Security Matters Podcast

Episode 32 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian interviewing David Hughes (head of product management for Comelit-PAC), Alan O’Connor (managing director) and Jason Hillier (sales director) from Frontline Security Solutions and also Mark Brookes, global products and standards director at Gunnebo Safe Storage. David Hughes examines the subject of systems interoperability in some detail alongside systems integration and data security. There are also key insights into what the immediate future holds for product progression at Comelit-PAC. Alan O’Connor turns his attentions towards the biometrics arena, duly focusing on the end user experience with reference to key vertical sectors including finance and healthcare as well as confronting the challenges posed by legacy systems and the need for compliance with the privacy laws. In parallel, his colleague Jason Hillier reviews today’s mobile credentials, the push for contactless access and the emergence of new technologies involved with the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, Mark Brookes looks at several elements of the standards domain in addition to the need for balancing advanced and tech-driven safe storage solutions with traditional and trusted security measures.    Major news stories featured on Episode 32 include the recent release of Securitas Technology’s 2025 Global Technology Outlook Report, the launch of an all-new Model for Organisational Resilience devised by Resilience First and Cranfield University and the Insurance Fraud Charter led by insurance companies in conjunction with central Government.

In this episode, Brian interviews Professor Mark Button (director of the Centre for Cyber and Economic Crime at the University of Portsmouth’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice), Frank Cannon CSyP FSyI CPP (senior consultant at the Optimal Risk Group) and Matt Gregg, UK sales manager for electronic key and asset management specialist Traka. Mark joined the University of Portsmouth back in 1997, becoming a Professor in 2012. The core focus of his research is counter fraud and cyber crime, with that research being conducted on behalf of numerous bodies including the Home Office and fraud prevention service Cifas. In conversation with Brian, Mark concentrates his attentions on emerging trends and where we are now on the crime fighting curve. Frank Cannon served as one of the presenters at last month’s inaugural edition of Security Matters Live. On this occasion, Frank reviews the importance of behavioural-based security and the creation of a security culture within today’s organisations. At Traka, Matt Gregg co-ordinates planning and develops strategic relationships within the retail and distribution sectors, focusing on how the company’s intelligent management solutions can help save time and money by allowing critical control over access to keys and equipment. Here, Matt assesses common business challenges for customers and outlines Traka’s own ‘Great Service Delivers’ campaign. Key news stories featured on Episode 31 include a G4S report evidencing the threat posed by subversive attacks and how to mitigate them, recognition for the volunteers who support the Register of Chartered Security Professionals and Dr Karin von Hippel’s decision to stand down as director general of RUSI after ten years in post.

Episode 30 of the Security Matters Podcast includes three exclusive interviews. Brian hears from Barrie Millett (director of special projects and industry engagement at Mitie Security), Howard Lang (president and CEO at Gunnebo Entrance Control) and Ric Martin, the CEO of Pinnacle Systems. A former Royal Marine, Barrie is a specialist in the field of security and resilience strategy having worked for international organisations including GE and E.ON. An Honorary Life Vice-President of ASIS International’s UK Chapter, he joined Mitie back in April 2020. In conversation with Brian, Barrie looks at career paths for today’s professionals and also the roadmap for the sector in the immediate future. A graduate in civil engineering from Leeds University, and also the holder of a marketing degree from Hull University, Howard Lang is a member of the Gunnebo Group executive team and presently tasked with driving growth in line with company strategy. On this occasion, Howard covers numerous topics, including connected gate solutions and the evolution of entrance control technology. Pinnacle Systems is a specialist provider of an open integration platform for the electronic security market. In tandem with offering an overview of the business, Ric Martin focuses on Internet of Things and cloud technology and also concentrates on key trends impacting the security industry. Major news stories featured on this episode encompass the latest developments re: Martyn’s Law, the planned closure of BT Redcare’s operations in 2025 and the startling headline figures emerging from the British Retail Consortium’s Retail Crime Survey 2022-2023.

