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Episode 40 of the Security Matters Podcast includes exclusive interviews with Guy Mathias FSyI (strategic advisor at Dardan Security), Craig McCalley (CEO for the UK and Ireland at Permaconn), Colin Walters (global monitoring transformation director for Chubb Fire and Security) and David Ward MBE CSyP FSyI (CEO at MS Webb). Since May 2016, Guy’s role at Dardan Security involves providing strategic advice focused on adherence with regulatory compliance in governance, corporate security and risk, while also ensuring that the business is represented – and a recognised voice – across thought leadership circles in the risk, security and resilience sectors. In conversation with Brian, Guy reviews several core topics, among them emerging threats in the security domain and the qualities that define an exceptional security professional in the modern era. Having served as sales director at Redstone Converged Solutions and also Dimension Data, Craig McCalley joined IT and security managed service specialist Koris365 in July 2012. He then became UK managing director at Product Information Management solutions company Pimberly before taking on the role of UK and Ireland CEO at Permaconn in April this year. Colin Walters is now fast approaching his 40th Anniversary of a stellar career at Chubb Fire and Security, itself part of the United Technologies Corporation. Serving as global monitoring transformation director, Colin specialises in the implementation of innovative technology solutions. On Episode 40 of the Security Matters Podcast, Craig and Colin examine the current state of play for alarm signalling and what the future roadmap looks like. Our final guest on this episode is David Ward MBE CSyP FSyI, CEO at MS Webb (the Chatham-based business offering a range of security, enforcement and property services). A Chartered Security Professional and chair of the City Security Council, David served as managing director (and, subsequently, CEO) at Ward Security across a 24-year period. He then founded DW Associates, duly providing professional risk management, training and security consultancy services in order to help businesses understand their security provision now and into the future. In his role at MS Webb, David’s primary responsibility is to provide strategic oversight and leadership that will guide the company’s growth. During an interview with Brian, David focuses on leadership in the security space and what’s likely to shape the progression of security as a discipline in times ahead.  Industry news stories reviewed and analysed include the main points to emerge from Resilience First’s recent discussion on the subject of ‘Hybrid Threats to the UK and Business Operational Sovereignty’, the Security Industry Authority’s current consultation on proposed changes to security licence-linked qualifications and comment from the National Cyber Security Centre concerning the increased targeting of operational technology systems across multiple sectors globally (including here in the UK).

Episode 39 of the Security Matters Podcast is framed by exclusive interviews as Brian hears from Lisa Ventura MBE (founder and CEO of the AI and Cyber Security Association) and Sam Griffiths (technical director and systems integration specialist at Ajax Systems). The AI and Cyber Security Association is the world’s first global membership body and Trade Association wholly dedicated to the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and cyber security. The organisation is led by Lisa Ventura, a cyber security awareness and culture change consultant with more than 16 years’ experience of working in the cyber industry. On a daily basis, Lisa engages with global organisations in order to design and then deliver cyber-focused awareness programmes. The founder of the global Cyber Kindness campaign, Lisa was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to cyber security and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. In conversation with Brian, Lisa tackles several key topics including the convergence agenda, the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence and Best Practice when it comes to training. Having served as business development manager for the RISCO Group, Sam Griffiths moved to the CSL Group and occupied the same role at that company from 2010 until 2013. He then became an area manager at Pyronix before accepting the role of business development manager at Dahua UK and Ireland. Sam’s tenure as technical director at Ajax Systems began in May 2019, with his remit duly expanding to encompass systems integration in December last year. On Episode 39 of the Security Matters Podcast, Sam focuses on the design and deployment of security systems, the role of technology and the importance of intelligent video in security regimes. Industry news stories featured include the latest research report on the tactics employed by Call Centre fraudsters, an enforcement operation cracking down on the sale of counterfeit football shirts, the launch of pioneering Suicide First Aid training for the security sector by the British Security Industry Association and the impact of global developments on operational risk at the local level.

