David Gill

The demand for security consultancy services has increased as recent terror events have highlighted the need for effective and proportionate mitigation measures. Security training has seen an increase in demand, especially for technical courses in the areas of access control and CCTV.   Security management training has also risen, except in the oil and gas sector where demand dropped significantly; this is attributed to the suppressed oil price. However, recently there are signs indicating this trend has bottomed out and oil companies are beginning to invest once again in security management training. Security Ramifications Of Brexit Important trends developing in the last year include higher demands for training in cyber-security, and the facilities management market’s pushing to upskill in security disciplines in response to the heighten risk of terrorism. The Brexit situation is having an impact as companies seek to safeguard their international supply chains. For example, there is an increased demand for security advice on Authorized Economic Operator applications. Those businesses which ignore EU requirements, which include producing risk assessments, are at risk of legal restrictions in trading operations. The changing tactics of terrorists – for example, using vehicles as a weapon and marauding attacks – have demonstrated the need for flexible mitigation strategies. Educating Against Cybercrime Terrorism and cyber-related crime, often involving extortion, are amongst the leading issues looking ahead to 2018, with the C-suite continuing to place reputational risk as a top-three agenda item. The impact of lax security can be extreme, as evidenced recently via international media of many leading brands targeted by cyber criminals and terrorists. In the next year, we at The Linx International Group will continue to invest in increasing our eLearning programs portfolio, and are gearing to provide more consultants to meet higher demands overseas, particularly across EMEA and the Far East. What has emerged in 2017 is an increasing mandate from overseas for British-based security consultancy and training services, which are widely regarded as “best in class.” In 2017, there is an increasing mandate from overseas for British-based security consultancy and training services Winners And Losers The winners in the new year will be those companies that invest in quality training to produce increased skills sets in their people, appreciating such investment will increase outputs and ultimately customer confidence. The losers will be those security businesses, particularly in the guarding sector who resist investing in their people and rely on winning business based purely on price alone. We have seen a clear trend in corporates wanting multi-disciplined third-party contractors able to supply personnel with recognized industry qualifications, not just providing manpower at the cheapest possible price. Continuing Success Into The New Year The Linx International Group has had a successful 2017, increasing staff numbers to address double-digit increase in sales. Key achievements for the group have included: the design and creation of two new technical training centers in Dubai and Singapore, the creation of a new professional register for Certified Technical Security Professionals and the launch of a new Master’s Degree in International Security and Risk Managements (developed in conjunction with the University of South Wales). Building on these successes will be a challenge in 2018, as will keeping pace with the ever-rapid changes in technology. One thing is certain, the demand for security across most areas of life will increase – our biggest challenge will be to meet that demand. 

Tavcom Training, globally renowned provider of accredited security systems training courses and part of the Linx International Group - is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with the opening of a state-of-the-art training center of excellence. Developed in partnership with CrossConnect Training, the center in Shipley, West Yorkshire is ideally located to meet all the training needs of the many security professionals in the North of England. Security systems training courses Expansion of Tavcom is in response to unprecedented demand for our accredited courses" With two world-class teaching facilities in the UK (Hampshire and West Yorkshire) and a growing portfolio of bitesize and online interactive courses, Tavcom is making it easier for security professionals at all levels, to access its award-winning and internationally recognized security systems training courses. Managing Director of the Linx International Group, David Gill, said, “This significant investment and expansion of Tavcom is in response to unprecedented demand for our accredited courses, by installers the length and breadth of England.” The new center boasts excellent road and public transport links to and from Liverpool, Manchester, Warrington, Huddersfield, Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate, Doncaster, Darlington and Middlesbrough. Technical security training expert David Gill adds, “As part of Linx’s commitment to professionalism and the raising of standards across the industry, we need to make the right training available, accessible and affordable to all. This important new center replicates the class-leading facilities at our facility in Hampshire that has established Tavcom as the premier provider of technical security training in the UK, for more than 25 years.” Technical Director at CrossConnect Training, Geoff Crossley commented, “We at CrossConnect Training are really looking forward to the opening of our new training center, and excited by the opportunity to work closely with Tavcom Training to provide a high quality learning experience to delegates from across the Northern Britain.” BTEC Level 3 courses Practical CCTV installation Both future-proofed centers are fully equipped with all the technical infrastructure and equipment (Tavcom is vendor agnostic) required to deliver Tavcom’s portfolio of more than 100 training courses. The new center will welcome students in June and July, when it runs its hugely popular BTEC Level 3 courses Practical CCTV installation and Practical Intruder Alarms. In addition to its extensive facilities and training programmes in the UK, Tavcom also operates internationally through a purpose-built training center in Singapore and courses hosted in Africa and the Middle East.

