Lean and Green Security

2020 Vision host a series of ‘LEAN and GREEN Security’ seminars.

Aimed at those responsible for security measures they address two of today’s topical issues, austerity and the environment.

Each regional seminar held in association with three technology companies noted for their green technology solutions, consists of four twenty minute informative presentations designed to provide a clear insight on the best ways to save money and energy without compromising security.

The first seminar takes place at Leeds United Football Club on Wednesday the 17th of November between 11.15 and 1.00

Entry is by invitation only, to register your interest or get information on future dates and venues email sales@2020cctv.com.

North Shields security systems firm wear it pink for Breast Cancer Campaign

On Friday 29 October 2020 Vision Systems Ltd will ditch their usual work attire in favour of pink outfits in support of Breast Cancer Campaign’s wear it pink day.

The administration team at 2020 Vision Systems will be leading the fundraising effort dressed in pink t-shirts and a range of fun pink accessories. The team will bring in pink cakes and biscuits and serve those staff supporting the fundraising with tea and coffee and pink goodies during the day, all to raise money for breast cancer research.

Dawn McIntyre, General Manager of 2020 Vision Systems said; “We are thrilled to be supporting Breast Cancer Campaign’s wear it pink day on Friday 29 October. Breast Cancer Campaign is a charity close to many of our hearts and we want to help make a difference.

“We will also be encouraging our many suppliers and subcontractors to get involved along with our workforce to ensure that we create a happy and eventful day and raise lots of money to enable research to continue.”

“Last year around one million people took part in wear it pink raising a staggering £3 million for breast cancer research to help improve survival rates for the one in nine women who experience breast cancer during their lifetime. Some 46,000 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and wear it pink helps to fund vital research into a disease which affects so many.”

It’s time to beat breast cancer and for only £2 Campaign challenge you to wear it pink on Friday 29 October, at work, at home or at school and help save lives. Visit www.wearitpink.co.uk or call 0800 107 3104 to register now.

2020 Vision Supporting the SAFE NEWCASTLE & GLOBAL MSC SECURITY SEMINAR

The annual Safe Newcastle and Global MSC Security Seminar takes place at the Gosforth Park Marriot Hotel in Newcastle on Tuesday the 16th of November.

This year’s event entitled “CCTV - Its Public Perception and How We Can Improve It” is aimed at public space CCTV and Security Managers, deals with how the public perceive CCTV and how we can improve its image by sharing success stories of how CCTV is assisting tackling crime and other security and street management aspects.

CCTV receives its fair share of negative press and is not always seen in as positive a light as we would like with many articles and ‘research’ being published with inaccurate figures of cameras in use and the number of times individuals are viewed by camera during the course of a journey. We are aware that Local Authorities struggle to improve the public’s perception of CCTV and users and managers need to find alternative ways to convey to the public the many positives of what CCTV does and can do for many people but is unreported.

The event is supported by a number of expert speakers as well as respected CCTV suppliers and manufacturers.

Further Information can be found at www.newcastle.gov.uk / www.globalmsc.net

Security system installers: how to select the best – As featured on www.info4security.com 13 Sep 10

When the security manager is looking to team up with a quality security installer on that all-important systems upgrade, what are the main points to consider in sourcing the best provider? Peter Houlis offers his views.

The world has changed since the ubiquitous alarm box adorned every High Street premises and was seen as the answer to the UK’s crime problems.

Even the proliferation of CCTV cameras first energised in the early 1990s has failed to tackle all of today’s security issues and problems.

Meantime, there’s no doubt that globalisation and international terrorism have realised new risks and dangers. Burgeoning levels of anti-social behaviour, violent crime, burglaries and the real and present danger posed by terrorists (among them home-grown activists), coupled with the prevalent claims culture and pressure of accountability, make for a heady mix which must be dealt with by the police and its partners in the law enforcement arena.

Indeed, it’s fair to say that the demand for effective security solutions is greater now than it has been at any point in our past.

Whatever your walk of life, in today’s world good security is of paramount importance, not just for the protection of people and property but also for safeguarding reputation, brand and business success.

It’s also becoming increasingly important within the realms of business continuity.

An arsenal of security options

While no-one can deny the importance of a good burglar alarm, the days when that alone could be relied upon to solve every criminal ill have long since disappeared into history.

Fortunately, today’s security professionals can draw from a substantial arsenal of security options, with technology providing many cost-efficient ways to improve security for everyone.

