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This month Simon Banks talks to Richard Jenkins CEO of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the leading certification body for the fire and security protection industries in the UK.
NSI has seen a lot of change in recent years, what has contributed to this?
We’ve focused afresh at our core offering, and adding value for our clients, building on the NSI brand that is so hugely trusted by the industry: its customers. Our focus is on delivering sound Gold Approvals that combine Quality Management and Product Standards, with our multi-disciplined auditing teams - who are second to none in terms of wealth of industry experience, providing best-in-class guidance. That’s true added value. In addition, the annual NSI Installer Summit introduced in 2014 has added a new dimension, helping NSI approved installers keep up-to-date with latest developments in the sector. The number attending is testament to its success. Our 2017 Summit will be even better: watch this space!
How should installers be utilising their approved status to maximise the value offered by the NSI brand?
NSI Gold approval is the hallmark of integrity, expertise and professionalism in the industry. Companies holding Gold approval from NSI have placed themselves under NSI’s surveillance and re-certification regime, proud of their true capabilities and showing commitment to the industry for the long term. Clients and specifiers recognise and value this, and NSI Approved Companies rightly continue to be the principal providers of choice.
What is the fastest growing element of the NSI business and why do you think this is?
In the last couple of years, without doubt, the growth in NSI Gold Fire Approvals, which include BAFE SP203 has been dramatic. As in security systems, NSI approved companies lead the way in Fire, and are the dominant force in raising levels of fire security. Many NSI systems companies have diversified into this market, in addition to the pure-play fire systems businesses that have sought NSI Approval.
What do installers have to look forward to from NSI?
Installers choosing NSI know they are buying a premium service. NSI is determined to deliver consistent high quality inspections, professional guidance with the best informed team of full-time specialist auditors in the UK – no other Certification Body offers that. Our Gold scheme for Powered Gates, which includes the Door and Hardware Federation’s new Code of Practise offers installers additional Approval, which, as with Fire Approvals, will complement their core activity, and demonstrate standards of expertise at the leading edge of the industry.
Will NSI have a presence at IFSEC this year?
IFSEC is an exciting proposition. Our industry experts will be involved at a number of industry presentations and panel sessions, we will again sponsor the Engineers of Tomorrow competition for young engineers and apprentices, and there will be several NSI medal presentations. NSI will be welcoming installers onto our stand to talk about their certification needs, and of course to take away the “selfie” mugshot alongside “Cash”: the resident NSI Owl.
“The first of our signalling transfers takes place today. After 20+ years with the same provider it’s time for a change. Hello @CSLDualCom”
Tweeted by @TrotmanSteve - Feb 24
