PSI Security News Podcast

Hochiki has recently celebrated the first anniversary of its Training Academy. With that in mind we caught up with Kara Martin of Hochiki at the Gillingham office to find out more about the Academy and the importance of correctly installing life safety technology. It's too important to get it wrong, so how can you be sure you get it right?

The PSi podcast returns as we interview Patrick Jefferies of Abloy UK to look back on his 30 years at the company, rising through the ranks and developing the training academy amongst other things. For the full interview see the February 2025 edition of PSi magazine.Also in this pod, we look at the news that the UK government sees AI as a major driving force in growing the economy and hear, via AI, how trade skills should not be overlooked in the attempts to develop business.   

Despite the best laid plans and meetings arranged for The Security Event this year, the PSi editor was unable to attend the show due to an unexpected seven day stay with the NHS that coincided with the Birmingham event. So for this podcast, David Lewis steps in to interview five exhibitors, who all report a great show at the NEC.

This time we're taking a closer look at the rise of AI in the security sector, why it is beneficial and discover who is already using it in the real world and what they're doing with it. We also discuss edge processing and to complete the picture, we find out how you should be promoting the technology to your customers.For more information on the case studies featured visit:Grimaldi ForumItalian Police

This time around we highlight two essential parts of a successful security installation; the distributor and the monitoring centre. Both sit at opposite ends of the application and can provide installers with support and expertise throughout the contract.Following a quick newsflash, we talk to Carl Meason of Fenix Monitoring about the industry and find out how installers can work smarter with their ARC. We also discuss the pros and cons of AI and the PSTN switch-off. Plus Carl makes a football wager with the editor....The second interview is with Camilla Kirkham of Nimans, a technology distributor with a growing footprint in the security market. We discover which products are popular and which ones are making way for newer innovations.

This time around we've got two interviews for you. One, with Mark Earp of RISCO, looks at the development of integration in the security sector and the other, featuring Sam Cherri of Serage, addresses what it's like to bring a new brand to market and whether or not people are really using the AI features that we've seen promoted by manufacturers.

This time around we discuss the benefits in expanding your porfolio to offer AV installations in addition to your current services, and how difficult you might find the move. Also we talk to an expert about the potential problems facing monitored CCTV systems with the impending IP switchover heading for completion in 2025. Plus we meet an installation company that is making plans to become a nationwide provider with new recruits and acquisitions. All this plus a breakdown of the winners in this year's PSI Premier Awards campaign.

Do you want to reduce your costs and speed up alarm installs? There is an alternative to the traditional wiring method that can save you time and cable - and it's not wireless.Bus is a simplified architecture that wires the detectors in a line reducing total cable lengths, labour costs, physical zone expanders and on-site maintenance. We spoke to Mark Earp, Technical and Training Manager at RISCO, about the technology and why installers should look at an alternative to the conventional way of doing things.

In this podcast we have three interviews for you. First off we talk about the plans for IFSEC in 2023 and what the event has in store for visitors, then we find out how access control can really be rewarding for installers. Finally we discuss acquisitions and what makes an installation company an attractive target. We also chat about the trends in the market and try to predict what the security system of 2030 will look like.

This time we talk to Nick Burke about access control trends and whether the pandemic really made everyone go biometric with their installations. Also we speak to Simon Banks about an initiative to bring a new generation of entrepreneurs into the security sector.

This time around we have two interviews for you. First we talk to Brett Ennals, the MD of Cento Group a recruitment company that works across a number of technical sectors including fire and security so Brett gives us a perspective on how our engineering shortage and skills gap compares to other trades. Then we speak to Sam Cherri, the Director at distributor G-TEC the company behind the Serage brand of surveillance systems. Based in Hounslow, the company is this year celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Both also dare to give us their predictions for the forthcoming Premier League season!

In this podcast we speak to John MacMahon, MD of RE:SURE, about a number of issues including the rise in the popularity of self-monitored systems, the reduction of false alarms and why professional video monitoring services could be a goldmine that installers are missing out on. Another fascinating revelation was the main difference between Irish CCTV installations and those carried out in the UK. If you've not yet added video monitoring as a service then this is one you won't want to miss.

