Pauline Norstrom

It’s dangerous to compromise on safety features in search of a low-cost security solution, as it can put employees at serious risk Driving quality in the private security industry is vital to the ongoing effectiveness of the products and services that the industry provides. Figures show that, post-recession, buyers are increasingly aware of the importance of quality when it comes to choosing security providers, with 20% citing quality over price as a crucial factor in their decision. Pauline Norstrom, chief operating officer for Dedicated Micros, a CCTV manufacturer, is a strong advocate of choosing quality over price when selecting a security provider. Norstrom, who is also chairman of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), recently delivered a speech on the subject at IFSEC, the largest event for the security industry in London. Here, Norstrom shares her views with SourceSecurity.com about the potential hidden costs of low-price solutions. The issue of quality over price is a fundamental issue for businesses, operators, buyers and security providers to consider. When we talk about quality in the security sector, we are talking about the safety of employees, the public, assets and commercial outputs. I recently watched a television show featuring a car manufacturer. Its message was about choosing quality rather than a low-cost option – the analogy it draws is someone buying a cheap parachute. The person who buys the more expensive parachute is the person who drives the car that works. Would anyone buy a cheap parachute? I certainly would not. Directors have a statutory responsibility for the safety of their employees, as compromising this is not only a threat to a company's profitability, but could put them out of business This comparison emphasises the gravity of choosing between quality and price. Choosing a security solution based solely on the latter can put the safety of your employees at serious risk. Directors have a statutory responsibility for the safety of their employees, as compromising this is not only a threat to a company's profitability, but could put them out of business. Risk Assessments And Mitigating Recommendations Before selecting a security product or service, a formal risk assessment must be carried out in order to reveal a business's vulnerabilities. This is a necessity, as ultimately the cost of loss has a direct effect on a company's bottom line. I speak on behalf of the BSIA in urging business owners or their delegated authorities to engage with reputable security specifiers to help them develop an operation requirement specification containing key risks and mitigating recommendations. As a result, the chosen security provider must respond with the best solution to minimize risk and satisfy needs. Typically, cheap systems do not minimize risk as they use non-compliant products and have non-compliant designs, and therefore miss important events. So, while procurement teams may have achieved their purchase price target, they have put their business at risk and not fully met its needs. Low Cost Offerings’ Safety Compromises Buying cheap can also result in a high cost of replacement and increased insurance claims. When you take these risks into account, are the savings really worth it? Given that the highest quality products are available in the market, why are compromises made in the private security industry? What are the reasons? Chief factors include a lack of bank lending and Government support for British companies, the global economic crisis (which created opportunities for low cost offerings to creep into the marketplace) and a lack of working capital – in some cases, it might be about cash as opposed to price. But we do know that buying cheap must result in compromises, because cheap is usually associated with taking something out. So how exactly do you define quality in the private security industry? And why does quality often cost more? As an illustrative example, let's say you have two offerings, both of which meet the basic requirements set out in the operational requirements specification. The cheap offering may scrape through on terminology as many requirements specifications are distilled down to the lowest common denominator. But, as opposed to higher quality offerings, the added functionality and benefits are all extra and companies face having to pay more further down the line. It may also be that training and operating procedures are not provided. Security Tailored To Specific Needs A cheap product will merely provide a “one size fits all” service that is not tailored to the specific needs of a business. A quality offering is one that not only ticks all boxes but provides additional value benefits and offers measurable return on investment (ROI). Manufacturers should not provide CCTV solutions that simply meet elementary criteria. Products must provide maximum innovation over and above the basic requirements of a security solution. An end user or installer would pay more for quality solutions than for cheap offerings because they achieve fast response to preventable loss, reduce network vulnerability and offer extensive support and expertise throughout the life cycle of the product. This support can prove invaluable to a business in the long run. A principal reason you pay more for a quality product is that there is more investment into that product's development, which incurs cost in time and resource. Support and care during the life of the product and contract cost money, as does the training and development of staff. In return for this investment, you are able to grasp what the product can do for you and get exactly the solution you need. Buying cheap can also result in a high cost of replacement and increased insurance claims. When you take these risks into account, are the savings really worth it? To establish whether your provider has a high quality product or service, you need to ask several questions. Do they respond to customer's needs? Do they provide continual assessment and improvement programmes? Are they members of an industry association, such as the BSIA? The answers to these questions should give you an idea of whether or not your business has invested in a cheap or high quality option. When you are using a cheap security solution, loss is not always obvious as the costs are hidden. It might be that in-house staff are covering the deficiencies, or keyholders are called out unnecessarily, resulting in increased overtime costs. The costs may not measure truly what is the impact of a service on a business, so there needs to be a holistic view taken. Those who have this view are often directors or senior managers – otherwise the cost of ownership is little understood by buyers. Market Knowledge And Vulnerability Awareness If you are involved in procurement of services, you need to have security market knowledge. Procurement teams must understand what makes a security provider different and better and who is responsible for business loss if something goes wrong. Business leaders must ensure their procurement teams are properly apprised and make sound recommendations based on industry knowledge. In the United Kingdom, this knowledge can be found within the BSIA, as it contains 18 discreet sections covering all areas of the security market, from access control to police to public services. These sections are designed to meet very specific requirements. So to conclude, it is my view that quality is far more important than price and compromises should not be made when it comes to security and safety. These are board room responsibilities and directors must be apprised to the risks and vulnerabilities. The way that procurement teams and owners and operators can protect themselves is by choosing a company which opts into quality, best practice and standards – a company that is different and ultimately better than the others. Low quality providers get away with offering cheap solutions if business owners take no interest, but this will ultimately come back to haunt the business as they will end up footing the bill.

