2025 Winners’ Summaries
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director – sponsored by First Response Group
Leighton Jones – Here East
Leighton Jones has transformed the work environment by prioritising team morale, including raising pay by nearly a third over 4.5 years, and offering additional annual leave linked to length of service. He fosters a supportive culture through one-on-one meetings and team-building activities. His strategic planning has revitalised the department, and his now expanded responsibilities include Front of House as well as IT & Infrastructure. Leighton has committed to self-development which has increased his skillsets in handling campus projects/events and preparing for enhanced footfall and future operations.
Leighton was recognised for his imaginative approach to fostering a supportive culture, his energy in developing and implementing a progressive strategy to transform operations, and his commitment to his own self-development.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director – sponsored by TEAM Software by WorkWave
Alex Philiotis – First Response Group
Alex’s role as Security Director at Wembley National Stadium for First Response Group involves leading a team of over 140 personnel and safeguarding over 1,000 employees and millions of visitors annually. He has been instrumental in driving security innovation, including the introduction of advanced technologies, while fostering a strong security culture. His leadership in operational planning for high-profile events and his proactive approach to vigilance and preparedness reflect his commitment to excellence. Alex’s focus on team development, collaboration with key stakeholders, and continuous improvement has set a new standard for security operations at the stadium.
Factors that distinguished Alex were his drive to innovate not least via the introduction of new technologies, his commitment to fostering a strong security culture, and his proactive leadership approach.
Outstanding Security Team – sponsored by Ward Security
Crime & Intelligence Team – Coop & Mitie Security
The Coop Crime & Intelligence Team (CCIT) help to protect Co-op stores and their colleagues from prolific offenders and organised crime groups (OCGs) who are committing crime across their estate. Rather than relying on reporting individual crimes to the Police, the CCIT ensure that offenders are linked together and displayed in a clear and concise manner, outlining what information is available about individual offences, and how this links the OCG members to these offences. This focus has led to some truly outstanding results which have significantly impacted organised crime across the retail sector and helped to keep colleagues in stores feeling safer.
Clear evidence of a partnership in the development of an effective strategy of focussing on prolific offenders and organised crime groups had enabled the generation of intelligence that had achieved marked results with real impacts.
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) – sponsored by Axon
Carlisle Support Services
Carlisle has sought to lead change in the sector, this has included removing subcontractors from core, non-specialist roles in front-line security, events and cleaning operations; and improved development and progression opportunities which has including fulfilling 58% of newly created salaried roles with internal candidates. This is against a background of a consistent customer retention rate of over 95%. The company has also been committed to innovation reflected in a dedicated annual conference known as the Innovation Lab.
Judges commented on the impressive dedicated annual conference known as the Innovation Lab and the strong company commitment to development and progression opportunities alongside strong operational successes.
Outstanding Security Consultant – sponsored by Axis Communications
Lee Doddridge – Covenant
Having moved from a national counter terrorism role in the public sector – with extensive knowledge based on years of experience and supplemented by qualifications – Lee started his own consultancy which has developed progressively to include clients such as A-list world music tours, global hotel chains, iconic buildings and local authorities.
Judges commented that Lee has successfully created an impressive niche based on his extensive knowledge and years of experience and qualifications. He has used his skills to positively impact on a range of clients.
Outstanding Customer Service Initiative – sponsored by Bold Security
Here East Safety Initiative – Here East and CIS Security
The submission from the Here East Safety Customer Service Initiative evidenced enhanced customer service excellence via its focus on individual safety in a dynamic environment. It builds on the ‘Ask for Angela’ and ‘Safety for Women and Girls Campaign’ with innovative security services for tenants, staff and students such as off-site travel monitoring, bespoke escort services, and personalised safety check-ins.
Judges said that the initiative combined excellence with innovation with impactful services such as such as off-site travel monitoring, bespoke escorting, and personalised safety check-ins.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative – sponsored by BSIA
London Bridge City Security Training Initiative – CIS Security
The clear evidence of a training initiative that has extended beyond traditional security skillsets marks this partnership out for recognition. For example, it has focussed on identifying when colleagues are not well; to recognise someone in crisis is key in a stressful industry. Examples of how the partnership generated additional benefits impressed judges.
Judge’s praised the initiative for its innovative and forward thinking approach to incorporate new types of skill sets such as recognising when colleagues are unwell or facing a crisis and to then offer support
Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator – sponsored by SSAIB
SecuriGroup Systems
SecuriGroup Systems showed a high-quality service that included innovative solutions enhancing client value. Integrating advanced technologies to provide better security and improved operational efficiencies needs to be done well while at the same time delivering specified cost-savings. Their focus on customer care, efficient project management, and ability to implement cutting-edge technology was deemed praiseworthy.
The combination of improving security, facilitating operational efficiencies, generating cost savings, adopting ethical approaches and a strong customer focus impressed judges.
Outstanding Event Security Team
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Team – FGH Security
FGH has an expressed purpose of ‘Keeping People Safe’, via ‘The Best Trained Team’, this requires a constant focus on customer service achieved through their promise of the ‘Friendliest People’. Success in these areas – keeping 2.5 million customers safe – was deemed impressive.
Judges commented on an innovative approach, and impressive performance in making extensive use of ACT and SCaN training to keep 2.5 million customers safe, and there was key evidence of what it takes to be a winning team.
