Julie Kenny

Hikvision plans to apply Pyronix expertise in intrusion detection to its positionin video surveillance Hikvision, the world’s largest video surveillance manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of Pyronix, the UK-based intrusion alarm security firm. Hikvision plans to apply Pyronix expertise and know-how in intrusion detection systems to its leading position in the video surveillance market. Hikvision UK Growth Plans Julie Kenny CBE DL, Founder of Pyronix, said: “This acquisition represents a huge opportunity for Pyronix, Rotherham, and the region. The foreign direct investment that this will bring to the UK will be huge. Hikvision has big plans for the growth of Pyronix and the continued development globally. In the last 15 years Hikvision has demonstrated what can be achieved in the video surveillance market. With this guidance, Pyronix can achieve great things in the global market place.” Jiang Feng Zhi, recently appointed Chairman of Pyronix, commented on the acquisition: “These are exciting times for Pyronix and Hikvision as the two companies work together. Hikvision has plans for significant investment in the UK and particularly in its UK-based manufacturing, with plans to dramatically expand operations. We are delighted to welcome Pyronix to Hikvision group, and we look forward to growing the business through introduction of intruder alarm products to the global market.” Converging Video Surveillance And Intrusion Detection Hikvision plans to apply Pyronix expertise and know-how in intrusion detection systems to its leading position in the video surveillance market. The result, says Sebastian Herrera, Managing Director of Pyronix, will mark the future of security systems: “Hikvision and Pyronix combined know-how will bring new advancements and innovative products to the market, converging two security technologies in video surveillance and intrusion detection.” Hikvision is exhibiting at IFSEC International 2016, which takes place between 21st-23rd June at London’s ExCeL (stand number E800). Read more about Hikvision's plans for global expansion here

The Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognize who represented the commitment of security companies and training bodies in providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry Young apprentices Robbie Jackson and Christopher Hunt were recently presented with prestigious Apprentice Installer Awards by the British Security Industry Association  (BSIA). The apprentices were selected as award winners in recognition of their academic and practical success in the field of electronic security installations. Recognized The Achievements Of Level Two And Level Three Apprentices Awarded by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the trade body representing the UK’s private security sector, the Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognize the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems, and represent the commitment of security companies and training bodies in providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry. The overall winner for 2015’s awards is Robbie Jackson, 18, a third-year apprentice working for Compass Fire and Security in Cumbria and was nominated for the award by his course assessor, Mark Cunningham of Skills for Security. From his very first interview, the company were impressed by Robbie’s ‘can-do’ attitude and his potential to succeed shone through from the very beginning. Considering an apprenticeship as an alternative to University, Robbie quickly progressed in his role to become a valued member of the company. Looking ahead to the future, Robbie’s ambition is to become a lead engineer by his mid-20s and later progress into management, an ambition that his bosses at Compass Fire and Security believe he will most certainly achieve. “I firmly believe in the apprenticeship scheme and that apprentices are an asset to any organization" Andrew Turner, who manages Robbie at Compass Fire and Security, comments: “I firmly believe in the apprenticeship scheme and that apprentices are an asset to any organization. [One] of Robbie’s positive attributes is his ability to learn or understand a new or unfamiliar piece of equipment very quickly… Over the years, Robbie has progressed extremely well.” On being informed of his success in the awards, Robbie said: “I am delighted to have been selected as overall winner of the BSIA Apprentice Installer Award for 2015. Since being taken on as an apprentice with Compass Fire & Security, I have worked very hard to ensure that I have completed all aspects of the apprenticeship to the best of my ability and gain the knowledge necessary to become a qualified engineer. I hope to continue my personal development as an engineer with Compass Fire & Security with a view to one day being in a position to apply for more senior roles within the company. My apprenticeship and work placement have been both fulfilling and rewarding and I am very much looking forward to the next phase of my career in this industry.” Demonstrated A Good Knowledge Of IP-Based CCTV Achieving National Winner status is first-year apprentice, 17-year-old Christopher Hunt, who works for King’s Security. Following his father’s footsteps into a career in security, Christopher has earned the respect of his colleagues and mentors in the business due to his self-motivated and positive attitude. Helping out on many major projects for top-rated clients, Christopher demonstrates a good knowledge of IP-based CCTV and understands alarm wiring theory and fault-finding. Comfortable working with IT systems, Christopher is able to add/remove cameras from a system, program interfaces and focus/zoom a camera, all from a Windows-based PC. Nominating Christopher for his award was Andrew Wood, Install Supervisor at King’s Security. He comments: “Chris has become a really valued member of the team and is everyone’s choice