In addition to some of the latest news items from the fire & security sector, we take a closer look at how installers view the importance of price against quality when it comes to specifying which technology to use for a job. The customer will want a good deal, so how does cost factor into your selection process when pitching for business?

In this podcast we look at two different aspects of access control. For the first interview we talk to Rob Williams of Gate Safe about the risks involved with automated gates and why those who install and maintain them, or those thinking of moving into the area, need to be very careful about safety issues. Secondly we meet up with Simon Wilson and Henrik Degn of Assa Abloy to talk about smart keys in a sector that is supposed to be going contactless - isn't it?

The UK telephone system is being upgraded to an all-IP service from the old PSTN with a completion deadline of Dec 2025. What does this mean for installers and their customers with security alarms? We talk to Nick Whiting of BT Redcare to find out how you can plan ahead to safely migrate your current customers and find new ones.

This month we have the usual news round-up from the world of electronic security, plus we talk to Mike Burgess of Takex about external detection and we hear a few of his tales from installations he's seen in his time in South Africa. If you think that external detectors are unreliable or that CCTV is always the answer to your security needs, this podcast is essential listening.

This time around we talk to Mat Brown and Jon Wadman about security technology distribution and what would be the ultimate product to stock. Also we hear about a new series of events being held by PSI and Skills for Security which include an education programme and a golf day.

In this podcast, as well as looking at some of the main news items of the month we focus on cloud storage and its role in the video surveillance market. We talk to Jermaine Campbell of Seagate and Mark Gibson of Cloudview about cloud storage and discuss how the electronic security sector will be storing and accessing information over the next few years.

This month we focus on the winners of the PSI Premier Awards in 2021. Voted for by security systems installers, these awards are fiercely contested and held in high esteem in the industry. We reveal the winners in each category and talk to Texecom, Dahua, ADI, Pyronix and Hikvision.

This month we cover security industry acquisition news stories concerning HID Global, Omni-ID, Bold Communications and Valsoft, plus the MBO announcement at Texecom. In other business news, Panasonic has created a new division so we catch up with Mike Burton of PSCEU to find out more.

This month we take a tour of the massive ADI distribution centre outside Manchester and talk to Michael Lawrence, Regional General Manager UK&I, about the security market, the impact of Brexit, the global chip shortage and much more.

This month we ask "Are all batteries the same?" and discuss the benefits of installing units based on quality rather than price. We talk to James Douglas of GS-Yuasa to find out why overlooking the battery in your next alarm installation could set bells ringing.Also we talk to Chris Carter Brennan of Conxtd about the use of Cloud technology in the sector and discover what a Cloud-based alarm management system is and why it is a good idea for installers, ARCs and their customers to use one.

This month we have a shorter than usual podcast due to the PSI Premier Awards entering the final stages and keeping the team busy! In the podcast we reveal some of the details about the campaign and the Awards Dinner on 1st July, plus discuss the recent distributor acquisitions and the likelihood of IFSEC happening this year. We then talk to Tom Ford of the BSIA about why installers should be looking to take an active role with the organisation.

This month we have a mix of topics covering trade shows, training and technology. We speak to Gerry Dunphy of Informa about what the IFSEC organisers have in store for the next few months, we also chat to Ian Stones of RISCO about what’s going on in the world of intruder detection and to David Scott of Skills for Security about attracting new talent into the fire and security sector.

This month we talk to Mark Taylor, the General Manager at ECHO, to find out more about the new nationwide initiative to aid emergency services and ARCs reduce false alarms and speed up response and discover why installers should get involved. Then we speak to Danielle Jones and Sophie Hallam of Secure & Recruit the industry recruitment agency and pick up some advice for those looking for a new role and employers searching for new staff.

This month we have two interviews covering the value of both knowledge and experience in achieving the best results with security technology. First up is Kevin Faulkner of Banham Academy who reveals what training is given to security apprentices on the FESS course and why businesses should be taking on apprentices. Then we speak to Ali Enser of Reliance High-Tech about the need for installers and customers to work together on keeping networked security systems running without unnecessary risks.

