Abloy access transforms University of London

Integrated security solutions have been devised by access specialist Abloy on behalf of the University of London and the Devon and Somerset Fire Service.

Smartair locks, Update On Card (UOC) readers, a portable programmer and ARX access control technology supplied by Abloy (UK) have been integrated to provide an intelligent and cost-effective access control system at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Specified and installed by Rochester-based NT Security, the integrated package controls and monitors staff, student and visitor access through interior and perimeter doors at the Huntersdale administration building in Egham, Surrey.

Royal Holloway's head of accommodation services, Gary Pearson, told SMT Online: "After reviewing building usage, security and safety, we brought in electronic security systems company NT Security to enhance access control at the Huntersdale building."

Talking IFSEC with director James Blue

Anthony Hildebrand, editor of info4security.com, speaks exclusively to IFSEC director James Blue about preparations for the 2009 event - and lets us in on a few planned launches for next year.

The behind the scenes action that goes into organising the security industry's biggest and most important annual industry event is as frantic as ever. James Blue, portfolio director for fire and security at IFSEC organiser UBM Live - also the publisher of info4security.com - took some time out to provide an update.

Getting ready

I4S: What stage are you at in getting ready for IFSEC 2009?

JB: We're currently formulating the most innovative and extensive marketing plan in IFSEC's 36 year history. It's designed to bring decision-makers to the show. While this includes traditional methods such as advertising and direct mail, we're increasingly looking to use the value of online marketing.

The IFSEC website will be more interactive. That will help visitors in their planning prior to the show. We'll also have an advanced search facility. We are looking at mobile phone technology as well as exploring social networking and user generated content.

We work with over 100 media partners that reach over a circulation of over 2.5 million. The IFSEC website attracted over 130,000 unique users and over 1.2 million page impressions in the lead up to the show last year, and we had visitors from 125 countries.

We also boast strong relationships with the key associations. We are working with the BSIA to bring in more than a dozen international trade missions. These will be individuals with budgets that are working on current or upcoming major projects, and we'll be looking to organise events such as last year's successful 'speed networking' opportunity.

We are forging new relationships with forward thinking associations such as the Fire & Security Association who intend to use IFSEC as a means of communicating with existing as well as potential new members. We have similar relations in place with the Security Institute.

I4S: Norbain recently announced it wouldn't be attending the show next year. Is this a sign of the economic times?

JB: Naturally some companies are looking at margins and reducing costs but there has not been a mass of stand cancellations. It is conceivable that some companies will reduce the size of the stand and we will look to workable solutions with our clients.

Making an appearance

I4S: So who has signed up for next year so far?

JB: There are over 500 companies already committed to the show, which is tracking where we were at this point in 2007. This is an opportunity for others in the market and we are close to confirming the participation of another major distributor that did not attend last year. Major brands committed to the show and signed up include Honeywell, Panasonic, Dedicated Micros, HID, Samsung, JVC, IBM, Cisco, Paxton Access, Siemens, Risco, Tyco, NICE, Axis, Milestone, Sony, BAE Systems and many more. [Visit the IFSEC website for the current exhibitor list.]

I4S: Do you think particular sectors are likely to feel the financial pressure more than others?

JB: While CCTV distribution seems a challenging environment, many customers are reporting that business is booming, particular in the IP and systems integration arena.

There are a lot of examples I could point to: Siemens Building Technologies will be focusing on their interoperability capability in CCTV, access control, intrusion and fire; IBM will be presenting and demonstrating their suite of products from video storage through to command and control management, as well as delivering an educational content on the convergence of physical and IT security; and Sony will be presenting its extensive range of IP cameras and solutions.

Panasonic Systems Solutions will be delivering their latest IP solutions, launching new technologies and products, and delivering their NVR capability and security management software. HID will be delivering the latest smartcard and access products and technology, and ASSA Abloy are returning for IFSEC 2009 and will be bringing their portfolio of products and brands catering for physical security needs and more.

We have also commenced discussions with another high profile brand about a return in 2010.

Visitor and exhibitor initiatives

I4S: What can visitors expect from IFSEC 2009?

JB: We know we've got a very loyal visitor base, and that's important to us - some independent research that was carried out last year suggested IFSEC exceeded the expectations of 90 per cent of visitors, with 88 per cent saying that IFSEC is important to their business. Ninety three percent said they were likely to attend in 2009.

So we know the value of the show, but we're careful not to be complacent. UK installers are going through a tougher time with increased competition for fewer projects, but there's still a need to keep up to date with the latest products. The need to network is greater than ever and IFSEC will be even more important for these purposes.

We recognise that installers are of the utmost importance to the industry and are working to make IFSEC a place where they feel valued. To that end we are looking at ways in which we can make the visit more cost effective and support visitors making the best use their time.

An important area is educational content. There are over 150 sessions covering 100 hours of free seminars relating to new products and case studies.

