FLIR’s built-in United VMS 

Control Center, or the modernised EZ Client web 

interface, which is optimised for touch screen 

monitors. 

The NVR comes pre-configured with FLIR’s 

Video Management Software (VMS), supports 

FLIR’s enterprise visible and thermal security 

cameras, third-party access control systems, and 

video analytics. 

www.flir.com/meridian 

New browser-based VMS is 

launched 

Vicon has released its new video management 

software, the browser-based Vicon Valerus. 

Built on open standards in order to optimise 

interoperability, the software offers thin client 

architecture and central licensing and supports 

conventional network systems and is ready for 

the expanding world of cloud computing. 

Valerus is available for download with a 30- 

day free trial. Upcoming software updates are 

free to ensure that in the future, the software is 

compatible with the latest 

hardware and operating 

systems. Upgrades are only 

necessary to unlock new 

features. 

www.vicon-security.com 

18 


EDITOR’S CHOICE 

The security industry is busy and complex, so it’s easy to miss 

new products and services as they get lost in day-to-day 

activities. Every now and again, certain products grab our 

attention so here we take a look at some of the products we 

think you won’t want to miss this month. 

Push buttons evolving with 

changes for 2017 

The indoor and outdoor push buttons within the 

StopperSwitch series from Safety Technology 

International have undergone some changes for 

2017. 

The low/high voltage push buttons can fit any 

standard UK-type switch socket box and, says the 

company, are quick and easy to install. There are 

three types available; key-to-reset, momentary 

and pneumatic. 

Indoor models are supplied as a dual mount, 

designed to fit either flush or surface onsite 

installations. Outdoor models are supplied with a 

weatherproof back box. 

Further options have been introduced which 

now include a ‘Standard Function Marking’ label 

sheet with twelve prevalent operating labels for a 

variety of uses, ready for self-assembly. Custom 

label is also available upon request. The option to 

change the button colour to the housing broadens 

the variety of applications. For example, a white 

housing with a green button has been designed as 

a ‘Press to Exit’ button. 

www.sti-emea.com 

Ideal for upgrading CCTV 

Videcon has launched the Concept Pro VXHAHDM 

DVR, an addition to the AHD recording range. 

Available in four, eight and sixteen channel 

options, the VXHAHDM offers real time recording 

and playback of 1080p video over coax from high 

definition analogue cameras. Compatible with all 

traditional analogue cameras, a Concept Pro AHD 

system is ideal for upgrading legacy CCTV 

systems to HD by utilising the same coax 

infrastructure, reducing install times and allowing 

installers to offer incremental HD updates for 

each camera on site. 

Built on the Concept Pro platform, the 

VXHAHDM offers the same setup experience, 

functionality and benefits as the rest of the 

current AHD and IP recording line-up. Without a 

selection of the more specialist features only 

needed in the most high-end of applications, the 

VXHAHDM allows installers to be as competitive 

as possible when quoting for 

business of all sizes. 

The VXHAHDM is 

remote monitoring 

enabled and can 

connect to any 

monitoring station 

using Immix or 

Sentinel software 

platforms. 

www.videcon.co.uk 

Upgrade and rebrand for building intelligence system 

Paxton has introduced improvements to the user experience as part of its 

latest software release for its integrated building intelligence system. The 

software update includes a new user interface and some features to 

improve the navigation, making it simple and more intuitive for installers 

and their customers. This increased functionality also coincides with a 

rebrand of the system from net10 to Paxton10. 

First launched in the UK in early 2016, Paxton10 came onto the market 

under the name net10. However, with the company’s increased global 

presence a rebrand to Paxton10 ensures the system is easily recognisable 

as a Paxton product in every market. 

The new features included in the software update include: 

- System health information – offline devices can be identified on the homepage 

- System activity – access events can previewed over the last week in a simple table 

- Access levels – give users more than one access level and add software and building permissions to a user’s record 

Users will notice that once the software update is complete the net10 URL will auto replace to Paxton10 thereafter 

and the net10 URL will no longer be valid. 

www.paxton10.com 

NOTE: All technical specifications listed are provided by manufacturers 


19

Paxton 

Smart, Integrated 

Security Solutions from Paxton 

• Leading 

Market leaders, over 30 years of 

industry experience 

• Scalable 

Access control and building intelligence 

systems for a variety of sites 

• Integrated 

IP ready solutions integrating with CCTV, 

door entry, intruder & fire alarms 

• Straightforward 

Intuitive and easy to use solutions 

including free software upgrades 

• Efficient 

Manage electrical utilities and control lifts, 

saving energy and money 

• Supported 

Industry leading technical support and five 

year product guarantee 

Find out more and register for FREE training: 

paxton.info/2746 

www.paxton.co.uk | 01273 811011 

Paxton protects Manchester United Football Club, Michelin, Foyles Bookstore and many more

INTERVIEW 

Online trading troubles? 

As a security system installer you probably rely on your website to promote 

your products and services to customers and provide a means of contact. 

You may even sell and distribute security and fire technology via your 

website as a sales platform, but how secure is your online presence? 

e’re all familiar with the cyber crime 

Wstories we hear about in the news these 

days, but is it only large corporations 

and public sector bodies that really need to 

worry about their business IT? PSI caught up 

with Chris Chapman and Lisa Toms of insurance 

brokers Aston Scott to find out why installers 

should take another look at their online 

offerings. 

How concerned should readers be about 

trading on the internet? 

Chris - There is no doubt that trading on the 

internet is now an integral part of almost every 

business in one form or another. Virtually every 

business has a website and many will use this 

form of trading to distribute their products. But 

it isn’t just internet trading that makes a 

business vulnerable to attack through its IT 

systems. 

All security system installers hold sensitive 

customer data on their computer systems, for 

example names, addresses, details of security 

systems and banking information. Most are 

reliant on their computer systems to conduct 

their business. And, as they’re in the security 

business, reputations can be left in tatters if this 

customer data finds its way from the installer 

into the wrong hands! 

So there is room for concern! However, some 

sensible risk management can go a long way 

and if supported by the right insurance cover 

help will be at hand in the event of a problem. 

Can companies be fined if they are 

shown not to have taken adequate IT 

steps – even if they contracted out the IT 

work? 

Chris - Companies should always ensure that 

their data and IT systems are adequately 

protected. For breaches of data security the 

Information Commissioners Office (ICO) 

currently has a number of options available 

under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). 

These include non-criminal enforcement, 

mandatory audits, enforcement notices, criminal 

prosecution, and monetary penalties of up to 

£500k for serious breaches. Hiscox, one of the 

major UK cyber insurers says this picture will be 

changing over the next couple of years, as the 

new European General Data Protection 

Regulation (GDPR) comes in to force on 18th 

May 2018. 

What is a typical example of something 

going wrong for a trader? 

Lisa - Many people have heard of the data 

breach suffered by Talk Talk and Playstation but 

these incidents aren’t limited to just the bigger 

organisations. It is alarming how often smaller 

businesses, on a smaller scale are subject to 

this type of targeted attack, including 

Ransomware incidents (HM Government 2015 

information security breaches survey). 

Are there any common errors that 

companies make with websites? 

Chris - Any company’s website can be subject to 

cyber-attacks, but adequate protection and 

professional advice can help mitigate its 

vulnerability. However, data breaches are not 

just restricted to website errors. Human error 

can play a part, from, with people emailing 

information to the wrong person, losing 

laptops/papers, to clicking on malicious 

links/attachment. 

Should every company with a website be 

wary? 

Chris - Every company that has a website should 

be aware of the potential dangers of cyberattacks, 

and the risks of using electronic 

communication for its day to day handling and 

storage of data. 

How can insurance help? 

Lisa - Insurance can help if something goes 

wrong, but the key is to put in place adequate 

protection to help reduce the risks in the first 

instance and safeguard your IT systems against 

attack. 

(continued over) 

Chris Chapman 

Lisa Toms 

“All security system 

installers hold 

sensitive customer 

data on their 

computer systems, for 

example names, 

addresses, details of 

security systems and 

banking information” 


21

INTERVIEW 

“If all else fails and 

you suffer a security 

breach then insurance 

arranged via a 

reputable Broker can 

not only provide 

financial help but add 

real value when it 

comes to getting back 

on your feet quickly” 

22 

(continued from previous page) 

Computer security takes three main forms: 

Physically Protecting Your Hardware - Make 

sure you know what kit you have and keep track 

of its movement by keeping an inventory and 

auditing regularly. Make sure that physical 

security around your computers is strong to 

reduce the risk of theft and also that doors to 

sensitive areas, like server rooms, are kept 

locked and access is restricted to authorised 

personnel only. 

Allocate equipment to individuals and give 

them responsibility to ensure its security, 

especially if people are using mobile phones 

and laptops away from your main premises. 

If you dispose of hardware make sure that all 

data, software and information contained on 

that device is properly wiped and that you know 

exactly where it is going for disposal. 

Electronic Protection of the System - Make sure 

that access for each staff member is restricted 

to what they need in order to carry out their job 

role and restrict personal use of your computers 

and you may wish to restrict access to certain 

software, websites and areas of your company 

data. Make sure that all users have password 

protection and that these are changed regularly. 

Take professional advice on adequate antivirus 

software, a firewall and keep these 

updated regularly. When you receive software 

updates ensure these are actioned to maintain 

your protection. 

Create an IT Security Policy to include all of 

the measures that you have put in place and 

what is required by every member of staff in 

order to protect the integrity of your computer 

systems. Make it clear what the potential 

impact for the business and clients can be if 

these requirements whether accidentally or 

deliberately breached. 

Being Risk Aware - Make sure that you and your 

staff are aware of the security issues they might 

encounter. For example, educate staff in the 

risks of opening unsolicited emails and 

attachments. Explain the dangers involved in 

accessing websites via email, especially where 

sensitive information is asked for. 

Ensure that staff know exactly what to do if 

they think there is a problem; who to report it to 

and how. 

What should installers do if they have 

had an online security breach? 

Lisa - If all else fails and you suffer a security 

breach then insurance arranged via a reputable 

Broker can not only provide financial help but 

add real value when it comes to getting back on 

your feet quickly. 

Support in the following areas (subject to 

policy terms and conditions): 

Breach Costs – practical support following a 

data breach, including help with notifying 

customers or regulators, forensic investigation 

and credit monitoring 

Business Interruption – compensation for loss 

of income if your reputation is damaged or if 

your system isn’t operating and you can’t earn 

revenue as a result 

Hacker Damage – cover for repair costs, data 

restoration or replacement if hackers cause 

damage 

Cyber Extortion – Protection if a hacker holds 

your business to ransom along with risk 

consultancy services to manage the situation 

Crisis Containment – support to minimise 

damage to your reputation if you suffer a data 

breach, including PR support 

Privacy Protection – defence and settlement of 

claims made against you along with the costs of 

regulatory investigations and settlement of 

penalties levied by regulators (where permitted) 

Multimedia Liability – protection where you 

accidentally infringe copyright or inadvertently 

libel a third party. 


SKYHAWK 

FOR VIGILANT 

SURVEILLANCE 

LEARN MORE AT SEAGATE.COM 

© 2016 Seagate Technology LLC. All rights reserved.

VIDECON LTD 

TRADE ONLY SECURITY DISTRIBUTOR 

THERE SHOULD 

BE NO SECURITY 

FEARS WHEN 

INSTALLING A 

SECURITY SYSTEM 

Since April 2016 Concept Pro Network Video and the 

Analogue High Definition recorders have been using Secure 

European Based Servers to ensure that all your customer 

data is protected. Concerns that third parties could gain 

access to the connection details of any machine and view 

images remotely was raised by a number of our customers 

working with government bodies, private business and 

individuals. We took these comments on board and view 

this measure as an absolute necessity and one that allows 

our customers to have the peace of mind that their 

installations were secure. 

P2P networking makes it simple 

for installers to configure mobile 

viewing of the Concept Pro 

Recorders on smartphones and 

tablets. Installers simply activate 

mobile viewing by scanning the 

QR code on the unit into the 

Concept Pro app (available for 

Android and iOS devices free of 

charge) connecting through the 

server straight to the NVR.

SECURITY 

Recognising potential 

As the industry continues to evolve, 

is there room for voice recognition in 

the security sector? While banks and 

others have tried out voice 

identification, the use of using voice 

commands for electronic technology 

seems to be gaining ground in the 

consumer market.... 

Pic: Amazon 

History is littered with examples of 

technology that either didn’t hit the right 

mark with consumers or was not quite the 

success that the manufacturer had hoped for. 

Even the security industry has experienced this 

with the ‘toe in the water’ trialling of 3D CCTV at 

IFSEC one year. Other more common examples 

have been robot vacuum cleaners (when will 

developers give up on that one?), smokeless 

cigarettes and electric carving knives. Sometimes 

it’s a new upgrade that doesn’t do the business 

such as we saw with Microsoft’s Vista OS or New 

Coke in the 80s. 

The latest ‘big thing’ to hit the market is the 

Amazon Echo system which brings a voice 

controlled, web enabled unit into homes for the 

automation and control of various comforts 

(lighting, heating etc) and also web information 

without the need for hardware. The unit is also 

directly linked to Amazon media services allowing 

users to access a library of entertainment as well 

as access to a variety of shopping delivery outlets 

and apps. The Echo was listed as the biggest 

selling item on Amazon over the festive period in 

2016 which is some feat, boosted by the fact that 

the company had reportedly already sold over 5 

million units before November. 

