The British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) flagship event, the British Security Awards, has recognised security officers and companies working to keep people, property and places safe during the last 18 months.
Held online earlier today for a second year due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, the show also featured the Chairman’s Award, dedicated to Skills for Security Chairman and long-time BSIA associate Tony Allen, who sadly died at the beginning of the month. The awards also featured presentations from West Midlands and Greater Manchester Police as part of the Association’s SaferCash initiative, announcing the bravery awards for the Cash & Valuables in Transit members and its inaugural Police Partnership Initiative Award.
The awards were presented by broadcaster Sue Hill, with the SaferCash awards being presented by Assistant Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police, Jayne Meir and Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Nicky Porter.
The 2021 winners are:
Best Newcomer: Katelyn Gordon – Mitie
Service to the Customer: Anthony Chell – Mitie
Outstanding Act: Denzil Whathen – Securitas UK
Security Manager of the Year: Graham Rouse – Mitie
Best Team: Beacon Shopping Centre Security Team – G4S
Apprentice of the Year: Jessica Goodson – ADT (Johnson Controls)
National Partnership: Network Rail: Protecting the public, managing risk – STM Group
Installer of the Year: nmcn
Innovative Security Project: GradeShift Pro Radio/Radio (All IP) – CSL Group
Business of the Year: MAN Commercial Protection
SME of the Year: Corsight AI
Environmental Project of the Year: Frontline Faceshields Project – Shred Station
Best Use of Technology: ID Ultra – Reliance High Tech
Contribution to the Industry: Jason Towse – Mitie
Industry Bravery: Rory Middleton & Mr David Paynter – Loomis
Police Partnership Initiative: DCI Christopher Mossop – Greater Manchester Police
Chairman’s Award: Tony Allen
Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: “Once again in 2021, the security industry has demonstrated its commitment to keeping people, property and places safe by presenting us with some fantastic examples of the immense wealth of talent, innovation and best practice on display in both our membership and the wider industry.
“The scale of achievement in 2021 is remarkable, and today we were able to recognise these forward-thinking and professional self-starters who represent our industry on a day-to-day basis. Congratulations to every one of you on your success today.”
In announcing the Chairman’s Award, Simon Banks, Chairman, BSIA, said: “As we were putting the show together at the beginning of June, we received the very sad news that one of the Association’s most ardent supporters and industry leaders for over 40 years, Tony Allen had passed away after a long battle with Leukaemia. Most recently Tony held the post of Chairman of Skills for Security, playing a crucial role in steering the company out of the poor financial position, and relentlessly driving quality improvements to course content and delivery.
“In fitting tribute, the 2021 Chairman’s Award posthumously goes to Tony and to his family as the Association’s – and my own personal – thank you, for his invaluable contribution to an industry he clearly loved.”
The British Security Awards Online 2021 were sponsored by Camberford Underwriting, SaferCash, TEAM Software,
NSI, Texecom, Optex, Wagestream, CSL Group and Fenix Monitoring and its official media partner was Professional Security Magazine. For 2022, the awards will be held live (COVID restrictions permitting), returning to the London Marriott Grosvenor Square, on Wednesday 29 June.
Details of the achievements of the winners and finalists can be found on the British Security Awards website at www.britishsecurityawards.co.uk/winners-2021
The full event can be viewed on the BSIA’s YouTube page, www.youtube.co.uk/user/theBSIA
