From the Editor
A Spring in our step ?
» WHILE ANY ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD ALWAYS BE approached with caution , the ‘ Roadmap to Recovery ’ has undoubtedly put a little spring in our step in March . Aside from getting a haircut and swapping out the elasticated waistbands though ( something I ’ ll never be ready for ), what does the estimated timetable of events mean for locksmiths and security specialists ?
Step One : Schools and places of education are first priority . Anyone home schooling may be disappointed at missing out on their daily PE lesson and relieved that long division is now back in the hands of the teachers . There ’ s plenty of skills still to be learnt however as associations and organisations continue to offer training ; from the MLA to DHF on everything from commercial doors to home smart security plus webinars and online seminars from a variety of brands and businesses remain .
Step Two : At the end of March , restrictions regarding outdoor gathering were relaxed ( with a few days of sunshine tying in beautifully ), and while mid-April has been pencilled in for bars and restaurants to re-open for al-fresco dining , with the ‘ rule of six / two households ’ guidelines still in place , get set for garden set sales to soar . In fact , online and high street retailers have already reported a surge in sales for barbecues , patio furniture , garden toys and everything in between , so expect the same for outdoor security and CCTV , to help keep thieves at bay …
Step Three : By May , most commercial and even closecontact service providers could have opened their doors again , which means that they will likely require maintenance and even refurbs ahead of their grand re-launch . As wedding and similar functions look set to also restart - with more people allowed to attend - and hotels and B & Bs possibly reopening in May too , this could be the news property owners and managers have been waiting for to get new doors and windows fitted , existing ones repaired / restored , and all-important safety and security checks addressed .
Step Four : The end of June is due to see most of ‘ normality ’ return once again . For the industry , this means those events and exhibitions can go ahead ; even if it involves international travel . On a day-to-day basis , will this mean business as usual , or will things ever be the same again ?
While all of the above is still speculation , we can all forgive ourselves for letting it spark some excitement in us . And , I ’ d really welcome your professional thoughts on what you think each of these steps means for your own company and customers ?
And , hopefully I ’ ll be reading them from a beer garden somewhere …
See you next time ,
Gemma , Editor
BGF INVESTS TO HELP BRISANT STEP UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Brisant-Secure has secured an investment from BGF , UK ’ s most active growth capital investor . The investment will secure Brisant ’ s ambitious long-term growth plans , and enable the company to develop further innovations and opportunities .
» BRISANT PARTNERS , NICK Dutton and Steve Stewart , remain majority shareholders and Seb Saywood , a BGF Investor , joins them on the Brisant board . Nick and Steve will continue to be responsible for the management and direction of Brisant , and will continue to drive product innovation that smashes hardware standards for the benefit of customers and the industry .
Commenting on the investment , Seb Saywood said : “ BGF is the most active investor in the UK . We partner with ambitious companies to support their future growth . Brisant-Secure is a shining example of a forwardthinking organisation with big ambitions . Brisant ’ s success and impact on the market in such a short timeframe is remarkable , and we ’ re just as impressed with the company ’ s exciting plans for growth and product development . So , we ’ re delighted to provide Brisant with the support and resources to achieve these long-term goals .”
Nick Dutton says : “ BGF ’ s investment is a milestone in Brisant ’ s development , and it marks the start of an exciting new era for the business . Steve and I are incredibly proud of Brisant ’ s achievements . Over
the past eight years , Brisant has redefined customer expectations of security with Ultion and Lock Lock , and with Sweet ’ s troublefree lasting looks in suited hardware . And with Ultion Smart customers have a smart product that really walks the walk . We ’ ve reached a point where we have more ideas for innovative hardware than we could bring to market on our own , and with BGF as an invested partner we can explore these opportunities and channels with this incredible pool of experience , knowledge and contacts . It ’ s great news for customers and Brisant , and when we look at these innovations and plans it is great news for the industry . I think it ’ s also significant that such a prominent investor recognises the growth and potential of our sector .”
www . bgf . co . uk www . brisant-secure . com
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MAR / APR 2021
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