as a ‘second man’. He understands the importance of the customer and always presents himself and the business in a good light. He is learning other parts of the business fast and is eager to progress.” Reacting to the news of his win, Christopher said: “I am honored to receive the BSIA’s annual Apprentice Installer Award. It means a lot to be recognized for the hard work I have been doing while doing my apprenticeship with Kings. The scheme has been amazing in helping me develop my practical skills and knowledge within the security sector, allowing me to ultimately develop my long-term career goals to work within the industry. I must say a big thank you to Kings, and particularly to my mentor, Andy Wood, who has helped me along the way with not only my practical skills but also theory and customer service skills, and I hope to serve as a role model for new recruits.” BSIA Support The Development Of Apprenticeships James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, comments: “We are all well aware that in today’s challenging job market many young people may feel that a long term career is out of their reach. As such, the BSIA and its members fully support the It’s always a pleasure to be able to recognize the outstanding talent displayed by our young apprentices" development of apprenticeships which offer positions to young people who wish to gain practical skills and knowledge in the security industry, allowing them to ultimately develop long-term careers in the sector. “It’s always a pleasure to be able to recognize the outstanding talent displayed by our young apprentices, and I would like to congratulate all four of today’s winners on their achievements. They have all exhibited exceptional qualities throughout their apprenticeships, and no doubt have very bright futures within our industry.” This year, the Apprentice Installer Awards are once again sponsored by Pyronix, whose Chair and Chief Executive, Julie A Kenny CBE DL, comments: “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees at this year’s BSIA Apprentice Installer Awards. “Schemes like this are absolutely vital in bringing in fresh recruitment of individuals who are ready to make a difference with passion and enthusiasm, and who knows, even in educating our industry’s future leaders. “At Pyronix, we advocate this sentiment by proactively looking to employ at least one apprentice every year, as we recognize and appreciate the mutual benefits of apprenticeship schemes. “So once again well done to everyone involved and we wish you all a very long and fruitful career in the security industry." Both winners were presented with their awards at the Association’s Annual Luncheon on July 15th, hosted at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The BSIA would like to take this opportunity to thank Pyronix Ltd for their kind sponsorship of these awards.

Nominations can be made for apprentices from security companies including non-BSIA ones Nominations are now open for the British Security Industry Association’s annual Apprentice Installer Awards, which recognize the best emerging talent from the electronic security industry.  The awards, now in their fifteenth year, are awarded by the BSIA at their annual luncheon and AGM. The awards serve to acknowledge the achievements of second and third year apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems, and represent the commitment of security companies and training bodies in providing emerging talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry. Glittering Ceremony At The London Hilton On Park Lane This year’s awards will be presented during a glittering ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday 15th July 2015. Nominations can be made for apprentices from security companies – including non-BSIA member companies - certified for their activities by a UKAS accredited certification body. The scheme is designed particularly for third year apprentices or outstanding second year apprentices.  The awards are presented by a high profile public figure and the event is also attended by influential media representatives from national broadcast media and the security trade press, providing significant publicity opportunities for nominated companies and winning apprentices. James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, comments: “Recognizing the skills of our industry’s newest recruits is essential in encouraging them to commit to a more long-term career in security, safeguarding the future of our industry and ensuring that individuals’ commitment to customer service and technological expertise are suitably rewarded.”                                                                                                                                        “Recognizing the skills of our industry’s newest recruits is essential in encouraging them to commit to a more long-term career" Appeal To The Younger Generation Sponsoring the awards for the fifth year running is electronic security equipment manufacturer, Pyronix Ltd, whose Chairman and Chief Executive, Julie Kenny CBE DL, is a passionate supporter of apprenticeships. Julie believes that: "Now is the perfect time to appeal to the younger generation who want to develop a career by working and earning money.” "This is why we are absolutely delighted to be sponsoring the Apprentice Installer Awards for the fifth year running.” "With the cost of higher education ever increasing, young people are looking at their options before deciding whether to go to University and we need to highlight the opportunities available to them within our industry.” Julie added: "It’s a truly fantastic way to bring in fresh recruitment of individuals who are ready to make a difference with passion and enthusiasm.”   "Not only that, but having been brought up in the technological age, they can help our industry adapt and develop new products that our consumers demand."

