CONNEXION2’S IDENTICOM IS A WINNER AT SECURITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2006
It was celebrations all the way for South Yorkshire based Connexion2, the developer and manufacturer of the highly acclaimed Identicom, lone worker protection device after winning the coveted ‘Best Security Innovation’ award in the 2006 Security Excellence Awards held at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London on Wednesday, 11th October. Jeff Flanagan, Managing Director of MITIE Security, sponsors of the category and judge Alan Hyder made the presentation of the award to Craig Swallow, Managing Director of Connexion2.
A record 15 entries were received for the award, which was whittled down to six finalists that included amongst others Chubb Security Personnel, Panasonic and Carlisle Security. Connexion2’s Identicom was chosen by an eminent panel of judges consisting of Alan Hyder, Editor Security Installer; Alex Carmichael, BSIA, Geoff Tate, Security Systems & Alarm Inspection Board; Peter French, SSR Personnel Services; John Alan, International Institute of Security and Ray Ashby ADI-Gardner Security.
They said:“Connexion2’s Identicom solutions means that lone workers are never really alone. There is always someone instantly available to listen when problems arise and provide instant assistance.T his is an excellent solution”.
Accepting the award, Craig Swallow, Managing Director of Connexion2 said:“We are delighted that Identicom has won Best Security Innovation and made such an impression on the judges. Identicom has already been adopted by many organisations to prevent verbal and physical abuse against lone workers.”
Launched in March 2005 by Dr. John Reid(then Health Secretary) following an extensive trial by the NHS, Identicom is now being used by a wide range of employees including local authorities, housing associations, charity workers, estate agents, key holders and financial sector professionals. Identicom is helping to reduce workplace violence, which costs UK industry hundreds of millions of pounds in compensation and the loss of more than 3 million working days each year.
Identicom looks like a standard ID holder but is equipped with mobile telephone technology.`The device includes a lanyard attachment that enables it to be worn around the neck as a standard ID and hides a ‘rip alarm’ function, which is triggered if the unit is forcibly removed from the wearer.
If a worker feels threatened they discreetly push an alarm button, which sends a call for help to a remote centre. Any exchange between the worker and an assailant is also recorded, providing valuable, admissible evidence if a case is brought to court.`The device can also support the pinpointing of a worker’s location using GSM/LBS technology. Ends
From left to right: Judge, Alan Hyder, Craig Swallow, Managing Director of Connexion2 with Jeff Flanagan, Managing Director of Mitie Security.