The system works via the help of a ‘virtual 

assistant’ called Alexa; you simply start a 

question with the word Alexa and the system 

recognises this as a request for help. For example, 

“Alexa, what time is the next train from 

Huntingdon to St. Neots?” 

There are many experts in the market, as 

proven by the number of enabled products 

announced at recent technology exhibitions in the 

US, who see voice activation, and specifically 

Alexa as being the next major platform for the 

control of all electronic devices. 

But before we get ahead of ourselves let’s first 

deal with the inevitable elephant in the room, the 

negative press that comes with any new device - 

and this particular problem, like many other 

incidents before it is down to user error or simply 

not understanding the product and how to change 

from the default settings. 

The problem, says recent reports, is down to 

the voice activation technology and the fact that, 

unless you go into ‘settings’ and change the 

default position, the unit can misinterpret what 

you are saying into a request for you to buy 

something. Surely not you say? Well it has 

(apparently) happened and it’s quite comical how 

the story has developed. 

First off a mum was shocked to take delivery of 

a doll’s house and a box of biscuits from Amazon 

specifically because she hadn’t ordered them. It 

turns out that her Amazon Echo had misheard a 

comment made by her young daughter as 

beginning with the Alexa command and 

automatically placed an order for the items, which 

duly turned up. 

The mum then went to the news outlets with 

her story who lapped it up. Unfortunately anyone 

watching the TV reports in the same room as their 

own Echo also ended up taking delivery of a doll’s 

house and a box of biscuits as a result when the 

newsreader told the tale. 

At present the Echo unit does not distinguish 

between voices so anyone (or anything) in 

hearing distance of the unit can trigger an action 

if a word interpreted as Alexa is uttered. 

Stephen Cobb, a senior security researcher 

with ESET North America, told CW6 TV station in 

San Diego: “These devices don't recognise your 

specific voice and so then we have the situations 

where you have a guest staying or you have a 

child who is talking and accidentally order 

something because the device isn't aware that it's 

There are many 

experts in the market 

who see voice 

activation, specifically 

Alexa as being the 

next major platform 

for the control of all 

electronic devices 


25

SECURITY 

News that Hyundai is 

to incorporate Alexa 

into its self-driving 

car, the Ioniq, so that 

drivers can turn on 

their car with a voice 

command, tells you 

that this new platform 

is very quickly finding 

homes for more than 

the most obvious of 

domestic applications 

(from previous page) 

a child versus a parent.” 

He said the US Federal Trade Commission was 

looking into ensuring voice-command devices 

were safe and secure. 

Again, as with many ‘smart’ devices there 

needs to be basic security in place to prevent 

problems like this happening, unfortunately not 

something that our doll’s house owning mum 

considered relevant. 

With the IoT market growing at a staggering 

rate we should probably be prepared for more 

occasions where new tech has not performed as 

well as the developers had hoped once the public 

has got hold of it - even if the technology itself is 

sound. And perhaps even a few generations of 

voice technology enabled lines will need to be 

developed before all of the potential user related 

problems are ironed out; perhaps taking a leaf out 

of the book entitled ‘wireless’ as initial 

developments in this field struggled with certain 

scenarios, but even at this stage of the 

proceedings it looks like most of the concerns 

with Alexa come from user misuse. 

So while it’s early days with the technology 

and instances like the one mentioned give media 

outlets the fuel to knock new products, let’s look 

at the bigger picture here. Amazon Echo is a new 

platform; just think about that for a minute. A 

whole new way to control devices, without wires, 

is in its infancy and growing like mad. Forward 

thinking manufacturers across all industries have 

been mightily impressed by the capabilities of 

Alexa so much so that it’s not the standard home 

automation products that are coming to market 

with voice activation functionality. News that 

Hyundai is to incorporate Alexa into its selfdriving 

car, the Ioniq, so that drivers can turn on 

their car with a voice command, tells you that this 

new platform is very quickly finding homes for 

more than the most obvious of domestic 

applications. 

Now as anyone with a computer or smartphone 

will know there is always more than one way to 

carry out operations and processes. The same can 

be said of security systems with the wired/nonwired, 

networked/non-networked options to 

name just a few. So it is no surprise that there is 

no ultimate panacea for all tasks. At the moment 

the use of voice recognition for the identification 

of individuals in certain communications 

scenarios is fairly well established so how could it 

fit into our sector - one in which lives can often be 

at risk if situations are not dealt with properly? 

And could it actually be the ultimate platform? 

There are a number of immediate applications 

that come to mind that would allow 

manufacturers and users to benefit from voice 

activated systems. First off look at the most basic 

command, turning off an intruder alarm. If you 

could speak the alarm code rather than pressing 

the buttons that would help especially in those 

instances when you have your arms full of 

shopping bags. 

Secondly, what about for raising the alarm if an 

elderly person has fallen or taken a turn for the 

worse? No need to go scrabbling around for a call 

button just speak the specific command and the 

emergency services or warden/nurse can be 

alerted. 

There’s two ideas just off the top of my head. 

The sheer scope for what the technology can be 

used for is quite daunting and I’m sure we are at 

the dawning of a new age of solutions for the 

security sector. 

For the installer this is 

also the case as indicated 

by the story of the young 

mum and all of the people 

who also received 

unwanted shopping, 

because these people need 

the help of someone who 

knows how to install and 

set voice controlled 

technology to get the 

desired result. 

Forget the negative 

stories you’ll see in the 

mainstream media this 

probably, really is the ‘next 

big thing’ and 

manufacturers will need to 

look closely at the benefits 

that such an open, easy 

platform can bring to the 

security sector. 

26 


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PANEL 

Licenced 

to install? 

Would the UK security industry, the 

installer and essentially, the 

customer, benefit from a licensing 

scheme for the trade? The PSI 

Panel is in session... 

For those who weren’t aware, a few years ago 

the UK manned guarding sector (via a 

government backed scheme) decided to go 

down the route of licensing security officers, 

thus removing the unwanted and untrained from 

the market. The idea was to improve service and 

level the playing field. It was also desinged to 

give the officers the necessary training they 

would need to carry out their duties and raise 

the image of the profession to one that could be 

seen as a vocation rathe than something you did 

when you left the miltary or police force. The 

public were also, therefore, treated with the 

care and attention they deserved and incidents 

of overzealous bouncers were laid to rest. 

During the last year or so of PSI Panels the 

idea of security installers being licensed in the 

same way as a registered gas fitter is has 

cropped in more than one comment, so we felt it 

was time to address the issue. 

Does the security industry need licenced 

installers? Would the trade benefit from such a 

scheme or is it just not a viable proposition? The 

experts have their say... 

Kim Loy - Vanderbilt 

The answer to that question 

varies depending on the type 

and complexity of the system 

being installed - bearing in 

mind that size and complexity 

do not necessarily go hand-inhand, 

as there are some very 

sophisticated smaller systems with high 

security requirements. 

Manufacturers generally maintain training 

and certification for the more complex systems 

they sell and they should have training available 

for all their systems. Rather than try to police 

this training/certification through additional 

regulations there's a lot that manufacturers can 

do to encourage customers to take up that offer 

of training on all systems at all technological 


levels in the industry. 

For instance, training can be tied in with free 

product support. Or manufacturers can offer 

incentives if customers participate in on-going 

on line educational courses. 

I feel that the practicality of a regulated 

scheme above what is currently offered through 

manufacturers and industry associations would 

be a massive administrative undertaking in 

order to ensure the training was adequate and 

to monitor personnel in the field. 

Kerry Jones - 

Professional 

Surveillance 

Management 

In one respect, licensing 

installers would be a great 

step for the industry to take. 

Many end users are vulnerable 

as security is not an everyday purchase. Unless 

they have had their fingers burnt in the past, 

they may not have the necessary experience to 

judge a good quality installer from bad. The 

consequence of a poor security / fire 

installation, can be severe and life threatening. 

Eradicating unskilled and indifferent people 

from our trade would mitigate this risk. 

Focussing on detector activated CCTV; as an 

RVRC, we are frustrated with unnecessary false 

alarms that could be easily prevented if 

installers specified the correct detection for the 

environment and situated them correctly. The 

more false alarms a system generates, the less 

secure it becomes. In my experience with 

inexperienced installers, the false alarm rate is 

greater. Do they require more training or do 

they simply not care? Ultimately it is the 

customer who pays the price. I would welcome 

a solution to combat this. 

Looking at it from a different angle, a new 


“Many end users are 

vulnerable as security 

is not an everyday 

purchase. Unless they 

have had their fingers 

burnt in the past, they 

may not have the 

necessary experience 

to judge a good quality 

installer from bad” 

29

PANEL 

“Would we benefit 

from having licensed 

or approved installers 

in the security 

industry? YES. I think 

this would be great 

idea” 

30 


scheme may prevent non-approved personnel 

from carrying out the work but would it stop 

them? With this in mind, for licensing to be 

successful and practical, it perhaps should 

become a legal requirement regulated by the 

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) with 

consequences for unlicensed persons who 

install a system. This would bring our industry 

in line with other regulated services such as Gas 

Safe Register. 

Consideration would need to be given to the 

verification / approval process and the 

associated costs. Introducing a secondary 

licensing scheme in addition to current 

accreditation processes could be costly and 

difficult to achieve for smaller businesses, 

establishing an unfair advantage to larger 

businesses that have the resources (financial 

and personnel) to achieve it. 

Stephen Adams - 

BAFE 

For many years third party 

certification of fire and 

security companies has set the 

benchmark for the quality 

design, installation and 

maintenance of systems. 

Within that framework it has always been 

assumed that companies will train and develop 

staff to provide the best service and up to date 

skills, supported by a number of excellent 

training organisations. Whilst there are non 

certificated companies offering adequate fire 

and security services, third party certification is 

the only reliable means of ensuring 

competence. 

BAFE has a scheme which assesses and 

monitors the competence of portable 

extinguisher technicians which ensures not only 

that they have a basic level of competence in 

line with the standards, but also that they have 

received appropriate training and importantly, 

refresher training. 

With the development of new technologies 

and skills now is the right time for another look 

at the need for a register of fire and security 

technicians, especially those responsible for 

design, commissioning and maintenance. 

Certainly correct installation is also vital, but 

there are separate areas in this from the 

straightforward cable running to complex 

detector installation which will have to be 

defined. 

We should also celebrate the training and 

development of apprentices, which is being so 

strongly encouraged now and give them 

qualifications to which they can aspire. 

The security industry has for many years had 

quality third party certification at the heart of 

the drive to reduce false activations and the 

initiatives with the Police have had a significant 

effect on this problem. The fire industry is now 

considering similar initiatives and we should 

perhaps consider the quality certification of 

companies, individual installations and the 

technicians involved. 

David Davies - DVS 

Would we benefit from having 

licensed or approved installers 

in the security industry? YES. I 

think this would be great idea 

to introduce such a scheme in 

the near future. 

The increased use of social 

media within the security and fire industry 

means we are increasingly seeing images of 

poor and not to spec installations that have 

been rushed, poorly finished and maintained, 

and this reflects baldly on us all at some point. If 

we go back to when I trained as a young lad, we 

had to do a three-year on the job and college 

based apprenticeship where I was taught 

everything from conduit work , dressing cables, 

and even how to clean up after yourself. This 

instilled a strong work ethic and pride in the 

quality of the work being performed. Ultimately, 

the end result is a high quality, well presented, 

to standard installation, where engineers where 

extremely proud of their work. 

I’m sure I’m not the only one who used to 

stand back and admire a good installation job? 

Having certified engineers can only be good for 

everyone,if you’re the customer you will expect 

your provider to be knowledgable and provide a 

high quality installation. If you’re the employer 

you will benefit from high levels of workmanship 

withless time spent on revisits and most likely, 

more referral work. 

As an industry we would benefit from 

improved knowledge and skills. I think this 

would make the industry safer, more 


professional and attract good levels of 

engineers into the field. There will always be 

pressure on costs and to perform more work in 

less time so I see such a scheme as playing an 

important role in maintaining minimum 

standards within the industry. 

Andy Rainforth - 

Grosvenor Technology 

While it is both a laudable and 

obvious goal for standards of 

installation to raise over time 

there is an argument that 

broader regulation would 

diminish consumer choice. In 

the domestic market particularly, given the 

trend for plug and play connectivity, increasing 

prices to market (which would be a side-effect 

of any broadened, mandatory licensing or 

regulation) would increase the potential for 

those consumers favouring a lower cost option 

to adopt a DIY approach thus further lowering 

standards. 

Another challenge of compulsory regulation 

would be that the whole gambit of installers, 

from odd-job men to top end Systems 

Integrators would be covered under a blanket of 

grey, rather than the black and white 

segregation that exists today. 

Whatever viewpoint one takes, the question 

becomes moot when we consider that whatever 

our preferences, the situation is not likely to 

change any time soon. Perhaps the real 

question should be how the professional end of 

the market better differentiates itself to make 

the choice more obvious for the business client 

and domestic user alike. 

Many installers do a great job of this, 

leveraging their reputation and brand to win and 

retain business by clearly distinguishing 

themselves from the non-accredited competition 

but I believe manufacturers and distributors 

need to do more to help. 

Those manufacturers selling direct to 

installers could choose to trade only with SSAIB 

or NSI accredited companies. Distributors could 

adopt a similar approach, or at least better 

define what they consider to be ‘professional 

installers’. Their ‘trade only’ approach doesn’t 

mean much when they don’t stipulate what 

trades they will sell to. 

