Our new  head office is now complete. The £1.1 million extension was a major investment into the security industry and houses not only brand new offices, but an extended helpdesk and 2800 square foot showroom.

We are opening our doors on the 22^nd September to current customers, local businesses and anyone with an interest in physical security.

As well as the deputy Mayor, some of the biggest names in the security industry will be in attendance to demonstrate the latest innovations on the market.

If you can’t make it on the day but would like to see pictures of our new building, you can request Associated Security’s June newsletter by emailing info@associated-security.co.uk

Each year we sponsor a local football team. This year it was Middleton boys under 14’s, and what a season they have had so far! We heard from the team that they are the proud winners of the North Bury Main Cup and have finished runners up in the North Bury Premiere League Division.

Because of the seasons success, they have been asked by Stoke FC to take part in an invitation only football tournament, so the club can look out for any future David Beckham’s or Wayne Rooney’s! This is a really great achievement – we like to think that our name on their shirts have brought them a little luck!

We have gathered a team that spans all four corners of the office to run the race for life this year.

Members of staff from Accounts to the Helpdesk and beyond to the Managing Directors office will be taking part to make up – Team ASS!

The Company has kindly sponsored us for the entrance fee and the costumes to run in.

All we need now is some sponsorship towards an extremely worthy cause, which you can donate to here:

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/ASS

The British Banking Association (BBA)  is holding its 8^th annual Security Conference this Wednesday (11^th April 2011) we are proud to be the Associated Sponsor of the event.

This year’s theme is: ‘A critical update on current physical security threats to the UK banking sector’ and key topics will include managing the security at the 2012 Olympics and Current trends in robbery in the UK. Click here for more information.

We will also be attending the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) complimentary seminar on the same day in Manchester. The theme of which is: ‘Security Whatever the Cuts’. It is a free conference for anyone who is worried about security to attend. Click here for more information.

If you are attending either of these events we look forward to seeing you there.

The UK’s largest locksmith trade association is to fund the creation of nationally recognised qualifications.

Working alongside Skills for Security, the Master Locksmith Association has long pushed for the development of a nationally recognised qualification and dedicated apprenticeship framework for the locksmithing sector in England.

A significant number of MLA members and other industry practitioners have been working for 12 months on National Occupational Standards for the industry which will be submitted to the regulator at the end of this month.

As well as spearheading the campaign to create a nationally recognised qualification, the MLA is also financially supporting the development of the programme through surplus expected from the organisation’s MLA Expo 2011 exhibition at The International Centre in Telford (9-11 September).

Dr Steffan George, development director from the MLA, said: “The MLA has been campaigning for a nationally recognised locksmithing qualification and an apprenticeship scheme for years in order to raise standards, help legitimise the profession and improve the reputation of our industry whilst assisting companies wanting to employ apprentices.

“We encourage anyone looking to support our mission to show their support by coming along to the Expo in September.”

David Greer, CEO of Skills for Security, said: “The Government is currently supporting apprenticeships with increased funding for training, so this is a great way to encourage younger people into the locksmithing profession.”

As part of Climate Week this year we are taking part by encouraging all staff to either walk, take public transport or car share for their journey to and from work every day that week.

We are really hoping habits will be formed, so as to make a positive step towards reducing the carbon required to staff our depots! 

To find out more about Climate Change Week please visit the website http://www.climateweek.com/

The UK’s most trusted locksmithing trade association (of which Associated Security Solutions is a member) has been awarded the stamp of approval from the Home Office, highlighting its importance in the security industry.

James Brokenshire MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Crime Prevention has commended the work of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and has encouraged the association to contribute to building the voluntary and regulatory options for improving home security in Britain. 

Brokenshire contacted the business development director for the MLA, Dr Steffan George, after he read the organisation’s 2011 handbook on home security. He noted that the handbook, “illustrated the significant contribution that the MLA has made, not only to improving the professionalism of locksmithing, but also to driving up product security standards across a number of different areas.”

Dr Steffan George was enthusiastic about their prospective role saying, “We have regularly updated Mr Brokenshire on various industry developments and concerns and it is reassuring to know the Government is taking the issues as seriously as we are. It’s always great to receive positive comments about the MLA and we are delighted that we will be able to have our say on future Government security initiatives.”

More than 400 insurers, surveyors, partners as well as police and Government contacts received the 2011 MLA Handbook.

We started shooting our first corporate video before Christmas and it is now in its post production stage. We are looking forward to its showcase on our new look website in the next month.

As part of our ongoing commitment not only to safe working practices, but also the investment in our staff, twenty of our engineers recently completed a day training course for scissor lift handling and fork lift truck driving. Courses to take place in February include lorry loaders refreshers and portable abrasive wheel training.

Associated Security Solutions are featured in this month’s Kaba newsletter ‘Safe Talk’. The profile section mentions this our 65^th year of trading and our £1 Million investment in to the security industry by extending our head office building and expanding the helpdesk.

The second section is a case study of a bespoke safe we designed specifically for a large retail outlet that features a Kaba lock and the successful roll out programme that followed. You can request the full article on Kaba’s website:

http://www.kaba.co.uk/News-Media/66562/newsletters.html