Episode 38 of the Security Matters Podcast includes three exclusive interviews featuring John Lodge (director of service growth at Chubb Fire and Security), Olof Sandberg (product manager for locking solutions at Gunnebo Safe Storage) and AddSecure’s UK sales director Chris Wimshurst. John Lodge joined Chubb Fire and Security back in April 2017. During our interview, John focuses on connected services, emerging trends and also how Artificial Intelligence will shape the security business sector in the future. Olof Sandberg is a graduate of the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University in southern Sweden and has worked at both Sony Ericsson and Sony Mobile Communications in project management roles. He moved to Gunnebo Safe Storage from ASSA ABLOY in June 2023. On this occasion, Olof’s core focus is connected locks and the main considerations to be observed when adopting such solutions. Our final guest on Episode 38, Chris Wimshurst’s CV to date includes several head of sales and national sales director roles where he has successfully built high-performing teams, led on major bids and tenders and driven sustained revenue performance. At present, Chris is focused on strengthening AddSecure’s UK sales strategy, building a high-performing national team and accelerating growth. In conversation with Brian, Chris concentrates on Martyn’s Law and what organisations and their management teams need to put in place in order to prepare for enforcement of the new legislation. Industry news stories highlighted include a recently published report on refund fraud produced by the University of Portsmouth in partnerships with Cifas, analysis of activist activity carried out by the Risk Intelligence Centre at Securitas and The Security Institute signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Buckinghamshire New University.

Episode 37 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian in detailed conversation with Richard Fogelman, CEO of the National Security Inspectorate. A graduate in law from Birmingham City University, Richard served as a trader at Credit Suisse before becoming finance and operations manager at Hammerson with responsibility for an annual budget of circa £10 million. Richard joined the NSI in March 2023 from Grief Encounter, the charity dedicated to supporting bereaved individuals. During the interview, Richard concentrates his attentions on several key areas, among them the ongoing progression of the Inspectorate, the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group and also the challenges and opportunities impacting the security business sector. Industry news stories highlighted include the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Premier League announcing a new working partnership which looks to use data and technology to strengthen matchday safety and security, Counter Terrorism Policing’s duo of initiatives purpose-designed to strengthen the UK’s protective security and organisational preparedness, the National Health Service Counter Fraud Authority’s Project WISE (itself a first-of-its-kind, proactive and data-driven initiative that addresses fraud risks within the NHS) and Professor William Webster’s recent appointment in the role of Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

Episode 36 of the Security Matters Podcast includes exclusive interviews with Julie Barker (chief operating officer for the Association of University Chief Security Officers) and Findlay Whitelaw (security research specialist and strategist at Exabeam, the business that provides security analytics and incident response solutions). On this occasion, Julie examines the diligent work of the Association of University Chief Security Officers and the challenges facing university security teams when it comes to delivering on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law. Findlay Whitelaw is a recognised thought leader, with her career to date spanning consultancy and leadership roles. A published author and award-winning practitioner, Findlay’s professional interests include tackling human-centric cyber risks and leveraging advanced technologies to address modern challenges. In conversation with Brian, Findlay focuses on the insider risk, espionage and data theft and proceeds to outline how today’s organisations can mitigate the threat. Industry news stories featured include Sarah Austerberry’s appointment in the role of CEO at The Security Institute, the volume of ‘nationally significant’ cyber attacks impacting the UK (as reported by the National Cyber Security Centre in its recently published Annual Review), the formation of the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group and the 2026 Fire and Security Matters Awards being opened for entries by Western Business Media.

