International Security Expo proves huge success for Nineteen Group

With more than 300 companies demonstrating thousands of the most cutting-edge products and solutions, attendees were provided with an unmissable opportunity to gain in-person demonstrations and insights, in turn helping them to understand how technology can meet current and future challenges.

Demonstrating the event’s invaluable role in facilitating new product launches, many exhibitors took the opportunity to unveil their latest innovations, sharing all-new technologies and refreshed solutions to a packed audience of buyers from the UK and international territories.

Among them, Apstec Systems announced the launch of a new version of its Human Security Radar. Version 4 of the innovative system provides high-throughput, low-contact security screening and ensures a “seamless” security experience for people being screened. It delivers “proven and effective” functionality in an attractive, smaller and more mobile unit that’s perfectly suited for deployments at prestigious locations.

Elsewhere on the show floor, Apex Vanguard demonstrated its Hecate ruggedised tactical camera system – a specialised IP67-rated multi-platform camera system featuring a wide view day camera, IR night camera and a FLIR thermal imaging camera all-in-one system. It’s supported by an integrated COFDM microwave transmission module with all the video and data transmitted to a fully functional ergonomic hand-held receiver unit.

Demonstrating two new product launches, LINEV Systems UK revealed its PROTEUS range of baggage X-ray security systems. The range is fully equipped with the latest Artificial Intelligence features to help detect pyrotechnics, flares and smoke bombs.

The company also showcased its Clearpass C.I, itself an X-ray scanner designed for smaller spaces. With a footprint of just 0.85 m², the technology offers “exceptional” mobility and “the fastest scan acquisition time available on the market”. It’s available with advanced contraband detection software and designed to detect contraband ‘on’ or ‘in’ the human body. By allowing selective area-focused screening, the solution also reduces screening and overexposure to other parts of the body.

Speaking about this year’s event, Tim Betts (sales and marketing professional at LINEV Systems UK, said: “International Security Expo is an essential event for us. The engaging show floor packed with attendees allowed us to network and generate new leads following our rebranding. Simply put, the International Security Expo is the flagship event for us in the UK.”

Analytics and investigations

X-ray capabilities were also the focus of the Videray stand where the company announced its new PX Ultra – the “most powerful” handheld backscatter X-ray imager on the market. After nearly three years of development and testing, the PX Ultra uses the first 160 keV X-ray source, enabling operators to see through up to 10 mm of steel. It features the same ergonomic form factor and intuitive software used by the popular PX1, reducing its scatter and leakage measurements by a factor of two.

Meanwhile, Canadian defence and security start-up, Patagona Technologies demonstrated its THREATDESK analytics and investigations platform. This solution provides OSINT analysts with the tools to combat co-ordinated information operations by state and non-state actors. It allows analysts to gain deep insights into online threats such as co-ordinated influence operations, online radicalisation and information security threats by dint of leveraging hundreds of online data sources from news, forums and social media platforms. Once collected, it uses advanced Artificial Intelligence methods to identify and respond to co-ordinated inauthentic behaviours.

Across the show floor, product demonstrations helped to bring the latest security technologies and solutions to life. In the LPCB Live Testing Lab, crowds gathered to witness a team of professional forced entry specialists put a range of physical security products through their paces.

Located in the show’s Perimeter Protection Zone, supported by the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association and sponsored by Barkers Fencing, the line-up included products from exhibitors including Eagle Automation, CLD Fencing, the Bradbury Group, Jacksons Fencing, Lochrin Bain and Surelock McGill.

Elsewhere, the Product Innovation Theatre provided a vital platform for the likes of QinetiQ, Greyscan Australia, T3K.AI, Pimloc Limited, Everbridge and Global Security Solutions to share an in-depth look at the rationale behind their latest innovations and the challenges they’re designed to meet. For example, Smiths Detection showcased its Canary Biological Detection Technology, which uses a genetically engineered immune cell called a ‘biosensor’ to identify and bind to a specific target. When a pathogen is found, a reaction starts causing the biosensor to luminesce. By measuring light output from the cell, it can determine if the target biological is present in the sample.

