SJUK Leaders in Security Podcast

Close protection, skills and the future of security training

In this episode of Security Journal UK Leaders in Security Podcast series, Digital Content Editor, Eve Goode is joined by Rebecca Webber, Academy Lead Instructor at Black Onyx Academy. Webber discusses all things close protection and security training. Black Onyx, a veteran led organisation specialises in UK based professional training and offers accredited security and safety courses for individuals and organisations. Webber draws on her background as a former British Army Medic and explores why close protection remains critical and how accredited training is a non-negotiable in the current unpredictable risk landscape.  Webber brings a results driven mindset shaped by more than a decade of military service and 15 years of high-performance coaching across the UK and the Middle East. Beginning her journey in battlefield medicine, she developed the ability to think clearly under pressure, make rapid decisions and support teams in demanding operational settings. These foundations continue to influence her approach to leadership, resilience and performance today. Her career later progressed into senior management, most notably as the manager of a multinational oil and gas operational facility in the Middle East. In this role she demonstrated a strong capacity for leading diverse teams, coordinating large scale operations and maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency in complex, high pressure environments.

Tried. Tested. Trusted: Secure, Optimised, and Sustainable Cloud Surveillance

In this episode of SJUK Leaders in Security Podcast Series, Digital Content Editor, Eve Goode speaks with Mike Newton, the Chief Technology Officer and Chairman of NetVu, a company that provides surveillance solutions that are built for the cloud and engineered for the future.  Throughout the podcast, Mike discusses all things cloud surveillance and the impact of sustainability and AI.

Designing smarter security systems for real-world challenges

In this instalment of the SJUK Leaders in Security Podcast, Security Journal UK’s Deputy Editor, Millie Marshall Loughran, is joined by Ben Lea, Account Manager for the North of England, Scotland and Ireland at GJD. In this episode, Ben breaks down the concept of layered security systems - what they are, why they matter and how multiple technologies work together to create stronger, more reliable protection. Through a series of practical, technically grounded questions, we explore how detection, illumination and video can be integrated to reduce false alarms, enhance performance in low-light environments and support a more resilient, efficient security setup. Listeners will gain real-world insight into how effective multi-layered systems are assessed, designed and deployed across a range of environments. Ben brings over eight years of industry experience working closely with integrators and end users across the North of England, Scotland and Ireland. His hands-on approach - often spent on-site evaluating system performance - enables him to quickly identify a customer’s needs, recommend appropriate technologies and ensure that each installation delivers the correct level of protection. Ben’s practical knowledge and his experience give him a unique understanding of how layered systems operate in the field and how illumination and detection can be adapted to meet complex security challenges.

Understanding cloud CCTV and what it means for modern security

In the 12th instalment of the SJUK Leaders in Security Podcast, Millie Marshall Loughran, Deputy Editor at Security Journal UK is joined by three specialists shaping the future of video surveillance: Phil Davies, Director of Alert Data; Richard Flenley, Sales Manager of AlertSystems; and Mike Calverley, Head of IT at Charlie Bigham’s. As cloud technology continues to transform the security landscape, the conversation explores what cloud CCTV and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) really mean for organisations today.  Through a series of insightful discussions, Phil, Richard and Mike break down the practical advantages of moving beyond traditional on-premise systems, from scalability and remote accessibility to improved resilience and ease of management. They also address some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding cloud-based security, offering clarity on data protection, system reliability and the real-world implications of adopting managed cloud services.  Looking ahead, the panel share their predictions for how the cloud CCTV market is set to evolve over the next five years and what this shift means for businesses seeking smarter, more flexible protection.  Phil brings over two decades of IT and security expertise and is the creator of SEiNG, a fully flexible, cloud-based VSaaS platform designed to work with any camera. Richard draws on 20 years of delivering tailored security and fire solutions across the UK, combining on-premise knowledge with emerging cloud capability. Mike contributes a wealth of experience in digital transformation, offering a strategic perspective on how cloud technologies enable operational efficiency, business resilience and long-term growth.  Together, they unpack the opportunities, challenges and future direction of next-generation video surveillance - giving listeners a clear, grounded understanding of where the industry is heading and how organisations can prepare.

Next-generation approaches to perimeter security

In the eleventh instalment of the SJUK Leaders in Security Podcast, Security Journal UK’s Deputy Editor, Millie Marshall Loughran, is joined by Adam Savage, Marketing & Sales Director at Barkers Fencing and one of the industry’s foremost innovators in high-security perimeter protection.   In this episode, Adam reflects on his 25 years with Barkers and how his experience across product development, client engagement and major security projects has informed his approach to evolving standards and market expectations. He discusses how Barkers interprets technical and accreditation requirements in a way that supports specifiers, consultants and installers and we examine the ongoing role of accredited performance in helping clients operating in high-risk sectors make confident, evidence-based decisions about perimeter security.    The episode also delves into the impact of recent guidance emerging from the NPSA, exploring how updates have shaped Barkers’ approach to product design, specification support and early-stage client engagement. With the NPSA’s upcoming transition away from the Manual Forced Entry Standard and the introduction of its new Security Culture Tool, Adam shares how Barkers is adapting its next-generation product strategy - balancing rigorous physical testing with a more holistic appreciation of operational behaviour and organisational resilience. This conversation offers practical, forward-looking insight for security professionals seeking to understand the changing perimeter protection landscape and the evolving expectations of clients operating in the most demanding sectors.