Manufacturers with too many wholesalers is 

another problem as the situation becomes 

exacerbated. Products available to everyone 

drives prices down and increases credibility to 

non-accredited installers. Unfortunately, some 

manufacturers would prefer to chase additional 

profits rather than promote professional 

installation companies. 


Simon Banks - CSL 

The fire and security industry 

is already strongly regulated 

with accreditation and 

certification bodies such as the 

BSIA, NSI and SSAIB. Pushing 

more regulation towards 

installation companies may 

add needless strains. Businesses are already 

stretched with the challenges of technology 

advancement and an ever increasing skills gap. 

European standards principally legislate 

equipment, with many more regulations and 

documents delving further into procedures and 

competency. Installers are currently subject to 

security screening such as BS7858. This British 

Standard states: “individuals to be employed in 

an environment where the security and/or 

safety of people, goods and services, personal 

data or property is a requirement.” 

It seems to be more of a question of 

professionalism and experience which I believe 

is consistently high throughout our sector. We 

cannot hide from the fact that we are lacking in 

skilled engineers to ensure that we have enough 

skilled labour to install the latest technologies 

to the hottest standards. Apprentices need to be 

attracted to our sector and then equipped with 

the skills outlined within the new government 

Trailblazer Standard. The new intake joining the 

industry will not only advance skills and 

knowledge but also help to develop the 

standard of progressively complex installations. 

Increasing installer regulation could take a 

decade to implement and may distract our 


“Mandating 

installation 

companies to adhere 

to even more 

regulation could add 

unnecessary strains. 

Businesses are 

already stretched..” 

31

PANEL 

“When it comes to 

extending individual 

licensing for our 

sector, the 

government’s 

preference is for 

industry to take the 

lead” 


industry at the wrong time – especially with 

increased competition from other close verticals 

such as home automation and the electrical 

sector – neither of whom adhere to any such 

scrutiny. We should focus on the continued 

regulation of our products and the investment 

in attracting fresh, talented people into our 

sector. 

Steve Martin - FSA 

There’s no question that 

installer licensing backed by 

enhanced regulations brings a 

mark of professionalism and a 

benchmark recognized by 

employers, clients and the 

public at large as assurance of 

dedicated skill, knowledge and experience. We 

are all familiar with the Gas Safe register, 

operated on behalf of the Health and Safety 

Executive (HSE), and the public awareness that 

surrounds this, with financial consequences if 

anyone carries out gas work unregistered. 

When it comes to extending individual 

licensing for our sector, the government’s 

preference is for industry to take the lead. This 

is something we have been doing for some time 

through certification bodies and third party 

accreditation, not of individuals (per se) but of 

the organisation’s ability to provide a specific 

service, including having relevant skilled staff 

and management procedures. 

Positively, the European Service Standard 

for fire safety and security systems, a 

project in development, has recently been 

voted in by the UK, and defines basic 

levels of competence. This could provide 

us with a vehicle for the widespread 

adoption of certification for anyone 

entrusted with the planning, design, 

installation, commissioning, handover, 

maintenance and monitoring of fire 

safety and security systems. 

Consequently, this raises the 

bar, raises the standard 

and creates a level 

playing field. 

Stephen D Green - 

Security Institute 

Gas and electrical technicians 

have long been required by 

law to be certified as 

competent, due to the severe 

safety implications of 

incompetence. Such an 

argument could arguably be extended to fire 

installers, where the price of systemic failure is 

clearly immediate and dreadful. The case for 

registration of security installers is, however, 

more tenuous. 

For some time there has been cross-industry 

momentum towards convergence of IT and 

physical security domains. In support of this 

strategy, technology has become progressively 

“smarter”, simplifying the installation of 

security equipment, and in particular CCTV, 

such that almost anyone can fit it. Regulation 

would seem to run counter to this strategy, 

whilst the failure of security technology, in 

many cases, would lack the immediate impact 

required to rouse public concern. 

However, this does not mean that 

governance of security system implementation 

is undesirable. Rather, I would argue, it is the 

design of such systems where competency is 

essential and should be proven. The majority of 

bad, ineffective security systems that exist 

today were made so not because the installer 

chose not to follow manufacturer’s advice, but 

rather through poor initial problem analysis, 

leading to inappropriate equipment selection, 

compounded by inadequate deployment. The 

best installer in the world cannot rectify an illconceived 

design. 

I would propose therefore to differentiate the 

act of installing equipment from that of 

specifying its type and use, with the latter 

attracting competency-based barriers to entry. 

Such a policy would cover not only those 

companies that provide both capabilities, but 

would also capture consultants and others that 

provide design-only services. Proof of discipline 

competency could be made a prerequisite to 

purchasing Professional Indemnity insurance, 

whilst, by requiring sign-off of delivered 

systems by the designer, the quality of the 

complete end-product would be assured no 

matter the identity of the actual installer. 

Tell us what you 

think at 

@SecurityDrum 

32 


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NEWS EXTRA 

Completing the jigsaw puzzle 

In mid-January, Veracity announced the full acquisition of icomply, the 

software provider of integrated command and control security solutions. 

Here we find out more about the deal and what it might mean for 

customers of both companies 

he agreement includes all operational staff, 

Tsoftware, intellectual property, ongoing 

business and also icomply’s sales and 

support subsidiary in India. Veracity will 

maintain icomply as a separate business and 

will immediately expand its operations including 

an imminent move to larger premises near 

Leeds. 

Over the last fifteen years, icomply and its 

VTAS Pro platform has delivered integrated 

solutions to an expanding portfolio of clients. 

The modular software solution supports a range 

of access control, CCTV, fire, alarm and other 

security equipment vendors, including Veracity, 

Bosch, Honeywell, Paxton, Axis, Hanwha 

Techwin and Milestone. 

Alastair McLeod, Group CEO of Veracity said: 

“With this acquisition, we extend our technical 

capability and broaden our target market. We 

will progress the icomply concept to the next 

level while maintaining an independent and 

multi-vendor approach which is at the core of its 

unique value.” 

Michael Gallagher will remain in charge of 

icomply business development and also be 

responsible for running sales, support and 

operations for the business. He is delighted 

with the acquisition by Veracity, stating: "The 

icomply team are immensely pleased with the 

acquisition, as this will enable icomply to 

accelerate both its sales and software 

development plans with the support and 

backing of Veracity.'' 

Veracity has made a long term commitment 

to expanding the icomply framework to include 

a wider range of vendors and technologies as 

well as enabling channel partners to deliver 

integrated end-to-end solutions. Veracity will 

also utilise its technologies within VTAS Pro 

including its Coldstore Surveillance Storage 

System and Trinity, a system architecture that 

eliminates NVR servers by allowing IP cameras 

to record directly to Coldstore disk arrays. 

Alastair McLeod said: “icomply is a natural fit 

for us and enables us to expand our strategy of 

delivering high-end security solutions at a lower 

total cost of ownership while helping system 

integrators and consultants offer better value to 

their customers.” 

VTAS Pro will be sold through existing 

icomply channels in the UK and India and 

through Veracity channel partners elsewhere 

with the full support of the Veracity Group. 

PSI caught up with Alastair McLeod to 

discuss the acquisition in more detail: 

When did you decide icomply would be a 

good company to acquire? 

We probably decided a few years ago to be 

honest after we had worked with them at the 

time we first launched our Coldstore system. At 

that point I felt that their software needed a 

little work but this was seven or eight years ago 

and since then we have worked with them on a 

host of projects including the Leeds City Centre 

project when the customer had specified an 

icomply front end and a Veracity storage 

solution. Back then we partnered with a number 

of companies that delivered front-end solutions, 

but we always felt that we should have full 

control of our destiny. 

A couple of years ago we realised that 

icomply had the best all-round product but that 

they were also undercapitalised and that can be 

real difficulty when you deal with large projects 

that come along at unpredictable times, 

meaning that cashflow is tricky to manage. So it 

was a few years before we were ready to make 

an approach, but when we did we had very 

amicable negotiations and acquisition. 

So there is a good fit between Veracity 

and icomply? 

There is a very good synergy between the two 

companies. The products fit together like we're 

completing part of a jigsaw puzzle and we saw 

terrific potential with icomply if it could be 

better funded. We had previously worked with 

all departments within the company, but we 


Alastair McLeod 

“There is a very good 

synergy between the 

two companies. The 

products fit together 

like we're completing 

part of a jigsaw puzzle 

and we saw terrific 

potential” 


35

NEWS EXTRA 

(continued from previous page) 

were surprised to find that the company had an 

Indian subsidiary; four people providing a new 

sales and support channel for us in a part of the 

world we had wanted to target for Veracity. 

Will customers of icomply notice any 

difference? 

Customers shouldn't notice any differences 

apart from the odd new face turning up at 

meetings. They should also notice more updates 

(on a regular basis) and more support. 

Customers in the UK should see improvements 

in performance, presentation and 

documentation. 

The team at icomply had lots of ideas of 

things they wanted to do, but just didn't have 

the time to achieve - we hope to be able to 

enable them to take these ideas forward. 

I think the company has a tremendous 

potential to expand, so we will keep the icomply 

name in the UK and India and in other territories 

such as the US we will have the Veracity brand 

“I think we will absorb the acquisition and focus on getting 

that right first. My view of getting it right is a light touch” 

for the combined product. Our team in the US is 

keen to get to know the product and to deliver 

the solution under the Veracity brand. 

What does this mean for Veracity? Are 

you looking at more acquisitions? 

I think we will absorb the icomply acquisition 

and focus on getting that right first. My view of 

getting it right is a light touch - I don't want to 

impose things upon the team, but on the 

management side we will start to assist them. 

As for other acquisitions, if a similar 

opportunity turned up we would certainly look 

at it, but icomply was a particular opportunity 

where we had known them before and had 

already recognised the potential in having full 

control of our own front end. 

In the lower and mid-range end of the market 

there is a bit of a race to the bottom going on at 

the moment and we don't want to be part of that 

as we have more specialised products. When it 

came to the technology it was either a case of 

developing it ourselves or acquiring so this was 

not a difficult decision to make once the 

opportunity presented itself. 

ARE YOU MISSING SOMETHING? 

@securitydrum 

follow PSI on Twitter for news, views & comment

ANALYTICS 

Going beyond surveillance 

You can do much more with 

cameras these days than just look 

for security and fire related events. 

PSI catches up with Scott Brothers, 

Vice President of Corporate 

Development at Oncam to talk 

about the applications of smart 

video technology 

Recent estimates have suggested that the 

impact of applications of the Internet of 

Things (IoT) could be worth up to $11.1 

trillion by 2025. Alongside this, a third of 

businesses in the UK believe it is already having a 

major impact upon their business, with another 

third expecting it to soon. While most understand 

the fundamental concept of the Internet of 

Things; the use of sensors and interconnectivity 

allowing users to track physical changes through 

a digital platform - and recognise its potential - 

they are not aware of the vast variety of sensors 

now hitting the market and the amount of data 

these sensors will be analysing. 

“Video surveillance, of a kind, comes as a 

given in nearly all public spaces today,” says 

Scott Brothers. “Despite this, the technology has 

remained almost entirely stagnant for the past 

twenty years, and usually represents a simple 

tick-box must-have when it comes to security. 

With interconnected sensors and data analytics, 

however the applications of video sensors are 

opening up and becoming an integral part of 

business analytics. 360-degree video in 

conjunction with cloud computing and real time 

data analysis that can be pushed out to 

thousands of devices across mobile or desktop, 

are driving this change. Furthermore, the costs of 

installing these devices are often much lower than 

many expect, with the only barrier to entry being 

a broadband connection while the heavyprocessing 

takes place off site.” 

The typical security applications of such 

technology do remain, and can be built upon. 

Spaces can be monitored - but smart cameras can 

not only monitor but also notify, automatically 

pushing alerts should someone enter an off limits 

360-degree video in conjunction with cloud computing and 

real time data analysis that can be pushed out to 

thousands of devices across mobile or desktop, are driving 

a change 


37

ANALYTICS 


area. The complexity of video analysis goes 

further; software can recognise gait or 

movements that appear suspicious or body 

language red flags, and highlight this to business 

owners in real time. 

More than security 

“It’s the applications beyond security, however, 

that are likely to capture business owner’s 

imagination,” reveals Scott. “In terms of a retail 

space, visual merchandising and store 

atmospherics have long been known to have a 

direct impact upon the customer experience and 

how much they spend. Chain Store Age set some 

hard facts on this topic back in 2004, stating that 

63 per cent of consumers remember occasions 

when the store atmosphere caused them to buy 

more while almost half also spent money and 

more time in a store with the right atmosphere.” 

Growth in areas such as facial tracking and 

machine learning mean that video technology can 

now automatically track a customer’s reaction to 

certain visual cues. Questions on which displays 

are holding people’s sight for the longest, which 

are eliciting a sigh, and which get people picking 

up products can be answered with quantifiable, 

results-based metrics – and without a sales 

assistant lurking with a clipboard! The ability to 

respond to these messages is key in increasing 

customer engagement, retention and sales. This 

level of granular data has previously been the 

preserve of online stores (who can track clicks, 

Questions on which displays are 

holding people’s sight for the 

longest, which are eliciting a sigh, 

and which get people picking up 

products can be answered with 

quantifiable, results-based metrics 

– and without a sales assistant 

lurking with a clipboard! 

page views and more) however new sensors and 

data analytics can now gather a similar level of 

data from the physical world. 