Episode 29 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian interviewing Michelle Kradolfer (national manager and Internet of Things technical officer for Secured by Design at Police Crime Prevention Initiatives) and Steve Haworth (CEO at Vemotion). Michelle boasts extensive knowledge of the cyber crime, cyber security and Internet of Things landscapes, duly leading on Secured by Design’s Secure Connected Device accreditation scheme. In addition to discussing that particular scheme, Michelle evaluates the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act and what it means for today’s organisations. Vemotion specialises in live, real-time wireless video transmission and compression for mobile video surveillance over GPRS, 5G, Wi-Fi, satellite networks and broadband. Steve Howarth began his role at the business back in April 2020. In conversation with Brian, Steve turns his attentions towards the security of today’s CCTV regimes. Once again, there’s a thorough round-up of major news stories impacting the security sector. We examine the latest statistics emanating from the ECHO initiative, the Security Industry Authority’s response to the recent File on 4 investigation into security training and feedback from the International Security Expo and the International Cyber Expo with record attendances unveiled by organiser Nineteen Group. In addition, the Public Sector Fraud Authority has saved taxpayers £311 million in its first year of operation. Security Matters analyses the detail behind the top line figures.

Episode 28 of the Security Matters Podcast encompasses a trio of interviews with leading sector practitioners. Brian hears from Tony Porter OBE (chief privacy officer at Corsight AI) and Dr Nicole Benjamin-Fink. The duo focus squarely on facial recognition technology and its role in the law enforcement domain. In addition, Brian chats with Satia Rai (head of diversity, inclusion and belonging at Securitas and also the CEO of the International Professional Security Association). Satia maps out her new role at Securitas and also examines the key priorities for the security business sector in times ahead. Our fourth guest on Episode 28 is Stuart Galloway, senior associate at WSG Associates (the company providing business and education support services across the security sector). For the purposes of the Security Matters Podcast, Stuart concentrates on the training piece and most notably ways in which to enhance the levels of knowledge, understanding and skills exhibited by individual members of today’s security teams. As always, there’s a comprehensive round-up of major news stories currently impacting the security industry. We examine the new Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship, the latest iteration of the National Risk Register issued by central Government and the publication of Secured by Design’s Commercial Guide 2023. Further, the National Cyber Security Centre has announced a change to its assured Cyber Incident Response scheme with the introduction of a new level. Security Matters highlights the core detail.

Episode 27 of the Security Matters Podcast includes two key interviews. First, Brian chats with Pauline Norstrom (the founder of Anekanta Consulting and Anekanta AI). An Honorary Member and former chair of the British Security Industry Association, Pauline turns her attentions towards regulation in the Artificial Intelligence space and also touches on the important subjects of generative Artificial Intelligence and Artificial General Intelligence. Also on Episode 27, Brian hears from Mark Wall (managing director at Wall2Wall Security, the company he founded in 2022 that’s offering bespoke and targeted sales and marketing support across the security sector). Mark examines how the business came to fruition and outlines his views on the current state of the market. Further, there’s discussion on how the relationship between building design and security will evolve in times ahead. As always, there’s a detailed round-up of several major news stories impacting the security industry. We report on Julie Nel’s recent appointment as chair of The Security Institute, the Government’s decision not to take business licensing forward in the wake of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill being introduced to Parliament and the perceived need for change among security system distributors. Last, but not least, we also concentrate on a reprimand issued to the Ministry of Justice by the Information Commissioner’s Office after confidential waste documents were left in an unsecured prison holding area.