All four winners were presented with their awards by Guest of Honor, The Rt. Hon. Baroness Smith of Basildon Four outstanding young apprentices from the UK’s private security industry were recently presented with national awards in recognition of their academic and practical success in the field of electronic security installations. Awarded by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the trade body representing the UK’s private security sector, the Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognize the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems, and represent the commitment of security companies and training bodies in providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry. From a strong selection of entries the following winners were selected: The overall winner of this year’s Apprentice Installer Awards is Darrell Gilmour, 19, of Kings Security Systems. Currently in his third year of studies, Darrell’s passion for security runs in the family, with his father, uncle and aunt also employed within the sector. He was nominated for this award by New College, North Lanarkshire, where his methodical, conscientious workmanship has impressed his lecturers. Meanwhile, working full-time at Kings Security Systems Ltd, Darrell has set the bar high for future apprentices, with a spokesperson from the business commenting: “Kings are taking on new apprentices, and Darrell will be an ambassador for Scotland in providing a role model for the new recruits. He is an asset to Kings and a valued apprentice to the business.” The Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognize the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems Tom Parker of VSG received a national award for turning his fascination for technology into a blossoming career, already having worked on large-scale installations for high-profile clients including Macquarie Bank, London South Bank University and Lloyds of London. Selected to work alongside one of VSG’s leading technical engineers, 19-year-old Tom has already achieved the minimum level required to pass his college course and is currently undertaking additional modules while spending his spare time practising his work on a range of products. Nathan Sefton of Chubb Fire & Security won his award for demonstrating a sound knowledge and understanding of the industry, and for his methodical, level-headed approach to problem-solving. Already a point of contact for other engineers, Nathan excelled on a large project, where his documentation for over 30 sites was error-free and met strict deadlines. Nathan, 21, was selected to travel to Denmark in 2013 as part of Skills for Security’s Leonardo project. Aaron Noble of Kings Security was selected for a national award following his nomination by Kings Security’s Managing Director, Anthony King. With an ambition to become lead engineer by his mid-30s, Aaron, 21, has demonstrated an excellent understanding of theory and practical work. He already has experience of running complex jobs on-site and continually out-performs other apprentices of his age. The BSIA and its members fully support the development ofapprenticeships which offer positions to young people who wish to gain practical skills and knowledge in the security industry James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, comments: “We are all well aware that in today’s challenging job market many young people may feel that a long term career is out of their reach. As such, the BSIA and its members fully support the development of apprenticeships which offer positions to young people who wish to gain practical skills and knowledge in the security industry, allowing them to ultimately develop long-term careers in the sector.” “It’s always a pleasure to be able to recognize the outstanding talent displayed by our young apprentices, and I would like to congratulate all four of today’s winners on their achievements. They have all exhibited exceptional qualities throughout their apprenticeships, and no doubt have very bright futures within our industry.” This year, the Apprentice Installer Awards are once again sponsored by Pyronix, whose Chair and Chief Executive, Julie A Kenny CBE DL, comments: “As the cost of University education has increased dramatically in the last few years, there has never been a better time for the security industry to appeal to the younger generation who want to work, develop a career and earn money.” “As an industry, we need to highlight the opportunities available and target keen young applicants prepared to influence our industry. Brought up in the ‘permanently connected age’, these apprentices have the user experience to push and assist with the transformation of technologies in our industry that customers will be demanding. We at Pyronix are therefore delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Apprentice Installer Awards’, as we believe their input will be invaluable to help installers drive and control customer driven technologies into the intruder market within the next few years.” All four winners were presented with their awards by Guest of Honor, The Rt. Hon. Baroness Smith of Basildon, Shadow Home Affairs Minister for private security, at the Association’s Annual Luncheon on July 16th, hosted at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The BSIA would like to take this opportunity to thank Pyronix Ltd for their kind sponsorship of these awards.