New for 2009 we are also working on a programme of seminars to advise installers on how they can manage their business through an economic downturn - such as dealing with tax, red tape, the rising cost of fuel, etc - as well as how to sell security in a downturn to a variety of vertical markets. There'll be information on diversifying businesses into related areas, such as fire detection, key holding, home cinema and home automation.

Entry to IFSEC is already free if visitors pre-register, but we are working on initiatives to offer visitor groups further assistance, including free parking and refreshments. And with IFSEC 2009 moving to new halls at the NEC, this will mean navigating show will be easier, stands are easier to get to, and wider aisles will mean less congestion.

We're working with exhibitors to offer their key customers the best possible experience, with initiatives like fast track entry, free parking and refreshments, and areas within the show to network and relax.

I4S: What about end users and exhibitors?

JB: End user visitor figures grew six per cent last year, and we recently launched an end-user initiative called Select. This is an invitation only club aimed at providing security management professionals with the services and environment in which they can develop opportunities, extend peer networks and undertake business more efficiently and effectively, not just at IFSEC, but throughout the year.

It came about as a result of fairly extensive research among companies and organisations who were looking to commission and upgrade their security solutions.

At the show, Select members will benefit from free parking, a meet and greet service, and the SMT/Select lounge, which is a haven off the exhibition floor with business facilities, meeting rooms, a cloakroom facility - and we're hoping to expand on that following positive feedback. We'll also be introducing a networking element at IFSEC, and SMT Online's Brian Sims will be very involved with this.

And for exhibitors, we are reviewing our pricing policy for 2010 with a view to helping our clients as much as possible. We are also introducing loyalty rates for exhibitors that do one or more of our international events in India and South Africa.

Another initiative that we are working on is bespoke activities for many of our major customers, such as creating schemes and events that will dovetail with their own premier customer programmes. I'd encourage any exhibitor who is interested in this to get in touch with their account manager to discuss what we can put together.

We are also leveraging our suite of marketing solutions which include I4S, SMT Online and www.ifsec.co.uk, and Security Installer magazine and IFSEC Magazine. Digital solutions include 'editorial related advertising' on the clever 'Industry Focus' year round solution, email newsletters, webinars, and conferences. Indeed, for anyone looking for a media partner in this market we have by far the most comprehensive solutions for them.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

Tatas, GMR, L&T in fray for 60 NHAI projects

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to award 60 projects worth Rs.70,000 crore by January 2009. These projects which come under National Highways Development Programme (NHDP), will add 6,500 km upon completion.

Lower interest rates and cheaper raw materials are breathing fresh life into highway projects that were lying in limbo for months because of high cost of financing and litigation.

Companies like Reliance Infrastructure, GMR Infrastructure, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Realty, Soma Developers, Hindustan Construction and GVK have already submitted price bids for the project.

Recently, NHAI had relaxed its bidding norms for these projects due to the lack of response from leading private developers. NHAI has already completed the RFQ process for more than 45 projects under NHDP Phase III and Phase V and the remaining is likely to be completed soon.

NECL to develop Rs.6,000 cr port in Orissa

Hyderabad based Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd (NECL), has signed an MoU with the Orissa government to establish an all-weather, alongside berthing, mechanised port at Astarang in Puri district with an investment of Rs.6,000 crore.

The port with a projected capacity of 60 million tpa will be developed on BOOST basis for a period 34 years including the four year construction period.

The port will be developed in three phases. The first phase with 25 million tpa capacity will entail an investment of Rs.1,500 crore. The second phase will enhance the capacity to 35 million tpa with a cost Rs.2,000 crore ,while phase III with an investment of another Rs.2500 will enhance capacity to 60 million tpa.

In its first phase, four berths and one stock yard for minerals and commodities will be constructed while two berths and one container terminal in phase-II and two more berths and another container will be built in phase-III.

NECL plans to invest a further Rs.600 crore for development of dedicated rail connectivity. The port will be linked by road and rail either from Sakhigopal or from Barang.

Lodha unveils residential project in Thane

Mumbai-based real estate developer Lodha Group has launched its new 'Casa Univis' residential project for the middle-income group in neighbouring Thane. The group said that it would invest Rs 500-700 crore in the next 30 months for developing 26 residential towers of 18 to 27 stories and spread over 55 acres in the Mumbai suburb. Flat prices will start from Rs 10-50 lakh or Rs 2,997 per sq. ft.

"The project will lead to more opportunities to the MIG segment. We have selected Kapadia Architects, Mumbai, as our landscape designers," Abhisheck Lodha, Director, Lodha Group, told Projectmonitor. "Phase-I of the project will be complete within 18 months starting January 2009 and the overall timeframe of completion will be 30 months."

The size of two and three 3 BHK flats will be 1,000 sq. ft with a built-up area of 850-900 sq. ft. There are even select 1-BHK flats starting from 650 sq. ft.

Funds will be raised through bank loans and advance sale of houses. Lodha has estimated that Mumbai and its hinterland will annually need 170 million sq. ft of new residential space for the next 10 years.