Cheshire, UK, based Anekanta Ltd (Anekanta) and New York, USA, based GT Digital (GT) announced that they are working together to progress GT’s patent-pending, innovative, cognitive intelligence platform MediaMaestro. Through its advanced military-grade proprietary algorithms, MediaMaestro can automatically predict emerging threats before they happen, enable fast mitigating action and provide continuous updates to a rapidly evolving scenario.  In a society where the threats to the safety and well-being of the individual are ever increasing, whether in public spaces, borders, critical infrastructure, the workplace, at home or at leisure, there is an increasing demand for better situational awareness which enables effective decision making by authorities and business leaders to keep people safe.  Low threat visibility  Current technology in the marketplace is hindered by the limited ability to access Many situations appear to evolve at a lightning pace, yet evidence may be building up days, weeks and months ahead and may also involve groups of people working together. Visibility of an evolving threat is often low. The challenge to the stakeholders is that the situation may already be live by the time action is taken and by then it may be too late. Often the evidence isn’t discovered and connected until post event.  Current technology in the marketplace is hindered by the limited ability to access, converge, analzse and extract meaning from millions of sources. It can only provide a perspective based on the snapshot of information available at the time.   Situational awareness  GT Digital's innovation is a form of artificial intelligence which by Connecting the Dots, combines and analyses any data source, including images from video surveillance, body worn, drone and satellite cameras, building sensors, GPS sensors, any externally accessible data and media source, and predicts intent using its patent pending algorithms. GT’s innovation creates a halo of protection through its dynamic all-round situational awareness surpassing anything on the market currently.  Anekanta solves problems and adds entrepreneurial value to technology-focused organizations with an interest in artificial intelligence, video surveillance and safety domains. The team brings specialized strategic knowledge and expertise to the GT proposition aiming to further define the target customer and refine the solution.   Through its corporate consultancy it will also act as a catalyst to enable the business to lay down the early stage financial foundations, build the corporate structure and help the business move forward to piloting the platform.  Cognitive intelligence platform  GT Digital Ltd correlates video and data from any source, in any format" Pauline Norstrom CEO and Founder of Anekanta Ltd “My interest in artificial intelligence in the security domain, is rooted in putting technology to good use in order to benefit society as a whole. GT Digital Ltd’s innovative cognitive intelligence platform aims to do exactly that by preventing acts of disruption before they happen." "I am delighted to be working with Gary Olson, Len Fertig and the team to help them develop the proposition and move the business forward to the next stage.”  Gary Olson CEO and Co-Founder GT Digital Ltd “We are excited to have Pauline Norstrom working with us on our goal to help prevent some of the disruptive events in the security domain, protecting lives and property.”  Artificial Intelligence solution  “CONNECTING THE DOTS - No Human analyst can process or manage the overwhelming amount of digital information efficiently and effectively to initiate preventive action without an Artificial Intelligence solution. We correlate video and data from any source in any format.”  Len Fertig CFO and Co-Founder GT Digital Ltd “GT Digital is in the “plot prevention” business thanks to ground-breaking technology that alerts security experts before events happen, foiling or at least mitigating the damage to people and property. Not only does this represent a great market opportunity but also a critically important social good.”  