In further uses, some hotels in Paris, for 

example, have recently begun using facial 

recognition software to recognise regular or highvalued 

guests before they enter the building. The 

concierge is then ready to greet them in a 

personally-tailored manner before they step 

through the door. The longer such technology is in 

place the more it can learn about a customer base 

or even individual customers, and therefore the 

more information it can push out to employees to 

customise each and every client’s experience. 

Endless applications 

“While retail is one exciting space where the 

installation of smart sensors can provide real 

additional value beyond the realms of security, 

the sectors which this technology can be applied 

to are almost endless,” explains Scott Brothers. 

“The growth of big-data analytics will allow 

businesses to create bespoke packages; tailoring 

the parameters they wish to analyse to their 

needs. Schools and universities, for example will 

be able to programme sensors to detect class 

attention - who has a hand raised, who spent 

hours staring out the window or talking – and 

feed it back to the teacher in real time if 

necessary. Building sites could detect if workers 

are wearing hardhats and if the construction is 

adhering to safety regulations. Intercity transport 

hubs could be optimised to automatically 

despatch extra transport to the areas in highdemand, 

or to reroute around traffic incidents in 

real-time.” 

We can expect to see the use of smart, 

interconnected technology becoming a part of 

many businesses in the coming years. However, 

while the sensors may become ubiquitous, their 

uses will be unique. It is the creativity available to 

each business that will breathe new life and 

applications into areas such as video. What has 

long been considered legacy technology can now 

be updated for the digital revolution – paved by 

the creation of products which no longer just 

record, but understand, data. 

38 


thepaper 

Business News for Security Professionals 

Pro-Activ Publications is embarking on a revolutionary 

launch: a FORTNIGHTLY NEWSPAPER dedicated to the 

latest financial and business information for 

professionals operating in the security sector 

The Paper will bring subscribers (including CEOs, 

managing directors and finance directors within the 

UK’s major security businesses) all the latest company 

and sector financials, details of business re-brands, 

market research and trends and M&A activity 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 

ON THE PAPER CONTACT: 

Brian Sims BA (Hons) Hon FSyI 

(Editor, The Paper and Risk UK) 

Telephone: 020 8295 8304 

e-mail: brian.sims@risk-uk.com 

www.thepaper.uk.com

Get your Career 

off the ground 

from anywhere in the world 

Part of the 

Tavcom Training the leading provider of security systems 

training, now offer a wide range of online courses. 

tavcom.com 

Contact our sales team on +44 (0)1489 895099 

CCTV | IP Networking | Intruder Alarms | Access Control | Fire Alarms | Electro Technical

ANALYTICS 

Analytics add intelligence 

One of the added extras to some surveillance cameras or a service offered 

by licence, video analytics bring dedicated functionality to CCTV 

Typically VCA is used 

for recognising 

loitering, proximity to 

fences/buildings, 

suspicious behaviour, 

abandoned object 

and reading number 

plates 

It has been estimated that there are around 

2 million CCTV cameras currently 

operational in the UK, which means that not 

only are there a lot of you fitting and maintaining 

systems but there are also an awful lot of footage 

that need to be managed at any one time to spot 

any incidents. 

As any of you that have sat through a lengthy 

speech will know, the average sustained attention 

span of a human adult is not very long (at best it 

is reported to be 40 minutes) so you need some 

form of stimulus to keep anyone’s focus on the 

job in hand before it begins to wane. When you 

factor in the sheer volume of video footage that 

needs to be monitored for a security application, 

a solution is needed to help the CCTV operative in 

not only keeping on top of the vast quantities of 

data that requires his attention but also help to 

maintain a high level of efficiency in spotting 

infractions. 

The most common way to do this is to add 

intelligence to the system with the aid of video 

content analytics (VCA) also known as intelligent 

video analytics (IVA) and thanks to the size of the 

UK surveillance sector, having a system that can 

accurately and immediately detect and alert staff 

to suspicious activity is crucial. 

For those yet to really have a look at specifying 

systems that feature this technology there are a 

number of VCA solutions that you will be familiar 

with such as automatic number plate recognition 

(ANPR), people counting or facial recognition. In 

the mid 00’s VCA was the buzz of the security 

industry although early systems did somewhat 

under-perform and may have led to a slower than 

expected initial uptake of the technology. Today 

however the use of video monitoring software is 

widespread and has, in many new product 

launches, come fitted as standard as in the case 

of video motion detection. 

Even some of the products we have in our 

homes use VCA technology, such as games 

consoles. Intelligent image analytics are now 

firmly part of our day-to-day life, with systems in 

airports looking for suspicious luggage and 

behaviour through to tracking of known faces in a 

crowd. 

But VCA is not just relevant for security 

purposes. In the retail environment companies 

are always looking for the information they can 

gather from facial recognition software. This 

includes age, gender and ethnicity – all for the 

purposes of defining behaviour in the store rather 

than identifying those individuals who are known 

thieves on the database. 

All public area surveillance (such as airports, 

ports etc) can benefit from using facial 

recognition to spot unwelcome individuals, 

however retailers can also use the software to 

check the profile of their customers and to 

determine footfall. It is of great value to the 

retailer to be able to discover where the popular 

areas of the stores are and how people arrive at 

that place for designing the store layout and 

positioning of high profile items. They can also 

justify charging extra for placement at hot-spots. 

Another interesting developments of VCA that 

helped bolster the growth of the technology in 


41

ANALYTICS 


non-security applications was in the use of sports 

video analysis to speed through the hours of 

Formula 1 footage to measure the on-screen 

presence of advertisers’ logos. This reported on 

the length of time the logos were shown and how 

big they were thus painting an overall picture of 

the effectiveness of the campaign. The company 

who developed this then moved on to designing 

the software to allow it to recognise specific faces 

from a database and then track them in a crowd. 

Since the unreliable formative years of VCA 

which saw false alarms being raised by stray 

dogs, foxes and birds, we now have advanced 

systems that can tell if a person is walking, 

running or rolling in an area along with their 

proximity, behaviour and if they leave anything 

behind or tamper with the camera itself. So if your 

client is looking to manage the output from a 

number of cameras then VCA could be the ideal 

solution and combining VCA with a top of the 

range camera can bring additional benefits. 

There are a few variations on the theme, but 

the essential method of how video content 

analysis works is that the camera is linked to a 

VCA processor that then sends the message to an 

incident managing system where it is flagged up 

onscreen as an action. Some cameras have the 

“intelligence” or the VCA processor built in, while 

some DVRs contain the processor, however the 

end result whichever method is used, is that the 

screen at the monitoring station (or the graphical 

user interface (GUI) to be more precise) reacts to 

show that an incident has taken place. 

Typically VCA is used for recognising loitering, 

proximity to fences/buildings, suspicious 

behaviour, abandoned object and reading number 

plates. 

If you ask a client about analytics 

for security and non-security 

related applications the next time 

you’re on a job you might open up 

a whole new area of functionality 

In terms of licensing, VCA is software and 

licences generally need to be paid when software 

is involved. When it comes to edge technology 

(where the VCA processor is in the camera) this 

will be included in the price of the unit. If you are 

using a third party system that offers advanced 

functionality not available in the camera or if you 

require a channel to a specific system this would 

require extra funding. 

The flexibility of the various options available 

for achieving video content analysis of footage 

means that any application can benefit from 

image processing for security or non-security 

purposes as long as good quality images are 

available. Despite how the technology is 

marketed, many systems are not yet truly ‘plug 

and play’ although some of the IP technology 

does fulfil the description - all scenes are unique 

and cameras need to be individually configured, 

tested and optimised to meet the task in hand. 

But once installed and working efficiently, VCA 

can be hugely beneficial to your customers. 

If you ask a client about analytics for security 

and non-security related applications the next 

time you’re on a job you might open up a whole 

new area of functionality they had not considered 

for their cameras, and if you can offer to heavily 

reduce the number of bodies that are needed to 

sit looking at video walls to boot, then business 

could well be forthcoming. 

42 


together raising standards 

Meet the installer 

Do you use a distributor or buy direct from 

manufacturers? 

We use both. We have good relationships with 

local suppliers and we provide product training to 

many in Peterborough and the surrounding areas. 

Is third party accreditation beneficial to 

your company? 

Our accreditations and certificates are very 

important as I know that we would not even be 

considered without such recognition for a lot of 

the larger projects that we have. Accreditation 

proves that we work to high standards and can 

deliver a high level of service. 

What would be a typical project for you? 

We don’t really have a typical project as the work 

we do can range from the installation of a small 

domestic intruder system to providing large 

shopping centres, council buildings or MOJ 

buildings with a range of security systems and 

services. 

Are there any common requests from 

customers that give you problems? 

Like many companies we have customers that 

expect their systems to be installed the very next 

day! Another problem comes from the widespread 

availability of information on the Internet. 

Customers see a price on the Web and expect that 

to be the cost no matter the specific requirements 

of the installation. 

What would make your job easier? 

A few things spring to mind. Firstly, I would say 

that there needs to be standardisation in intruder 

alarm training and secondly, life would be much 

easier if there were more qualified and 

experienced engineers in the industry. I also think 

that we would benefit from clearer tender 

requirements such as product quantities in the 

original plan. 

Do you think there is a skills shortage in 

the industry? Any trouble recruiting? 

As already mentioned, there does seem to be a 

shortage of quality installers around. We have 

started taking on apprentices to try and bring the 

new talent on, but when we need a more 

experienced engineer we have begun using 

recruitment agencies to try and fill the role. It 

would be beneficial if there were more training 

and apprentice schemes specific to the security 

industry. 

What is the industry’s biggest myth? 

That police response isn’t available to everyone 

Name: Katy Stewart 

and that it is very expensive. Also I would say 

that, while it’s not really a myth, a homeowner’s 

reliance on a bells-only alarm system means the 

home is not as secure as they may think. They 

might have had an alarm system fitted, but they 

are not fully protected without monitored 

services. Who reacts when they hear an alarm 

going off? 

What will be the impact of smart/home 

automation on the security sector? 

I think it will open up opportunities for 

manufacturers to expand product capabilities and 

for installers to supply a greater range of services. 

What is your ultimate/fantasy electronic 

security product? 

I know for a fact that our engineers would love a 

device that could be placed onto a panel to 

instantly tell them the fault! 

Will England ever win the football World 

Cup again? 

I’m afraid that I don’t know when they won it the 

last time or when it is next being held! 

If you won £25,000 what would you do with 

it? 

I would use it for a family holiday of a lifetime. 

This month we talk to Katy Stewart from 

Jensen Security Systems 

Job title: Company Director 

Time in security/fire: 9 years 

Company: Jensen Security Systems 

Location: Peterborough 

Areas of expertise: Intruder, fire, CCTV, door access, 

emergency lighting 

Accreditations: NSI Gold for the design, maintenance, 

installation and commissioning of intruder alarms, CCTV 

systems, door access systems and fire alarm systems. 

Engineers are BAFE qualified for fire extinguisher maintenance and the NICEIC 

domestic and commercial certificates allow the undertaking of all electrical works. 

“I know for a fact 

that our engineers 

would love a device 

that could be 

placed onto a panel 

to instantly tell 

them the fault!” 


43

Security Alarm 

Simple & Easy Installation 

Integrated Security - Access Control 

Access Control 

Automation 

No Software Required 

Inception is an integrated access 

control and security alarm system with 

a design edge that sets it apart from the pack. 

Featuring built in web based software, the Inception 

system is simple to access using a web browser on a 

Computer, Tablet or Smartphone. 

With a step by step commissioning guide and outstanding user interface, 

Inception is easy to install and very easy to operate. 

DESIGNED 

Multiple Devices 

Easy Setup with 

Checklist Prompting 

IN 

A U ST R A LIA 

For more information, visit 

www.innerrange.com/inception. 

T: 0845 470 5000 

E: ireurope@innerrange.co.uk 

W: innerrange.com 

Send IP Alarms via 

the Multipath-IP 

Network

APPLICATION 

Networked fire alarm system for new 

development 

A network of Cygnus wireless fire alarm systems has been 

installed on a construction site for the University of Cambridge. 

The North West Cambridge Development alongside the M11 is a 

plan to build a new district to be known as Eddington creating 

affordable housing for university staff, as well as student 

accommodation, academic and commercial space. In addition to 

housing and infra-structure, an integral part of the new district 

will be a primary school, a nursery, a doctors’ surgery, 

supermarket and retail, senior living, a hotel, and sports pitches. 

Bull Products’ Cygnus wireless alarm systems feature in the 

one of the construction sites in the centre of the development 

where 349 homes are being built together with the food store, 

energy centre and health centre. Across this construction site, 

there are 170 Cygnus wireless modules that have been installed 

by BAM Construction. These modules include fire call point 

alarms, combined fire call point and first aid alarms, heat 

detectors, smoke detectors, some of these being fitted with PIR intruder sensors, and all are linked wirelessly to a central control panel. 

Guy Milton, BAM’s Senior Site Manager commented: “The development is a very large site, covering a lot of areas so we needed to 

record and receive alarm information at a central location. The Cygnus system has no loss of signal or false alarms and it can be easily 

moved and re-addressed to suit changing circumstances on site”. 