Episode 35 of the Security Matters Podcast is framed by two exclusive interviews. Brian hears from Claire Humble (chair of The UK’s Security Commonwealth and founder and CEO of Nuology) and Paul Lotter (managing director of security guarding solutions specialist Corps Security). Claire turns her attentions towards several key subjects including The Security Commonwealth’s role and pressing challenges confronting the security profession. On a daily basis, Paul works closely with Corps Security’s operational teams to devise new approaches towards service delivery, while also concentrating on strategy and keeping the business connected to the wider industry. On this occasion, Paul examines Corps Security’s status as a Social Enterprise, reviews service delivery and also looks at career progression in the sector. Industry news stories analysed include the Business Continuity Institute’s new Vision 2030 report, the introduction of the revised BS 7872 focused on Cash-in-Transit, the appointment of Blaise Metreweli CMG as the eighteenth chief of MI6 and Skills for Security’s recent ‘Engineering Futures: A Celebration’ event, which was held in central London.

Episode 34 of the Security Matters Podcast includes Brian interviewing Kieran Mackie (managing director at security solutions specialist Amulet Security) and Sunil Mudholkar, vice-president of products with a physical security focus at Hexagon (the company boasting a comprehensive portfolio of video management software and enterprise incident management solutions). Kieran examines a number of core subjects, among them crowd control monitoring, retail security and the Worker Protection Act. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Sunil leads a global development team of product managers diligently working on Hexagon’s physical security solutions roadmap and strategy. On this occasion, Sunil reviews the changing demand for video management systems, trends in the retail and transportation sectors and the concept of the ‘Digital Twin’.  Industry news stories covered include the introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill in Parliament, Informa plc’s decision to retire Anticipate London, South Wales Police’s deployment of additional live facial recognition cameras in Cardiff during this year’s Six Nations rugby internationals and registrations now being open for Security Matters Live 2025, our conference which runs at the CBS Arena on 5 June.

Episode 33 of the Security Matters Podcast includes Brian interviewing David Scott (managing director at national training provider Skills for Security) and Christian Have, CTO at Logpoint (the dedicated European provider of a converged cyber security platform that empowers organisations to thrive by delivering threat detection and incident response solutions). First appearing as our guest on Episode 8 back in July 2020, this time around David Scott concentrates on bridging the skills gap and shaping security apprenticeships to meet technology and industry-induced change. Based in Copenhagen, Christian Have joined the team at Logpoint in early 2016 having previously served as a consultant with Devoteam Consulting. Before taking up his present role with the business, Christian spent time as vice-president for solutions and integrations and then chief product officer. He currently oversees security and threat-focused research. On Episode 33 of the Security Matters Podcast, Christian examines the Security Operations Centre environment and the impact being exerted within due to the advent of Artificial Intelligence. Featured industry news stories include the Government urging security professionals to remain vigilant in the face of hostile state actors, BT calling on the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure providers to move away from the analogue copper landline network by the end of December, leadership changes at the Association of University Chief Security Officers and the launch of the International Optical Technologies Association.

Episode 32 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian interviewing David Hughes (head of product management for Comelit-PAC), Alan O’Connor (managing director) and Jason Hillier (sales director) from Frontline Security Solutions and also Mark Brookes, global products and standards director at Gunnebo Safe Storage. David Hughes examines the subject of systems interoperability in some detail alongside systems integration and data security. There are also key insights into what the immediate future holds for product progression at Comelit-PAC. Alan O’Connor turns his attentions towards the biometrics arena, duly focusing on the end user experience with reference to key vertical sectors including finance and healthcare as well as confronting the challenges posed by legacy systems and the need for compliance with the privacy laws. In parallel, his colleague Jason Hillier reviews today’s mobile credentials, the push for contactless access and the emergence of new technologies involved with the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, Mark Brookes looks at several elements of the standards domain in addition to the need for balancing advanced and tech-driven safe storage solutions with traditional and trusted security measures.    Major news stories featured on Episode 32 include the recent release of Securitas Technology’s 2025 Global Technology Outlook Report, the launch of an all-new Model for Organisational Resilience devised by Resilience First and Cranfield University and the Insurance Fraud Charter led by insurance companies in conjunction with central Government.