Low cost options can be as simple as locks and barriers, good lighting, staff awareness training and even physical landscaping of a given site.

Technology provides a plethora of electronic security devices such as CCTV, access control, intruder detection, asset tracking, GIS mapping, communications devices and integrated systems.

World events have created the need for a cohesive approach to security solutions underpinned by more reliable and sophisticated systems and a demand for more knowledgeable security providers.

UK security industry: what does it look like?

The UK’s electronic security industry is largely un-regulated. At the present moment, anyone can set up a security installation business.

There are some first class companies out there, but also many bringing the industry into disrepute.

At last count, there are thought to be circa 4,000 companies (excluding a number of electrical contractors) involved in installing security systems. Along with a few household names whose alarm boxes adorn every High Street, the majority are SMEs installing domestic and commercial intruder alarms. Most of them have the ability to install basic CCTV and small access control systems, but lack the experience to implement and maintain larger and more complex systems.

Unlike the security guarding sector which is now Government regulated courtesy of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the electronic security sector is self-regulated. Of the 4,000-plus companies in existence, approximately 1,800 of them undergo voluntary inspection by one of the industry’s recognised inspectorates.

Demonstrable need for change

Sadly, as stated earlier the intruder alarm no longer addresses all of the security risks prevalent in today’s society. Securing modern day risks requires a more integrated approach and greater use of modern technology.

The development of digital IP-based systems and network video has had an impact on traditional security installers who are now faced with the challenge of understanding the language of the IT world and learning new IT skills.

Conversely, the competition posed by the IT industry is discovering the need to develop an understanding of security and security disciplines.

As a result, a new small breed of security integrators has evolved. They have the skills and knowledge levels to converge disparate systems, merge different technologies and install and integrate complex ‘high end’ CCTV and access control systems.

This doesn’t demean the professional intruder alarm companies or their engineering capabilities. It simply defines that the technology involved requires different skills sets and training in combination with a high level of IT and computer literacy.

Good security integrators are usually forward-thinking, flexible to change and have the ability to clearly understand customers’ objectives by working closely to achieve a common goal.

They demonstrate a sound knowledge and experience of a diverse range of equipment and systems and are able to think ‘outside the box’ to provide creative solutions using technology to address customers’ particular issues.

Salient points to consider

As an end user, then, how do you evaluate and choose the right security systems partner and, in turn, reduce the expensive risk of picking the wrong provider?

I know from experience that a large portion of tender pre-qualification questionnaires fail to elicit information about a company’s ability to actually carry out a project.

Financial/economic standing is vital. Check their financial stability. What’s their turnover in the relevant disciplines, and is it relevant to your system requirements?

A company installing £1,000.00 intruder alarms or small CCTV systems may not have the resources or in-house capability to implement larger or more complex CCTV, access control or integrated systems projects.

Also, do they have insurance cover relevant to the level and nature of the work being undertaken?

When it comes to technical capacity, do they appear on the SSAIB or NSI list of approved installers, or carry similar relevant third party approval?

Ask about staff skills, experience, and numbers: do they have sufficient resources? Are they qualified in the relevant disciplines? Are they directly employed, vetted and hold ID cards. Do they have corporate clothing so they are easily recognised on site?

Does the company have the requisite project management skills and adequate resources in place to implement your project efficiently with the minimum of disruption?

In-house technical ability

Does the company possess the in-house technical ability to be able to support the system(s) being installed? Does it have dedicated installation and service engineers?

In many smaller organisations the installation and service engineer is one and the same person, which is far from ideal. If he’s on a service call for someone, he’s not carrying out your installation and vice versa.

What accreditations, awards and memberships do they hold? Are they ISO 9001:2008 quality assured, and does their scope match your requirements?

Does the company hold the relevant environmental and Health and Safety accreditations? Is it registered with CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor or Linkup, etc?

Does the company they have a procedure for appointing and managing sub-contractors? Does it provide, in advance, all makes and models of equipment being proposed? Are the products non-proprietary so that you’re not locked into them?

Are the engineers in front of you trained on those products you’ve selected?

That all-important project experience

Is the security company able to demonstrate experience in projects similar to that which you require?

Can it provide at least three customer references for the required discipline in your area/industry sector? Is it a similar size and type?

