As we reflect on 2023, I would like to express my gratitude to the ASC Board, our valued members and friends for their unwavering support.
As Chair, I aim to ensure that the ASC’s position as a vital industry leader continues. 2024 will see some exciting new changes - beginning with a new location for our upcoming Business Group seminars and networking events. We’ve managed to secure the Institution of Engineering & Technology, just next to Waterloo Bridge, to make the events even more accessible and convenient for our speakers and a growing number of attendees. The future focus of our business group meetings will be the professional development of members, our industry cohorts and to effectively network with like-minded individuals.
We’re pleased to announce that our first guest speaker for the February meeting will be Dennis Roe - this year’s ASC Imbert Award winner - who will present his dissertation on the topic of how 'risky' surveyors are when designing security and surveillance solutions. We’ll also be including an open table session for members to contribute their thoughts and industry insights and solutions in this field.
To secure your space at this year’s Business Group meetings, drop us a line with the dates you’ll be joining us:
- Thursday, 22nd February 2024
- Thursday, 16th May 2024
- Thursday, 19th September 2024
- Wednesday, 13th November 2024
During my last few months as Chair, I’ve been reassured to see that our ASC members remain a professional and sought-after group of subject matter experts (SMEs) who play a pivotal role in advancing understanding and innovation within the security sector. As SMEs our members produce a significant volume of current and relevant material which the ASC now intends to archive as a definitive resource, preserving valuable insights. Archiving our research, academic insights and collateral ensures the continuity of knowledge and serves as a roadmap for defining industry best practices. This, in turn, contributes to the evolution and improvement of practices within the security sector. With the development of our website – www.ascuk.org - this vital repository will become a searchable resource, providing a significant membership benefit, and supporting continuing professional development and competency.
Many of you will remember that during lockdown, we held several successful and thought-provoking webinars. We now plan to expand on these accessible online sessions in the coming months, and our Board Lead Ross Harvey, will update you with details soon.
One of our other Board Directors, Simon Crane, has been busy conducting a feasibility study on an overseas membership program. The program aims to expand network opportunities, shared experiences and knowledge for members both domestically and internationally. Again, more details will be shared on our website soon.
An additional exciting change will see the ASC Awards Ceremony merge with CONSEC 24. Next year’s venue will be The Hilton, Heathrow T5, allowing us to accommodate more exhibitors and delegates than ever before. CONSEC 24 will take place on October 17th and allows us to finally mark our slightly ‘Pandemic-delayed’ 30th Anniversary. CONSEC 24 will include a celebration dinner to celebrate 30 years of CONSEC in style, with a presentation of both the Imbert and Mike Cahalane Awards.
The ASC is also honoured to be announced as the main sponsor of the Women in Security Awards on September 23rd at the Underglobe in London. This is an important industry red-carpet event, and we are thrilled to be hosting the awards in 2024.
Finally, for those who enjoy the opportunity to dress up, our Annual End of Year meal will take place at the House of Lords on Friday 6th December. I would like to thank everyone who attended the meal this year, as well as our sponsors, TSP, Genetec and CIE, for making it a fantastic evening.
Congratulations to Joe Connell, the previous ASC Chair, who received his Honorary Lifetime ASC Membership, and to the three finalists of the Imbert Award.
I will sign off by wishing everyone a very prosperous and safe 2024.
Gary Thomas, ASC Chair