First Response Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

The S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12) is delighted to welcome five new members to its core committee. The S12 brings together security leaders to work as a collective with the Government, Security Industry Authority, and the Security Minister. Their mandate is to address and elevate critical industry issues, promote higher standards and professionalism, enhance public safety, and positively shape the perception of the security guarding sector. Latest round of nominations While the group was initially seeking two new members in its latest round of nominations, the strength and breadth of candidates led to four being invited to join. It is strengthened by the appointments of: Keith Middleton, Managing Director of Bidvest Noonan (UK) Ltd Steven Moore, Managing Director of OCS Kieran Mackie, Managing Director of Amulet Security Simon Alderson, CEO of First Response Group Ltd Representatives from five large companies It was stated that preference would be given to representatives from large and medium companies in this nomination round to help provide a more balanced committee. As nominations were received from two large and two medium firms, all four have been offered a place. These appointments provide complete balance to the S12, which will now be made up of representatives from five large companies, three medium, and five small businesses. New appointments are a major win for the S12 Paul Evans, Chair of the Security Guarding Leadership Group, said: “We thank all those who put themselves forward to give up their time and resources to help drive positive change in the security industry." “The appointments of Keith Middleton, Steven Moore, Kieran Mackie and Simon Alderson are all a major win for us, and between them they have a wide range of skills and experience that will be invaluable in helping the S12 achieve its goals. We welcome them all to the team and look forward to them getting stuck in – there’s a lot to do. These latest appointments also help balance out the committee in terms of the type and size of businesses represented." “Finally, we also warmly welcome Abbey Petkar of Magenta Security Services, who joins the committee following a resignation from the previous nomination round. Abbey was the next runner-up in the small business category in that initial voting round, and I equally look forward to benefiting from his years of experience and expertise in the Security Guarding industry.” Non-ACS representation The S12 has also confirmed plans to introduce two non-ACS board seats in the New Year. This will help ensure even broader inclusivity and representation as the group continues to engage with Government, the Home Office and the Security Industry Authority on critical issues such as Mandatory Business Licensing, Martyn’s Law, labor exploitation and raising professional standards across the sector. About the S12 The S12 meets regularly with the Security Minister, the Home Office and the SIA to drive the highest professional standards across the industry. The core committee lead a number of workstreams across a variety of areas, including MR8, Labour Exploitation, Training Malpractice, SIA Business Approval Scheme, Martyn’s Law and Integrated Policing and Private Security. The committee is so far being supported by more than 400 people from across the industry who are helping to represent the interests of the industry with one united voice, while working to raise standards, shape policy and improve public safety.