Intended specifically for use on construction sites, the CE marked Cygnus system has been designed for use in steel structured and 

dense concrete buildings and areas where there are many other radio frequencies in operation. Where multiple sites are within range of 

each other, the Cygnus system is designed to operate on different site addresses so as to keep each system separate and interferencefree. 

Mobile access for offices in 

Cardiff, New York and Boston 

HID Global has been selected by CafeX to 

modernise its access control solutions, providing 

both employees and visitors a secure and 

convenient access control solution that integrates 

into their everyday lifestyles in the workplace. 

CafeX develops software that helps enterprises – 

including many banks and insurance companies 

transforming customer engagement and workforce 

collaboration via the Web and mobile applications. 

The company has implemented a centralised mobile 

access control solution enabled on smartphones 

and wearables for its international office locations. 

Employees and visitors use HID Global’s ‘twist and 

go’ feature or simply tap their smartphone on the 

HID Global reader in order to access the building or 

other sensitive entrances within the offices. 

Kevin Glass, Chief Innovation Officer with CafeX, 

said, “[The system] has resulted in our employees 

and customers having an enriched user experience 

that they are finding very convenient and 

innovative.” 

The company has streamlined its business 

processes, thereby reducing administration costs 

and saving 

money, as it is 

very simple to 

issue, manage 

and revoke 

Mobile IDs to 

smartphones and 

wearables. 

HID Global 

collaborated with 

Controlsoft, a HID 

Global platinum 

partner in the UK 

and USA in order to meet CafeX’s requirements. 

“The mobile access control solution was easy to 

deploy and to integrate into CafeX’s credentials 

management platform. The readers are simple to 

configure, which made it possible for us to provide 

CafeX with an identity and access management 

solution very speedily,” said Jonathan Summers, 

Managing Director with Controlsoft. 

“The ability to use smartphones and wearables 

for access control is becoming increasingly 

essential, as these devices are part of our everyday 

lives in the business workplace,” said Harm 

Radstaak, Vice President and Managing Director of 

Physical Access Control Solutions with HID Global. 

“CafeX’s implementation in their international 

offices is a testament of the growing adoption that 

merges convenience and security in a mobile-first 

world.” 

The mobile access control solution also helps 

CafeX meet compliance requirements for its 

financial services customers. These and other 

Global 2000 companies typically require tight 

security around any sensitive data. 


45

APPLICATION 

ANPR system automatically 

controls rising bollards 

A Videalert CCTV-based ANPR system has been 

installed at the University of Hertfordshire to 

control rising bollards at two main entrances to 

the De Havilland Campus at Hatfield. The 

installation has been completed by Eurovia 

Infrastructure on behalf of Ringway, a provider of 

highway maintenance services to local authorities 

under the seven-year Hertfordshire Term Contract. 

The new system will provide a safe pedestrian 

area within the busy campus which houses over 

2700 members of staff and a student community 

of more than 24,500. 

Campus improves movement of 

staff and students 

Marino Institute of Education is a third-level 

education environment based in Dublin. The 

campus comprises the College of Education, the 

Conference Centre and other continuing 

professional development and support services. 

Martin Lynch, IT Manager at Marino, made 

the decision to develop the site’s existing 

system in order to better control the movement 

of staff and students around the campus. Due to 

the open nature of the 

college, there was also a 

potential issue with 

unauthorised personnel 

gaining access to 

restricted areas of the 

campus that needed to 

be resolved. 

Integration with the 

college’s in-house 

management software 

was also required, to 

simplify student 

management and enable 

the tokens to be used to 

The Videalert system has been deployed on a 

hosted basis to automate the control of the rising 

bollards which restrict access to the campus to 

authorised vehicles only. The HD cameras 

combine ANPR with analytics to capture the 

number plate of each vehicle approaching the 

bollards. When an authorised vehicle is 

recognised, the system communicates directly 

with the MACS bollard control system to 

automatically allow access. 

Number plates of authorised vehicles are 

stored on a ‘whitelist’ which is stored and 

managed using a secure hosted server. To ensure 

that this list is always up to date, the server 

communicates directly with each bollard location 

on an hourly basis to apply any updates or 

changes made by authorised users via a web 

browser. Should a vehicle not be on the ‘whitelist’, 

the bus operator has to call the control centre 

which can override the system and manually lower 

the bollards. 

The CCTV-based system provides 

improvements over the previous RFID-based 

system as it eliminates situations where 

authorised vehicles are unable to gain access as 

drivers have forgotten or misplaced their tags 

along with the resulting traffic jams and delays 

caused by drivers having to call the central control 

room using their mobile phones to request access. 

“The Videalert system will provide greater 

control over the number of vehicles entering the 

campus to improve safety for all staff and 

students,” said Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing 

Director at Videalert. “Using technology that is 

proven in high volume traffic environments, it will 

deliver a reliable and resilient service without the 

user problems experienced with the previous 

system.” 

gain access to the campus, as a student ID card, 

for library usage, and photocopy and print 

services. 

The new solution, installed by ATA Security 

builds on Marino’s existing Net2 system that has 

been steadily expanded across the site over the 

past ten years. The system now combines the 

entire range of Paxton’s Net2 products; Net2, 

Net2 Entry and Net2 PaxLock. 

Combined with the Net2 Entry door entry 

system and Net2 PaxLock wireless access 

control solution the new Net2 system has 

improved the security at Marino, whilst 

providing a simple interface from which to 

manage the site and users. 

Integration with the college’s in-house 

student management software makes it simple 

for the college to manage the access rights of 

everyone on campus, and ensure that the 

students can utilise all other services and 

amenities offered at the college. 

Additional integrations with the intruder and 

fire alarms also give staff a greater degree of 

control over the students’ movement, preventing 

them from inadvertently entering an area that 

has been closed down during ‘out of hours’ 

periods. 

46 


Gated community benefits from secure 

vehicle access technology 

THE TECHNOLOGY: 

HD-TVI 

THE CONVENIENCE: 

EASY INSTALLATION 

THE COMBINATION: 

Highland Springs, located just outside of Springfield, MO, has over 

500 residents and various contracting workers for landscaping and 

infrastructure upgrades. For these residents and contracting 

workers, the community needed a system for secure vehicle access. 

An important requirement was that congestion at the gate had to 

be prevented; the solution had to be convenient for the drivers of 

the vehicles. Besides the residents and contracting workers, access 

for visitors and other non-residents is managed by a staffed 

guardhouse. 

Bobby J Smith, Director of Security for Highland Springs, worked 

with Nedap’s partner Federal Protection out of Springfield, MO to 

find the best technological solution that would serve the needs of 

the community without being intrusive on the residents or slow 

their entry into the community. 

The residential community has three separate entrances with 

gated ingress and egress points. Considering the needed read 

distances, Nedap’s TRANSIT was deemed the best choice. This 

reader identifies vehicles up to 10 meters (33 ft.). The vehicles of all 

residents and contracting workers are equipped with the Window 

Button. This vehicle identification tag is identified as soon as it 

enters the reading zone of the TRANSIT reader. It allows authorised 

vehicles to enter the community, without the need to stop at the 

gate. To make things even stronger for Federal Protection, they had 

the Window Buttons customised with a laser engraved Federal 

Protection logo. 

Matt Harrison, Director of Operation at Federal Protection, 

oversaw the project: “We knew we needed a reliable, robust 

technology that was not only secure but very easy for the residents 

to use. Ideally, we needed something that once installed, they 

would never have to think about again.” he explains. 

“Since we installed the system we have been very pleased with 

its performance,” said Bobby J Smith. 


APPLICATION 

Fire system installed at 

flagship bank brach 

Fire and suppression systems from Advanced 

have been chosen to protect the flagship 

branch of DSK, a Bulgarian bank. 

Following a recent refurbishment and 

upgrade of the branch in Bulgaria’s capital 

Sofia, FireTech Engineering specified a new 

system that included Advanced’s Axis EN 

(EN54) fire system, three ExGo suppression 

control panels and an IP Gateway, for remote 

internet control and monitoring. 

Stoyan Grozdanov, spokesperson for 

FireTech Engineering Ltd, said: “Due to the 

importance of this particular branch, we 

needed a high level of protection and 

reliability, with assurance against false alarms 

and an intuitive interface for programming and 

monitoring.” 

Axis EN is EN54 2,4&13 approved and its 

panels can be used in single loop, single panel 

format or configured into multi-loop panels in 

200 node networks. 

Axis EN fire systems support two new 

technologies, the TouchControl touch screen 

repeater and AlarmCalm complete false alarm 

management system. TouchControl is a 10” HD 

touchscreen that offers reporting and control 

via an interface that includes Active Maps and 

zone plans. AlarmCalm allows the false alarm 

strategy for any building to be quickly and 

easily programmed and managed, increasing 

safety and reducing false alarms. 

Lively venue stops alarms 

despite allowing vaping 

The Frog & Frigate in Southampton is renowned 

for being a very lively venue where visitors are 

encouraged to get on the tables and sing along 

with the band. Vaping is permitted in this busy 

venue which has led to false alarm issues. 

Venue owner Derek Gardener explains the 

problem: “We have a relaxed, fun vibe here and 

are happy for people to use e-cigarettes inside. 

However, it has led to the alarms activating, 

especially when people are vaping right 

underneath them. We can’t stop people from 

vaping underneath them and equally we didn’t 

want to ban vaping.” 

Derek turned to Fire and Safety Testing for a 

solution, which recommended the use of Nittan’s 

Evolution EV-DP smoke detectors. Owner Derek 

Fay explains: “Many venues such as this resort to 

using heat alarms instead of smoke alarms, but 

the local fire officer would not allow this. He 

suggested a Multi-Sensor, but the same issue 

remains as it still looks for smoke and will false 

alarm. I had read about Nittan’s dual optical 

detectors resistance to steam and thought they 

might offer a solution here as the problem was 

very similar. Vaping is relatively new and neither 

myself nor Nittan had come across this issue 

before. I discussed it with the client and he was 

happy to see if it would work. We swapped the 

existing alarm devices out of the conventional 

system with the Nittan ones and there hasn’t been 

a single false alarm since; that was about six 

months ago.” 

The EV-DP measures the actual particle size in 

the chamber via its combined IR and blue LED 

technology. As steam and dust are much larger 

particles than smoke, the detector won’t false 

alarm. 

48 


FOCUS: BIOMETRICS 

Biometric access control without network 

duplication 

The P4 Controller from 

Progeny distributes the 

fingerprint templates 

throughout the system, 

across all connected sites 

and for improved data 

security, actual fingerprints 

are not stored – the Reader converts the fingerprint to a template 

(similar to a card number), so users' fingerprints cannot be 

stolen. The templates are then stored on the reader, in the 

controller and in the doors’ enterprise software – to prevent 

access by tampering with or removing the reader. This is also a 

useful backup if the controller or reader ever need replacing. 

The fingerprint reader uses a four wire interface to the P4 

Controller and fits a standard UK single gang back box. It has 

intuitive light and sound feedback and a choice of three 

enrolments methods. 

www.progeny.co.uk 

No need for a fob or PIN 

The B100 biometric 

standalone access 

control reader 

from Videx is 

aimed at 

residential, 

commercial and 

public buildings. 

Ideal for small 

offices, 

nurseries, 

schools and 

private 

residential 

dwellings, the 

readers are 

designed to 

provide 

access 

control by 

using 

biometric 

technology 

which relies 

on a person’s 

unique 

characteristics, in this instance 

their finger print, rather than the requirement to carry a fob or 

remember a PIN number. 

The reader is available in two versions: The B100-SA is a 

surface mount version for up to 97 users. It can be used 

internally or externally having an IP rating IP65. The DINB100-SA 

is flush mount and can only be used internally having an IP40 

rating. This fits a standard flush single gang UK electrical box 

and is available in six colours to match existing decor. All 

enrolling of users is carried out from the reader, no PC is 

required. www.videx-security.com 

Connections 

Hello again, 

There are lots of good deals to be had @SMSandNMS at 

the moment. By using our upgrade campaigns, many of 

which cost the installer nothing, it provides for a foot in 

the door to upgrade to sequential confirmation whilst 

making a larger margin on the remote signalling costs 

and enabling remote service and diagnostics at the same 

time. 

On top of any network supplier offers we supplement 

with our own special deals, which are tailored based on 

the preferred offering the installer wishes to take up. With 

the existing estate of systems on our database we can 

undertake sales and marketing activity on behalf of the 

alarm companies on their headed paper, delivering their 

message to their customers, sometimes this is done in 

conjunction with the network provider as well. 

The more systems that are upgraded to sequential 

confirmation, the more filtering that takes place and the 

fewer false alarms are presented to our operators and 

passed to the emergency services. So far as what network 

the alarm signals over, it makes not a great deal of 

difference to us. 

By configuring the alarm system to a CCTV system 

installed in a commercial premises and then remotely 

viewing CCTV images for the purposes of confirmation 

enables the consumer to also remotely view their own 

staff from Head Office, whilst providing a store watch 

type system protecting their employees from abusive 

behaviour, physical threat and opportunists. 

Visual confirmation whether for Personal attack, or more 

generally for Intruder Alarms in commercial installations 

has more recently become very popular as the customer 

leverages savings on their signalling platform. 

We now see domestic installations deploying such 

integrated CCTV technology into their mainstream sale 

activities by using Smart Home panels, the new PIR being 

a motion sensing webcam with voice over IP into the 

premises and linking to other non-security products such 

as wifi doorbells, thermostats etc with the same App that 

integrates into the Smart Home panel. 

