Emma Lifton is the Chief Operating Officer TSS at nationwide company Argenbright Security Europe
What kind of projects do you most enjoy working on?
My key sector focus for many years was across critical national infrastructure including energy, utilities and infrastructure.
Working in security on CNI (Critical National Infrastructure) sites is both professionally rewarding and purpose driven. Protecting assets that are vital to national stability such as energy, utilities, transport and key facilities brings a strong sense of responsibility and pride. Every day presents a new challenge, requiring vigilance, sound judgement and the ability to operate within strict procedures and high-security environments. The role demands professionalism, discretion and strong teamwork, but in return it offers meaningful work where your presence genuinely makes a difference. Being trusted to safeguard infrastructure that communities and industries rely upon creates a deep sense of achievement and commitment to excellence.
Which technologies or products are exciting you right now?
We pride ourselves in working on innovative solutions. We are currently deploying docked drones as authorised DJI Enterprise resellers, we’re proud to offer a market-leading range of drones designed to meet the demands of professional users across industries such as security, inspection, public safety, construction, and surveying.
Our unique drone-in-a-box solution combine the DJI Dock and a Matrice aircraft to conduct automatic repeatable drone patrols and inspections. We have deployed several docked drones across the UK from energy infrastructure to retail logistics sites using beyond visual line of sight visual mitigation (BVLoS VM) and are working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) currently to offer BVLoS A-Typical utilising our control centre with highly trained pilots.
How does NSI certification make a difference to your business?
Achieving NSI Gold I feel is one of the strongest independent endorsements a UK security company can hold. It builds instant trust and credibility. With the sectors we working across clients in construction, property, utilities, retail, and critical infrastructure holding NSI Gold reduces perceived risk when appointing a security contractor, demonstrates operational competence and shows robust vetting, training, and screening of staff
At ASEL we deliver both guarding and electronic systems holding NSI Gold demonstrates full integration between physical and technical security. It enforces documented processes across installation, maintenance, and monitoring.
What’s the one thing customers often misunderstand about security systems?
Some customers view security as something they buy and install and think they are all the same, whether it be CCTV cameras, an intruder alarm or access control. Sometimes it’s a tick box exercise for them until things go wrong. In reality, security is an ongoing, evolving strategy that must adapt to changing risks, site layouts, operational pressures and key deliveries.
A system on its own doesn’t prevent incidents. It needs:
- Proper design based on risk, not just budget
- Correct installation and positioning
- Active monitoring and response procedures
- Regular maintenance and testing
- Clear ownership and accountability
- Integration with guarding, policies, and people
The misunderstanding often comes from seeing security as equipment rather than an integrated solution with technology, people, and process working together.
The customers who get the best results are the ones who treat security as a partnership and a continuous improvement exercise, not a one-time installation.
Read the interview in the March 2026 edition of PSi magazine