As cable theft continues to plague rail networks, energy systems, construction and utilities sites and vacant commercial properties, First Response Group (FRG) has unveiled FRG Tremors - a breakthrough seismic detection system that senses tampering to both laid cable and cable drums in storage, and tracks stolen cable in real time, giving operators instant visibility over critical infrastructure and the means to respond immediately. FRG Tremors, exclusive to First Response Group in the UK, uses seismic sensors to monitor vibration, tilt and movement around cabling and associated infrastructure. When tampering is detected, an encrypted signal is transmitted to FRG’s 24-hour control center, which alerts nominated response teams and police. If material is removed, onboard GPS with jamming detection activates, enabling stolen cable to be tracked in real time until recovery by law enforcement. Long-life battery Each unit operates autonomously on a long-life battery for up to three years and is engineered to function in remote or exposed environments where traditional CCTV and motion sensors struggle, such as along rail lines, renewable-energy sites, compounds storing material awaiting installation or empty commercial properties awaiting reoccupation. According to FRG, the system has already been proving effective in trials across six live infrastructure facilities, including rail feeder lines and signaling cable routes, recording zero level theft throughout the pilot. The sensors performed reliably in high winds, rainfall and mixed terrain, with no false alarms recorded during 60 consecutive days of live testing. Ground-breaking security system The ground-breaking security system’s launch follows mounting warnings from industry bodies and law enforcement about the resurgence of metal theft. The Energy Networks Association says the crime continues to cause millions in losses every year, putting public safety and power continuity at risk. British Transport Police has also reported a rise in thefts along rail corridors, leading to signaling delays and cancellations. Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics recorded a 42 per cent increase in “theft of metal” offences between 2022 and 2024. The launch of FRG Tremors comes at a time of already heightened financial strain for UK businesses. Ahead of the Autumn Budget 2025, the British Chambers of Commerce has warned that firms “cannot absorb further shocks” as inflation, energy costs and insurance premiums remain elevated. With material theft often causing weeks of disruption, security failures are now being viewed not as an operational nuisance, but as a business-continuity and balance-sheet risk. Cable theft “Cable theft has become one of the most damaging and costly crimes facing UK infrastructure,” said James Reed, head of construction and infrastructure at First Response Group:  “FRG Tremors changes the model from passive surveillance to active response - we can identify an attempted theft in seconds, deploy canine or mobile units, and prevent the damage before it occurs.” “For operators already battling inflation and budget pressure, the cost of prevention is now far lower than the cost of recovery.” “We’re seeing an increasing need for systems that work where cameras and security officers cannot,” Reed added. “That means battery autonomy, secure data transmission, GPS accuracy and rapid integration with live-response networks. FRG Tremors brings all of that into one deployable solution.” Integrating technology and human-power FRG Tremors forms part of FRG’s wider strategy to integrate technology and human-power across its national network. The system interfaces with FRG’s digital platform, which is already used for alarm response and enables a unified picture of threat detection, escalation and incident closure.  It can also be layered with complementary systems such as M-PIDS (mobile perimeter intruder detection), CCTV and access control for multi-tiered defense. FRG said it plans to roll out FRG Tremors nationwide through its regional security hubs, with priority deployment across utilities, rail and energy infrastructure, as well as large property portfolios managing vacant assets. Early interest has also come from renewables and data-center operators seeking protection for remote assets. The company emphasized that the system’s cost-efficiency and scalability make it suitable for both short-term and permanent installations.

The highly anticipated 2025 UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) took place last night (20th February) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, bringing together a distinguished gathering of professionals from across the UK security sector. This prestigious event once again showcased the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to security excellence. Opportunity for buyers and suppliers Once again, NSI-certified companies were well represented among those recognized, securing notable victories across multiple categories and demonstrating their ongoing commitment to the highest industry standards. The OSPAs are designed to be independent and inclusive, providing an opportunity for both buyers and suppliers to be acknowledged for their impact on the industry. Extensive research into key factors  NSI-certified companies had an unique version, with 27 finalists securing 83 nominations The awards criteria are based on extensive research into the key factors that define outstanding performance, ensuring a rigorous and transparent judging process. NSI-certified companies delivered an impressive performance, with 27 finalists securing 83 nominations. Four NSI-approved companies achieved success across eight categories, further reinforcing their reputation as industry pioneers. NSI-certified winners of the 2025 The NSI-certified winners of the 2025 UK OSPAs are Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director: Alex Philiotis – First Response Group Outstanding Security Team: Crime & Intelligence Team – Coop & Mitie Security Outstanding Customer Service Initiative: Here East Safety Customer Service Initiative – CIS Security Outstanding Security Training Initiative: London Bridge City Security Training Initiative – CIS Security Outstanding Event Security Team: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Team – FGH Security Outstanding Young Security Professional: Tom Marsh - FGH Security Outstanding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative: CIS Security Outstanding Security Sustainability Award: CIS Security and ESG Strategy Advancing industry standards Richard Fogelman, NSI Chief Executive, commented: "As one of the most prestigious events in the security calendar, the UK OSPAs play a pivotal role in recognizing the outstanding commitment, professionalism, and innovation that drive our industry forward." "This year’s winners and finalists exemplify excellence, demonstrating their dedication to advancing industry standards." Security and fire safety providers Fogelman added: "It was a privilege to see so many NSI-certified companies celebrated for their exceptional contributions to safeguarding businesses, public sector services and wider communities. Their achievements reflect a strong commitment to raising the bar in security. Congratulations to all.” NSI is committed to setting the benchmark for excellence, helping security and fire safety providers uphold the highest industry standards.