The flexibility of having the correct signalling platform 

installed at the customer’s premises opens up a wealth of 

opportunities for other security related products and nonrelated 

security services over and above the standard 

intruder alarm. Just think how you run your own business 

nowadays and the technology you use in your commercial 

and private life 

Both your existing and new customers alike can enjoy 

major savings and additional services including dual-path 

signalling and visually confirmed alarms by upgrading 

their systems to the latest signalling platforms. Contact us 

online at www.smon.co.uk for full details of all the 

exciting offers we have currently. 

Bye for now 



Terminal for three 

stage identification 

CEM System’s emerald TS300f 

Intelligent Fingerprint Terminal 

for AC2000 suite of access 

control and security 

management systems has all 

the features of the existing 

emerald TS300 including VoIP 

intercom, IP reader and 

controller and remote 

applications but also includes 

integrated fingerprint 

biometric. Featuring a 

controller, IP card reader and 

single biometric solution all in 

one, the emerald TS300f meets 

requirements for three stage 

identity authentication (card, 

PIN, and biometric verification) 

using one device. The emerald 

TS300f is durable enough for 

indoor or outdoor usage with 

an IK06 vandal resistance rating, and IP65 

dust and water resistant rating. The high 

resolution optical sensor and 1:1 fingerprint 

match at the door allows fast card and 

fingerprint verification. 

www.cemsys.com 

Unit uses 1, 2 or 3-factor 

authentication 

DIGIgarde 

PLUS from TDSi 

combines all 

authentication 

modes 

something you 

know (PIN), 

something you 

have (card) and something you are (finger) in 

one unit. Featuring a high-resolution optical 

sensor and a quick matching algorithm, 

DIGIgarde PLUS is suitable for control of 

access points (that require a control of a 

large number of users and are subject to high 

a throughput of traffic) or time and 

attendance “clocking” stations. 

With a backlit tactile keypad, white-onblack 

display and dual-colour LED the IP 65 

rated unit is suitable for internal or external 

mounting. Users can choose 1, 2 or 3 factor 

authentication with the 

PoE powered system. A built in MIfARE 

Card reader allows storage of the fingerprint 

template on a smart card. 

www.tdsi.co.uk 

BE SMART! 

Read PSI magazine 

on your tablet 

or smartphone 

using the FREE app

Compact In Motion identification 

system for access control 

Safel from FST21 is a fully integrated access 

control controller that delivers secure and 

convenient In Motion Identification access 

control. SafeI enables the advantages of 

FST21’s SafeRise solution (an In Motion 

Identification system that allows approved 

users access through a fusion of biometric 

recognition, voice and license plate 

recognition), in a more compact version of the 

SafeRise server and is designed to support 

one In Motion Identification access point. 

SafeI comes in a standalone plug and play 

enclosure, and is the driving force behind 

FST21’s Digital Doorman all-in-one In Motion 

Identification Access Control solution. No keys, 

cards or codes are required. Incorporating the 

SafeRise technology with dedicated hardware 

and seamless plug and play installation, the 

SafeI can be easily installed in any secured 

location. All peripheral devices - from the 

electronic door lock and door positioning 

switch to the recognition camera, RFID 

reader, 

intercom and 

feedback 

signalling device 

- connect directly 

to the SafeI. 

Authorised entry 

is granted 

instantly and 

simply by walking 

to the access 

point. 

www.fst21.net 

Recognition without contact 

Synel’s facial recognition terminal, SY-Face, is an embedded 

face recognition system with “Dual Sensor” Face Recognition 

Algorithm, which is applicable for time attendance and 

access control applications. The SY-Face is a time and 

attendance and access control terminal that uses face 

recognition technology to instantly identify users. The SY- 

Face is a touch-free, hygienic alternative to fingerprint and 

hand readers, while still eliminating “buddy punching” and 

the need for cards or badges. Users simply look at the device 

and within seconds they are identified and either clocked in 

or granted access. www.synel.co.uk 

Southern Monitoring 0844 871 2223 

and 

Northern Monitoring 0844 871 2224 

BT B!!!!!!!!! Redcare 

CSL DualCom 

EMIZON EMiZON 

ArchAngel PassivSystems 

Loneworker 

RISCO Group 

RSI Video Technologies 

WebWayOne 

Trust the Largest Independent Supplier of Monitoring Services in the UK


Access control reduces card theft 

The Bio Plus range of 

fingerprint biometric 

readers from Sensor 

Access Technology is 

designed to meet the 

ecurity needs of 

customers and 

applications. Eliminating 

the need to remember a 

pin code or carry a card, 

the Bio Plus range also 

removes the possibility of 

card theft thus increasing 

security for a building and 

adding an additional level 

of protection for higher 

security areas. 

Within the GuardPoint 

Pro software all biometric enrolment has been integrated. This 

offers the system administrator a simple, user friendly front end 

with no requirement for secondary software. With a variety of 

different card reading technologies plus internal and external 

IP65 rated versions, the range offers a solution for adding access 

control security without compromising on risk. 

www.sensoraccess.co.uk 

Detection analytics for up to 1000 faces 

Face Detection is an analytics feature built into VideoEdge 

network video recorder (NVR) from American Dynamics, 

eliminating the need for external servers dedicated to 

powering the analytics. Up to 1,000 individuals can be easily 

enrolled and stored in VideoEdge’s on-board database, with 

the ability to store multiple faces for each person in the 

system for accuracy in identification. 

Face Detection analytics can also be used “post-event” to 

speed investigation times by searching video only for specific 

persons, enabling operators to search video for certain 

criteria – for example, those individuals who had access to 

the surrounding area of the incident. Known faces can also be 

enrolled with video associated for faster future investigations. 

www.tycosecurityproducts.com 

Industry leaders The Thompson Group are recruiting for 

Fire & Security Systems 

Installation Engineers 

Fire & Security Systems 

Service & Maintenance Engineers 

Industry leaders Thompson AVC are looking for experienced 

Access Control, CCTV, Fire or Intruder Alarm system 

Installation Engineers to work out of 

either our Wolverhampton or Preston premises. 

Industry leaders Thompson AVC are looking for experienced 

Access Control, CCTV, Fire or Intruder Alarm system 

Service & Maintenance Engineers to work out of 

either our Wolverhampton or Preston premises. 

Our ideal candidate will have proven experience working on a 

wide range of systems, be able to work well as part of a team as 

well as on their own initiative when required. 

Must be willing to travel and undertake / already hold 

Health & Safety certifications. Full driving licence desirable. 

Applications are welcomed from Multi-Disciplined candidates. 

Competitive salary / overtime & other benefits available 

To apply, please send your CV to recruitment@thompsonavc.co.uk 

or call Jackie Smith on 01902 658822 

NO AGENCIES 

Our ideal candidate will have proven experience working on a 

wide range of fire and security systems and be able to work on 

their own initiative but as part of the wider team. 

Must be willing to travel and undertake / already hold 

Health & Safety certifications. Full driving licence required. 

52 


RECRUITMENT 

Candidate challenges 

With the Fire and Security Jobs survey at IFSEC showing 

80% of businesses forecast further growth for the next 

twelve months, recruitment is on the minds of many in the 

sector. Here PSI talks to George Zitko, Managing Director of 

Zitko Consulting about the key challenges and opportunities 

this brings 

he Fire and Security sector is experiencing 

Ta continuing period of growth. For those 

businesses needing or wanting to grow, the 

recruitment of exceptional professionals is likely 

to play a massive part in their business strategy. 

As an employer, it’s likely you’ll use several 

recruitment methods. You may already be 

working with recruitment suppliers, be 

undertaking direct advertising, or coordinating 

direct resourcing on job boards. Whatever the 

method or process you are using, there are 

issues to be aware of. 

In 15 years of recruitment in this sector, 

Georgehas captured learning, feedback and 

insights from clients and candidates. We asked 

him to share some of these, to help you mitigate 

against some well-known and some not-soknown 

challenges. 

Assess your activity 

Is your brand and profile as an employer up to 

scratch? Candidates have access to more 

information than ever. Websites like Glassdoor 

feature unofficial employee reviews and salary 

feedback. It’s important to make sure 

prospective employees can easily find useful, 

positive information such as job specs or staff 

profiles whilst getting a sense of your culture. 

Make sure your social media, online and 

offline materials contain accurate and positive 

information about your company and its staff. If 

you're advertising on your own website, it’s best 

to be highly detailed and informative. For 3rd 

party job boards, you may want to consider the 

shifts in candidate job searching patterns. 

Remember that your ideal candidate is 

unlikely to always be job searching at home, but 

In an industry as close knit as security, reputation really 

matters. If you do work with a recruiter, consider how they 

profile you as an employer 

often on the train, at work and on the move. 

Keep adverts short, punchy and clear so they 

work well on every device. Focus on the ‘Why’ 

not the ‘What’. Why will the candidate benefit 

from doing the job itself? Consider also your 

chosen media. Leading financial institutions 

PWC and KPMG have recently run successful 

targeted recruitment drives on Snapchat. 

Review your strategy 

Is your employee churn higher than average? 

Are candidates leaving the business within a 

year, or perhaps even sooner? Research has 

shown that many employers still hire after only 

one interview. A second interview, possibly 

combined with an assessment or practical test, 

can significantly reduce the chance of making a 

wrong hire whilst also increasing a candidate's 

understanding of both the role on offer and the 

culture of the business. 

Non-acceptance of offers or counter offers 

can be a major drain on time and resource. You 

find the right candidate only for them to change 

heart at the last moment leaving you back at 

square one. It’s disheartening yes, but it may be 

that the candidate wasn’t looking for the right 

reasons in the first place. Don’t be afraid to 

push the candidate back in the first instance to 

ensure it’s not just a bad day; there are valid 

reasons for the candidate’s interest. 

Using recruitment partners 

Recruiters are an extension of your business so 

make sure you are comfortable with them 

representing your brand and ethos. In acting on 

your behalf as the first port of call for your 

business, they can complement your hiring 

process…or hinder it. In an industry as close knit 

as security, reputation really matters. If you do 

work with a recruiter, consider how they profile 

you as an employer - that thoroughness and 

professionalism will translate to how they deal 

with your prospective candidates. 

2017 is set to be a big growth year for the 

sector and there are candidates out there ready 

to help support your business. Having the right 

recruitment strategy and key partners to assist 

may make all the difference to your business in 

the year ahead. 

53 


OFF THE WALL 

CAUGHT ON CAMERA 

Comic store 

drive through 

In this CCTV footage 

from Huntsville, 

Alabama in the US, a car 

ploughs straight 

through the front of a 

comic book store, just 

missing the shop 

workers. The driver of 

the Honda CRV drove into The Deep Comics after having a 

suspected seizure at the wheel. Fortunately no one was 

injured in the crash. According to a shop 

worker: “I couldn't see the SUV at first 

because it was covered in merchandise. So, as 

it burrowed through and it stopped you 

realised, oh that's a car!” 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsUEZ1NG7YU 

House hit three 

times in one day 

In another driving 

related recording this 

footage captures the 

front of a house in 

Grismby being driven 

into three times within 

a 20-minute operiod. 

The drivers stated the 

presence of black ice as the rason for losing 

control. In total the house at a road junction 

has been drioven into six times in six years. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KolQxuHMfQ 

iPhone 7? No Aieeeephone 7.... 

There are many different options when it comes to buying 

your smartphone. Do you want a good camera, cordless 

headphones, large memory etc, but probably one feature we 

don’t always specify is a phone that won’t explode - or as the 

phone companies call it, have a ‘thermal event’. This footage 

is reported to 

show a new 

iPhone 7 

exploding in the 

hands of a shop 

worker while the 

unit was on 

charge. 

As we all know, CCTV has a real value in the 

fight against crime, however once in a while it 

captures the public doing something that is 

perhaps not altogether sensible or it catches a 

real one-off moment. Here we look at a look at 

CCTV clips from around the world… 

Do you wanna 

bash a snowman? 

While there are plenty of 

people that seem happy to 

spend a fortune 

illuminating their houses 

for the festive period there 

are others that just don’t 

like Christmas festivities 

on any level. This appears 

to be the case with this 

woman 

caught on 

camera smashing up a snowman outside a 

house in Turkey. The snowman puts up a good 

fight however and the woman limps off after a 

heavy fall. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gv91eFuvWc 

Thief prays for forgiveness 

In this footage (which has sparked some considerable online 

debate as to its authenticity) taken in Germany at the end of 

2016 a pickpocket decides to take a victim’s wallet while he is 

at a cashpoint. After the robbery the thief stands back to act 

all innocent when he spots a camera looking straight at him. 

Expecting immediate justice to be dished out 

he pleads with the person behind the lens then 

drops the wallet and alerts the owner as if it 

had been misplaced. One more prayer to the 

camera and 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIkfK03Qgko 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZNyyVjlu64 

54 


Fire Alarm Service Engineer – 

West Sussex Our Ref: 503041 

Salary: up to £30,000 

Fire Protection Salesperson – 

West Midlands Our Ref: 503040 


A UK leading fire protection company have a 

fantastic opportunity for a Fire Protection 

Salesperson based in the West Midlands. 

In this position, your responsibilities will include 

visiting customers, generating leads and building 

relationships with larger accounts, selling a wide 

range of Fire Protection products and services. 