RMZ to build Esplanade mall in Hyderabad

One of India's leading real estate developers for the past six years, RMZ Corp, with head office in Bangalore, plans to construct a super luxury commercial project, The Esplanade, in Hyderabad.

The state-of-the-art complex, an office-cum-retail space, will be located close to the city's IT parks. The mall will have 1 million sq. ft of retail space and 1.2 million sq. ft of office space. Claimed to be the first of its kind commercial building in the city with unparalleled features, it will be conveniently connected to the newly operational international airport.

The Esplanade is planned to be a one-stop-shop for an international shopping experience, entertainment, cuisine, leisure and luxury. The mall will especially cater to the needs of upmarket areas such as Banjara Hills and the Hitech City.

The work on the mall is likely to begin in March 2009.

RMZ Corp has so far developed over 13 million sq. ft and manages a portfolio in excess of $2.5 billion. The company plans to collaborate with leading global hospitality players for setting up hotels with best facilities for the business traveller. Other projects being prepared include RMZ homes.

Hazira Port plans multi-cargo terminals

Hazira Port Pvt. Ltd that currently operates a 2.5-million tpa LNG terminal at Hazira in Surat district of Gujarat has planned to develop general cargo terminals with an investment of $400-500 million. The new infrastructure would be in place over the next 3-4 years. The two partners of HPPL-Shell BV (74 per cent) and Total of France (26 per cent)-have already invested $225 million towards infrastructure development. The remaining investment will come from a prospective port developer that will operate the new terminals and share revenue with the Shell-Total combine.

The expansion plan includes construction of two container berths and one for specialty chemicals catering to the Vapi-Ankleshwar-Gujarat industrial and chemical belt. Citibank has been appointed project consultant.

Meanwhile, HPPL has also planned to expand its 2.5-million tpa LNG terminal to 3.75 million tpa. The expansion that will come about through de-bottlenecking of facilities is expected to be ready by December-end. Long-term plans envisage eventual LNG handing capacity of 10 million tpa.

Lemon Tree to raise more luxury hotels

Krizm Hotels Pvt. Ltd, a New Delhi-based hospitality major with a well-known chain of upscale Lemon Tree hotels across India, plans to develop Lemon Tree hotel at Sector-60, East Gurgaon in Haryana.

Joginder Singh, Project Manager, talking to Projectmonitor, said, "At present the hotel project is at conceptual stage, and we await clearances and approvals from the civic body, the state government, environmentalists, fire brigade and so on. The cost of the project has not been worked out yet, but we reckon it will take 3 to 5 months to obtain all approvals."

The hotel will be located in the heart of Gurgaon's new commerce hub near the golf course and industrial parks. The distance from the international airport is 21 km and from the domestic airport is 22 km. It will be the company's third business hotel in the city.

With 150 to 200 guest rooms and suites, the complex will provide central airconditioning, chic décor, coffee shop, fine dining restaurants and business/entertainment options.

"The Lemon Tree hotels already enjoy presence in locations such as Jaipur, Chennai, Pune, Chandigarh, Kaushambi (UP), Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Alleppey, Goa, Ahmedabad and Aurangabad. New projects are being set up in Ranchi, Simla and Ranjangaon in Pune," added Singh.

More hotels are lined up for Chennai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Pune and Hyderabad.

Ambani varsity to come up in WB

The Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial Trust will invest around Rs 150 crore for setting up Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology in West Bengal. The state government has approved the project and the institute will come up on 60 acres of land near Haringhata in Kolkata.

The institute, part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, will be modelled on the Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology in Gandhinagar of Gujarat. The institute will offer education, training and research facilities in information and communication technology. The project will be set up in a year from the date of possession of land.

Exhibitors Quotes on IFSEC India 2008 and FIREX India 2008

Mr David I. Hudson MBE, Regional President, Group 4 Securicor Pvt Ltd

Security market in India is growing at a tremendous rate and there is continuous demand for high standard security across industries and the Indian Government. IFSEC is an exceptional platform that gives an opportunity to security solution companies to showcase intelligent products. The response and reach that we get here is impressive, extremely client centric and productive.G4S is glad to be a part of IFSEC India and we are very excited about showcasing our 'next level' innovations at the exhibition which we are certain will exceed client expectations."

Deepak Thakur, Director South Asia, Honeywell Security

Honeywell will continue to showcase new products and solutions equipped with state of the art technologies through mediums such as IFSEC. IFSEC has been a successful platform for Honeywell to exhibit its domain expertise to our customers across various verticals, year on year. We are pleased with our association with such an esteemed exhibition in India

Nitin Shah, CMD, Nitin Group

Since inception, life safety, efficiency and security at your home and workplace are the key words that have been driving the growth at the Nitin Group of Companies. We have always strived towards meeting this aim, and we have been successful in bringing the technology of tomorrow to the Indian market. We believe both, IFSEC & FIREX India 2008, to be held at New Delhi, India provide us an excellent platform to showcase this cutting edge of technology to the Indian consumer. We are pleased to associate with IFSEC & FIREX India 2008 as our platform of choice.”