Mark Pennington

Synectics Security has appointed one of the industry’s leading project management and planning specialists to join its senior team as Operations Director. With over 20 years of experience in the UK operational and security-focused project delivery, spanning both service provider and client-side roles, Colin Butlin is the first external appointment announced as part of the new-look company. He will be working closely with Synectics Security’s Managing Director, Iain Stringer, and Commercial Director Mark Pennington. The company officially launched recently, following the merger of Synectics Mobile Systems (SMS) and Quadrant Security Group. Pairing both mobile and built-environment expertise, the business works with pioneering technology providers to design and deploy integrated security solutions for customers operating in highly regulated environments across public space, heritage, high security, banking and finance, critical infrastructure, and transportation sectors. Security upgrade works Colin joins Synectics Security from civil engineering giant Kier Plc where, among other responsibilities, he led a multi-million-pound program of security upgrade works for Critical National Infrastructure sites across the UK. With experience spanning industry, utilities, defense, and commercial markets, the 46-year-old operations expert feels he has a lot to offer Synectics Security at such an exciting time for the business. Colin said “I’m privileged to have worked both sides of the fence in terms of managing major security projects. I know, first-hand, what a customer expects, but also how service delivery should be structured, monitored, and managed to ensure those expectations are met in the most efficient and effective way possible.” “At Synectics Security, I have the amazing opportunity to use this experience to ensure new levels of customer satisfaction but also to help shape and steer the business. You don’t often get the chance to join a company recognized as an industry leader – with an expansive customer base and a workforce of field-engineers and managers with almost 400 years’ combined experience – but which also has the agility and innovative spirit of a start-up. That’s a hugely exciting proposition for me.” Customer-driven developments Colin’s deep technical knowledge of security service delivery and project management will see him implement new governance structures and staff training as part of Synectics Security’s ongoing program of customer-driven developments. Managing Director, Iain Stringer, commented “For us, success isn’t just about making sure our customers get an integrated solution which matches their specific business needs. It’s about making sure we always deliver that end-result in the best way possible for all stakeholders involved. Colin’s reputation and experience in this field will prove invaluable in making sure we succeed in this mission and we are delighted to welcome him on board.”

Synectics Mobile Systems (SMS) and Quadrant Security Group (QSG) have merged to form one of the largest independent security integrators operating in the UK - Synectics Security. Combining the on-vehicle expertise of SMS and QSG’s experience in providing electronic security solutions for complex, critical and heavily regulated environments, Synectics Security works with ‘best-of-breed’ technology partners to offer ‘one of the most comprehensive product and service portfolios available’. Powerful combined capability Based out of its Nottingham HQ, the unified business will continue to serve customers in the UK and Ireland operating in Public Space, Heritage, High Security, Banking and Finance, Critical Infrastructure and Transportation sectors. The unified business will continue to serve customers in the UK and Ireland “Pairing decades of experience dealing with the complexities of on-vehicle systems integration together with the expertise and specialist technical qualifications necessary for successful deployment of large-scale security and surveillance solutions – that creates a powerful combined capability”, said Iain Stringer, Managing Director of Synectics Security. “And not just in terms of transportation where there is clear opportunity and alignment of skills.” Expert integration specialists “As we progress towards an ever more connected urban infrastructure, we are ideally positioned to help our customers in all the individual sectors we work in, leverage the opportunities ahead and work more effectively together. How? By offering field-proven, innovative, best-of-breed technologies from our merged wider partner portfolio, a pool of expert integration specialists and technical engineers with over 45 years’ combined experience, and access to a more comprehensive customer support team.” When asked further about some of the new opportunities Synectics Security hopes to deliver for its customers, Iain added: “We have an exciting development around on-vehicle camera monitoring to announce very soon that will have significant implications for both new installs and retrofit on-vehicle projects.” Steering technical development The security integrator is currently conducting an extensive customer insight consultation “We’re also working hard to expand our offering in terms of cloud capabilities, analytics, intelligent software, and AI integration. We know that these are key areas for customers in all the sectors we serve.” To gain an even deeper understanding of customer needs, the security integrator is currently conducting an extensive customer insight consultation. In addition to steering technical development and strategic partnerships, the information generated will be used to enhance and improve the customer experience. Delivering a tailored solution As part of the launch, Synectics Security has also referenced a number of new projects and customers on the horizon. While these cannot be named at present, they include work for a major rail operator linked to COVID-19 requirements, a police force solution, and a large-scale military contract. Commenting on Synectics Security’s continued focus on tailoring solutions to meet these new briefs and the needs of all its customers, Mark Pennington, Commercial Director at Synectics Security, said: “Both businesses always worked to a customer promise of selecting the right innovative technologies to deliver a tailored solution which meets each of their precise needs. That hasn’t changed. But thanks to our pooled resources, expert capabilities, and unified workforce, we’re in a much stronger position to deliver that promise and much more besides.”

Quadrant Security Group (QSG), a leading provider of turnkey electronic security systems for complex, critical, and highly regulated environments, is to attend this year’s Security & Counter Terror Expo taking place at London Olympia (6-7 March 2018). With over 45 years of systems integration experience, QSG is trusted by organizations vital to UK infrastructure, including transport operators, law enforcement, financial institutions, event and retail venues, government and local authorities, and utility operations. The Nottingham and Watford-based provider will be using this year’s exhibition (Booth H60) ‒ widely considered to be a key event for professionals charged with keeping nations, infrastructure, business and people safe ‒ to highlight its extensive range of capabilities in settings where security is paramount. QSG’s strength as a business aligns with Security and Counter Terror’s" Real-world Security Solutions Mark Pennington, Managing Director at QSG, commented: “This show is ideal for us as it is about real-world solutions that make a tangible difference; it isn’t merely a product showcase. QSG’s strength as a business aligns with Security and Counter Terror’s in the regard that we aren’t just about surveillance and security technology. We combine our technical expertise with our sector knowledge to design, implement and maintain solutions tailored to each customer’s unique set of requirements. From addressing stand-alone needs, including CCTV management, access control, IP migration, perimeter and intruder detection, and analytics, to integrating all these systems to deliver flexible, end-to-end solutions, our technicians and project teams ensure the organizations we work with always have the right level of protection and support.” Having worked on some of the UK’s most secure, sensitive, and restricted locations, QSG’s range of security and sector-specific quality accreditations are likely to appeal to professionals attending the show, as will the provider’s ability to accommodate real-world practicalities into the projects it manages. Security is a fundamental requirement for our customers and part of their daily operations" Events and Transportation Security Mark continued: “Security is a fundamental requirement for our customers and part of their daily operations, but often they also have to balance this with maintaining high standards of public service. Event and large retail venues, like the intu properties we help protect, are a good example. With numerous entrances and exits, vast volumes of foot traffic, and complex layouts requiring multiple levels of access, they face significant security challenges. But these venues also have to offer an enjoyable customer experience and the solutions we provide ensure that both these objectives are met.” “Respecting and reflecting that security and service relationship is also evident in how we work. For example, one of the reasons transport operators, such as Virgin Trains East Coast, choose to work with us is our ability to minimize disruption to passengers by providing an out-of-hours works schedule. These organizations and agencies are responsible for critical national infrastructure, so this flexibility makes a big difference to the customers we work with.”