Held in association with Eagle Eye Networks, the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference saw a record-breaking 287 senior security professionals gather at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester on Tuesday 16 July for a day of high-level discussion and networking. 

Delegates enjoyed a lively, hour-long breakfast and networking reception, before taking their seats in the main conference hall for an introduction by Ian Stokes, CEO, Centurian Media and Rick Mounfield, Conference Chair and Director, Optimal Risk Group. 

Mounfield expressed gratitude to the Advisory Panel, composed of representatives from key businesses and organisations such as Unilever, Warner Brothers Studio Tours, Vodafone and South Western Railway acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the day’s agenda.

He highlighted their inputs as key to strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration. 

Following this, Tom O’Driscoll, Head of Security Operations and Intelligence at National Highways took to the stage to deliver the opening keynote.

O’Driscoll provided a high-level overview of our current threat environment before delving into key themes for a successful security leader’s approach, setting the audience up well for what was to come. 

A game changing agenda 

We all know innovation is vital, but within businesses, security advancements can often hit a brick wall. The first panel session of the day ‘From “No Way” to “Wow!”: Selling security innovation to business leaders’ looked at the four frictions that oppose innovation and how security can learn from marketing.  

Mounfield was joined by Matthew Drew, Group Security & Resilience Director, Tesco; Guy Mathias, Chair of the Food & Drink Security Association (FDSA) and Chair of the Cross-sector Safety and Security Communications (CSSE) Eastern Region and Gary Simpson, Senior Vice President Operations UK & Director of Security, Safety & Risk (Europe), ASM Global as they shared their experiences of conquering resistance to security ideas within business and how to communicate the value of your ideas with clarity and impact to secure the resources you need to keep your organisation safe. 

Next was ‘The changing landscape of risk: Deepfakes and fraud’. In this fascinating presentation, Paul Maskall, Strategic Fraud Prevention and Behavioural Lead, UK Finance equipped delegates with essential behavioural management techniques they can implement to strengthen their organisation’s defences against deepfakes and other AI-powered scams; empower their employees to identify and avoid sophisticated fraud attempts and proactively address the cultural and psychological factors that make organisations vulnerable. 

In a discussion entitled ‘People & projects: Exploring the relationship between security and the user experience’ CPTED Director Baxi Motylska invited Bruce Braes, Head of Security Consulting at Buro Happold; Erik Nord, Industry Subject Matter Expert – Cloud Solutions at acre security; Andrew Wooton, Professor of Human-Centred Design Innovation and Director of the Design Against Crime Solution Centre at the University of Salford and Garry Bergin, Commercial Manager & Security Consultant, Manguard Plus to dissect the future of security in the built environment. 

After a 40-minute networking break, it was time for Ari Dinar, Director of Sales, EMEAI at Eagle Eye Networks to take centre stage and ask: ‘How can security leaders prepare for a future of AI and Cloud?’ In this insightful presentation, Dinar explained what security leaders and organisations need to do to prepare for a future where security is not just a cost centre, but a strategic advantage, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. 

Dinar remained on stage as a panellist for the next discussion, ‘The Security Triangle: Technology, officers & architecture for complete protection’, with Bhanu Goud, Consultant, The British Library and Amy Worthy, Head of UK Sales, Morse Watchmans joining them.

With Mounfield moderating, they examined the three pillars of holistic security: technology, officers and defensive architecture and how they combine to create impenetrable security system – a seamless shield that guards your organisation from every angle. 

Moderated by Philip Ingram MBE, in ‘Beyond the badge: Measuring and maximising the value of frontline security’ Dan Humphreys, Venue Security Manager, Co-op Live; Michelle Russell, Chief Executive, Security Industry Authority and Alan Thresher – Director Enterprise and Strategic Accounts, G4S engaged in a lively debate about how a lack of investment in training, equipment and officer well-being can create hidden security risks.  

In ‘Do you know the IOT vulnerabilities in your technical security solution?’ moderated by Rick Mounfield, Jason Hunter, National High Security Manager UK, Gallager Security; Andrew Sieradzki, Chief Technical Officer, Cipher 10 and Dr. Beverly McCann, Director of Product, Darktrace talked about building trust in technology and the importance of Cyber Assurance in Physical Security Systems (CAPSS), approaching the topic from the perspective of manufacturer, defender and hostile actor. 

After a lively buffet style networking lunch, delegates returned for ‘The enemy within: Lessons for leaders’, a presentation by Pippa Gregory, Senior Behavioural Investigative Adviser, National Crime Agency. Taking the audience on a walk along the pathway to insider threat, Gregory explored how inappropriate organisational responses – doing too much, too little, or the wrong thing – can facilitate or even accelerate a disgruntled employee’s movement towards an insider event. 