Returning to the Product Innovation Theatre on Day Two, members of the Defence and Security Accelerator team introduced three suppliers funded under the Innovative Research Cell 2020 for Explosives and Weapons Detection. The suppliers – Iconal Technology, Fraunhofer UK and IRSweep and Metrasens – shared insights into the innovative projects funded through this competition and the opportunities for like-minded businesses to become involved.

Sector-specific challenges

Among the sector-specific zones helping attendees target the suppliers specialising in the products or solutions most relevant to their challenges, the updated International Risk and Resilience Zone highlighted the fundamental aspects of ‘Resilience’, ‘Prevention’, ‘Response’ and ‘Recovery’. It united specialist manufacturers and service providers of those products businesses need to remain resilient during a crisis.

Speaking about the increased focus on resilience, Chad Simpson (resilience and security lead at the Science Museum Group) said: “The show extensively covers both the security and resilience sectors, which makes it a ‘no brainer’ to attend for somebody like myself who needs to be clued up on industry and market trends for both. It really is the place to be for new product innovation, to witness live demonstrations of high-tech products and also learn about how they work in practice. There’s a wealth of expertise on each stand.”

Meanwhile, the Government Zone returned to demonstrate the continued support the event receives from central Government. With attendees joining from Border Force, the British Transport Police, JSaRC, the Home Office Publicly Accessible Locations Policy team, UK Defence and Security Exports, the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office and FCDO Services, this area of the show served as a one-stop shop for the latest insights into Government initiatives and tactics designed to respond to current threats and challenges.

The International Security Expo also played host to the National Crime Agency, Counter Terrorism Policing and representatives from the Home Office, who held a behind closed doors ‘invitation only’ event for Project INTERKNOW (the UK’s national response to the emerging threat of privately manufactured and 3D-printed firearms).

Guest speakers representing Europol, the ATF, the Dutch Police, Kings College London, and Armament Research Services covered the history of 3D-printed firearms. Together, they explored the threat, sharing Case Studies and the investigative opportunities and intelligence requirements in place to enhance law enforcement and private industry’s collective response.

Industry experts

This year’s hotly anticipated conference programme witnessed record crowds gather to hear from myriad industry leaders. Three streams ran over the course of the two days, including the Global Counter Terror and Serious and Organised Crime Summit, the International Security Conference and the International Risk and Resilience Conference.

In the Global Counter Terror and Serious and Organised Crime Summit, Tom Tugendhat MP (the newly appointed Minister of State for Security) joined attendees to deliver a short address. Tugendhat duly recognised the importance of transparency and freedom for long-lasting democracy and reflected on the success of Operation London Bridge and the seamless delivery of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral. The Government minister acknowledged the remarkable example that the International Security Expo set for global collaboration and, indeed, how continued collaboration would be the key for success going forward.

Sharing unique insights into the collective efforts behind Operation London Bridge, Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist (representing Counter Terrorism Policing) spoke about the breadth of the operation from the integrated counter-terror package right through to the ‘biggest ever deployment’ of law enforcement and supporting Government agencies. Twist also revealed that the counter UAV response investigated 80 flights – those behind four of which are now facing prosecution for their intended actions.

Among the other topics under the spotlight at the Global Counter Terror and Serious and Organised Crime Summit, the ‘chronic and corrosive threat’ of serious and organised crime was addressed by Matt Horne, deputy director of investigations at the National Crime Agency. Horne detailed the alarming scale and complexity of the evolving threat, which is costing more than £37 billion every year to defend again.

Further, Horne revealed that serious and organised crime rates are climbing and now exceeding pre-pandemic levels, with many offenders increasingly taking advantage of technology, which has witnessed a huge upsurge in adoption over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Describing it as a “technological arms race with criminals”, Horne stressed the importance of updating legislation, collaborating with industry and academia and adopting “innovative” protection and protective measures.

One of the other topics dominating the agenda was the pending Protect Duty legislation. Among the speakers joining to discuss this topic was Shaun Hipgrave (director of Protect and Prepare within the Homeland Security Group at the Home Office). He reminded attendees that terrorism doesn’t abide by conventional boundaries and stressed the importance of an adaptable ‘whole community’ approach. He reflected on the progress made to date on the Protect Duty legislation, citing it as a “once in a generation opportunity” and suggested that a change of culture is required for security precautions to be normalised.