In this episode, Brian interviews Professor Mark Button (director of the Centre for Cyber and Economic Crime at the University of Portsmouth’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice), Frank Cannon CSyP FSyI CPP (senior consultant at the Optimal Risk Group) and Matt Gregg, UK sales manager for electronic key and asset management specialist Traka. Mark joined the University of Portsmouth back in 1997, becoming a Professor in 2012. The core focus of his research is counter fraud and cyber crime, with that research being conducted on behalf of numerous bodies including the Home Office and fraud prevention service Cifas. In conversation with Brian, Mark concentrates his attentions on emerging trends and where we are now on the crime fighting curve. Frank Cannon served as one of the presenters at last month’s inaugural edition of Security Matters Live. On this occasion, Frank reviews the importance of behavioural-based security and the creation of a security culture within today’s organisations. At Traka, Matt Gregg co-ordinates planning and develops strategic relationships within the retail and distribution sectors, focusing on how the company’s intelligent management solutions can help save time and money by allowing critical control over access to keys and equipment. Here, Matt assesses common business challenges for customers and outlines Traka’s own ‘Great Service Delivers’ campaign. Key news stories featured on Episode 31 include a G4S report evidencing the threat posed by subversive attacks and how to mitigate them, recognition for the volunteers who support the Register of Chartered Security Professionals and Dr Karin von Hippel’s decision to stand down as director general of RUSI after ten years in post.

Episode 30 of the Security Matters Podcast includes three exclusive interviews. Brian hears from Barrie Millett (director of special projects and industry engagement at Mitie Security), Howard Lang (president and CEO at Gunnebo Entrance Control) and Ric Martin, the CEO of Pinnacle Systems. A former Royal Marine, Barrie is a specialist in the field of security and resilience strategy having worked for international organisations including GE and E.ON. An Honorary Life Vice-President of ASIS International’s UK Chapter, he joined Mitie back in April 2020. In conversation with Brian, Barrie looks at career paths for today’s professionals and also the roadmap for the sector in the immediate future. A graduate in civil engineering from Leeds University, and also the holder of a marketing degree from Hull University, Howard Lang is a member of the Gunnebo Group executive team and presently tasked with driving growth in line with company strategy. On this occasion, Howard covers numerous topics, including connected gate solutions and the evolution of entrance control technology. Pinnacle Systems is a specialist provider of an open integration platform for the electronic security market. In tandem with offering an overview of the business, Ric Martin focuses on Internet of Things and cloud technology and also concentrates on key trends impacting the security industry. Major news stories featured on this episode encompass the latest developments re: Martyn’s Law, the planned closure of BT Redcare’s operations in 2025 and the startling headline figures emerging from the British Retail Consortium’s Retail Crime Survey 2022-2023.

Episode 29 of the Security Matters Podcast features Brian interviewing Michelle Kradolfer (national manager and Internet of Things technical officer for Secured by Design at Police Crime Prevention Initiatives) and Steve Haworth (CEO at Vemotion). Michelle boasts extensive knowledge of the cyber crime, cyber security and Internet of Things landscapes, duly leading on Secured by Design’s Secure Connected Device accreditation scheme. In addition to discussing that particular scheme, Michelle evaluates the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act and what it means for today’s organisations. Vemotion specialises in live, real-time wireless video transmission and compression for mobile video surveillance over GPRS, 5G, Wi-Fi, satellite networks and broadband. Steve Howarth began his role at the business back in April 2020. In conversation with Brian, Steve turns his attentions towards the security of today’s CCTV regimes. Once again, there’s a thorough round-up of major news stories impacting the security sector. We examine the latest statistics emanating from the ECHO initiative, the Security Industry Authority’s response to the recent File on 4 investigation into security training and feedback from the International Security Expo and the International Cyber Expo with record attendances unveiled by organiser Nineteen Group. In addition, the Public Sector Fraud Authority has saved taxpayers £311 million in its first year of operation. Security Matters analyses the detail behind the top line figures.