Linx International Group, a pioneer in the provision of security, risk management, consultancy and training services, announced that its Director of Group Operations, Ciaran Barry CSyP, has been admitted to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals, which is recognized as the gold standard of competence in security. The Register of Chartered Security Professionals was established under a Royal Charter issued to the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals in the UK and was launched in 2011. Being admitted to the Register and becoming a CSyP is a means of being recognized and continuing to represent the highest standards and ongoing proficiency. Third member to receive CSyP Post nominal Before joining the Linx International Group in 2015, Ciaran spent nine years in the British Army and worked at Hertfordshire Police Constabulary for over eight years as a detective. He holds a Diploma in Security Management (with Distinction), the ASIS Certified Protection Professional qualification (CPP) and is actively involved within both the Security Institute and ASIS International. Ciaran Barry is the latest member of the Linx International Group to receive the CSyP post nominalCiaran Barry is the latest member of the Linx International Group to receive the CSyP post nominal, joining Managing Director David Gill CSyP (a member of the Chartered Security Professionals Registration Authority), and Group Director Angus Darroch-Warren CSyP, on the prestigious Register. Each of the 142 security practitioners on the Register have proven themselves in the disciplines of: Security Knowledge, Practical Application, Communication, Leadership and Personal Commitment. They also commit to a code of conduct and a professional disciplinary code, as well as continuous professional development. Elite group of security professionals “Being admitted to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals is a great honor and privilege. It is an achievement I am extremely proud of and I would like to thank all those who have supported, trained and mentored me throughout my career,” comments Ciaran. He adds: “The Register is an elite group of highly respected security professionals, all of whom share the ethos to inspire and support others to attain and sustain the very highest standards and proficiency, and these are values that are important to me professionally and personally.”

With only three weeks to go until The Security Event 2019, details of the fantastic speakers taking part in the professional seminar program has been released. Security Training Sessions Sessions in the free-to-attend program have been designed to give attendees practical training and best practice advice on new techniques and technologies on the market and are CPD certified by The Security Institute. By attending these innovative sessions and workshops, attendees can earn up to 35 CPD points across the three-day event. The speakers for the program have been hand-selected by the content team as some of the UK Security industry’s most experienced voices The speakers for the program have been hand-selected by the content team as some of the UK Security industry’s most experienced voices. They have been there, done that and are now ready to share their experience and know-how with interested parties. Visitors can hear from experienced industry speakers who will share their learnings and offer invaluable advice for on a range of topical issues at The Security Event 2019. Notable speakers list includes: Chris Aldous, Director, ASIS UK Phil Cain, Digital Voice Industry Engagement, BT David Gill MSc CSyP FSyI, Chartered Security Professional, Linx International Group Rick Mountfield, Chief Executive, The Security Institute Andrew Palmer, Gatwick Airport, Border Security Manager Dr Emma Philpott, CEO, IASME Consortium Mark Lindsay, Associate - Resilience, Security & Risk, Arup Professor Martin Gill, Director, Perpetuity Research Andrew Sieradzki, Director of Security and Technology, Buro Happold Andrew Palmer, Border Security Manager, Gatwick Airport Darren Stanton - The Human Lie Detector And many more

Linx International Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Norway-based SOS Academy. The companies will collaborate on the development and delivery of world-leading academic and vocational security and risk-related training, delivered in the classroom, online or via blended learning. The agreement also covers the provision of security consulting services currently provided by both organizations. Accredited Security Courses Jon S. Jacobsen, Founder of SOS Academy, stated: "SOS Academy is pleased to collaborate with Linx International Group primarily based on its excellent reputation, results and student feedback. Its MSc program in International Security Risk Management has great appeal along with the exceptional choice of vocational and accredited security courses. There is no other training provider that offers such a range of quality management and technical courses, and we are delighted to represent Linx International Group across Scandinavia. We look forward to extending our relationship with them." David Gill, Managing Director of Linx International Group, commented: "We are proud to be working in partnership with SOS Academy. The MOU covers the provision of Group training programs, including our MSc in International Security & Risk Management and the Security Institute’s accredited courses, throughout Scandinavia, where there is a lack of equivalent qualifications but an identified demand for them." Enhanced Position In Training Market "This new agreement also gives Linx International Group an enhanced position in the Scandinavian security training market, enabling us to provide our professional training and consultancy services to a wider security-focussed audience." Linx International Group and SOS Academy will now formulate a detailed business plan, with full operations expected to commence in line with the 2018/2019 academic year.

