In May I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the largest annual European security show better known as IFSEC in Birmingham, England. While there I met with Chris Best, director of G1 Ltd, a large systems integration firm with over 28 years in the security industry. Best attends IFSEC with a total of six employees. The engineers are tasked with discovering and learning about the latest technologies and newest products that are on display, while Best spends his time maintaining and building new relationships with industry associates. Best’s firm focuses only on the industrial and commercial market, with 80% of that being video surveillance installations.
His largest customers are shopping centers. “The majority of the products being installed are Pelco dome cameras and JVC monitors, as well as other manufacturers based on the spec of the job,” he explains. To grow his business, Best is looking at other vertical markets like business parks where he foresees a need for security surveillance and risk management.
At present, Best feels that the majority of his installs are still made up of mostly analog cameras. Although, IP cameras absolutely have their place, he says. The benefit to the end user is how you move the data and who collects it.
We both agreed that installers and integrators must keep up with technology whether they are in the States or here in the UK. Twenty years ago the buzz words were multiplexers and VCRs and five years ago it was DVRs. Today it is NVRs and IP addressable systems, meaning the security business definitely includes the IT department and its specific skill sets. Where the dealer integrators can and must show true value is their expertise as it relates to security. Knowing where to place the cameras, what areas are most vulnerable to intrusion or vandalism; knowing what products are most cost effective based on the client’s budget; these are the core requirements.
A recent installation that Best is particularly proud of was a full video surveillance system that was installed at Covent Garden Market in central London. Covent Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions with its historic architecture, cafés and boutique shopping. Covent Garden is known as a Grade II listed building with the English Heritage Association. Best had to work closely with the client, as well as an architectural review board, to ensure that the camera installation wouldn’t damage the building’s façade. Months of planning and preparation went into making this installation seamless and one for all to emulate.
Best describes his company as an engineering-based firm with very high standards of integrity. He states, “This is a relationship business and your word means everything.”
