Iain Stringer, MD, Synectics Security
Iain Stringer is the Managing Director at Synectics Security in Nottingham. Areas of expertise for the business include integrated security solutions for complex, critical, and highly regulated environments, from on-vehicle systems to large-scale infrastructure projects and the company boasts accreditations such as NSI Gold (a trading style of Quadrant Security Group), RISQS, Cyber Essentials Plus, and the latest ISO Quality, Health & Safety, Environmental Management, and Information Security certifications.
What would be a typical project for you?
We work in a broad range of sectors, including transport, critical infrastructure, high security, banking and public space. As such, it is hard to pin our colours to one ‘typical’ project. Especially as we offer everything from surveillance camera installation on a moving vehicle to integrating complex systems incorporating technologies and solutions such as access control, ANPR, perimeter protection/detection, video analytics etc. What they all tend to have in common, however, is that they are highly regulated environments that present very specific security, safety or operational challenges that require more than a ‘plug and play’ responses. Projects that call on our experience and sector know-how, just as much as our technical engineering skills and technology offering.
Do you have any ‘go to’ technology/manufacturers?
It’s entirely dependent on the project in question and on specific customer needs. We work with best of breed technology partners so that we have access to the right solution to meet each customer’s individual needs. For example, on access control it may be that on one project we work with CEM Systems, on another with CCure or Grosvenor. Same with analytics – we have a close relationship with the likes of BriefCam and IPS so we can flex according to need. With video management systems the same…that fact with work with providers including Milestone, Synectics, Flir means we can find the best solution for the customer which meets their objectives, rather than having to shoehorn in a specific type of technology that isn’t the best fit for the job. This flexibility naturally extends to our on-vehicle solutions too – with providers such as Timespace and Stoneridge-Orlaco in our partner stable. Every technology from every company has its strengths and specialities – it’s our job to factor that into the solutions we design and eventually install.
What is the best thing about working this industry?
This might sound a bit righteous…I really don’t mean it to. But I honestly think one of the best things is knowing that you have a role to play in keeping people safe. Maybe even in saving lives. If I ever get asked what I do, people aren’t always very keen to hear about the latest technologies (even though I find them fascinating!). They are, without fail, always interested to hear about what the solutions we deploy enable. What they can detect. Prevent. Promote. The good they can do. The other great thing about working in our industry, for me anyway, is that you are able to build really meaningful relationships…with both customers and technology partners…through collaboration. Working together to solve a particular puzzle. It’s hugely rewarding.
Is third party accreditation beneficial to you?
Absolutely. In this industry there are some projects you just can’t even entertain without the right accreditations. As well as being a registered nuclear and defence contractor, we hold a number of prestigious certifications, from NSI Gold and RISQS to Cyber Essentials Pus. This is no ‘tick box’ exercise. Making sure we constantly review and update our working practices to meet the very latest standards keeps us competitive and moving forwards as a business. It makes us a better business.
Read the full interview in the November 2020 edition of PSI magazine