Episode 26 of the Security Matters Podcast features exclusive interviews with three industry practitioners. First of all, Brian hears from Peter French MBE (managing director of security sector recruitment specialist SSR Personnel), who first appeared as our guest on Episode 12. Another in-depth discussion involves Peter – a Past-Master of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and a Certified Protection Professional – focusing on several key issues of the day, among them skills development for front line security practitioners, how the profession of security is being viewed at the present time, current priorities for Chief Security Officers and the impact of Artificial Intelligence across the sector. Further, Brian chats with Mark Horton (vice-president at Bandweaver, the perimeter security systems developer). Mark turns his attentions towards the application of fiber optic technology for security projects. There’s a concentration on distributed acoustic sensing and a discussion around cost and maintenance regimes. In addition, Mark outlines those sectors in which the demand for perimeter intrusion detection systems is rising and those regions where Bandweaver itself is gaining traction for its solutions. Our third guest on this edition of the Security Matters Podcast is David Dunnagan, managing director for Chubb Fire and Security in the UK and Ireland. On this occasion, David answers some core questions on the subject of smart buildings and the various technologies underpinning them with a particular reference to security regimes. In addition, there’s a detailed round-up of several major news stories from the security world. We report on Nick Ross CBE being made president of the British Security Industry Association, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act (which comes into force next April), the appointment of Anne Keast-Butler to succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming as director of GCHQ and the publication of the Business Continuity Institute’s Operational Resilience Report 2023. There’s also news of Gate Safe’s Gate Safety by Design initiative and significant contract wins for G4S Secure Solutions UK and Corps Security.

Episode 25 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian chatting with David Rubens (executive director at the Institute of Strategic Risk Management), who first appeared as our guest on Episode 6. During another excellent and fascinating conversation, this time around David – whose latest book entitled ‘Strategic Risk and Crisis Management’ has just been published – turns his attentions towards change management in the sector, the impact of technology and developments in academia before proceeding to offer sage advice for anyone seeking to begin their career journey within the realms of security and risk management. In addition, Brian hears from Ben Durrant (sales engineering team leader at Genetec) and Jamie Donald, programme director for technology partners at Axis Communications. In tandem, Ben and Jamie examine the key points of detail underpinning the all-new Axis Powered by Genetec programme, duly outlining how this timely venture between the unified physical security software and network camera specialists will positively impact system integrators and the supply chain. As always, there’s a comprehensive round-up and analysis of several major news stories emerging in the security world. On this occasion, we review Mitie’s £1.2 million acquisition of the Linx International Group, an assessment of the Facewatch live facial recognition system recently completed by the Information Commissioner’s Office, the launch of the Joint International Crime Centre and also the retirement of Alex Carmichael, who has expertly served the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board in the role of chief executive since 2015.

Episode 24 of the Security Matters Podcast includes Brian interviewing Jay Bullock, the managing director of Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme-registered business Anubis Security. During an insightful and wide-ranging conversation, Jay focuses his attentions on the proposals for business licensing, procurement spend by solution end users, meeting the shortfall in security officer numbers across the industry, Martyn’s Law and the key challenges ahead during 2023. Further, Brian hears from Gonzalo de Gisbert (head of product and business development at Freevolt Technologies, the company focused on realising next generation biometric smart card products for the access control, cryptocurrency wallet, healthcare and payments markets). Gonzalo examines the development of the popular S-Key product, the vertical sectors in which the business is operating and also its plans for the New Year. As always, there’s a detailed round-up of several major news stories impacting the sector. This time around, we look at the Government’s latest pronouncements on the Protect Duty, the Business Continuity Institute’s new Resilience in Conflict Report, a hefty fine for Santander UK plc delivered by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Nineteen Group’s launch of Professional Security Officer Live at The Security Event in April. We also focus on the Fire and Security Matters Awards 2023, which are now open for entries. 

