Security Matters Podcast

Security Matters

The Security Matters Podcast is published monthly and hosted by the magazine’s Editor Brian Sims. In each episode, Brian reports on and analyses the latest UK security industry news and also interviews leading professionals from the sector. The Security Matters Podcast is sponsored by The Security Event, which takes place on 8-10 April 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham. To register for your free pass to the show visit www.thesecurityevent.co.uk For all the latest security industry news and opinion visit www.securitymattersmagazine.com

  1. Sep 23

    Security Matters Podcast - Episode 40

    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).

  2. Aug 25

    Security Matters Podcast - Episode 39

    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.

  3. Jun 15

    Security Matters Podcast - Episode 38

    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.

  4. 10/23/2025

    Security Matters Podcast - Episode 36

    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.

  5. 01/29/2025

    Security Matters Podcast - Episode 33

    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.

About

The Security Matters Podcast is published monthly and hosted by the magazine’s Editor Brian Sims. In each episode, Brian reports on and analyses the latest UK security industry news and also interviews leading professionals from the sector. The Security Matters Podcast is sponsored by The Security Event, which takes place on 8-10 April 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham. To register for your free pass to the show visit www.thesecurityevent.co.uk For all the latest security industry news and opinion visit www.securitymattersmagazine.com

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