As well as taking up references, I’d suggest you make a few site visits and take the opportunity to check the general quality of previous installations. A quick look behind equipment and/or in control panels is a good indicator as to the standard of workmanship.

Is the wiring neat and professionally terminated using the appropriate connector? Are cables clearly marked? Nine times out of ten you will find a bird’s nest of cables.

Ask the client on site if the project was completed on time, within budget and in a safe and secure manner.

Does the company you’re thinking of appointing have the relevant Health and Safety documentation, method statements and risk assessment capabilities to hand? Don’t be afraid to ask for samples.

Is there an intention to provide you with handover documentation and a comprehensive O&M manual? Again, ask for samples of where this has been the case for other installations.

Aftercare support: another essential

Does the security company provide a 24-hour, 365 days a year technical assistance line staffed by trained personnel?

Does it have a service team with call-out engineers available 24/7, 365 and who are experienced in carrying out repairs on the type of system you have installed?

There’s little point in sending a burglar alarm engineer to a fault on a major CCTV scheme just to meet call response times.

Do they hold spares for the equipment they propose to install, and do they have a good, active working relationship with the equipment manufacturer or supplier? Or do they just install whatever’s ‘Flavour of the Month’?

Does the company provide a comprehensive and preventative maintenance support facility with a choice of service levels?

Also, is it proactive, introducing you, the end user, to developments in technology and Best Practice?

Security consultants: employing their services

If you have a large or complex security requirement and lack the necessary in-house design skills to draft an operational requirement or security strategy, you might wish to consider employing the services of a security consultant.

Remember that there’s little regulation governing security consultants. Most M&E consultants will offer security consultancy, but few have the relevant industry knowledge.

Again, it’s vital to do your homework and choose a consultant with knowledge experience and a proven track record in the discipline(s) you require.

A good consultant will carry out your risk assessment, assess your budget, prepare the operational requirement and select suitably qualified prospective suppliers to quote for the design and implementation of a system to meet the brief.

Alternatively, they’ll prepare a full-blown technical specification with relevant plans and drawings, and carry out a full tender process for the procurement of a suitable system.

Remember also that the cost of the consultancy service will probably come out of your security budget.

Protection of people and property is a complex business

Choosing a security partner to protect your people and property is a complex business: get it wrong and you have a lot to lose.

Always pick a specialist in the discipline you require and do your homework. Quiz the potential supplier about their in-house technical ability and do take up references.

Remember the company will likely provide you with references from their best customers, so make a site visit or two and visually check the workmanship for yourself. It’s well worth the time you will spend.

Ineffective responses to any of your questions should make your own alarm bells ring!

Peter Houlis is managing director of 2020 Vision Systems

CCTV and 'Austerity 2010': the end user approach - As featured in www.info4security.com 17 Aug 10

In these times of budgetary cuts, how should end users manage their CCTV security expenditure, ensure value for money and really maximise their return on investment? Peter Houlis offers some answers.

The Government’s austerity measures are felt by every one of us, but the safety and security of people and assets remains an important and fundamental issue.

With budgets being cut all the time, how do you manage your CCTV security expenditure? Is it possible to ensure value for money? Can you really maximise your return on investment?

In attempting to answer these questions, your first objective should be a security review to ensure that your surveillance system is fit for purpose and meets with your operational requirements. A system which doesn’t address your issues is neither value for money nor cost-effective.

If you're fortunate enough to be working with a professional service provider that takes their obligations seriously, then they should be willing and able to assist you in a system audit.

If CCTV forms part of your security strategy and it’s not addressing your issues then you need to invest in revamping, upgrading or renewing the system with a suitable replacement which does tackle your security concerns.

Systems must meet their objectives

To ensure value for money and return on investment, you need to spend on a system which fully meets your objectives. To best achieve this, the Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch advises that before a suitable CCTV System can be specified, it’s essential that an initial assessment is undertaken in order to determine the system scope, objectives and requirements Note that these should not be confused with the technical requirements.

Initially, it’s vital to provide answers to the following questions:

• is the system designed to deter, prevent, detect or prosecute?
• is it proactive, reactive or both?
• is the system continually manned or unmanned, and used only after an incident is reported
• to provide post incident information?
• what’s the system’s scope (ie prevention and detection of crime, public safety etc)… it
• should be noted that this is a requirement under the Data Protection Act what are the areas to be covered, and what degree of coverage is required?