International perspectives

The International Security Conference featured a series of sessions examining the pending Protect Duty. Adam Thomson (head of the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office) revealed how the Publicly Accessible Locations Programme and policing response is designed to make the public safer from terrorist attacks. Thomson ran through ideas for a future operating model, indicating which processes will be used to tackle the growing diversification of terrorist attacks.

In addition, Julian Platt (deputy national co-ordinator for Protect and Prepare within Counter Terrorism Policing) provided a snapshot of Protect and Prepare – how it’s changing and what organisations need to be aware of. He stressed the importance of bringing like-minded individuals together and encouraged attendees to visit ProtectUK, an information sharing platform designed to make the UK the safest place in which to live and work for all its citizens.

The platform, which was launched this year, is a new central hub for counter-terrorism and security advice. It’s designed to help business owners, security professionals and members of the public alike to become part of the community and gain access to the latest news and online courses that will enable everyone to be better prepared.

The conference also played host to Lina Kolesnikova (security expert at the Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management) who reflected on the heavy-handed police tactics in the lead up to the Champions League Final in May this year. Kolesnikova highlighted the “litany of poor conditions” that contributed to the chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France, from negligent crowd control, communication and technical errors through to an excessive use of police force. More than 400 cases of criminal attacks were reported, with some spilling into the public transport network after the match.

Kolesnikova explained how spectators were viewed as a threat to the security of the country rather than being welcomed, which subsequently created a ‘blame game’ that was levelled squarely at supporters.

Diversity and secure environments

In one of many panel sessions taking place over the course of the two-day event, five industry experts joined forces to explore the impact of diversity on the provision of a secure environment. They included Satia Rai (director of equality, diversity and inclusion for IPSA), Rick Mounfield CSyP (director at the Optimal Risk Group), Seetan Varsani (director of major accounts and strategic development for Corps Security), Anna-Liisa Tampuu (co-chair of the Inclusive Security Special Interest Group at The Security Institute) and Chris Middleton representing IFPO UK.

Together, the panel members agreed that it’s only when there are role models in the industry standing for equality and diversity that significant change will happen. They encouraged business owners to overcome their fear of political correctness and tackle the issues, encouraging conversation to increase equality and diversity in the workplace. Here, it was stressed that a two-way discussion that’s consultative and constructive is key, with the ultimate objective being to give those people who previously didn’t have a voice a chance to be heard.

The International Risk and Resilience Conference welcomed influential industry leaders who offered attendees actionable insights to survive a crisis and rebuild. Among them, security consultant Mike Croll spoke about the risk of terrorism in the UK and the impact of the proposed Protect Duty legislation. He highlighted that the average person was 60 times more likely to be a National Lottery millionaire than die from a terrorist attack and that perceptions and the media agenda have been a major contributor to the outcry of fear. Croll discussed the practical challenges of implementing the Protect Duty, which is anticipated to cost more than £825 million per annum on inspections alone.

Attendees at the International Security Expo also benefited from its co-location with the industry’s newest cyber security event: the International Cyber Expo. Bringing together cyber security veterans and newcomers, its debut as a stand-alone show saw exhibitors welcome the crowds as they searched for the latest cutting-edge technologies. From CISO Round Tables and informative talks through to immersive demonstrations, the Expo served as the ideal networking hub for everyone from Government officials and entrepreneurs to venture capitalists and software developers, all of whom were able to learn about the latest cyber security-focused developments.

View from the organiser

Speaking about the 2022 edition of the International Security Expo, event director Rachael Shattock from the Nineteen Group said: “It has been a monumental two days at Olympia where we’ve welcomed a host of leading security professionals to do business, network and source the products and solutions that will keep people and organisations safe.”

Shattock continued: “We were delighted to welcome Tom Tugendhat MP in his first UK trade show appearance such that he could meet attendees and gain insights into this wonderfully diverse and innovative industry. Our thanks go to all of the participating Government departments and agencies, and of course to our exhibiting companies, Advisory Council members and visitors. It’s wonderful to see professionals network, source the latest technologies and learn from such inspiring minds. We cannot wait to return in 2023 to do it all again.”

*International Security Expo returns to London’s Olympia on 26-27 September 2023. For more information visit the website at https://www.internationalsecurityexpo.com/pr-ryi-2023