PerpetuityARC Training (Perpetuity Training Ltd.), part of the Linx International Group has announced the launch of its Essential Security Practices (ESP) online learning program. The modular online program provides non-security personnel and those for whom corporate security is one of several responsibilities, with a strong working knowledge of the fundamentals needed to help safeguard an organization, its people and assets.  The ESP course is the first-of-its-kind and has been devised by global provider of security management training - PerpetuityARC Training. Learners can choose their own path through the course, electing pace and order in which they take each of the 12 modules. It is ideally suited to professionals in facilities and HR management positions or multi-tasked managers, as well as those seeking to develop a career in security. The ESP programme delivers the right amount of knowledge to be effective, without trying to make them fully-fledged security practitioners" Impact On Security Status Managing Director of the Linx International Group, David Gill states, “There is not an area of business that security does not touch, meaning an organization is only as strong as its weakest link. Increasingly, we have experienced a large upswing of interest in our courses from ‘non-security’ professionals, who are expected to make informed decisions that could have a direct impact on the security status of the organization.” Gill adds: “The ESP program specifically caters for these demands, delivering the right amount of knowledge to be effective, without trying to make them fully-fledged security practitioners.” The 12 Essential Security Practices course modules are as follows – Security Risk Management Security Surveys Perimeter Security Building Security Access Management Video Surveillance Systems Security Lighting Protection Against Explosive Devices Procuring Security and Managing Guarding Cyber Security Crisis Management and Business Continuity Workplace Investigations

The Linx International Group has announced the appointment of Ciaran Barry as Director of Group Operations to oversee all parts of the business, including Linx Consultancy, Tavcom Training, ARC Training International and Perpetuity Training.  Ciaran has an experienced and varied background in both security and business. Following his BA Hons degree in Business and French, he had a number of commercial roles before serving in the British Army for 9 years and then Hertfordshire Police Constabulary for over eight years as a detective. In 2015, he joined the Linx International Group as a Senior Consultant. Always keen to enhance his academic knowledge, Ciaran studied for a Diploma in Security Management (with Distinction) and recently achieved his Certified Protection Professional qualification (CPP). As an avid supporter of professionalism within the industry, Ciaran is actively involved within both the Security Institute and ASIS International. Ciaran is actively involved within both the Security Institute and ASIS International Technical And Security Management Expert Commenting on his appointment Ciaran states, “I am delighted and honored to be taking on this new and pivotal role. The Linx International Group is unique in that it is made up of four renowned companies who together offer clients and individuals bespoke and accredited technical and security management training and renowned consultancy services around the world. I am taking the lead in ensuring the market is fully aware of what we offer and our holistic approach to the security of our clients.” Ciaran brings the ideal combination of security expertise and commercial acumen" Managing Director of the Linx International Group, David Gill adds, “Ciaran brings the ideal combination of security expertise and commercial acumen, to ensure the Linx International Group continues to be the premier training provider and security consultancy in the UK and internationally.” Security Training Security is a business enabler and its remit is expanding to cover other departments within many organizations" Security training is continuing to evolve, and Ciaran is clear on the Linx International Group’s role moving forward, “Security is a business enabler and its remit is expanding to cover other departments within many organizations. In addition to physical and technical security, the modern security manager must understand commercial and business drivers, HR, legal and regulatory requirements and have a sound knowledge of health & safety legislation. They must also stay abreast of global current affairs, new technologies and evolving threats.” Ciaran concluded, “We train professionals to deal with the latest threats, so must anticipate developments and needs across the local, national and international security environments. The Linx International Group’s mission will continue to be at the forefront of security sector training and to ensure our education offering remains highly relevant and forward thinking in an ever-changing world.”

