SECTOR FOCUS

6. UK security exports are worth some £2bn each year

7. The number of UK security companies grew by seven per cent in 2010

8. Export orders account for over 20 per cent of the business won by UK fi rms

9. Key to driving UK export success are information and data security; access control systems; communications equipment; and intruder alarms

10. The number of people employed in the UK security sector grew by two per cent in 2010

OPENING DOORS

INTERNATIONAL SHOP WINDOW With many UK companies involved in the London 2012 security operation, the Games will provide a unique opportunity to promote the sector’s expertise on a world stage. “The UK’s private security industry is a major partner in the supply of expertise, products and manpower to the Games,” says Evans. “It is also responsible for the majority of parallel events taking place at Games time, such as sponsor events, exhibitions, conferences and concerts. “The offi cial spend on Games security is in excess of £1bn, and much more will be spent in the private sector in these parallel events and enhancing ‘business as usual’. The UK security industry, particularly the manpower sector, is gearing up to meet a year of unprecedented demand as customers, suppliers and organisers prepare to take advantage of the expected surge in visitors and spectators in the UK during the Games. “The UK security industry will use the event to drive its expertise, products and services internationally and, by doing so, become the world’s leader in the securing of major events.” With more than 4bn expected to watch the event’s opening ceremony, the eyes of the world will be watching.

International markets have become a key priority for innovative security technology company AES Distribution. The Northern Ireland fi rm, whose products include wireless radio intercom systems for automatic gates and door access, has seen a 70 per cent increase in export sales following support from Invest NI. Invest NI contributed more than £8,000 to the £50,000 invested by AES to help increase global sales by 60 per cent by 2012. Since then, AES has secured deals in Switzerland, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, the US and Australia. It has also attended an Invest NI trade mission to Saudi Arabia, where it won a contract from a Riyadh-based business, potentially worth £500,000, and recruited a sales and marketing manager to expand its distribution network worldwide. The company now exports 95 per cent of its products outside Northern Ireland. Managing director Paul Creighton says: “Invest NI’s assistance has been key to our export success. It has supported us with enhancing our sales and marketing capabilities, identifying potential additions to the distribution network and securing new business opportunities overseas.” > aesdistribution.co.uk

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