Martin Watson appointed chair of British Security Industry Association

With a background in fire, security and engineering spanning 40 years, Watson is currently serving as industry liaison director for BSIA member Mitie Fire and Security Systems. He’s also chair of the Fire Industry Association and, until recently, served as chair of the BSIA’s Security Systems Section.

Watson takes over the role from Simon Banks, who was appointed chair in July 2018, subsequently overseeing significant changes across a six-year tenure. Banks departs as the BSIA’s longest-serving chair in its 57-year history.

Guidance and support

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, explained: “On behalf of the BSIA and its members, I would like to thank our outgoing chair Simon Banks for his guidance, support and work over the last six years as we addressed many issues the BSIA was facing. I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made during this time in addressing those issues and truly establishing the BSIA as the recognised voice of the professional security industry.”

Reddington added: “We look forward to working with our new chair Martin Watson as we build on the strong foundations we’ve put in place over the last six years. We’ll be looking to further progress the BSIA and, in parallel, continue to help in shaping and developing the professional security industry on behalf of our members and the wider sector.”

Robust finances

Simon Banks responded: “I’m very pleased with the many achievements realised at the BSIA across the last six years. Recent robust finances have allowed us to form the Special Project Fund that has invested £400,000 directly to member companies for their nominated projects and good causes.”

Banks continued: “All profits from the BSIA’s part-stake in Skills for Security feed directly into this fund. On that note, Skills for Security has been transformed from a £300,000 loss in 2018 to what’s now a profitable enterprise with 85 staff, delivering essential skills to our sector with 1,000 apprentices live on programme. I remain as executive chair for Skills for Security and I’m excited to continue our growth with the talented team we’ve built.”

Further, Banks noted: “In parting from the BSIA, I would like to thank the dedicated team for their efforts. I was something of a reluctant chair, turning down the role twice before taking the plunge and changing the CEOs of both the BSIA and Skills for Security. Both companies were suffering extreme financial turbulence. I wish everyone well and hope to see the Trade Association evolve in line with an ever-changing sector.”

Important work

Martin Watson, the BSIA’s new chair, observed: “I’m delighted to be taking over the reigns as chair of this great Trade Association and want to thank Simon, the BSIA team, the rest of the Board and all of our contributing members for all their hard work. It’s such important work that our member companies do and the BSIA works hard to provide valuable support to them.”

Watson concluded: “It’s an ever-changing landscape in which we operate and there’s still much work to be doI’m looking forward to addressing both the opportunities and challenges our industry will face in times ahead.”