The Linx International Group has announced that it will be delivering its award-winning security management programmes from the new training center of the Security Industry Regulatory Authority in Dubai - SIRA.  SIRA was created in 2016 and is the government department responsible for setting the regulations, training and enforcements of security within Dubai. Training will be delivered to international students by expert tutors at SIRA’s new training center, which includes state-of-the-art technical workshops designed in collaboration with the Linx International Group company – Tavcom. Security professionals will study and complete internationally recognized and fully-accredited (BTEC and City & Guilds) security management courses including: Security Management Risk Crisis & Disaster Management Managing Security Surveys Managing Security Risks in the Oil & Gas Sector Kidnap and Ransom Management Sea Port Security Management Security Training Partnership SIRA Training Centre Director, Mr. Ahmed Albalooshy comments, “Through partnership with the Linx International Group we are providing the very best-in-class training at SIRA’s state-of-the art training center. Together, we are delivering an exceptionally high-calibre of training, to create experts whose talents are in demand in Dubai, the wider Middle East.” Managing Director of the Linx International Group, David Gill states, “Dubai is a major global hub and well respected as a center of excellence, especially in areas of technology, security and policing. The Linx International Group is proud to be working with SIRA to provide security professionals and those seeking to develop a career in security management in the Middle-East, with the UK’s premier security management training.

The Linx International Group, which includes the renowned security systems training specialists, Tavcom Training, has announced that it will be exhibiting at the world’s leading trade fair, Intersec Dubai 2018 alongside Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) from 21st-23rd January. BTEC-Accredited Courses Reflecting upon the upcoming event, Group Managing Director, David Gill commented, “We are extremely honored to be exhibiting with the Dubai Government’s Regulatory Agency. This event showcases excellence in security training, services and products, and attracts visitors from across the region and beyond.” David continued, “The event offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to learn more about the specific training courses we provide and how they are designed with both local, national and international security requirements in mind.” Tavcom Training is a provider of BTEC-accredited technical security systems training and will be showcasing its latest courses and qualifications at Intersec 2018.

Mike Kenny joins five other colleagues and training experts associated with Linx International who have achieved CSyP With Mike Kenny having recently been admitted to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals, Linx International Group can claim to have more CSyPs than any other organization. Raising Standards Within Security Industry Mike, who is Training Manager for ARC Training, joins five other colleagues and training experts associated with the Linx International Group who have achieved Chartered Security Professionals (CSyP) status. Admittance to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals signifies that a person has met the stringent criteria jointly developed by the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and the Security Institute. This includes a strong understanding of general security principles and an ability to demonstrate a high level of competence in key areas such as security knowledge, practice skills, communication, professional commitment and leadership. “I am proud that so many of my colleagues share my passion for helping raise standards within the security industry and that they have the experience, expertise and commitment necessary to achieve CSyP status,” said David Gill, who is himself a Chartered Security Professional, as well as CEO of Linx International Group which includes Linx Consulting and renowned security management and systems training specialists, ARC Training, Perpetuity Training and Tavcom. “We encourage all our students to constantly strive to achieve the highest levels of career enhancing qualifications and so I feel it is very important that we lead by example, as well as give a clear indication of the expertise of our senior management and tutors.”

Paul Tennent, Sales Director for Tavcom, has been appointed Group Sales Director for Linx International Linx International and Tavcom announce they have concluded an agreement resulting in Linx acquiring a majority shareholding in Tavcom. Tavcom is the leading provider of online and classroom based security systems training. The Linx International Group includes Linx Consulting and renowned security management training providers, ARC Training International and Perpetuity Training. Opportunity with Tavcom “Tavcom’s unrivalled expertise in the systems training market, combined with the Linx International Group’s reputation for providing premier security management training, will provide an unparalleled offering to the sector,” said David Gill, CEO of Linx International Group. “Our plan is for Tavcom to continue to operate under its existing brand within the Linx International group and clients will therefore continue to receive the outstanding levels of service that they have come to expect. However, the inclusion of Tavcom within the Group presents a fantastic opportunity to create a global leader in both security management and security systems training”. Paul Tennent, previously Sales Director for Tavcom, has been appointed Group Sales Director for Linx International, whilst Mike Tennent, who founded Tavcom, has been appointed the company’s non-executive Chairman. Mike Tennent, CEO of Tavcom, commented: “I am delighted with this transition. The shift from a family business to the new international group set-up is one which will see the company build on its excellent reputation, as well as open new opportunities to our clients to offer outstanding training and consultancy internationally.”