Outstanding Security Partnership
The Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse Consortium
The Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls and Domestic Abuse Consortium (the Partnership) was founded in September 2022 to better prevent violence against women and girls and domestic abuse. It is achieved through a number of initiatives including targeted education programmes, awareness campaigns, physical security, creating safer spaces and places, taxi marshalling, surveys and analysis to build intelligence and develop effective action plans. The partnership includes representatives from different organisations. Since inception, the Partnership has engaged with over 300 businesses and has signed up over 100 new premises as Safe Havens in Greater London, 42 of which are in the City of London. It has also signed up 162 venues with WAVE and Ask for Angela and trained 320 people across these locations.
Judge’s praised this impactful initiative for both the range of approaches adopted and its success in generating improved take-up via proactive and successful engagement with businesses.
Outstanding New Security Product
Climate and Weather Dashboard – PwC
PwC assembled a project team of experts in the security, business resilience and climate risk modelling fields to build a dashboard to provide automated insights into climate and weather events and their impact on people, operations and offices globally. The maps and filters allow users to tailor the display of information to meet their needs significantly contributing to the better prevention, control and mitigation locally.
Judges liked the risk modelling dashboard that enabled improved business continuity and community safety and providing for a proactive approach to managing climate-related risks.
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer – sponsored by The Security Event and International Security Expo
HID
HID inspires security innovations such as mobile credentials in digital wallets. Customer value is enhanced through a global support team providing training, technical assistance, and lifecycle management while a network of partners supports locally and helps delivers customer-driven solutions that are focussed on enhancing customer trust.
Judge’s felt HID set themselves apart via their developed suite of technology and positioning as a global leader in the field.
Outstanding Security Officer
Emily Chambers – Canary Wharf Group
Emily’s work ethic is characterised by the ‘100% effort’ she applies to her role as a Security Officer for Canary Wharf Group. She is considered a vital asset combining skill, professionalism and commitment to the safety and well-being of those she serves. Emily possesses a strong sense of responsibility reflected in a proactive approach and leading by example and constantly impressing her peers who variously describe her as dedicated, hard-working, positive and a joy to be around.
Judges said that Emily impressed them as much as she did her colleagues and peers with her commitment and service evidence by a range of examples that developed many benefits for the organisation’s different stakeholders.
Outstanding Female Security Professional – sponsored by Securitas
Farah Benis – FFA Security Group
Farah Benis, Founder and Managing Director of FFA Security Group, leads with over 15 years of experience in ethical security practices across Africa and the Middle East and now the UK. As an industry leader, she holds roles on boards like ASIS International UK and IFPO (UK), driving forward-thinking security solutions and raising industry standards. Farah’s expertise extends to women’s safety, violence prevention, and AI ethics, where she has influenced policy at the government level. Her commitment to tackling sexual harassment in the security industry includes the development of a free toolkit. Her work has established her as a key voice in creating safer, more inclusive work environments.
Judges commended Farah for her dedication and impact on policy-making, exceptional leadership and commitment to ethical practices. Her work on gender equality and mental health has established her as a transformative leader.
Outstanding Young Security Professional – sponsored by CIS Security
Tom Marsh – FGH Security
Starting his career in the security industry as a Door Supervisor for Lancaster University’s student nightclub, Tom has since dedicated himself to developing his professional and personal skillset across the industry. His work involving the implementation of a 24/7 National Control Centre successfully streamlined communications procedures. Described as ‘passionate’ in a range of different roles, alongside competent performance has resulted in his promotion to Operations Manager.
Tom’s ‘passionate’ approach and commitment to self-improvement reflected a mature and competent young professional with a promising security future.
Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative – sponsored by Lazerbeam Fire & Security
CIS Security
CIS showed how it has entrenched Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into its business planning through seven strategic, board-led incentives. CIS evidenced how it has placed EDI at the heart of operational commitment. Identifiable values and a culture of togetherness, teamwork, and inclusivity were reflected in their ISO 30415 HR Management Diversity and Inclusion accreditation.
Judges said that CIS Security has established a robust EDI framework with strategic initiatives that have led to impressive results in employee satisfaction, retention, and community engagement. Their approach set a high standard that others will wish to emulate.
Outstanding Security Sustainability Award – sponsored by Corps Security
CIS ESG Strategy
That sustainability is embedded within the company ethos is demonstrated by the employment of a dedicated ESG Manager. A focussed strategy, guided by frameworks to inform practice includes a commitment to report on sustainable performances annually. Their example-setting approach enables them to better support their customers and recognises the urgency of climate change.
The employment of a dedicated ESG Manager, a focussed strategy and measures of performance provide a reference point for security companies and a commitment to helping customers.
Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Carlisle Support Services
Letitia Emeana
Letitia is the current Chair for ASIS UK, Board of European ASIS Committee, Steering Group for ASIS Women in security, Chair of Unilever Women in Security, Women in Security Advisory Group and various security advisory panels. She was influential in establishing the Women’s Security Society in 2012 with other women across the security space, establishing Women in Amazon Security and Women in Tesla Groups.
She actively mentors a mix of young professionals, mid-career professionals and is active with senior professionals globally. From a site security manager, through to one of the world’s most global business leaders as the Unilever Global Security Capability Manager, leading on the security technologies transformation with integrated security systems. She has the qualifications and certifications including ASIS Physical Security Professional, Certified Protection Professional, Certificate in Security Management Principals from IT governance.
Judges commented that Letitia has shown an unparalleled commitment to elevating professional standards, diversity and inclusion throughout her career. Letitia’s work ethic, attitude, openness, honesty and overall integrity embodies everything that is good about the security sector. She is a role model that we should all strive to emulate.