North-West based businesses gather for Manchester Security conference

Event will also provide security solutions available to help businesses tackle issues of crime

Police and security industry experts were on hand to provide valuable security advice to North-West based businesses last week at the annual Manchester Security conference and exhibition.

Organised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and the Manchester City Centre Crime Prevention Panel, the event aims to inform businesses based in the North West about police initiatives as well as the various security solutions available to help them tackle issues of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Paul King, Chairman of the Manchester City Centre Prevention Panel opened the event alongside ACC Garry Shewan QPM from Greater Manchester Police. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Protecting the Vulnerable’, with a panel of expert speakers each sharing their own expertise on security issues faced by city-centre businesses as well as the high-profile issues of child sexual exploitation and counter terrorism.

Countering Terrorism – How We Protect the Vulnerable

Detective Inspector Deborah Oakes from Greater Manchester Police’s Project Phoenix discussed how everyone, regardless of industry, has a role to play in tackling child sexual exploitation, while Damian Dallimore, Manager of Project Phoenix, discussed the scale of the problem police forces face when confronting this issue. Finally, David Wells from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit gave a very informative talk on ‘Countering Terrorism – How We Protect the Vulnerable’.

This year’s conference and exhibition attracted more than 150 delegates, including representatives of well-known city-centre retailers, banks and local public sector organisations. On hand to showcase the very latest in security services was a record number of exhibitors, who provided delegates with hands-on experience of solutions ranging from electronic security measures to people-based guarding services.

Provide better protection for vulnerable people

Introducing the event, BSIA Chief Executive James Kelly said: “Today’s seminar explores the ways in which we, as security professionals, business leaders and representatives of public bodies, can work together to provide better protection for the vulnerable people within our society.”

Manchester Security 2015 was kindly sponsored by advanced forensic marking company, SelectDNA. Every year, theft and burglaries cost the UK hundreds of millions of pounds, with security marking providing a simple, low cost but highly effective theft deterrent. A presentation by SelectaDNA’s Victoria Price explored how property marking solutions are ideal for use on any valuable asset such as electrical goods, vehicles and even crops.

Commenting on the event, BSIA Chief Executive, James Kelly, said: “I would like to thank the event’s sponsor, SelectaDNA, as well as event partners, Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council and the Manchester City Centre Crime Prevention Panel. In addition, thank you to all of the companies who took part in the exhibition for their support. The exhibition showcased the wide range of products and services available to help protect businesses.”