Episode 28 of the Security Matters Podcast encompasses a trio of interviews with leading sector practitioners. Brian hears from Tony Porter OBE (chief privacy officer at Corsight AI) and Dr Nicole Benjamin-Fink. The duo focus squarely on facial recognition technology and its role in the law enforcement domain. In addition, Brian chats with Satia Rai (head of diversity, inclusion and belonging at Securitas and also the CEO of the International Professional Security Association). Satia maps out her new role at Securitas and also examines the key priorities for the security business sector in times ahead. Our fourth guest on Episode 28 is Stuart Galloway, senior associate at WSG Associates (the company providing business and education support services across the security sector). For the purposes of the Security Matters Podcast, Stuart concentrates on the training piece and most notably ways in which to enhance the levels of knowledge, understanding and skills exhibited by individual members of today’s security teams. As always, there’s a comprehensive round-up of major news stories currently impacting the security industry. We examine the new Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship, the latest iteration of the National Risk Register issued by central Government and the publication of Secured by Design’s Commercial Guide 2023. Further, the National Cyber Security Centre has announced a change to its assured Cyber Incident Response scheme with the introduction of a new level. Security Matters highlights the core detail.

Episode 27 of the Security Matters Podcast includes two key interviews. First, Brian chats with Pauline Norstrom (the founder of Anekanta Consulting and Anekanta AI). An Honorary Member and former chair of the British Security Industry Association, Pauline turns her attentions towards regulation in the Artificial Intelligence space and also touches on the important subjects of generative Artificial Intelligence and Artificial General Intelligence. Also on Episode 27, Brian hears from Mark Wall (managing director at Wall2Wall Security, the company he founded in 2022 that’s offering bespoke and targeted sales and marketing support across the security sector). Mark examines how the business came to fruition and outlines his views on the current state of the market. Further, there’s discussion on how the relationship between building design and security will evolve in times ahead. As always, there’s a detailed round-up of several major news stories impacting the security industry. We report on Julie Nel’s recent appointment as chair of The Security Institute, the Government’s decision not to take business licensing forward in the wake of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill being introduced to Parliament and the perceived need for change among security system distributors. Last, but not least, we also concentrate on a reprimand issued to the Ministry of Justice by the Information Commissioner’s Office after confidential waste documents were left in an unsecured prison holding area.

Episode 26 of the Security Matters Podcast features exclusive interviews with three industry practitioners. First of all, Brian hears from Peter French MBE (managing director of security sector recruitment specialist SSR Personnel), who first appeared as our guest on Episode 12. Another in-depth discussion involves Peter – a Past-Master of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and a Certified Protection Professional – focusing on several key issues of the day, among them skills development for front line security practitioners, how the profession of security is being viewed at the present time, current priorities for Chief Security Officers and the impact of Artificial Intelligence across the sector. Further, Brian chats with Mark Horton (vice-president at Bandweaver, the perimeter security systems developer). Mark turns his attentions towards the application of fiber optic technology for security projects. There’s a concentration on distributed acoustic sensing and a discussion around cost and maintenance regimes. In addition, Mark outlines those sectors in which the demand for perimeter intrusion detection systems is rising and those regions where Bandweaver itself is gaining traction for its solutions. Our third guest on this edition of the Security Matters Podcast is David Dunnagan, managing director for Chubb Fire and Security in the UK and Ireland. On this occasion, David answers some core questions on the subject of smart buildings and the various technologies underpinning them with a particular reference to security regimes. In addition, there’s a detailed round-up of several major news stories from the security world. We report on Nick Ross CBE being made president of the British Security Industry Association, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act (which comes into force next April), the appointment of Anne Keast-Butler to succeed Sir Jeremy Fleming as director of GCHQ and the publication of the Business Continuity Institute’s Operational Resilience Report 2023. There’s also news of Gate Safe’s Gate Safety by Design initiative and significant contract wins for G4S Secure Solutions UK and Corps Security.