Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) National Conference took place at Novotel London West yesterday with the theme of building, learning and adapting to new challenges.

SIA speakers at the event consisted of Heather Baily QPM, the chair of SIA; Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of SIA; Paul Fullwood, Director of Inspections and Enforcement at SIA; and Steve McCormick, Director of Licensing and Standards at SIA.

Guest speakers included Heather Arrowsmith-Tosley, Head of Capability Development at National Counter Terrorism Security Office; Debbie Bartlett, Deputy Director Protect and Prepare at Homeland Security Group; Lisa Baskott, Founder and CEO of 2^nd Line of Defence; Sarah Cork, Chief Growth Officer at City Group Security; Sarah Dines MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary Home Office; Andrew Donaldson, Head of Security for Real Estate Management (UK) Ltd; Paul Evans, CEO of Carlisle Support Services; Rachel Fleri, Managing Director at Specialist Security Company Ltd; Yolanda Hamblen, Senior Leadership Professional; Mike Hurst, European Regional Director at International Foundation for Protection Officers; Gemma Quirke, Chief Operating Officer at Wilson James; Satia Rai, CEO of IPSA; Mike Reddington, Chief Executive at British Security Industry Association; and Angela Vernon Lawson, Chartered Security Professional and the former COO/CEO of the Security Institute.

Speaking at the event, SIA CEO Michelle Russell stressed that public protection is at the heart of everything SIA does while expectations change over time.

She said: “Across the UK we all rely on professional, private security to protect us, the public, premises and property.

“The SIA has made good progress over the last 20 years; and we set out today our plans for the next three years on efficiency, effectiveness, individual and business standards, partnerships and people.”

“There is much for the industry to be proud of and much optimism if we respect, are honest about and acknowledge each others’ roles, remit and limitations but work together with visible leadership and determination to take positive action and make things better in the name of public safety,” she concluded.