BS EN 50132-7:1996 titled ‘Alarm Systems: CCTV Surveillance Systems for Use in Security Applications – Part 7: Application Guidelines’ describes fully the steps to produce an ‘operational requirement’ document. This document should clearly state what the customer expects in terms of the system’s functions. It’s designed to encourage clear thinking about what, where, when and by whom and in particular the why of a CCTV system.

The ‘operational requirement’ presents those with the necessary skills to convert the document into a technical specification and test procedures which form the basis of the system design implementation and operation.

CCTV systems as operational management devices

Should you need to invest in a new or revamped system, check if it could be a useful tool for others in your organisation. This would spread the cost of ownership. The Health and Safety Department could monitor and manage risk on site, while the Marketing Department monitors behavioral patterns. Don’t forget that marketing budgets are usually quite large!

Think more about your CCTV system as a management tool to be used for providing visual information and intelligence data, either for real-time use or for post-incident analysis.
When investing in a new system or revamping an existing one, account should be taken of the advantages to be provided by new technology.

If you’re dealing with a professional service provider, they should be proactive and advise you on new technology or improved methods of Best Practice to reduce costs. For example, new camera models may be cheaper and, with a higher specification than a current model you’re using, a more sensitive camera may negate the use of infrared or additional lighting. Using HD or mega pixel cameras may enable you to cover larger areas with fewer cameras.

If possible, choose equipment with low power consumption and look out for hidden system costs such as high power consumption, the need for air conditioning and taking up valuable space.

Lenses, lighting, recording and storage

With cameras themselves, make sure you choose the correct lens for the views required. Choose the right resolution commensurate with the level of detail and sensitivity demanded on site. A camera with poor sensitivity may result in the need for additional lighting, etc.

If your CCTV is reliant on additional IR lighting (of which there are thousands of systems on the market), a good return on investment can be realised by changing to the new generation of LED lighting which matches low power consumption with long life. Specialist LED lighting can also realize money saving options in both general and security lighting applications.

As we’ve moved into the age of digital recording and storage of CCTV images, it’s important to establish how long you need to archive your video images and at what quality. There can be a considerable cost variance when it comes to recorders and, generally, the more information you archive the greater the expense.

Another area of high cost is the transmission of video, particularly in urban surveillance and on large sites which often rely on telecoms providers’ expensive point-to-point links, tie lines or perhaps extensive civil works. It’s worth exploring whether these could be replaced by alternative free space transmission solutions or wire-free networks. Again, this is an area where your systems provider should be advising and assisting you at all times.

Network video and IP digital cameras address some of the above issues and, in a well-designed system, could help you save money on the cost of cabling and cable containment by using the existing IT infrastructure.

Power over Ethernet: avoiding the pitfalls

The need for power outlets can be reduced by using PoE (Power over Ethernet), but be warned: you need to choose a company with the knowledge and experience in both security and IT to avoid the many pitfalls along this road. That company must be able to work with your IT provider and, importantly, talk their language.

Network video has the advantages of easier and cheaper transmission and distribution of video streams, an ability to integrate with other security and safety systems to increase efficiencies and incorporate video analytics (which, in turn, reduce operator dependence).

Streamlining the operation of any CCTV Control Room is fundamental to cost savings. Can you make the system or operators more efficient? Do all of your cameras either receive or need pro-active monitoring? Could some functional cameras be replaced with megapixel solutions and deployed for evidence gathering and post-incident use to cut down on the number of cameras requiring real-time monitoring?

When it comes to system maintenance, you should ensure you’re receiving a good responsive level of service from your system maintainer. With respect to CCTV, regular preventative maintenance is an efficient way to demonstrate compliance with the Data Protection Act and ensure that your system is fit for purpose.

Depending on the complexity of the system installed, the age of equipment and the degree of security you require, these variables will indicate the relevant number of service visits required. Anything from annually to four times per annum is the accepted norm for most CCTV and electronic security system end users.

You may be able to decrease the number of preventative maintenance visits or divide the system and carry out phased visits. On Visit One, for example, cameras 1,3 and 5 are serviced and, on Visit Two, cameras 2,4,6 and so on. In this way, your engineer’s on site more frequently but for less time, giving you the option of carrying out non-essential repairs on a more regular basis while that engineer’s on site.