You will focus primarily on Fire Extinguishers, but 

it will also encompass Fire Alarm, Emergency 

Lighting Systems, Dry Risers, Suppression 

systems, and related products such as Training 

and Signage. 

Requirements: 

• B2B sales experience 

• Fire industry experience, with knowledge of a range of Fire 

Extinguishers and Fire Alarms 

• Security experience would be advantageous 

• Driven and motivated individual, with a track record of 

meeting and exceeding targets 

• You will have worked in a customer facing role and be able to 

use innovative ways of analysing target markets. 

One of the UK’s leading fire detection and 

suppression companies are recruiting for a Fire 

Alarm Service Engineer based in West Sussex. 

In this role, you will be responsible for visiting 

client premises, servicing fire alarms (both 

addressable and conventional) on a planned 

maintenance and emergency callout basis, 

always aware of customer needs and service 

requirements and the opportunity to develop new 

business opportunities for the company. You will 

also be responsible for the annual maintenance, 

installations, fault finding, rectifying, problem 

solving, commissioning and; documenting etc for 

a wide range of fire alarm panels. 

Requirements: 

• Proven servicing experience on fire alarms 

• Additional knowledge/experience on fire extinguishers, 

emergency lighting and suppression systems 

• Full UK Drivers licence 

• Knowledge of relevant standards (BS5849, BS6266 etc) 

• ONC or equivalent qualification in Electrical/Electronic 

Engineering 

• Health and Safety trained 

• Willing to undertake further training 

What’s on offer? 

A competitive salary up to £30,000 plus a host of 

benefits including a company van, therefore a full 

driver’s licence is essential. 

Contact: Alan McFadden: 01509 615292 or apply via this 

link: 

https://www.centogroup.com/jobs/firealarmserviceengineerwestsussex 


In return, they are offering an excellent salary up 

to £35,000 plus a host of benefits including a 

bonus, company car, pension and healthcare. 


link: 

https://www.centogroup.com/jobs/fireprotectionsalespersonfireextinguisherandfirealarmswestmidla 

nds 

Business Development Manager – 

North of England (M62 Corridor) 

Our Ref: 503034 


A leading fire systems manufacturer are 

recruiting for a Business Development Manager 

based in the North of England (M62 Corridor). 

Ideal locations: Manchester, Lancashire or Stoke 

area. 

The role will primarily be sales; however it will 

encompass everything customer related to a Fire 

Alarm Manufacturer. This will include developing 

new business and customers, negotiating and 

closing sales, account management, technical 

customer support ability, product knowledge etc. 

Additional responsibilities include: 

• Travelling to visit clients 

• Managing customer requirements 

• Offering solutions based on the needs of clients 

• Calculating client quotations 

• Supporting marketing by attending trade shows and other 

marketing events 

• Solving client problems 

Requirements: 

• Must have fire alarm system experience ideally with a sales 

and a technical background 

• Experience in suppression systems would be an advantage 

• You must be target driven, self motivating and self sufficient 

• Comfortable working in a competitive environment 


In return, they are offering a competitive salary 

up to £40k plus an excellent benefits package 

including a company vehicle and bonus scheme. 

Contact: Robert Bruce: 01509 615292 or apply via this 

link: 

https://www.centogroup.com/jobs/businessdevelopmentmanagerfiresystemsnorthofenglandma 

nchesterlancashirestoke 

Fire Alarm Service Engineer – 

South of England (M4 Corridor) 

Our Ref: 503031 


An established fire protection and safety systems 

company have an excellent opportunity for a Fire 

Alarm Service Engineer based along the M4 

Corridor. Ideal location: between Swindon and 

Heathrow and surrounding areas. 

In this position, you will be responsible for the 

service, maintenance and fault finding of fire 

Fire Systems Engineer – 

Cheltenham / Gloucester 

Our Ref: 503023 


alarm, fire extinguisher and emergency lighting 

systems at premises along the M4 corridor, whilst 

being part of a call out rota. You will also be 

required to ensure that all relevant engineering 

practises and Health and Safety procedures are 

adhered to at all times. 

Requirements: 

• Proven servicing experience of Fire Alarm and Detection 

systems, Fire Extinguisher and Emergency Lighting systems 

• Understanding of BS5839 (Fire Detection Design) and 

BS5266 (Emergency Lighting Design) 

• Hold an Electrical/Electronic ONC or equivalent qualification 

• Ability to work on own initiative 

• Hold a Full UK Drivers Licence 

What’s on offer: 

In return, they are offering a competitive salary 

up to £28k plus a host of benefits including a 

company van. 


link: 

https://www.centogroup.com/jobs/firealarmserviceengineerm4corridorswindontoheathrow 

A global leading fire and security services 

provider are looking to add an experienced Fire 

Systems Engineer based in the Cheltenham / 

Gloucester area. 

In this role, you will be responsible for the service, 

small installation and reactive calls on a range of 

Fire Alarms, Door Entry and Warden Call systems 

in Cheltenham and Gloucester, whilst being part 

of a call out rota. 

Additional duties: 

• Servicing of fire systems and the provision of new equipment 

where required 

• Attend to emergency reactive call outs 

• Ability to survey new and remedial works in accordance with 

the current British Standards 

• Installation of small works and projects as required 

• 24 hour call out service and will be placed on a rota 

• Ensure adherence to the operational and customer KPIs and 

SLAs 

Requirements: 

• Proven experience working on a range of fire systems 

• Electrical / Electronic qualification (City & Guilds etc) 

• FIA Unit 1 (Design) and Unit 5 (Servicing) 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of BS5839 and 

BS5266 

• Previous experience working on Morley, Advance, Kentec, 

Gent, Haes & Menvier 

• IOSH / NEBOSH qualifications would be highly 

advantageous. 

What’s on offer? Excellent salary up to £26,000, 

and an above industry average benefits package 

including a company van, pension and 25 days 

holiday (+statutory days). 

Contact: Feargus Haston: 01509 615292 or apply via this 

link: 

https://www.centogroup.com/jobs/firesystemsengineerfirealarmdoorentrywardencallcheltenhamandglouc 

ester

Best Value Security Products from Insight Security 

www.insight-security.com Tel: +44 (0)1273 475500 

...and 

lots 

more 

Computer 

Security 

Anti-Climb Paints 

& Barriers 

Metal Detectors 

(inc. Walkthru) 

Security, Search 

& Safety Mirrors 

Security Screws & 

Fastenings 

Padlocks, Hasps 

& Security Chains 

Key Safes & Key 

Control Products 

Traffic Flow & 

Management 

see our 

website 

ACCESS CONTROL 

KERI SYSTEMS UK LTD 

Tel: + 44 (0) 1763 273 243 

Fax: + 44 (0) 1763 274 106 

Email: sales@kerisystems.co.uk 

www.kerisystems.co.uk 



ACT 

ACT – Ireland, Unit C1, South City Business Centre 

Tallaght, Dublin 24 Tel: +353 (0)1 4662570 

ACT - United Kingdom, 2C Beehive Mill 

Jersey Street, Manchester M4 6JG +44 (0)161 236 3820 

sales@act.eu www.act.eu 

ACCESS CONTROL – BARRIERS, GATES, CCTV 

ABSOLUTE ACCESS 

Aberford Road, Leeds, LS15 4EF 

Tel: 01132 813511 

E: richard.samwell@absoluteaccess.co.uk 

www.absoluteaccess.co.uk 

Access Control, Automatic Gates, Barriers, Blockers, CCTV 


COVA SECURITY GATES LTD 

Bi-Folding Speed Gates, Sliding Cantilevered Gates, Road Blockers & Bollards 

Consultancy, Design, Installation & Maintenance - UK Manufacturer - PAS 68 

Tel: 01293 553888 Fax: 01293 611007 

Email: sales@covasecuritygates.com 

Web: www.covasecuritygates.com 

ACCESS CONTROL & DOOR HARDWARE 

ALPRO ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE 

Products include Electric Strikes, Deadlocking Bolts, Compact Shearlocks, 

Waterproof Keypads, Door Closers, Deadlocks plus many more 

T: 01202 676262 Fax: 01202 680101 

E: info@alpro.co.uk 

Web: www.alpro.co.uk 

ACCESS CONTROL – SPEED GATES, BI-FOLD GATES 

HTC PARKING AND SECURITY LIMITED 

St. James’ Bus. Centre, Wilderspool Causeway, 

Warrington Cheshire WA4 6PS 

Tel 01925 552740 M: 07969 650 394 

info@htcparkingandsecurity.co.uk 

www.htcparkingandsecurity.co.uk 


INTEGRATED DESIGN LIMITED 

Integrated Design Limited, Feltham Point, 

Air Park Way, Feltham, Middlesex. TW13 7EQ 

Tel: +44 (0) 208 890 5550 

sales@idl.co.uk 

www.fastlane-turnstiles.com 


SECURE ACCESS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED 

Authorised Dealer 

Tel: 0845 1 300 855 Fax: 0845 1 300 866 

Email: info@secure-access.co.uk 

Website: www.secure-access.co.uk 

ACCESS CONTROL MANUFACTURER 

NORTECH CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD. 

Nortech House, William Brown Close 

Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran NP44 3AB 

Tel: 01633 485533 

Email: sales@nortechcontrol.com 

www.nortechcontrol.com 

Custom Designed Equipment 

• Indicator Panels 

• Complex Door Interlocking 

• Sequence Control 

• Door Status Systems 

• Panic Alarms 

 

• Bespoke Products 

www.hoyles.com 

sales@hoyles.com 

Tel: +44 (0)1744 886600 

ACCESS CONTROL – BIOMETRICS, BARRIERS, CCTV, TURNSTILES 

UKB INTERNATIONAL LTD 

Planet Place, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Tyne and Wear NE12 6RD 

Tel: 0845 643 2122 

Email: sales@ukbinternational.com 

Web: www.ukbinternational.com 

Hoyles are the UK’s leading supplier of 

custom designed equipment for the 

security and access control industry. 

From simple indicator panels to 

complex door interlock systems. 

BUSINESS CONTINUITY 

ACCESS CONTROL, CCTV & INTRUSION DETECTION SPECIALISTS 

VANDERBILT INTERNATIONAL (UK) LTD 

Suite 7, Castlegate Business Park 

Caldicot, South Wales NP26 5AD UK 

Main: +44 (0) 2036 300 670 

email: tradeshows@VanderbiltIndustries.com 

web: www.vanderbiltindustries.com 

BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT 

CONTINUITY FORUM 

Creating Continuity ....... Building Resilience 

A not-for-profit organisation providing help and support 

Tel: +44(0)208 993 1599 Fax: +44(0)1886 833845 

Email: membership@continuityforum.org 

Web: www.continuityforum.org 

www.insight-security.com Tel: +44 (0)1273 475500

CCTV 

CONTROL ROOM & MONITORING SERVICES 

CCTV 

Rapid Deployment Digital IP High Resolution CCTV 

40 hour battery, Solar, Wind Turbine and Thermal Imaging 

Wired or wireless communication fixed IP 

CE Certified 

Modicam Europe, 5 Station Road, Shepreth, 

Cambridgeshire SG8 6PZ 

www.modicam.com sales@modicameurope.com 

CCTV POLES, COLUMNS, TOWERS AND MOUNTING PRODUCTS 

ALTRON COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT LTD 

Tower House, Parc Hendre, Capel Hendre, Carms. SA18 3SJ 

Tel: +44 (0) 1269 831431 

Email: cctvsales@altron.co.uk 

Web: www.altron.co.uk 

ADVANCED MONITORING SERVICES 

EUROTECH MONITORING SERVICES LTD. 

Specialist in:- Outsourced Control Room Facilities • Lone Worker Monitoring 

• Vehicle Tracking • Message Handling 

• Help Desk Facilities • Keyholding/Alarm Response 

Tel: 0208 889 0475 Fax: 0208 889 6679 

E-MAIL eurotech@eurotechmonitoring.net 

Web: www.eurotechmonitoring.net 

DISTRIBUTORS 

CCTV 

G-TEC 

Gtec House, 35-37 Whitton Dene 

Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 2JN 

Tel: 0208 898 9500 

www.gtecsecurity.co.uk 

sales@gtecsecurity.co.uk 

CCTV/IP SOLUTIONS 

DALLMEIER UK LTD 

3 Beaufort Trade Park, Pucklechurch, Bristol BS16 9QH 

Tel: +44 (0) 117 303 9 303 

Fax: +44 (0) 117 303 9 302 

Email: dallmeieruk@dallmeier.com 

SPECIALISTS IN HD CCTV 

MaxxOne 

Unit A10 Pear Mill, Lower Bredbury, Stockport. SK6 2BP 

Tel +44 (0)161 430 3849 

www.maxxone.com 

sales@onlinesecurityproducts.co.uk 

www.onlinesecurityproducts.co.uk 

AWARD-WINNING, LEADING GLOBAL WHOLESALE 

DISTRIBUTOR OF SECURITY AND LOW VOLTAGE PRODUCTS. 

ADI GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION 

Distributor of electronic security systems and solutions for over 250 leading manufacturers, the company 

also offers an internal technical support team, dedicated field support engineers along with a suite of 

training courses and services. ADI also offers a variety of fast, reliable delivery options, including specified 

time delivery, next day or collection from any one of 28 branches nationwide. Plus, with an ADI online 

account, installers can order up to 7pm for next day delivery. 

