Francesca Meyrick

What happens after the sale is complete, after the contracts are all signed and sealed? That’s when an abundance of variables can kick in – variables that can mean the difference between a successful security system or a case of buyer’s remorse. The features and value of equipment involved in a security system are well known before the sale closes, as hopefully are the integrator’s and end-user’s expectations about after-sale service. But what is the reality of after-sale service, and how can manufacturer’s make it better? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can security system manufacturers improve their after-sale service for integrators and end users?

High-quality products are the building blocks of successful physical security systems. How they are packaged may sometimes be seen as an unimportant detail or an afterthought. But should it be? Effective packaging can serve many functions, from creating a favorable customer impression to ensuring the product isn’t damaged in transit. Packaging can also contribute to ease of installation. On the negative side, excess packaging can be an environmental concern, especially for customers who are sensitive to green factors or to minimising waste. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Is packaging of products important in the commercial security market? Why or why not?

Knowledge shared among peers is often afforded more credibility than information from manufacturers. An approximation of that principle is at work in the use of case studies as marketing tools in the physical security industry. Case studies are aimed at telling real-world success stories – from actual customers – about how various technologies are used to accomplish security goals and make the world a safer place. But how useful are they? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the benefits of case studies as a marketing tool in the security industry?

Among its many uses and benefits, technology is a handy tool in the fantasy world of movie and television thrillers. We all know the scene: a vital plot point depends on having just the right super-duper gadget to locate a suspect or to get past a locked door. In movies and TV, face recognition is more a super power than a technical function. Video footage can be magically enhanced to provide a perfect image of a license plate number. We have all shaken our heads in disbelief, and yet, our industry’s technical capabilities are improving every day. Are we approaching a day when the “enhanced” view of technology in movies and TV is closer to the truth? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How much has the gap closed between the reality of security system capabilities and what you see on TV (or at the movies)?

A busy trade show abounds with new products and expanded features, colorful signage and blinking video screens, all competing for attention from busy attendees. It’s a microcosm of how the security marketplace – or any market, for that matter – sells its products. But what happens if the reality turns out different to the sales pitch? What happens when product or system performance doesn’t quite live up to the claims? Some would call that hype, and it can lead to disillusioned and frustrated customers. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the negative impact of hype in the security marketplace?

Integrated security manufacturer, TDSi, is proud to announce that it will again be supporting Dorset-based children’s hospice Julia’s House in 2019. The announcement follows a programme of successful activities last year which included a ‘Change for Change’ collection day, a Halloween ‘Bake Off’ event, participation in the gruelling Tough Mudder and ‘Christmas Jumper Day’. Francesca Meyrick, Marketing Manager at TDSi commented, “Julia’s House holds a special place in the hearts of the TDSi team. Located not far from our Head Office in Poole, the charity’s hospice supports children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. We have been supporting the charity through fundraising initiatives for a number of years now and 2018 was no different – with the Tough Mudder event alone raising £1,200 for this wonderful cause.” Importance of charity for children and families Members of the TDSi team recently visited the hospice centre in Corfe Mullen, Dorset to see how the money raised is helping children and their families. Francesca elaborated, “It was great to see the amazing facilities and to understand how vital this charity is to those that rely upon its services. Those of us that visited the facility were quite overcome by the amazing work the charity carries out on a daily basis for people that desperately need its support.” Visiting Julia’s House in person has also galvanised the TDSi into repeating its support again for 2019, as Francesca added, “It was also a real eye-opener with regards to the costs involved and just how important it is to show continued support to the charity, which is why we have chosen to focus our efforts again for 2019. We are all excited to be planning and organising a fresh set of fundraising activities to continue our ongoing support.”

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Finance and Operations Director, Paula Warburton. Paula takes on the vital role which will see her lead the company’s financial, commercial and operations development. Paula joins a growing team, based at TDSi’s UK headquarters in Poole, Dorset. In recent months, the company has appointed a new Finance Assistant, Luke Kleszcz and experienced Marketing Manager, Francesca Meyrick. Previous experience Paula has an impressive track record in financial strategy qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2000 and assuming her first role as Financial Director in 2007. Prior to joining TDSi, Paula worked as the Group Financial Director for a prominent property and construction surveying services organisation. Managing Director of TDSi, John Davies commented, “TDSi is fast-moving international business that requires strong financial leadership. Paula will work as part of the executive team to maintain and grow our financial health and prosperity.” Paula commented, “TDSi has a very impressive track record as a truly innovative manufacturer in the security sector. My main focus is to ensure that the business is provided with the necessary management information and the support it requires to continue to excel. By taking leadership of this side of the business, it means that the senior management team’s time can be spent leading our sales strategy and working with the rest of the team, ensuring TDSi continues to grow and flourish.” Expanding personal experiences As well as education and skills growth, Paula has also taken time to expand her personal experiences, as she explained, “I took a career break in 2001 and travelled extensively to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Chile, Bolivia and Peru.” This mixture of professional and life experience is most valuable to Paula’s new role at TDSi, as John added, “TDSi works with a diverse range of partners and customers around the world, so we need a team which understands the challenges, opportunities and cultural nuances. With big changes going on in the world, such as the imminent Brexit process, it is vital that TDSi stays fully proactive and highly keen, to embrace the opportunities on offer in many exciting international markets.”

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi announces the appointment of its new Marketing Manager, Francesca Meyrick. As well as heading up TDSi’s marketing division, Francesca will be working closely with the company’s distribution and installation partners to support and enhance growth strategies, both in the UK and internationally. Francesca’s appointment is a key one for TDSi, as Managing Director John Davies commented, “We are excited to welcome Francesca to the TDSi team. Marketing is one of the most important functions within our business, as it extends beyond our direct branding and encompasses our vital network of distribution suppliers and installation partners. Our customers rely upon the right information to get the best from TDSi’s products and services.” Opportunities to expand business Francesca is also excited to be joining the company and commented, “With cutting-edge products and a highly impressive brand in a busy and thriving industry, I am delighted to be taking over the marketing reins at TDSi!” Francesca added, “I love the variety of work that marketing offers and there are many aspects to this role for me to get stuck into, from heading up the marketing activity and strategies, to working with our global partners to educate and inspire customers. One aspect I’m really looking forward to is organising our attendance at key events around the world. All these aspects offer huge opportunities to grow our market share and to extend TDSi’s business even further.” Previous work experience Francesca has an impressive history in marketing communications. Having studied English Language and Communications at university, she has worked within marketing and communications roles for the past seven years. Before joining TDSi, Francesca spent four years with a full-service marketing agency that focused on providing Dorset SMEs with both digital and traditional marketing expertise. John added, “It is vital that TDSi has the right marketing team in place, not only with the professional skills, but also the passion to ensure the brand is fully promoted in markets around the world. This was a key consideration in finding the right person for the role.” John concluded, “Francesca has exactly the right blend of drive and determination, as well as marketing experience, that we were looking for. With our rapid growth, TDSi relies heavily on a well-targeted marketing profile to take our products and services to existing and potential customers.”