Response to fault calls or corrective maintenance visits should also meet your requirements. If, for example, your system is used in a retail environment to spot incidents such as shop lifting, etc, do you need a 24-hour call-out service? Even in a town centre, is it necessary that you receive a round-the-clock service if a camera goes down? Or could you restrict 24-hour service to the loss of the whole or partial system, with next day service for any situation where, say, a camera is off?

Look carefully at all-inclusive contracts

Look carefully at all-inclusive contracts. They may seem like a good idea from a budgeting point of view, but they may not represent best value and could represent a bit of a gamble for both parties.

If the provider has under-budgeted, had to carry out a number of repairs and replace equipment early in the contract, they may have spent their budget and be forced to skimp in other areas. Conversely, if your system produces little trouble the service provider will be well ‘in pocket’ and have probably earned an extravagant profit out of you.

Most companies now offer tailored maintenance packages. Negotiate one that meets your requirements. Remember that cheapest rarely represents best value. Does the maintenance company have the resources in terms of manpower, spares, experience and knowledge of the equipment which makes up your systems?

The above ‘checklist’ is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully it gives you food for thought in these lean fiscal times.

Peter Houlis Managing Director of 2020 Vision Systems

Remsdaq is delighted to announce a strategic business partnership with UK based 2020 Vision Systems

2020 Vision Systems will join our value added resellers programme supplying Remsdaq's range of StarWatch, access control, alarm and video management products and it's Sabre perimeter intruder detection products.

Remsdaq's feature rich and complimentary range of security products are ideally suited to a wide range of UK security applications. Geoff Seddon, Remsdaq's Security Sales Manager says "this partnership will allow both Remsdaq and 2020 Vision address the needs of key strategic vertical markets across the UK and thus will ensure significant growth potential for both businesses in the near future".

Healthy Security for 2020 Vision

The annual Healthcare Estates Conference and Exhibition organized by the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management (IHEEM), is being held in Manchester on the 5th and 6th October 2010.

Clean, Lean, Safe and Green is the theme for this year’s event.

Peter Houlis managing Director of 2020 Vision Systems Limited has been invited to give a presentation on security.

Hospitals present a demanding systems environment in terms of security.

·Valuable facilities and equipment
·Volatile situations involving the safety and lives of people.
·A diverse array of spaces, buildings and departments
·A variety of people; staff, patients, visitors, suppliers and sadly those with mall intent, all need to be controlled and secured.

A long tradition of open friendly access 24/7, with many entrances and exists and an ease of movement around the buildings and premises. Means they are faced daily with a vast variety of threats and dangers, everything from violence towards staff and patients, theft of vital equipment and drugs to crimes of opportunity and even abduction of babies.

The presentation titled Visibly efficient...the future of integrated CCTV - The need for change examines the use of new CCTV technology and the convergence of related security systems and devices to address the security risks and promote situational awareness in the Hospital environment during a time of austerity.

The annual conference is the opportunity for those representing or involved in healthcare engineering and estate management to gain and develop the skills, knowledge and techniques needed to address issues that really matter to patients, the public and us as professionals.

For more information about the IHEEM and this prestigious event visit http://www.iheem.org.uk/

Team Friendly Fire take the Calais to Valencia Charity Rally

2020 Vision Systems wish Team Friendly Fire, Installation Engineer Darren Smith and Steven Boakes (Team Captain) every success raising donations in the Calais to Valencia Rally 2010, in aid of Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT).

The intrepid pair are competing in a banger rally from Calais to Valencia via Annecy, San Remo and Perpignan. That is a total of 1450 miles in a car that can cost no more than £150.

The rally unofficially started in Newcastle upon Tyne for Team Friendly Fire early on the morning of Thursday 19th August. They have a 350-mile drive to catch the Eurotunnel through to Calais ready for registration for the rally, which officially starts on Friday the 20th August. The first day sees them drive about 525 miles from Calais to Annecy in the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.

Team Friendly Fire chose the CHECT charity as they have helped a great deal in maintaining some normality in the lives of Steven's friends, Neil and Liz Heffernan.

To make a welcome donation visit www.teamfriendlyfire.co.uk where you can also follow Team Friendly Fire’s progress and read the Heffernan’s story.

Transport Security a real talking point for 2020 Vision

2020 Vision Systems Managing Director Peter Houlis has been invited to give a presentation at the annual Transport Security Expo and Conference 2010 held at Olympia in London on the 14th and 15th of September.

