S E C U R I T Y P R O V I D E R S ’ V I E W S
In the second part of our Looking Ahead feature, we ask leading security thought leaders...
What do you think are the key challenges, risks and threats facing the world of security in 2014? and
What opportunities are emerging? In particular, how should the security industry respond to the challenges it faces?
Shaun Kennedy Chief Operating Officer Securitas Security Services (UK ) Ltd
I am sure that even though the procurement of security services in 2014 will
continue to be influenced heavily by budget pressures, this actually represents a great opportunity to move our industry forward. Being forced to deliver value, forced to innovate and driven to reduce cost whilst managing risk only leads to a better end product. Skilled security teams enhancing the best in technology, highly trained officers adding value to our customers business will certainly raise the bar.
2014 will see Securitas focus heavily on increasing technology solutions for existing and new customers. Yet, whilst sales of remote guarding, smart video analytics and response will lead the way, it will always be the people at the heart of our solution who continue to make the difference on a daily basis.
John Roddy CEO The Shield Guarding Company Limited
Looking ahead to 2014 and indeed the next three to five years, I see the most serious
threat coming from cyber crime. Major banks and large institutions take this seriously, but I am concerned that smaller organisations, with their main focus on securing and delivering business, are vulnerable to cyber crime.
There are many skilled IT specialists who can implement security systems to combat cyber and other threats. However, I am convinced that organisations need an experienced security-minded individual, backed up by a security provider that can implement and manage a total security solution.
With the explosion of information in the public domain, in particular social media, I see corporate screening emerging as a key area in 2014. More and more organisations want support with screening, especially of subcontractors. I predict that within a year, the majority of organisations will be carrying out some kind of screening in this area.
One of our main priorities for 2014 will continue to be developing our staff. I believe this is crucial for our business and the future of the security industry. We have invested £1 million in our management development centre – and introduced a two-year NVQ level in total security solutions.
Finally, I see more national outsourcing contracts from government, police and other public organisations going to tender in 2014, for delivery in 2015.
Attitudes are changing to the private security industry and hopefully this is a positive sign for 2014.
Bob Forsyth Managing Director MITIE Total Security Management
2014 is set to be both challenging and full of opportunity in the security
industry. Despite welcome signs of economic recovery, core services in our sector will remain commoditised with pressure on margins. A new challenge will appear as the economy grows with retention of staff and a potential return to higher attrition rates in the sector, the challenge will be how to attract and keep the right people in our industry.
Companies that have built for the future will really start to grow in the new economy, with increased opportunity for remote technology centres as organisations migrate towards outsourcing command and control, as well as disaster recovery and business continuity planning as organisations avoid significant CAPEX investment. Clients will continue to embrace technology in complementing traditional security services as the need for more flexibility and true added value is ever present. Margins will increase where output specification is the growing trend.
8 © CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – WINT E R 2014
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