BSIA's Annual Security Personnel Awards winners announced

Royal Marines Contract Team, Corps Security won the Best Team cateogory

The national winners of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA)'s Annual Security Personnel Awards were recognised on Wednesday the 13th of July in an impressive ceremony attended by many key individuals from the security industry.

The awards, which celebrate the excellent work and vital contribution that those working in the security industry are making across the country, were presented in a glittering ceremony by Lynne Featherstone MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information, during the BSIA's annual luncheon, which was sponsored by Kings' Security Services Ltd and was held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

BSIA Chief Executive, James Kelly, comments: "Each of the winners has shown extreme bravery and dedication to their jobs and often going beyond the call of duty. This year's presentation has praised the achievements of both individuals and teams who strive to ensure the safety of their clients and the public. Each and every one of them is a testament to our industry and they should be applauded."

The awards were presented in the following categories: Best Newcomer, Outstanding Act, Best Use of Technology, Best Team and Service to the Customer.

The BSIA would like to thank Camberford Law plc - specialist insurance brokers to the BSIA and the security industry - for sponsoring the awards for the thirteenth successive year.

BSIA National Security Personnel Award winners 2011

Best Newcomer

Andrew Poulton of Advance Security (UK) Ltd, who won his award whist working on nine different mobile operations contracts within the Leicestershire region. His success, motivation to acquire knowledge and leadership skills have allowed him to fast-track to the position of Mobile Supervisor after just three months on the contract, despite coming from a sales background and having limited relevant experience.

Jurgita Zongailiene of CIS Security Ltd, who works on a contract at a high profile shopping centre in London. In just one year Jurgita received three high profile recognition awards for the professionalism she displayed when dealing with the variety of incidents that can occur when working in such a prestigious and busy environment. Jurgita has also considerably invested in her future in the industry by taking part in a number of training programmes.

Samantha Sadler of Securitas Security Services Ltd, for completely integrating into her new team after just 10 months, and assimilating as much knowledge as possible to make sure her contribution was worthwhile and appreciated. Samantha also demonstrated initiative by introducing new processes and undertaking research for the benefit of herself and her colleagues.

Outstanding Act:

Cyril Tatar of Lynx Security Services Ltd, for taking full control of the situation when, on just his second shift at a site in London, he found the permanent Security Officer that was supervising him lying unconscious on the floor. Cyril's first aid skills combined with clear thinking in a time of unimaginable pressure ensured the situation remained under control and that paramedics were then able to take over safely and instantly.

Mohammed Shabeer Khan of Securitas Security Services Ltd, who has been a Security Officer at Chiltern Railways for more than nine years. Whilst on a night shift last year, Shabeer came across a desperate man who threatened to end his life. Displaying outstanding alertness and persistence, the officer took control of the situation, ultimately saving the man's life and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.

Laurence Timmins of VSG, who works at the Mall, Sutton Coldfield, and who was not afraid to put himself in danger by helping a youth that was being chased across the mall by a crowd of 40 people. Laurence's maturity and composure when dealing with such a difficult incident prevented the situation from deteriorating significantly.

Best Use of Technology

Jeffrey Evans of OCS Group UK Ltd, for his relentless work in the CCTV control room at Aberafan Shopping Centre. His meticulous approach to the role and the extensive knowledge of the CCTV equipment he operates have resulted in Jeffrey being directly involved in solving many of the crimes committed on site. In 2010 alone, his efforts led to the arrest of over 50 shoplifters.

Securitas CCTV Operations Northampton town centre team, for excelling at working in partnership with a number of key players, including council teams and external agencies such as Police, Neighbourhood Wardens, the Retail Crime Initiative and local businesses. The team has been praised time and again for its ability to find new and innovative ways to improve CCTV operations for the Borough.

VSG Security Team Slough, for providing a safe and secure working environment for staff, the business and operations for a renowned client. In particular, the team has achieved an outstanding level of knowledge and expertise in making use of the security systems available on site, completely mastering the technology and ensuring it constantly works at full capacity.

Best Team

Royal Marines Contract Team from Corps Security won the award for the excellent level of round-the-clock security they provide to the Royal Marines Camp at which they are based. Recently, all members of the team have proactively helped the Camp cope with additional pressure brought on by heightened press interest, attendance by well-wishers, returning of injured Marines and visits from families of the bereaved and maimed.

Bon Accord and St Nicholas Shopping Centres from OCS Group UK Ltd who won the awards for the professional way in which all 18 members go about their daily work and handle the number of challenging situations they are often faced with. So far these have included a flood on site, a member of the public in danger of choking and a possible terror threat.

TATE Britain Security Team from Wilson James Ltd won this award for the first class service each team member delivers when securing staff, visitors and art assets at gallery in London. The team recently took on new responsibilities following a Visitors Experience Review and has consistently delivered the highest standard of support even despite the increased workload.

Service to the Customer

Lynn Cook of Advance Security (UK) Ltd, for her work in the security reception team at BAE Systems. Lynn has shown enthusiasm and dedication to her role by successfully implementing a number of new processes to improve the visitors' experience when on site, including the creation of a guide pack for foreign visitors.

Sarah Williams of VSG, for her work at the Carlsberg Northampton Brewery. After just one year on site, Sarah has designed a number of new operational programmes and procedures, and has managed a major modernization and investment programme for the site, which has resulted in a 40% overall increase in production.

Michael Appleton of VSG, for his work whilst in secondment at a distribution centre for a high profile general goods retailer. In just 11 months, Michael successfully implemented search strategies that led to a significant reduction in stock losses and theft. He also effectively managed his team during a very difficult time.