The presentation titled Visibly efficient...the future of integrated CCTV will examine:

Need for Change

· World events have created a need for more sophisticated surveillance systems.

Information Overload

· CCTV produces huge amounts of visual data – information overload

Reality the Facts

· Studies show that CCTV is limited, operators miss valuable information

Need for efficiency

· More integrated and intelligent systems – converging technologies.

Transport Security Expo and Conference (formerly Transec) which is now entering its eighth year is the only event globally to bring together key transport stakeholders and transport leaders and the professional security industry.

The annual conference keeps the transport sector up to date with current and future threats, new technology, changes to legislation and best practice.

For more information about this prestigious event visit www.transec.com

2020Vision seeing through the new Tyne Tunnel

North East based CCTV systems integrator 2020 Vision Systems is celebrating starting work on yet another prestigious contract, this time for a major development right on its doorstep.

The North Shields based company has started work on its contract to design and supply the CCTV system for the new Tyne Tunnel, in a contract worth over £350,000.

2020 Vision is now responsible for designing, supplying and installing the integrated CCTV network ahead of the opening of the new Tyne Tunnel next year.

The system, which is essential for safeguarding more than 38,000 motorists each day, will comprise of 84 IP CCTV cameras, which will be linked to a network video surveillance system within the North and Southbound tunnels as well as along the approach roads. The system will be supplemented with 11 dome general surveillance cameras within the perimeters of the tunnel areas.

2020’s contract, will also see the company install a multi camera management system complete with digital recording which will be used at two custom made workstations within the refurbished control room. The camera management system will come complete with an Enterprise level Digital Recording and Virtual Matrix, graphical user interface and video wall.

Cameras from the existing pedestrian tunnel will also be linked up to 2020 Vision’s top of the range operator interface and recording system. The company will also be responsible for providing routine preventative maintenance inspections and on call assistance and support for the entire system.

Peter Houlis, managing director of the CCTV specialists commented: “2020 Vision is delighted to have secured such a prestigious contract right here on our door step.

“2020 has a fantastic track record specialising in private and public sector work for museums, shopping centres and company headquarters as well as for councils, prisons, hospitals, universities and the like. We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract for the Tyne Tunnel, it is a great coup for the company and we’re looking forward to commencing work very soon. The system is imperative to the safety of motorists and we’re proud to be able to put our 2020 marque on it.”

The system will provide day and night functionality and uses the very latest intelligent video analytics technology through its integrated CCTV, incident detection and vehicle management system.

2020 has also recently secured the contract to supply and install a CCTV system for the new toll plaza, as well as to install the toll collection system, including traffic barriers and toll and vehicle readers. The contract, which is worth £170,000, was awarded to 2020 Vision by the French company, G.E.A, which is providing the toll booth system.

The new Tyne Tunnel is being constructed on behalf of TT2 Ltd, the concessionaire company which operates the existing tunnel as well as the pedestrian and cycle tunnel. Bouygues Travaux Publics is the contractor responsible for designing and building the new vehicle tunnel as well as upgrading the existing Vehicle Tunnel, and improving access to both the Pedestrian & Cyclist Tunnels, alongside SPIE.WHS.

2020 Vision was established in the North East in 1992 and specialises in security systems such as CCTV, remote site monitoring, access control and concierge services. It has provided security in a diverse range of environments such as hospitals, casinos, universities, sports stadia, government offices and a seabird island.

North East surveillance continues to expand

A North Shields based surveillance specialist has added to its team and increased its apprentice intake this year after seeing its business continue to grow.

2020 Vision Systems has appointed two additional apprentices, to add to the three already at the company, one who will complete this summer, in a bid to bolster its offering and to give the future of the industry the opportunity to learn firsthand the ins and outs of the security and CCTV industry with an award winning company.

2020 Vision, which has secured over 500 new contracts this year and has maintained last year’s level of turnover and profitability, has recruited both Steven Young and Daniel Chappell as apprentice service engineers.

As part of 2020 Vision’s commitment to its apprentice scheme, 17-year-old Steven from North Shields and 19-year-old Daniel from Crawcrook will be shown the ropes through a thorough training programme. Both Steven and Daniel will be given the opportunity to gain crucial hands on experience in the field of CCTV and surveillance from an understanding of CCTV and access control through to the specialised process of camera installation and cleaning as well as assisting with maintenance enquiries.