This month we take a look back with some highlights from 2020 podcasts to focus on the technology trends that the experts predicted would be big in 2021. We hear again from Andrew Pigram of Bosch, Kevin Waterhouse of VCA, Martyn Ryder of Morphean and Jamie Allam of Amthal. Nobody interviewed talks about Covid and Santa makes a guest appearance too!

This month PSI editor Andy Clutton discusses a couple of recent news items and talks to Neill Williams of Smart R Distribution about technology trends and also to Mark Massie of Fortus about growing the company in the UK.

A bumper length podcast this month featuring interviews with Matt Philp of QED, Steve Riley of PAC, GDX and 3XLOGIC, Jamie Allam of Amthal Fire & Security and Matt Rushall of Videcon. Plus we reveal the winners of the PSI Premier Awards 2020.

This month we talk to Michael Lawrence of ADI about being a security distributor in the current climate. Also we find out what the differences are between AI, deep learning and analytics with Uri Guterman of Hanwha Techwin and get some predictions for the industry going forward from Tim Northwood of Inner Range.

In this month's podcast we focus on how you can gain more business as we return to 'normal' life. We speak to Kevin Spinks of Bft Automation about the benefits of leasing technology and which elements of the security sector suit this type of arrangement. Then we hear from Nick Quigley of HKC on getting more intruder accounts and how you can tap into the domestic alarm market.

As the UK begins returning to work after the lockdown what should installation companies do to give themselves the best chance of performing well during the 'new normal' and beyond? We talk to business guru Jim Rathbone to find out. Also we discuss the benefits of GSM and why installers should have a think about connectivity, with Victor d'Allance of Intratone.

This month we discuss how access control may change after lockdown with Pat Jefferies of Abloy and talk to Jim Rathbone about a new editorial series on how installation businesses can grow and develop. Also we try to discover why so few people change their locks when they move house with Suresh Peri from Mul-T-Lock.

How many UK homes do you think have intruder alarms or CCTV? This month we find out when we discuss home security with Gabriella Pemberton of SafeSite Security Solutions. Secondly, PSI Editor Andy Clutton talks about video storage with Curt Wittich of Quantum and discovers how analytics have changed CCTV data handling requirements.

This month we talk to Martyn Ryder of Morphean about the adoption of cloud services in the security industry. We also discuss business intelligence, AI, cyber security and why installers should be looking to add 'as a service' offerings to their portfolios.

This month we look at cyber security and how it affects video surveillance, plus we discuss the benefits of analytics and AI. We also talk to a security installer to find out what could be done to make his working life easier.

Everyone seems to be talking about facial recognition these days, but is there an established application of the technology anywhere in the UK yet? We speak to Nick Fisher, CEO of Facewatch, to find out. Also we talk to Chris Edwards of Informa about IFSEC 2020 and Andrew Pigram of Bosch about IoT and surveillance.

Have you ever thought about using QR codes for access control? We discuss the technology and applications. Also this month we look at the recent Genetec report on CCTV cameras requiring firmware upgrades. Finally we ask some industry experts for their 2020 predictions.

This month, PSI Editor Andy Clutton talks to David Scott from Skills for Security about apprentices, training and making the trade an attractive option for school leavers. Also we hear from some of the speakers at the recent 'Growing Your Security Installation Business' seminar.

This month we talk to Rishi Lodhia of Eagle Eye Networks and Steve Van Till of Brivo about cloud security plus we catch up with Gareth O'Hara of Paxton to discuss video and CCTV integration. We also catch up with David Davies of DVS to talk technology and find out more about the new SiX event.

This month we talk to Videcon about the opening of a new branch. Plus we hear from CSL about the 2019 Industry Forum and also discuss another forum, this one for those working on the marketing of security industry organisations. Finally we talk to Paxton about a new launch and roadshow series.

PSI Editor Andy Clutton visits the IFSEC event in London and speaks to a number of companies about the latest technology and services. What will be this year's big trend?

The June podcast featuring news about Allcooper, Panasonic, Ajax, SiX and Provision ISR.