IFSEC International and FIREX International to jointly launch IFSEC & FIREX Awards

The awards are designed to encourage installers to recognise the opportunity for growth

IFSEC International and FIREX International, the world’s largest dedicated security and fire safety shows, are pleased to announce the launch of the IFSEC & FIREX Awards.

Integrating for the first year, the IFSEC & FIREX Awards is the premier event for the fire and security industry to celebrate security and fire innovations over the last 12 months. In association with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Fire Industry Association (FIA) and Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), the prestigious awards are both a celebration and an acknowledgement of excellence of the products and technological innovations, influencing and shaping the industry and security or fire professionals.

Charlie Cracknell, IFSEC Event Director, said: “With the security and fire industries becoming increasingly integrated, acknowledging the significant impact they have on each other is crucial. IFSEC and FIREX are proud to be hosting a combined awards evening to celebrate excellence and innovation within the respective sectors, we look forward to hosting another excellent evening.”

James Kelly, CEO, BSIA also recognises how the two industries have become more combined, he commented: “The BSIA has been involved with the IFSEC Security Industry Awards for many years, and welcomes the opportunity for our industry to recognise and reward the latest in technological innovations. Many products are now applicable to both fire and security markets, and merging the IFSEC and FIREX awards reflects this increased level of integration. We look forward to attending the awards ceremony this year, alongside our fire industry colleagues.”

Specifically designed for the security and fire industries, the product focused awards are designed to encourage installers to recognise the opportunity for growth into new areas and optimise on the cross over between the two. Categories are now open for nominations and range across: CCTV and video surveillance, physical security, intruder alarms, access control, integrated security and fire prevention.

As the boundaries between active and passive fire applications become more interlinked, security companies now understand how fire safety standards need to be considered in security systems. “Improving standards in the installation of passive fire protection is at the top of the ASFP’s agenda so we are delighted to sponsor the award for ‘Fire Protection Installation Project of the Year (Passive)’ at this year’s combined IFSEC & FIREX Awards in May,” said Wilf Butcher, CEO, Association for Specialist Fire Protection.

Gerry Dunphy, FIREX Sales Director, commented: “There is an intriguing amount of cross-pollination between the fire and security sectors at the present time and the growth of security companies looking at fire alarm design and installation is hugely encouraging. We’re committed to providing as many opportunities as possible to explore the common ground between the two sectors so blending the key FIREX awards into IFSEC is a great way of celebrating excellence in product design, innovation and installation.”  Martin Duggan, General Manager at FIA, added: “It makes common sense to put the two awards together. This is a positive approach and we are looking forward to attending the ceremony.”

Three panels of industry experts will carefully judge each category, presenting an award to the most outstanding entrant. The panels will be made up of: one for the security-focused awards, one for the guarding and policing categories and a further panel for the fire-centric awards. Attending the awards is also an opportunity to network with key figures in the fire and security industry and celebrate the success of colleagues and peers. 

Running alongside IFSEC International and FIREX International, the ceremony will be held on Monday 13th May 2013 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. IFSEC International and FIREX International will take place at Birmingham NEC, UK, from 13-16 May 2013 Expo as part of Protection & Management Week.