Tel: 0161 767 2990 Fax: 0161 767 2999 Email: sales.uk@adiglobal.com www.adiglobal.com/uk 

CCTV & IP SECURITY SOLUTIONS 

PANASONIC SYSTEM COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY 

EUROPE 

Panasonic House, Willoughby Road 

Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 8FP UK 

Tel: 0207 0226530 

Email: info@business.panasonic.co.uk 

WHY MAYFLEX? ALL TOGETHER. PRODUCTS, PARTNERS, 

PEOPLE, SERVICE – MAYFLEX BRINGS IT ALL TOGETHER. 

MAYFLEX 

Excel House, Junction Six Industrial Park, Electric Avenue, Birmingham B6 7JJ 

Tel: 0800 881 5199 

Email: securitysales@mayflex.com 

Web: www.mayflex.com 

COMMUNICATIONS & TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT 

KBC NETWORKS LTD. 

Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent ME18 5BZ 

www.kbcnetworks.com 

Phone: 01622 618787 

Fax: 020 7100 8147 

Email: emeasales@kbcnetworks.com 

DIGITAL IP CCTV 

SESYS LTD 

High resolution ATEX certified cameras, rapid deployment 

cameras and fixed IP CCTV surveillance solutions available with 

wired or wireless communications. 

1 Rotherbrook Court, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3QG 

Tel +44 (0) 1730 230530 Fax +44 (0) 1730 262333 

Email: info@sesys.co.uk www.sesys.co.uk 

THE UK’S MOST SUCCESSFUL DISTRIBUTOR OF IP, CCTV, ACCESS 

CONTROL AND INTRUDER DETECTION SOLUTIONS 

NORBAIN SD LTD 

210 Wharfedale Road, IQ Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TP 

Tel: 0118 912 5000 Fax: 0118 912 5001 

www.norbain.com 

Email: info@norbain.com 

CCTV SPECIALISTS 

PLETTAC SECURITY LTD 

Unit 39 Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre, 

Great Central Way, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3XH 

Tel: 01788 567811 Fax: 01788 544 549 

Email: jackie@plettac.co.uk 

www.plettac.co.uk 

UK LEADERS IN BIG BRAND CCTV DISTRIBUTION 

SATSECURE 

Hikivision & MaxxOne (logos) Authorised Dealer 

Unit A10 Pear Mill, Lower Bredbury, 

Stockport. SK6 2BP 

Tel +44 (0)161 430 3849 

www.satsecure.uk 


EMPLOYMENT 

FIRE AND SECURITY INDUSTRY RECRUITMENT 

SECURITY VACANCIES 

www.securityvacancies.com 

Telephone: 01420 525260 

INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS 

INNER RANGE EUROPE LTD 

Units 10 - 11, Theale Lakes Business Park, Moulden Way, Sulhampstead, 

Reading, Berkshire RG74GB, United Kingdom 

Tel: +44(0) 845 470 5000 Fax: +44(0) 845 470 5001 

Email: ireurope@innerrange.co.uk 

www.innerrange.com 

PERIMETER PROTECTION 

IDENTIFICATION 

ADVANCED PRESENCE DETECTION AND SECURITY LIGHTING SYSTEMS 

GJD MANUFACTURING LTD 

Unit 2 Birch Business Park, Whittle Lane, Heywood, OL10 2SX 

Tel: + 44 (0) 1706 363998 

Fax: + 44 (0) 1706 363991 

Email: info@gjd.co.uk 

www.gjd.co.uk 

COMPLETE SOLUTIONS FOR IDENTIFICATION 

DATABAC GROUP LIMITED 

1 The Ashway Centre, Elm Crescent, 

Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 6HH 

Tel: +44 (0)20 8546 9826 

Fax:+44 (0)20 8547 1026 

enquiries@databac.com 

PERIMETER PROTECTION 

GPS PERIMETER SYSTEMS LTD 

14 Low Farm Place, Moulton Park 

Northampton, NN3 6HY UK 

Tel: +44(0)1604 648344 Fax: +44(0)1604 646097 

E-mail: info@gpsperimeter.co.uk 

Web site: www.gpsperimeter.co.uk 

POWER 

INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS 

TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY 

BRITISH SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 

Tel: 0845 389 3889 

Email: info@bsia.co.uk 

Website: www.bsia.co.uk 

Twitter: @thebsia 

THE LEADING CERTIFICATION BODY FOR THE SECURITY INDUSTRY 

SSAIB 

7-11 Earsdon Road, West Monkseaton 

Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear 

NE25 9SX 

Tel: 0191 2963242 

Web: www.ssaib.org 

INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS 

POWER SUPPLIES – DC SWITCH MODE AND AC 

DYCON LTD 

Unit A, Cwm Cynon Business Park, Mountain Ash, CF45 4ER 

Tel: 01443 471900 Fax: 01443 479 374 

Email: sales@dyconpower.com 

www.dyconpower.com 

STANDBY POWER 

UPS SYSTEMS PLC 

Herongate, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0YU 

Tel: 01488 680500 

sales@upssystems.co.uk 

www.upssystems.co.uk 

UPS - UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES 

ADEPT POWER SOLUTIONS LTD 

Adept House, 65 South Way, Walworth Business Park 

Andover, Hants SP10 5AF 

Tel: 01264 351415 Fax: 01264 351217 

Web: www.adeptpower.co.uk 

E-mail: sales@adeptpower.co.uk 

SECURITY PRODUCTS AND INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS 

HONEYWELL SECURITY 

Tel: +44 (0) 844 8000 235 

E-mail: securitysales@honeywell.com 

UPS - UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES 

UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES LTD 

Woodgate, Bartley Wood Business Park 

Hook, Hampshire RG27 9XA 

Tel: 01256 386700 5152 e-mail: 

sales@upspower.co.uk 

www.upspower.co.uk 


SECURITY 

CASH & VALUABLES IN TRANSIT 

CONTRACT SECURITY SERVICES LTD 

Challenger House, 125 Gunnersbury Lane, London W3 8LH 

Tel: 020 8752 0160 Fax: 020 8992 9536 

E: info@contractsecurity.co.uk 

E: sales@contractsecurity.co.uk 

Web: www.contractsecurity.co.uk 

QUALITY SECURITY AND SUPPORT SERVICES 

CONSTANT SECURITY SERVICES 

Cliff Street, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S64 9HU 

Tel: 0845 330 4400 

Email: contact@constant-services.com 

www.constant-services.com 

FENCING SPECIALISTS 

J B CORRIE & CO LTD 

Frenchmans Road 

Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3AP 

Tel: 01730 237100 

Fax: 01730 264915 

email: fencing@jbcorrie.co.uk 

INTRUSION DETECTION AND PERIMETER PROTECTION 

OPTEX (EUROPE) LTD 

Redwall® infrared and laser detectors for CCTV applications and Fiber SenSys® fibre 

optic perimeter security solutions are owned by Optex. Platinum House, Unit 32B 

Clivemont Road, Cordwallis Industrial Estate, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7BZ 

Tel: +44 (0) 1628 631000 Fax: +44 (0) 1628 636311 

Email: sales@optex-europe.com 

www.optex-europe.com 

LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT 

C-TEC 

Challenge Way, Martland Park, 

Wigan WN5 OLD United Kingdom 

Tel: +44 (0) 1942 322744 

Fax: +44 (0) 1942 829867 

Website: www.c-tec.com 

PERIMETER SECURITY 

TAKEX EUROPE LTD 

Aviary Court, Wade Road, Basingstoke 

Hampshire RG24 8PE 

Tel: +44 (0) 1256 475555 

Fax: +44 (0) 1256 466268 

Email: sales@takex.com 

Web: www.takex.com 

PHYSICAL CONTROL PRODUCTS, ESP. ANTI-CLIMB 

INSIGHT SECURITY 

Units 1 & 2 Cliffe Industrial Estate 

Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6JL 

Tel: 01273 475500 

Email:info@insight-security.com 

www.insight-security.com 

SECURITY EQUIPMENT 

PYRONIX LIMITED 

Secure House, Braithwell Way, Hellaby, 

Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 8QY. 

Tel: +44 (0) 1709 700 100 Fax: +44 (0) 1709 701 042 

www.facebook.com/Pyronix 

www.linkedin.com/company/pyronix www.twitter.com/pyronix 

INTRUDER AND FIRE PRODUCTS 

CQR SECURITY 

125 Pasture road, Moreton, Wirral UK CH46 4 TH 

Tel: 0151 606 1000 

Fax: 0151 606 1122 

Email: andyw@cqr.co.uk 

www.cqr.co.uk 

SECURITY SYSTEMS 

BOSCH SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD 

PO Box 750, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 5ZJ 

Tel: 0330 1239979 

E-mail: uk.securitysystems@bosch.com 

Web: uk.boschsecurity.com 

INTRUDER ALARMS – DUAL SIGNALLING 

CSL 

Salamander Quay West, Park Lane 

Harefield , Middlesex UB9 6NZ 

T: +44 (0)1895 474 474 

@CSLDualCom 

www.csldual.com 

SECURITY EQUIPMENT 

CASTLE 

Secure House, Braithwell Way, Hellaby, 

Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 8QY 

TEL +44 (0) 1709 700 100 FAX +44 (0) 1709 701 042 

www.facebook.com/castlesecurity www.linkedin.com/company/castlesecurity 

www.twitter.com/castlesecurity 

INTRUDER ALARMS AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS 

RISCO GROUP 

Commerce House, Whitbrook Way, Stakehill Distribution Park, Middleton, 

Manchester, M24 2SS 

Tel: 0161 655 5500 Fax: 0161 655 5501 

Email: sales@riscogroup.co.uk 

Web: www.riscogroup.com/uk 

SECURITY PRODUCTS 

EATON 

Eaton is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of security equipment 

its Scantronic and Menvier product lines are suitable for all types of 

commercial and residential installations. 

Tel: 01594 545 400 Email: securitysales@eaton.com 

Web: www.uk.eaton.com Twitter: @securityTP 

ONLINE SECURITY SUPERMARKET 

EBUYELECTRICAL.COM 

Lincoln House, 

Malcolm Street 

Derby DE23 8LT 

Tel: 0871 208 1187 

www.ebuyelectrical.com 

SECURITY SYSTEMS 

VICON INDUSTRIES LTD. 

Brunel Way, Fareham 

Hampshire, PO15 5TX 

United Kingdom 

www.vicon.com 


APPOINTMENTS 

APPOINTMENTS 

Steve Broadley 

Announcing the expansion of its sales team 

Potter Electric Signal Company has appointed 

Stephen Broadley as its new European 

Business Development Manager. 

Steve comes with forty years of sales and 

operating experience in Fire Protection. Bruce 

LaRue, President of Potter’s Sprinkler 

Monitoring Division said, “We are thrilled to 

have Steve on board. His experience and 

industry relationships are unmatched and will 

add significant value to our customers across 

Europe.” 

Simon Jones 

Andy Cross 

TDSi has announced the appointment of the 

company’s new Distribution Channel Manager, 

Andy Cross. 

Andy started his career as an apprentice 

engineer for Chubb Alarms and progressed 

through roles including installation engineer, 

service engineer and engineering supervisor 

before moving to Business Development at 

Norbain SD and then onto Area Sales Manager for 

UK and Ireland at HID Global.support, both for 

sales teams and Integrators.” 

John Davies, MD of TDSi said, “With 29 years’ 

worth of experience in the security industry, Andy 

is the perfect person to take the reins of our 

distribution channel business.” 

Katie Gibbs & Steve Proctor 

RBH Security Group has recently 

appointed two new key members 

of staff. 

Katie Gibbs joined the 

company in late 2016 as an 

addition to the already strong 

technical support team based in 

Evesham. Katie arrives fresh from 

her recent studies of Emerging 

Technology Level 3 for two years 

at South Worcestershire College 

and joins as a Technical Support 

Advisor. 

Steve Proctor (pictured) has 

joined RBH Security Group as UK 

Sales Director. Steve, previously 

of Panasonic & NVT, brings a vast wealth of knowledge and more than 35 years’ 

experience in the security industry with him to significantly expand the access 

control business. 

CNL Software has announced in late 2016 that 

it has expanded its global sales team with the 

appointment of Simon Jones to the role of 

Sales Manager UK & Europe. Simon’s primary 

role will be to nurture the company’s existing 

customer relationships and to develop and 

expand the UK and European customer base in 

line with the company’s global growth strategy. 

With over 20 years’ experience in technical 

sales, Simon has recently completed a five-year 

tenure at Reliance High-Tech, where he was 

responsible for integrated security sales into 

various high profile accounts, including some of 

the UK’s largest police forces and Thames Water. 

Jeremy Furze & Scott Davis 

Hikvision UK & Ireland has announce the 

expansion of its Business Development Team with 

the appointment of Jeremy Furze (pictured) and 

Scott Davis both in the positions of Senior 

Business Development Manager. 

Jeremy’s experience in the security industry 

stretches back over 20 years with positions at a 

number of security manufacturers and national 

installers. 

Scott also brings a wealth of knowledge with 

over 10 years of industry experience having 

previously worked in security distribution for a 

number years and also in security manufacturing. 

On the appointments Jason Yang, General 

Manager for Hikvision UK & Ireland said: “Both 

Jeremy and Scott bring a vast amount of 

experience to Hikvision adding to the skills and 

knowledge of our growing Business Development 

Team. With ambitious growth plans for 2017 both 

Jeremy and Scott will add a great deal of value to 

our customers and their end-users.” 


11

PSIFebruary2017

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