PSSA Newsletter - February 2017

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NEWS| ISSUE 14February 2017
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PSSA Member News
AGM & Conference
Paths to better business in High Security Products
On 8th December 2016, PSSA held our annual
AGM and conference hosted by HORIBA MIRA
in their purpose-built conference facilities at
Nuneaton. The backdrop of the global provider
for pioneering engineering, research and test
services to the automotive, defence, aerospace
and rail sectors which provided quite an
outlook for the day.
Members gathered in the third floor
pavilion overlooking the substantial acreage
of MIRA’s testing facilities for the general
meeting, reviewing PSSA’s undertakings for
2016 and focusing on Chairman, Simon Towers
recommendations for 2017, encompassing an
update on the strategic review, new website
launch, general PSSA marketing, member
benefit changes, association links, verification
scheme update, finances and forward plans.
Following the AGM, members moved into
the main conference facilities on the first floor
joining further guests and industry associates.
A welcome and comprehensive introduction to
the HORIBA MIRA facilities was outlined first by
Alastair Crooks, Head of High Energy Facilities.
One of the key speakers Nick Smith of
Security Industry Engagement, Office for
Security and Counter Terrorism – Home Office
presented on the new JSaRC (Joint Security and
Resilience Centre) initiative. The Home office
has committed £11M over the next 4 years to
establish JSaRC, which is a flexible capability
were HMG and the security sector (industry and
academia) can work in partnership to respond
to both urgent and longer term threats to UK
national security and seize opportunities to
support the growth of the sector.
Prior to the lunch break, Nicholas Harvey and
Mike Webb presented on Product Compliance
in the UK and International markets, with
emphasis on Market access and acceptance,
outlining a compliance plan. See Mike’s piece in
the newsletter on page 7.
The next presentation was from Cova
Security Gates, Compliance Manager - Jon
Trott who updated on PSSA building a social
media presence using three key platforms, that
of Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. By focusing
on these we are aiming to grow the audience
and increase PSSA exposure in the wider
market. By using social media engagement, we
are hoping to educate, convince and inspire.
Our next key speakers of the day were
from the Centre for the Protection of National
Infrastructure (CPNI), delivering the latest on
protective security policy and practice tailored
to inform members on the high security sector
products and services. The other message they
emphasised was the use and abuse of the CPNI
logo giving guidance to members’marketing
specialists.
Then Chairman, Simon Tower’s did a
roundup for the day, outlining the proposed
PSSA plan for 2017.
The powerpoint presentations are available
to download from the members’ area on the
website. Visit 
New Member: Lochrin Bain
Palisade Fencing… A product seen by
many Security consultants, Designers and
Architects as an ineffective and dated security
solution is making a comeback thanks to
the innovative thinking taking place at
Scotland’s last remaining high security fencing
manufacturer. The team at Lochrin Bain, PSSA’s
newest member have taken the traditional
manufacturing process and design to new
levels, upgrading it for 21st century threats.
By adding a unique, patented V slot and
counter bore design, faith is being restored
in a product first manufactured by Bain’s over
100 years ago. The company founded in 1859
introduced its second generation of security
palisade back in the early 1990’s after having
issues with the security offered by generic
front fix palisade. This Classic™ design allowed
pales to pass through horizontal rails rather
than the traditional method of riveting to
the front face. This unique ‘rivetless’design
made a massive impact to sites that required
a higher level of security, most notably
across the UK’s expanding rail network, with
thousands of metres being installed across the
UK annually. The next stage for the company
was to gain accreditation for its designs, and
while working in conjunction with the Home
Office, the High Security Combi™ systemwas
developed, eventually becoming the first
palisade design to achieve CPNI rating. Fast
forward to 2017 and Lochrin Bain continue to
invest in a modernisation programme which
keeps them at the forefront of securing CNI
sites for various clients Nationwide. With
this continued growth, and the countries
ever increasing security requirements in
mind, the Management team lead by Gary
MacGregor, and Stephen Russell took the
decision to become actively involved with a
trade association that share similar values and
goals. After attending PSSA’s High Security
conference back in December, and meeting
with existing members as well as talking to
the PSSA team, the decision was made to start
2017 in a positive manner by signing up. 