BSIA’s Export Council celebrated its 20th anniversary with security exporters from across the UK Security exporters from across the UK gathered together with key industry stakeholders at IFSEC International to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the British Security Industry Association’s Export Council. Established in 1994, the Export Council serves as a dedicated forum for relationships between the UK's security industry and overseas buyers to be founded and cultivated, and acts as an invaluable port of call for overseas-based contacts interested in developing a relationship with a UK company as a partner, customer or distributor. Celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Export Council took place on the BSIA’s stand (D1500) at IFSEC International, and featured brief presentations from current Export Council Chairman, Greg Stuttle of GJD Manufacturing Ltd, as well as founding member of the Export Council, Julie Kenny CBE DL of Pyronix, and UKTI DSO’s Senior Security Advisor and Head of Business Strategy, Simon Everest. Speaking at the event, Greg Stuttle welcomed the support of key stakeholders, including BSIA members and UKTI: “Exporting has become very important to our business and for all those involved in exporting. We get incredible support from stakeholders, the BSIA and UKTI.” Reflecting on the progress made by the Export Council over the past 20 years, Julie Kenny CBE DL added: “In the last 20 years we have worked together with the BSIA and UKTI to grow exporting within the industry. At the time [of the formation of the Export Council] we did not export more than 5% of our annual turnover, and that number has now exceeded 40%. For some members, this figure is as high as 70%” "We work closely with the BSIA and exhibitions around the world, and our relationship continues to grow from strength to strength supporting companies to grow their exports all over the world" Commenting on the prosperous relationship between UKTI and the BSIA, Simon Everest said: “We work closely with the BSIA and exhibitions around the world, and our relationship continues to grow from strength to strength supporting companies to grow their exports all over the world.” Visitors to the stand for the celebration included Commercial Officers from British Embassies around the world, as well as companies new to exporting, seeking advice and guidance on getting started. Daren Wood, Membership and Export Services Manager at the BSIA, comments: “For BSIA members, exporting became increasingly important throughout the economic downturn, and now that the country enters a period of growth, we expect more and more of our members to be exploring opportunities abroad.” “UK security suppliers enjoy a favourable reputation in overseas markets for their experience and track record in supplying quality security products and services, and the Export Council continues to help businesses capitalize on this through facilitating contacts with overseas buyers and the organization of UK pavilions at trade shows including Intersec Dubai, Security Essen and of course, IFSEC’s overseas counterparts.” “For two decades, the help and assistance offered by the Association’s Export Council has enabled UK security exporters to grow their business on a global scale, and we were proud to celebrate this achievement yesterday.”

Paul will further develop the current EMEA and international markets outside of Poland, Russia and Italy Pyronix have recently released news of their newest appointment to their Board of Directors, Paul Ramsay, who has joined the company as an International Sales Director. This appointment will see Paul further develop the current EMEA and international markets outside of Poland, Russia and Italy - these three European markets are to be managed by Valeri Filianov. Paul was previously at Norbain the electronic security distributor as their Divisional Director of Export Sales. During his eleven years at Norbain, International sales grew significantly with expansion into the Middle East with offices in the UAE and Saudi. Prior to joining Norbain, Paul has worked in the manufacturing industry for several companies including a business that was successfully acquired during his tenure by Tyco Electronics. During this time he progressed from a UK sales role to Director of Asian Sales and East Coast Regional Manager where he relocated to the USA. He has been the recipient of the BSIA Chairman’s award for his contribution to export and is an active Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. On Paul’s appointment, Julie Kenny CBE DL said; “Paul’s experience in the industry is second to none. The posts he has been in at Norbain and Tyco see him perfectly placed to complement the skills we have in our Export department. I wish Paul every success and I am confident that he will bring with him some great knowledge and leadership, allowing us to further expand our Export activities.”