Gregory took a seat alongside Neil Beetlestone, Regional Head of Protective Security Operations UK and Europe, HSBC; Dan Lomas, Assistant Professor, International Relations, School of Politics at University of Nottingham and Shivindra Pratap Singh, Manging Director, Lancers Risk Consulting for the next panel debate, ‘From hire to higher: Why continuing vetting is essential for long-term security,’ by. With Clarke Jarrett, Director of Special Projects, AHNA Group as moderator, they explained why organisations should remain vigilant.  

Jennifer Ciolfi, Senior Regional Security Manager EMEA at Snapchat moderated the hotly anticipated ‘Social Media Auditors: Will you be a victim of YouTube?’. She was joined by  Scott Hamer, Senior Strategic Security Manager at the Royal Albert Hall; Matt Hull, Head of Security, UK & Ireland, Alstom; Peter Greener, Director UK & Ireland, Irisity and Angus Taylor, on secondment at the Commonwealth Development Office in a lively debate about the steps that should be taken to assess the intent of the auditor, without being confrontational and why. 

Following an afternoon networking break, Keeva Gilchrist, Learning & Development Manager, PerpetuityARC took to the stage to moderate the session, ‘Are you a security leader… or a follower? Strategies for building high-performing security teams’. She was joined by Eddie Marrett, Head of Security and Safeguards, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS); Nuclear Graduate, Megan Clarke and Dennis Roe, Security Consultant, Independent End Point Assessor (FESS), and PhD Researcher investigating intrusion methodologies, risk quantification metrics, legislation and respective security design applications. 

They concluded that a well-developed security team equipped with the latest skills and knowledge translates to a more secure organisation.

By fostering a culture that prioritises growth and well-being, leaders will also create a more engaged and motivated workforce, leading to higher employee satisfaction and retention. 

Keynote speaker Tom O’Driscoll returned to the stage to moderate the final discussion of the day, ‘When disaster strikes: A leader’s guide to navigating a crisis.’ Panellists Norman Heit, Global Corporate Security and Resilience Director, Vodafone; Giles Hill, Senior Security Advisor & Chair International Security Advisory Board, International SOS and Everbridge’s Samuel Trotman explored strategies for resource allocation, crisis communication and how to ensure your organisation emerges from a crisis stronger than before. 

In his closing remarks, Conference Chair Rick Mounfield reflected on the day’s learnings, outlining the key points in each discussion and highlighting important take aways for delegates.

He thanked FGH Security for providing for providing the security for the day, as well as the event’s commercial partners, intellectual partners, advisory panel, moderators, speakers and panellists for making the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference a world class event. 

Delegates then retired to the foyer to enjoy a Networking Drinks reception hosted by the Association of Security Consultants and SJUK. 

Table-Top Exhibition & Networking  

Delegates enjoyed interacting with leading suppliers and associations in the networking area.

The innovative format provided the perfect platform for our intellectual partners and commercial partners to forge valuable relationships and exchange ideas. 

“I can confidently say that it was the best conference I have ever attended.”

“I can confidently say that it was the best conference I have ever attended. The content presented was truly impressive, offering a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the latest trends, challenges and innovations in the field of security,” – Nigel Brown, Head of Corporate Security, BBC.

“The speakers were exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging, providing valuable insights and practical solutions that are directly applicable to our work. The diversity of topics covered ensured that there was something of interest for every attendee, regardless of their specific area of focus within the security domain. 

“The idea of having a speaker followed by a short panel session absolutely worked. This thoughtful organisation facilitated meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders, fostering an environment of collaboration and idea-sharing. It was an exceptional event that delivered unparalleled content and a superb format.” 

“One of the best security events I have attended in recent years.”

“It was a pleasure to take part and a great opportunity to network with security professionals and learn from each other.” – Scott Hamer, Senior Strategic Security Manager, Royal Albert Hall.

“A truly insightful day at the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference. A very thoughtful agenda and some excellent panel conversations” – Matthew Drew, Group Security & Resilience Director, Tesco.

“I was impressed by the quality of the presentations and the relevance for our jobs roles. The panels were nicely timed with insightful discussion and very valuable insights into leaders’ experience, challenges and methods. The networking break outs were well used and enabled encouraging side conversations, exchange and networking. Overall, one of the best security events I have attended in recent years. “ Norman Heit, Group Corporate Security & Resilience Director, Vodafone.

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