Episode 23 of the Security Matters Podcast contains an exclusive exit interview with Rick Mounfield CSyP FSyI, who recently departed the CEO’s role at The Security Institute after a five-year tenure to join the Optimal Risk Group as a director of the business. In conversation with Brian, Rick looks back on his time at the Institute and focuses on several key areas, among them the ongoing drive for Chartered status, Continuing Professional Development and the skills that will be demanded of the security manager of tomorrow. In addition, Brian chats with Rob Williams (technical and training manager at Gate Safe, the charity that’s wholly committed to promoting an improved understanding of the legislation and standards pertaining to automated gates). Rob highlights the Gate Safe Aware training programme and reviews the process of security and fire safety system installers extending their services to the automated gates sector. There’s also a comprehensive appraisal of several major news stories impacting the sector. Our round-up includes key detail on the latest British Security Industry Association-orchestrated campaign entitled ‘People, Property, Places: Professionally Protected’ and the launch of a new Skills Board masterminded by the Security Industry Authority and the City Security Council.

Episode 22 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian in conversation with Andy Williams, the co-founder, director and deputy chair of TINYg. There’s a detailed discussion around what TINYg is all about, its greatest achievements to date, the 2022 threatscape and what this year holds in store for the organisation. In addition, Brian interviews Matt Gilmartin (managing director at security fogging systems specialist Concept Smoke Screen). Matt focuses his attentions on the Connected initiative, which is all about repositioning the security industry at the forefront of environmental practises such that it advocates – and, what’s more, participates in – the social changes needed to address the underlying causes of criminality in our society. Further, Brian hears from Phil Cleary who, until his recent retirement from the business, served as CEO of The SmartWater Group across three decades. Phil addresses the major issues confronting the security business sector, while also offering salient advice to current entrepreneurs in terms of what they need to do in order to ensure success for their own companies. As always, there’s a round-up of the latest major news stories, among them the launch of an all-new Protecting People in Crowded Places Special Interest Group realised by The Security Institute and the UKCMA and the announcement of the finalists for the inaugural Fire and Security Matters Awards.

Episode 21 of the Security Matters Podcast features a round-up of the latest security industry news. Stories featured include the US$3.2 billion Securitas deal to acquire Stanley Security (the electronic security solutions business of Stanley Black & Decker Inc), the £264.8 million fine handed to the National Westminster Bank plc following convictions for three offences of failing to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations (2007) and Axis Communications’ new White Paper concentrating on the Government’s proposed Protect Duty legislation, itself focused on security provision in public places. Also, the Business Continuity Institute has issued the latest edition of its Cyber Resilience Report. The aim of this publication is to benchmark disruption levels and cyber resilience arrangements across today’s organisations. The report finds that the losses incurred as a result of cyber crime are directly proportional to the amount of organisational investment attributed to the topic of cyber security.   Further, there’s a look ahead to what’s in store for 2022 and, specifically, the February, April, September and November print editions of Security Matters magazine, as well as the inaugural edition of the Fire and Security Matters Awards, which take place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Thursday 28 April.

Episode 20 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian chatting once again with Steven Kenny, industry liaison for architecture and engineering at Axis Communications, who first appeared as a guest on Episode 7. This time around, Steven looks at security protection for Smart Cities, the need for ensuring the cyber security of physical security devices and the benefits of a layered approach to security provision for today’s organisations. In addition, Brian interviews Georges Tannous (director of global partnerships and EMEA region marketing at Genetec, the IP video surveillance and access control solutions specialist). Georges shines a spotlight on Genetec’s recent State of Physical Security Survey, the overriding need for surveillance systems to be cyber secure, hybrid cloud-based systems for physical security regimes and the benefits of building security operations on a unified platform.

Brian interviews Paul Barnard CSyP MSyI, director at The Security Institute. Paul focuses his attentions on the ‘Secure Futures’ Programme orchestrated by the Institute in partnership with the EY Foundation, outlining how the initiative was realised, evaluating the first part of the inaugural course and noting what the journey has been like to date. Further, Brian hears from Steve Haworth (CEO at the Teleware Group and Vemotion, the company that specialises in live, real-time video compression and transmission over distributed networks). Steve offers his views on current trends in the video surveillance market, lists the benefits to be derived from live-streaming security video and details Vemotion’s product roadmap across the next five years.   