The paper focuses on the price versus quality debate from the perspectives of both buyers and sellers A white paper commissioned by the British Security Industry Association has established the importance of making purchase decisions based on quality—rather than initial purchase price alone—for end users of security solutions. The paper, titled “The (Real) Price of Security Solutions – A white paper on the challenges of buying and selling high-quality security solutions”, has been authored by Dr. Terence Tse, an Associate Professor of Finance at ESCP Europe Business School. It was sponsored by BSIA member companies Securitas and ATEC Fire and Security. Price Versus Quality Debate The paper aims to explore the price versus quality debate from the perspectives of both buyers and sellers of security solutions, in order to identify the relative advantages and disadvantages between low-priced and high-quality solutions. The main findings of the paper clearly suggest that end users would find it far more beneficial to consider and deploy high-quality security solutions.The findings also reveal that there are many advantages for security providers who offer high-quality solutions to their customers, rather than merely competing with each other on the basis of price. Security providers would be much better off collaborating with their customers and developing a good understanding of buyers’ needs in order to provide suitable solutions that meet those requirements and perform well over time.Compromising On Materials And Functionality The research was driven by Immediate Past Chairman of the Association, Pauline Norstrom, during her time as Chairman. In her final address to the Association as Chairman, Pauline announced that the Association would be conducting research into the issue of considering quality over and above price, which is of particular interest to her. “I have been in the industry some 16 years, before that in tech marketing across a broad spectrum of industries,” said Norstrom. “During that time, I have watched and experienced the manufacturers within our industry race to the lowest price, compromising on materials and functionality in order to do so and often at the expense of UK jobs in the process. I have seen the industry rush to the cheapest price to win the bid, with companies offering solutions at very low margins being left with substantial additional costs they cannot cover. In addition, end users are often provided with an inferior solution which does not solve their problems.”Buying Specialized Security Solution “I hope that the white paper will provide educational value to both industry players and security buyers” “I hope that the white paper will provide educational value to both industry players and security buyers,” explains Pauline. “For the industry, I hope that the white paper will enable us to communicate the valuable benefits of procuring solutions on the basis of quality. Especially when the cost of not paying for a service or extra warranty, or system design or customization, is properly measured across the life of the system, and considered in terms of the whole cost, including the displaced cost to a business and its current operations.” “I also hope that it will help end users to think in terms of the wider business impact of security purchase decisions, to challenge the brief and to consider the displaced cost which may arise. Essentially, I hope that the paper will educate the security buyer as to the art of buying a specialized security solution, rather than a bunch of part numbers or just cost per hour; and instead, to consider the value of the sum of the parts bringing a larger benefit than those parts working in isolation. It is the concept of the whole system, whether a service or product offering that the security industry needs to explain to the security buyer, and I hope that this white paper achieves that,” concludes Pauline. Making Informed Purchase Decision The paper sets out recommendations for both security providers and security buyers through checklists which aim to help security buyers make better informed purchase decisions and security providers to better demonstrate the value of their offering rather than compete on price alone.Pauline Norstrom and representatives from both Securitas and ATEC Fire and Security will be presenting on the findings of the white paper in more detail at the BSIA’s North West Security Procurement Conference which is being held in Liverpool on the 3rd May.

The event enables CCTV manufacturers and installers to showcase their latest technological developments A popular CCTV seminar and exhibition is set to arrive in London this November, and will provide an opportunity for CCTV companies to reach out to delegates from a range of organizations including local businesses, civic authorities and the Police. Organized by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the event will take place at London’s Emmanuel Center on Marsham Street – close to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey – on Thursday 12th November, and is expected to follow on from the success of a series of CCTV seminars held by the Association over the past couple of years, which have served to highlight the appetite for information regarding CCTV best practice among end-users and security buyers. A limited number of exhibition spaces are available at the event, enabling CCTV manufacturers and installers to showcase their latest technological developments, while an informative seminar will explore the latest changes in surveillance legislation and technology, while exploring recent developments in the CCTV sector. Confirmed Speakers At The Event Include: Tony Porter LLB QPM, Surveillance Camera Commissioner Detective Chief Inspector Mick Neville, Central Forensic Image Team, Metropolitan Police Pauline Norstrom, Chief Operating Officer at AD Group / Dedicated Micros and Chairman of the BSIA Simon Adcock, Managing Director of ATEC Security and Chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV section James Barrett of Safer London The event is kindly sponsored by the British Standards Institute (BSI). The BSIA expects the event to attract around 150 delegates from a number of organizations across the South East, for whom admission will be free of charge. Meanwhile, Exhibitors Will Benefit From The Following: 1 table with electrical connection Refreshments / lunch (for 2) Company logo on the program for the day Inclusion in pre and post event promotion, including press releases, email marketing and social media activity A copy of all delegates’ contact details, sent post-event The opportunity to promote attendance at the event via the BSIA’s YouTube Channel

The awards serve to recognize significant or lifelong contributions in five different categories Five individuals and teams have been presented with prestigious British Security Industry Association Chairman’s Awards to celebrate outstanding contributions they have made to the ongoing success of the UK’s private security industry. Personally selected by the BSIA’s Chairman, Pauline Norstrom, Chief Operating Officer at Dedicated Micros and AD Group, the awards serve to recognize significant or lifelong contributions in five different categories: Contribution to Standards, Contribution to the Community, Contribution to the Industry, Contribution to Training and Contribution to Exporting. This year’s awards were presented in a glittering awards ceremony at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 15th July. Details of this year’s winners are as follows: Contribution To Standards The Chairman’s Award for Contribution to Standards was presented to Kevin Harris of Thorn Security, part of the Tyco "I am delighted to be able to recognize the significant contributions made by these five outstanding individuals and organizations" Group. Despite operating from his home and company base in Canada, Kevin has been an active member of the BSIA Security Equipment Manufacturers Section’s TC1 committee for several years, contributing to most of the Association’s guidance and standards comment reviews, as well as participating on various ad-hoc groups dealing with standards-related matters. Kevin supports the BSIA and BSI as the UK representative on CENELEC WG2 for intruder alarm component standards, and also the convener of CENELEC’s WG13 for integrated security systems standards and WG9 for environmental compliance standards. As part of this duty, Kevin travels across Europe to the working group meetings and is ideally placed to update and advise our industry on matters of importance to the sector. Contribution To The Community The award for Contribution to the Community was presented to the Tour of Securitas Team of Securitas Security Services (UK) Ltd. As part of this charitable initiative, over 800 security officers and support staff cycled 2,677 miles to raise awareness of safety in the workplace. The team raised more than £3,000 for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), an award-winning charity dedicated to the prevention of accidents on the road or in the workplace. Sponsored by Marks & Spencer, the scheme also received the backing of Team GB cycling legend, Shane Sutton.  Contribution To The Industry The Chairman’s Award for Contribution to the Industry was awarded to David Ottewill, Managing Director of Camberford Law PLC, specialist insurance brokers to the security industry. Since taking over Camberford Law in 2007, David has sponsored the Security Personnel Awards every year, making it possible for the industry to recognize and reward the achievements of the many security officers who help to keep the UK’s infrastructure, businesses and members of the public safe and secure each and every day. Contribution To Training The award for Contribution to Training was presented to security guarding company, VSG, for its Zero Assaults Project. The project, which is aimed at protecting members of the public and minimizing criminal or reputational damage, has been delivered to 240 managers and directors since its launch last May. All in all, the success of the project is apparent, with the number of reportable conflict incidents across VSG having fallen by 23% and the number of lost time injuries decreasing by 42%. Such has been the project’s popularity that it has been rolled out across major contracts in London, while it now forms part of the mandatory VSG induction process. Contribution To Exporting The Chairman’s Award for Contribution to Exporting was presented to Ron Archibald, Head of Trade Challenge Partners at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). A career civil servant, Ron joined the Department of Trade and Industry in 1979 and "The actions of these winners have all served to promote our [private security] industry in a positive light" has since worked around the world securing EU free trade agreements with South Africa, Mexico and Chile, among others. For the last decade, Ron has headed the Tradeshow Access Programme, a major UKTI initiative providing support to UK businesses participating in around 400 overseas trade fairs each year. With the evolution to a new accreditation system for partner organizations, Ron, who had been closely involved in the accreditation process, has now taken on responsibility for the new Trade Challenge partner program and is working with newly-accredited Partners to develop their partnerships with UKTI. As Deputy Director of UKTI’s Global Events and Missions change program, Ron aims to transform the customer experience of UKTI-supported events by introducing a single events program from Spring 2016, a role for which Ron’s extensive experience of the international events scene equips him very well. Commenting on the awards, BSIA Chairman, Pauline Norstrom said: “I am delighted to be able to recognize the significant contributions made by these five outstanding individuals and organizations, whose commitment and dedication have made a lasting impression on the UK’s private security industry. Whether organizing charitable events or raising standards in the field of training, the actions of these winners have all served to promote our industry in a positive light, and I am pleased to be able to commend the impact they have made.”

Visitors to the show have three conference theaters to choose from this year: Keynote and Convergence, Security Solutions and Safe Cities As IFSEC International prepares to return to London’s ExCeL in June, a number of British Security Industry Association (BSIA) representatives are ready to impart advice on a number of industry issues – from city security to access control – as part of the show’s busy educational program. Visitors to the show have three conference theatres to choose from this year: Keynote and Convergence, Security Solutions and Safe Cities. While UK-based security suppliers are anticipating another successful show as IFSEC returns to London for a second year, several BSIA spokespeople are set to share their knowledge on the following topics: Tuesday 16th June Cyber Security – Confronting Current And Future Threats 11:00, Keynote and Convergence Theater Mike O’Neill, Managing Director, Optimal Risk Management Ltd and Chairman of the BSIA’s Specialist Services Section, is joined by Dan Solomon, Optimal Risk Management’s Director of Cyber Risk and Security Services, to discuss current and emerging cyber threats and the need for robust countermeasures. This session will also explore the importance of upskilling IT professionals to meet evolving cyber threats. Key Considerations when Choosing A Security Provider 13:00, Security Solutions Theater Pauline Norstrom, Chief Operating Officer at AD Group Ltd and Chairman of the BSIA, discusses the importance of security market knowledge in the procurement process, answering the crucial question of what is more important, price or quality? Wednesday 17th June Access Control As A Service 11:00, Keynote and Convergence Theater Paul Adams, Head of Technology and Product Management at BSIA Access Control member company, Kaba Ltd, explores the features and functionalities of Access Control as a Service (ACaaS), including the difference between hosted, managed and hybrid services. Paul will also address the common questions that arise for providers and adopters of ACaaS. The Police And Security Initiative: Collaboration To Increase Public Safety 11:00, Safe Cities Academy Geoff Zeidler, Immediate Past Chair of the BSIA, introduces the Police and Security Initiative and the growing importance of partnerships between business, the police and the private security industry. This session looks at practical measures for improving working relationships, sharing good practice and reducing crime. The Surveillance Camera Code Of Practice – Time For Voluntary Adoption? 13:00, Keynote and Convergence Theater Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Tony Porter QPM LLB, will be joined by Simon Adcock, Managing Director of ATEC Security and Chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV Section, and Chairman of the BSIA, Pauline Norstrom, to discuss the implications of the Protection of Freedoms Act and the subsequent Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Code of Practice on CCTV owners and operators.   CCTV Control Room Compliance 14:00, Security Solutions Theater Dirk Wilson, Managing Director of Sector Security Services Ltd and Vice Chair of the BSIA’s Police and Public Services Section, introduces the latest updates and revisions to BS7958, the Code of Practice for CCTV management and operation. Providing recommendations on best practice in obtaining reliable information that might be offered as evidence, Dirk will also explore the increasing police and public confidence in the operation and management of CCTV. Security Risk Management Strategies For Safer Cities 15:00, Safe Cities Academy Mike O’Neill, Managing Director of Optimal Risk Management and Chairman of the BSIA’s Specialist Services Section, returns to explore the key risk management strategies that can be adopted to ensure maximum security in today’s increasingly technology-enabled cities. Thursday 18th June Supporting Safe Cities & Major Events – A Code Of Practice For Security Searches 14:00, Safe Cities Academy Dirk Wilson, Managing Director of Sector Security Services Ltd and Vice Chair of the BSIA’s Police and Public Services Section, introduces a new Code of Practice for security searches, exploring lessons learned from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and how these have been adopted by a new set of minimum standards for personnel carrying out security searches with the ultimate goal of ensuring greater police and public confidence in the private security sector and its ability to provide support at major events. Meanwhile, members of the BSIA are welcome to utilize the BSIA’s members’ lounge at IFSEC, free of charge. This can be found on the BSIA’s stand (B1350).

Connor will be building a surveillance monitoring client base across the AD Network Video range AD Network Video, the solutions arm of AD Group, has recruited experienced business development manager Chris Connor. Connor's role Connor, who joins from deView Europe, will be building a surveillance monitoring client base across the AD Network Video range with a special emphasize on the education, healthcare, petrochemical and retail markets. His focus will be to generate large end-user projects based. In addition to CCTV solutions, Connor will be developing new opportunities for AD Network Video's fire detection solution. FireVu offers a video based early detection for flame, smoke and can be combined with a thermopile capability (temperature sensing). AD Network Video provides tailored high-end secure IP video solutions, with consultancy, for clients that demand systems that deliver effectiveness, reliability and return on investment. It comprises a suite of solutions through its brands – RemGuard, AD Aerospace, TransVu, TSS as well as FireVu. COO of AD Network Video and AD Group comments Pauline Norstrom, chief operating officer of AD Network Video and AD Group comments: “AD Group has put considerable investment and time, with its in-house development team, in bringing to market solutions that solve pressing client issues. The growth of the business development team reflects our belief that we have listened to the market and we have the solutions that can generate a demonstrable return on investment.”

BSIA’s CCTV Section Chairman Simon Adcock responded to comments made by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner The British Security Industry Association has responded to comments made by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner about the effectiveness of CCTV cameras in England and Wales. In an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Tony Porter QPM LLB, reinforced the value that quality installation and maintenance can deliver to CCTV system operators in the public sector, citing the widespread problem of ineffective cameras: “There is a local authority actually in the West Midlands that did a local review and was able to reduce the cameras that were ineffective and useless to the tune of a quarter of a million. If that can be extrapolated across the country I think we can actually still maintain the balance of excellent surveillance but not have a promulgation of surveillance that actually is useless.” Simon Adcock, Chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV Section and Managing Director of ATEC Security, responds: “The effectiveness of CCTV and its value as a crime-solving tool does indeed rely upon proper installation and operation. Factors such as lighting, weather and image quality can all impact upon a system’s effectiveness, and as such, regular checks and maintenance of systems is essential. When deployed appropriately, CCTV can deliver crucial evidence in the fight against crime and provide valuable support to Police and local authorities. “It is important to point out, however, that only 1 in 70 of the UK’s cameras are owned and operated by local authorities. The vast majority of video evidence comes from privately-owned systems, which dispels the myth of Britain’s ‘surveillance culture’ and demonstrates the indirect contribution that many UK businesses are making to public safety. “As the trade association representing a large number of the UK’s CCTV manufacturers, the BSIA works closely with the Surveillance Camera Commissioner to raise standards and promote best practice in the manufacture and installation of CCTV systems. The BSIA welcomed the publication of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Code of Practice and continues to support innovation in the sector, while providing valuable education to users in both public and private sectors to ensure they choose the right systems and deploy them in such a way that delivers optimum results.” Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ program, Adcock reinforced the importance of the Code of Practice in terms of promoting quality and best practice, but also made the case for its extension, to include privately-owned systems. “The effectiveness of CCTV and its value as a crime-solving tool does indeed rely upon proper installation and operation" Pauline Norstrom, Chairman of the BSIA and Chief Operating Officer at AD Group, supports this view: “Public and private organizations often co-operate with great effectiveness. Many serious crimes, such as the dreadful racist murder committed by Pavlo Lapshyn in Birmingham in 2013 probably would not have been solved had it not been for CCTV evidence from private and public operators. CCTV has a key role in law enforcement, something many forget or erroneously discount. "CCTV can be highly effective in protecting the public and business from crime and other risks. However systems need to be implemented correctly and the cameras be of sufficient quality to act as a deterrent. The industry, with new technology, is currently bringing the changes that will see CCTV deliver greater effectiveness and returns. "CCTV is there to help protect the public, property and company's employees from risk, threats and crime. We have to ensure this message is heard because without it, we are a less secure society." The BSIA, as an organization that represents the professional security industry, hopes that this latest debate over CCTV’s effectiveness will further the commitment of all stakeholders to improving the overall professionalism and quality of the CCTV industry and the systems installed.

Matthew and Usmon will be managing the product lines of Dedicated Micros Usmon Khadim, holds a masters in Management Information Systems: Change and Development from the University of Manchester, joins Matthew Flaherty an Operations Management graduate from Lancaster University. Usmon and Matthew will initially help support a number of product management programmes as part of their training and development. The roles will grow to manage the complete product life cycle and ensure AD Group continues to realign and re-position its differentiated product and technology solutions with its target market sectors and sales channels. AD Group, which innovates, develops and markets surveillance monitoring solutions, is aiming to nurture a new generation of talented professionals across departments as well as continue to develop in-house and hire experienced professionals. The company offers a range of high-end surveillance monitoring solutions which are taken to market through its consultative selling arm AD Network Video. The businesses and brands within the group include premium remote monitoring service RemGuard, safety and security for aircraft business AD Aerospace, DVRs and cameras for arduous environments TransVu and TSS, which offers integrated vehicle surveillance solutions for logistics and emergency services. AD Group has developed an innovative fire detection solution for high value assets using flame and Visual Smoke Detection technology, FireVu, which is used in more than 200 locations worldwide. Matthew and Usmon will also be managing the product lines of Dedicated Micros whose products include secure IP camera and recording equipment. Pauline Norstrom, chief operating officer for AD Group, comments: “The appointment of Usmon and Matthew shows our commitment to changing and developing our organization to align with our diversification strategy. A strategy which is designed to ensure that AD Group's innovative and differentiated video technology reaches our target customers in the high risk market sectors through our new sales channels.”

Antony Smith will be working across a range of sectors where FireVu has established a strong track record AD Group's fire detection solution brand hires new business development manager to target data center sector Antony Smith has joined AD Group from Tyco as the new business development manager for fire detection solution brand FireVu. Smith has held a number of senior sales roles at Tyco Fire & Integrated Solutions over a 10 year period.  He will be focusing on the data center industry and will also be working across a range of sectors where FireVu has established a strong track record, including petrochemicals and manufacturing. FireVu is a flame and Visual Smoke Detection solution. The recently introduced FireVu Multi Detector also adds thermopile (temperature sensing) technology, an industry first in early fire detection.   Pauline Norstrom chief operating officer at AD Group comments: “Antony joins us with a wealth of experience in our target industries including data centers, which will help AD Group bring the early warning visual benefits of FireVu to owners of high risk assets and facilities.”

Evidential recordings delivered by theVirtual NVR help tackle a range ofissues that affect schools Security surveillance specialist AD Network Video has introduced its enhanced integrated HD IP video solution for schools. Virtual NVR delivers high definition IP video images for evidential purposes which directly tackle a range of issues that affect schools in a completely secure way allowing greater protection for staff and students. Jamie Horastead, business development manager responsible for AD Network Video and the Virtual NVR Solution, comments: “Schools face a range of serious challenges such as vandalism, crime, bullying and assault that can be reduced through the presence of responsible surveillance monitoring, with well-trained staff.” Horastead continues: “If schools use high definition video images with specific aims with sensitivity to issues and good communication with students, parents and staff it can have demonstrably positive effects. “Intelligent IP Video solutions deliver tangible results that can improve school performance and help screen out anti-social behavior.” The Virtual NVR solution intelligently distributes video storage across single or multiple locations, with IP cameras recording and storing images on the in-camera server. These will carry on recording even in the event of a network outage as the devices operate as if they were standalone systems resulting in no single point of failure. The evidential recordings are easily accessible locally or from the control room via a single user interface and are exported in compliance with police and home office guidelines. Recordings can be archived and managed from a central location driving greater efficiency and flexibility in locating and retrieving video from multiple sites. Virtual NVR's secure and segregated network enables schools to implement the HD IP camera solution and integrate event triggers such as door openings. Pauline Norstrom, chief operating officer of AD Group, of which AD Network Video is a part, comments: “Virtual NVR illustrates the continuing commitment to bringing to the education sector uniquely beneficial and effective video security management solutions. “Our in-house R & D capability continues to underpin our industry reputation for innovation, with solutions that win out over and above the 'glorified web cam' by combining effective video transmission, alarm handling, database integration and HD storage mitigation in a way that no competitor can match. We have something special here that will help schools address serious challenges through improved security, increase ROI and lower cost of ownership.” AD Group has developed security surveillance solutions for more than 30 years. The latest generation includes solutions for reducing fire risk through the use of Video Smoke Detection, FireVu.

FireVu is introducing the first fire detection technology that combines Visual Smoke Detection (VSD), flame detection and now temperature sensing technology in the form of being built in thermopile. The Multi Detector will offer users a solution that will identify and analyze smoke and heat patterns to raise alerts. VSD technology operates by identifying characteristic smoke patterns across a video image. It analyses changes in a range of variables such as color, brightness, contrast, shape, edge content, motion, color matching and loss of detail to alert operators early to potential fire danger. The addition of a thermopile to detect radiated heat will give the advantage of raising alerts by using a completely different technology – a double check. It will help distinguish potential triggers for false alarms. Steam, for example, can be excluded as a danger point by setting heat criteria above temperatures likely to be encountered. Simon Jenkins, product manager for FireVu comments: “Visual Smoke Detection is already a very effective and proven technology, combining it with thermal radiated heat detecting technology gives us a solution not offered by competitors.” The Multi Detector will be offered across the range of industries where FireVu solutions have already proved effective including high value commercial property, manufacturing, petrochemicals, food processing, power generation, air hangars, tunnels, waste management and recycling. FireVu is a brand of the solutions arm of AD Network Video, part of surveillance monitoring pioneer AD Group. Pauline Norstrom, chief operating officer of AD Group comments: “AD Group is about investing in development and offering innovative solutions to real world problems. The Multi Detector is a remarkable three in one solution combining smoke, flame and thermal detection in a single product that will provide early visual warning of potential fire risks including the petrochemical, chemical, waste management and heavy industrial sectors. FireVu was first developed in the mid-1990s. We have regularly refined and improved the technology’s effectiveness since and will continue to do so.” FireVu’s client base includes The Gherkin, London Guildhall, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the Co-Op HQ and the Royal Airwing Hangar complex at Dubai International Airport, UAE.

Pauline cites economic recovery and international demand for UK products and services as key drivers of industry growth Newly-elected Chairman of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Pauline Norstrom, has marked her appointment with a focus on raising stakeholders’ awareness of the value of quality and innovation over price. In her inaugural address to BSIA members and industry stakeholders, delivered at the Association’s Annual Luncheon earlier this month, Pauline outlined her goals for her two-year tenure as Chair, citing economic recovery and international demand for UK products and services as key drivers of industry growth. Speaking to a packed auditorium at London's Hilton on Park Lane, Pauline said: “Moving forward, my vision is to cultivate an increased understanding of - and engagement with - our industry’s customers. It’s crucial to our members’ future success that we invite end users to input into influencing the issues that affect them, to ensure that the products and services offered by our industry meet their needs and deliver a return on investment. “Increased engagement with end-users will help members to drive demand by navigating the specification and tender process to their advantage, demonstrating the value of quality to ensure that BSIA membership becomes a key requirement in the competitive process and further enables members to compete and win against competitors who do not care about quality and instead undercut on price at any cost.” Other aims outlined include presiding over the development and introduction of a dedicated section of membership for industry stakeholders before the end of 2014. Paying tribute to outgoing Chairman, Geoff Zeidler, Pauline described the “significant progress that the Association has made towards creating a better industry environment for its members through the influence of legislation, regulation, and the development of standards” and added: “Throughout his two years as Chair, my predecessor, Geoff Zeidler, has worked tirelessly to ensure that the BSIA is best placed to achieve [its] goals.” With less than a year until the next General Election, political engagement is also on Pauline’s mind, and forging new relationships with key political figures including MPs, Peers, Police and Crime Commissioners, local government officials and think tanks remains a priority for the Association’s busy public affairs program over the coming months. In her role as Chairman of the BSIA,Pauline chairs the Association’s Council and the Operating Board. She is a long-serving member of the BSIA's CCTV section An issue close to Pauline’s own heart and reflective of her well-respected position as a key influencer in the CCTV sector is ensuring that the BSIA continues to influence the further development of the Government’s CCTV Code of Practice. The launch in 2013 of the BSIA’s own research into the number and scope of CCTV cameras in the UK succeeded in positioning the Association as the key authority on the subject, while emphasising the important role that privately-owned systems play in supporting the Police and criminal justice system in securing high profile prosecutions. In the coming year, Pauline predicts, the Code of Practice will reach even further, supported by the BSIA’s own Code of Practice, Form 109, with which members must comply. As Chief Operating Officer of Dedicated Micros and the wider AD Group (comprising 18+ companies), Pauline has 15 years’ experience in the industry and possesses extensive knowledge of legislation and technical innovation. In her role as Chairman of the BSIA, Pauline chairs the Association’s Council and the Operating Board. She is a long-serving member of the BSIA's CCTV section and works closely with the Association's Chief Executive to form strategic objectives for the BSIA. Pauline will serve as BSIA Chairman for a two-year period, and will be supported in the first year by Geoff Zeidler as Immediate Past Chair.

Aleali moves from parent company AD Group where he was a training and communications specialist Fire detection solution provider FireVu is further strengthening its business development team with the appointment of Ali Aleali in April. Aleali moves from parent company AD Group where he was a training and communications specialist. In his new position as business development manager Aleali will concentrate on the petrochemical, chemicals, food and drink processing industries. FireVu offers Video Smoke Detection (VSD) technology solutions, which gives early fire detection for high value assets. Pauline Norstrom, Chief Operating Officer of AD Group, comments: Ali possesses extensive business development experience in the chemicals, food and drinks industries as well as strong academic credentials, including lecturing up to degree level, in industrial chemicals and food production applications. VDS is a proven technology with great potential and Ali’s appointment will further help FireVu realize ambitious goals for 2014 and beyond.

FireVu offers Video Smoke Detection technology solutions for the early detection and prevention of fires Mark Tansey has joined FireVu, an innovator in Video Smoke Detection, as a new business development manager. Tansey joins from wireless fire solutions supplier Sterling Safety Systems where he was UK sales manager. Tansey’s extensive fire detection industry experience includes a number of long-term business development industry positions at ADT, Romec Services, TFS Systems and TASS Fire & Security that span 30 years. FireVu offers proven Video Smoke Detection (VSD) technology solutions for the early detection and consequent prevention of fires in high asset locations. It’s key sectors include food processing, petrochemicals and waste managements, which Tansey will have a special focus on. Pauline Norstrom, Chief Operating Officer of parent company AD Group, comments: “Mark Tansey brings a fantastic track record in the fire industry to the award winning FireVu solutions. He joins at a time when site owners in the UK, particularly in the waste management and petrochemical sectors are experiencing significant fires on a daily basis. These fires, which can endanger people, damage assets and command fire authority resources could become a thing of the past when FireVu video smoke detection is deployed as the early warning and visual alert system for both the indoor and outdoor locations.”