BSIA launches membership offer for NSI Gold and Silver companies

Companies focused on the installation and servicing of fire and security alarms are invited to view for themselves the five key reasons why they should consider joining the BSIA, with the added bonus of two months’ worth of free membership for anyone accredited with Gold and Silver status from the NSI.

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, explained: “There are many reasons as to why it’s beneficial to join a strong and respected Trade Association. Our new offer to NSI companies is a unique opportunity for them to become part of a group of high-quality professionals respected and represented to Government, end users and specifiers as well as standards and legislative bodies.”

Reddington continued: “BSIA membership carries weight within tender and contract bidding. Many of our members tell us about how they’ve been successful in winning crucial contracts when citing BSIA membership on their tenders. We can also help businesses to future-proof against the challenges and changes that take place in an evolving industry due to our contacts with Government as well as regulatory and legislative bodies. This helps our members stay one step ahead in preparing for and adjusting to these changes.”

Access to relevant training

BSIA membership also includes access to discounted – and wholly relevant – training through the organisation’s training provider partner Skills for Security and the opportunity to shape the future of the industry through the BSIA’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs). A number of SIGs within the BSIA work on shaping industry Codes of Practice and guidance documents.

Membership of the BSIA also provides a ‘kite mark’ of quality that can enhance a given business’ brand thanks to the Trade Association’s extensive social media reach. The BSIA facilitates networking events designed around its members’ interests and also offers value-added PR and marketing support.

*The offer runs from this month through until 31 December 2021. For more information visit www.bsia.co.uk/installer or e-mail membership@bsia.co.uk

‘Shredded, sorted’

An all-new nationwide event designed to help members of the public dispose of their personal information safely and securely using professional services took place at the beginning of October.

Organised by the BSIA in partnership with independent national charity Crimestoppers, National Shred Day represented an opportunity to safely dispose of confidential waste for a nominal donation using the services and solutions provided by the BSIA’s Information Destruction Section members. All donations have gone towards regional projects carried out by Crimestoppers.

The event ran at 9.00 am on Saturday 2 October at multiple locations with the assistance of Morrison’s supermarkets. Members of the public were able to bring along as much confidential waste material as they wanted to dispose of, including paper documents and statements, all of were securely shredded on-site before being baled and recycled into paper and tissue products.

Running under the theme of ‘Shredded, sorted’, National Shred Day aimed to raise awareness of the potential risk of fraud if personal information is not disposed of in an effective and secure manner.

Kristian Carter, chair of the BSIA’s Information Destruction Section and commercial director at Shred Station, said: “No matter how well you may think you've shredded your personal information and confidential waste at home, it’s not 100% safe from thieves. During lockdown, many small companies and independent traders will have stored up a considerable amount of information and, often, small shredders will not be sufficient enough to dispose of it safely.”

Carter added: “Now more than ever, it’s essential that confidential documented information on people and businesses is destroyed securely to avoid the possibility of fraud. The BSIA’s Information Destruction Section companies play a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality with all kinds of paper data.”

Dual benefit

Mark Hallas, CEO at the charity Crimestoppers, added: “I know that many of us have kept too much personal information as a result of lockdowns and the pandemic, especially so with people working from home. National Shred Day served as a fantastic opportunity to safely dispose of personal information and, at the same time, raise valuable funds for Crimestoppers and its important work in local communities. Many thanks to the BSIA for supporting our charity.”

*Further information on National Shred Day 2021 is available online at www.bsia.co.uk/national-shred-day