First Response Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

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.

In the month that the world marks World Suicide Prevention Day, which is hosted on 10 September, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent security groups, First Response Group (FRG), has joined the Security Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide (SCPS). Founded three years ago, SCPS is a network of security groups and people in both the public and private sectors working in collaboration to prevent suicide, with a particular focus on those working in the security profession which suffers one of the highest percentages of occupational stress. FRG’s commitment FRG’s commitment to working alongside others in the security sector to reduce the causes of suicide In fact, security is the third highest industry in the UK impacted by suicide, according to research conducted by the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide. Barry Dawson, who joined FRG as its group managing director earlier this year, strongly supports FRG’s commitment to working alongside others in the security sector to reduce the causes of suicide through sector-wide collaboration. He said: “I have been in this industry a long time, 35 years in fact, and have long been aware of the problem faced by many security officers in dealing with stress associated with rigors many of them face daily in protecting people and assets. The SCPS is an excellent platform for educating and sharing knowledge. In my view, every security company needs to get behind this.” Health and wellbeing services According to research led by Dr. Risto Talas and Professor Mark Button, professor of criminology in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth, a staggering 40% of security officers display some symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). On publishing his findings, Professor Button said: “The research has revealed a worrying lack of support provided by the security companies. This must change and more research is required on what the security industry as a whole must do to address this issue before it becomes a larger societal issue, with added pressure on the limited mental health and wellbeing services provided by the NHS.” Unlock innovation and resources FRG is committed, alongside the other security fellows and partners, to unlock innovation and resources The consortium is guided by a panel that includes representatives from the National Police Chiefs Council Suicide Prevention Group, City of London Police, The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and the Samaritans. FRG is committed, alongside the other security partners and members, to unlock innovation and resources in the corporate world, and bring together partners in the public and voluntary sectors to tackle the epidemic of suicide. Effective outcomes Commenting on the group’s backing of the Consortium, CEO of FRG Simon Alderson said: “Many security professionals will struggle with mental health problems. It’s crucial that the industry grasps this and puts in place the measures to identify all the warning signs and prevent avoidable personal tragedy." “It is also important to recognize that Security officers are often first responders when someone is in crisis, including those at risk of suicide. Ensuring security professionals have the right tools and training empowers them to respond effectively and ultimately contribute to safer, more effective outcomes in crisis situations.” British Business Excellence Awards FRG, headquartered in Leeds, employs a workforce of some 2,000 professionals and in the past year has won awards at the industry’s Security & Fire Excellence Awards, Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), Security and Safety Entrepreneurial Awards and the ACS Pacesetter’s Security Officer of Distinction Awards. The company has recently been shortlisted for two Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards.