| Scotland’s Minister of Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing officially opened the event |
Delegates from all business backgrounds based in Scotland enjoyed a successful and informative conference and exhibition last week, hosted by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on 26th November 2013.
Supported by Scottish Enterprise, the Scotland: Secure for Business event welcomed over 175 delegates, with 20 exhibitors on hand to provide Scottish based businesses with advice and guidance on the latest security solutions.
With speakers including Shane Grennan, Regional Manager for Fortinet and Luke Simmons Director of Security at Glasgow 2014, delegates were informed on a range of topics specific to the Scottish market, including the threat of cybercrime and security planning for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Bill Matthews, Chairman of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) delivered a presentation entitled ‘Business Licensing’ which advised on working towards a new regulatory regime.
As well as an informative conference, delegates also had the opportunity to attend an exhibition where a range diverse of security companies promoted their products and services. Attendees were given the opportunity to hear first-hand about successful security initiatives and were provided with essential information on the latest security and policing developments.
A new element was added to the event this year, with a free workshop taking place to provide companies specifically interested in exporting with guidance and advice on the challenges and benefits of international trade. Speakers at the event included Bill McMillan of Scottish Development International who provided essential ‘top tips’ for growing companies preparing to take their first steps into export markets.
Chief Executive of the BSIA, James Kelly, formally introduced the event, and comments: “As we look forward to 2014, exporting will play a crucial role in supporting economic recovery, and the BSIA is committed to supporting its members – and the wider business community – to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that exporting can bring.”
Officially opening the event, Scotland’s Minister of Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing MSP, said: “As the Minister of Enterprise, I want to learn from you further what we can do to develop your sector. Your sector is very important to us and it helps to generate a huge amount of money to the Scottish Government.
“We want to do what we can to assist you and that means through our agencies, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, in relation to exporting because the opportunities to export are enormous. The Scottish Brand has been built up over centuries and that is one that can be used to enhance exports and other security developments.”