Brian interviews Simon Pears CSyP MSyI, global security director at Sodexo and chair of the International Professional Security Association. Simon reviews the achievements of Jane Farrell (his predecessor as IPSA chair), discusses the organisation’s revamped website and focuses on the new app being launched for IPSA’s members. He also explains why IPSA is now looking to extend and broaden its membership base in 2021. In addition, Brian chats with Rob Watts (CEO of Corsight, the business with a stated mission of radically enhancing facial recognition technologies). In addition to offering an overview of the company, Rob outlines why former Surveillance Camera Commissioner Tony Porter QPM LLB has recently been brought on board and elaborates on those ways in which facial recognition technology can be used as a force for good.   

On Episode 17 of the Security Matters Podcast, Brian chats with Letitia Emeana CPP PSP CISMP (Group Security Capability Manager at Unilever) and Dawn Holmes MSc CPP (Group Head of Security for GVC Holdings) about their recent appointments as (respectively) Chair and Vice-Chair of ASIS International’s UK Chapter. Letitia and Dawn focus on several issues including the diversity agenda in the security sector and their aspirations for the ASIS UK Chapter in 2021 and beyond. In addition, Brian interviews Andy Gent (CEO of Revector, a business that specialises in the field of telecoms intelligence for fraud prevention and security). Andy focuses his attentions on IMSI catcher technology and also how Critical National Infrastructure can be protected from attacks using mobile networks. Our final guest this time around is Bill Hobbs, Global Vice-President of Sales for 3xLOGIC and PACOM at PAC and GDX. Bill outlines the future roadmap for security installers and system integrators as well as the key lessons learned to date within the security world during the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Brian hears from Neil Williams (Legal Director at Rahman Ravelli Solicitors) about the key details companies need to know in relation to the work of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Deferred Prosecution Agreements, self-reporting of any wrongdoing and ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the SFO. In addition, Brian chats with Mark Rees (Managing Director) and Sara Fisher (Sales Director) of 360 Vision Technology, the British manufacturer of specialist surveillance solutions for today’s security practitioners. Mark and Sara focus on significant changes witnessed across the security business sector of late, opportunities and challenges that have arisen due to the pandemic, recent recruitment at the Runcorn-based business and also the vision for the company’s development in the next five years.  

Brian chats with Sandi Davies (Executive Director of the International Foundation for Protection Officers) about the origins of the organisation, its key aims and objectives, an upcoming research project being conducted in conjunction with Perpetuity Research and the reasoning behind the recent launch of the IFPO’s UK branch. Also, Brian interviews Ashley Wyton (UK Sales Director for the Comelit Group, the business specialising in the design and manufacture of video entry, video surveillance, anti-intrusion, access control, home automation and fire protection systems). Ashley reviews how the company has fared during the pandemic, outlines the big trends in play across the security sector and heralds new innovations in store at Comelit for 2021.  

Brian hears from Iain Wright CFIRM (Chief Risk Officer for Europe at Canada Life and Chair of the Institute of Risk Management) about the business world’s ongoing response to COVID-19, how companies can build resilience into their operations and the Institute’s recent announcement concerning Modern Apprenticeships for Risk and Compliance. In addition, Brian interviews Jamie Allam (CEO at Amthal Fire and Security, the business focused on the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of integrated electronic fire and security solutions within the retail, commercial and public sector markets and celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2020). Jamie concentrates on key trends in the security business sector and how the pandemic has altered its internal dynamics.

During Episode 13 of the Security Matters Podcast, Brian interviews Mike Bluestone CSyP FSyI (Director of Corps Consult, itself a division of Corps Security) about COVID-19’s impact on the UK’s security guarding sector, the Register of Chartered Security Professionals and diversity and equality within the private security industry. Also, Brian chats with Jeremy Hockham (Managing Director of Norbain, the security, fire and IP connectivity systems distribution company) who focuses his attentions on the current state of play in the security market, the developing role of the distributor, the launch of ‘Norbain TV’ and the company’s ‘Solutions for the New Normal’ campaign.