Steven, who is currently studying his first year of electrical engineering at Tyne Met College, is already getting to grips with 2020’s line of work. He commented: “I’m really enjoying the training so far and I’m getting on well learning the ropes. It helps that I’m passionate about this line of work. I’m hoping that through 2020’s support and guidance that I can qualify as a service engineer, with the ultimate aim of progressing within the company.”

After leaving school Daniel worked as a joiner but was keen to take the leap into the security industry. He hopes to bring with him his commitment to the apprenticeship as well as his willingness to learn new skills.

He has already been tasked with fitting cameras, assisting with door access, successfully completing the asbestos awareness course and assisting with 2020 Vision’s x contract with the University of Birmingham. He commented: “I have a desire to get the job done right first time and to meet deadlines and I know that is exactly what 2020 Vision is known for. I am determined to make the most of my training and to learn from the very best in the industry.”

Joining Steven and Daniel at 2020 Vision is Sam Roy, as office administrator. Sam, 27, from Newcastle, will be responsible for general office duties, maintaining 2020’s high levels of customer service and care, producing job packs for the engineers and supporting the engineering manager as well as for administration.

Peter Houlis, managing director of 2020 Vision, said: “I’m delighted that the company is continuing to build on its foundations and increasing its status as a premier UK provider of high-end security systems. I’m especially proud that on the back of continued support from our existing clients as well as by successfully securing new contracts that we are able to increase the size of our apprentice scheme this year. It’s extremely important that those in the industry now are able to give invaluable experience to those who will be at the forefront of the industry in the future.

“It is testament to our reputation and the hard work of our team that we are once again bucking the trend. Our ambition is to continue growing regionally and nationally in the field of CCTV and integrated systems.”

In a bid to further look ahead into the future of the industry Peter Houlis recently took part in the Security Technology Leaders Forum along with representatives from key technology vendors, end users and Government bodies. Participants involved in the debate discussed the future of the industry and made their own predications for technology adoption in the new decade, something 2020 Vision is determined to be at the forefront of.
2020 Vision was established in the North East in 1992 and specialises in security systems such as CCTV, remote site monitoring, access control and concierge services. It has provided security in a diverse range of environments such as hospitals, casinos, universities, sports stadia, government offices and a seabird island.

Security Technology Leaders Forum invite 2020Visions Peter Houlis to participate

Peter Houlis 2020Vision System’s Managing Director has been invited to participate in the Security Technology Leaders Forum. Along with senior representatives from key technology vendors in the industry including manufacturers of cameras, video analytics software, video management systems and command and control systems, as well senior individuals from the worlds of access control, fire and intruder alarms, intercoms and building management systems.

The worlds of guarding, outsourced services, integration and consulting, as well as end users and Government bodies, will also take part in this important debate which offers those involved a great opportunity to look forward and make their own predictions for technology adoption in the new decade.

At the inaugural meeting to be held at United Business Media HQ in London on Friday 23rd of April, participants will examine the following areas (and more besides) relating to security technology:

• The speed of migration from analogue to IP surveillance – what’s driving this change from a technological standpoint?
• How fast is that change occurring, and will we reach a ‘tipping point’ – if so, when?
• What factors are driving IP adoption in terms of business-critical issues/vertical sector penetration?
• Which technologies might be commoditised, built-into central management systems or cameras?
• Will/should more and more functionality head into central systems or flow towards the edge devices?
• Is megapixel technology really the ‘game changer’ it’s billed to be in terms of quality output?
• Is the whole ‘HD versus megapixel’ debate little more than a marketing-driven red herring or something more significant?
• What does all of this technological development mean for the security manager, and could it be that all physical security requirements might be managed by IT Departments in ten years’ time?
• If that were to happen, are there any inherent dangers within this approach?
• How should security managers ‘defend their corner’?
• What does all of this mean for security guarding companies, and how will they need to adapt and change?
• Will the security industry have to reinvent itself to embrace technological change?
• What are the barriers to change, and how will they be broken down?
• What is likely to be ‘The Next Big Innovation’ in security technology?

To address the demand from the end user community for more information and education as to how they can implement security strategies and deliver better ROI for their businesses edited and approved output from this first debate will be published on Security Management Today SMT Online There will also be a live blog on the event, to be hosted by www.info4security.com and a live Twitter (www.twitter.com) to feed in action during the debate, and post-event podcasts of the most important points made.

For more information visit www.info4security.com