BSIA Information Destruction event raises £3000 in aid of children's charity

The Information Destruction Section of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) held a networking event in Birmingham on 4^th December, with a charity auction raising an impressive £3000 in aid of children's charity, Together for Short Lives.

The change in format from the exhibition and conference held in previous years resulted in success, with the event proving to be a highly informative and entertaining occasion. Taking place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Birmingham, this annual event provided a dedicated forum for information destruction professionals to share best practice and learn about recent developments in legislation, standards and technology.

Don Robins, Managing Director at Printwaste Recycling & Shredding, commented: "This event was one of the best that I have attended. The opportunity to network among BSIA members and non-members alike was very useful."

"The Q&A session also enabled the sharing of current industry information and concerns, and it was useful to hear the latest thinking and outlook from Steve Eckersley of the Information Commissioner's Office. The evening dinner entertainment from Dean Nicholas, an incredible master magician, capable of making things disappear - and obviously reappear - was fascinating, but maybe not quite what we want to see in our industry!"

This year's varied programme included presentations covering the following topics:

• A short to medium-term industry outlook from Steve Eckersley, Head of Enforcement at the Information Commissioner's Office.
• Technological innovation within the industry (Global Recycling & Vecoplan).
• Useful advice on tax, accounting and outsourcing (Cobia).
• Insurance within the sector (Waste Insure).

As well as formal presentations, there was a question and answer session to facilitate an engaging dialogue. Panelists taking part included: Anthony Pearlgood of PHS Datashred, Mark Coombes of Shred-on-Site, Mike Annett of C&M Waste Management and Christopher Perry of Perry's Recycling. Key discussion points included:

• The European Standard, 'Secure destruction of confidential material' (EN15713); does it need to be updated?
• Market development within the sector; the trend toward Information Destruction services being 'bolted on' to other services such as records management.
• Growth within the UK shredding market; the different factors that may affect it.
• What factors do end-users take into consideration when procuring information destruction services?

Following the question and answer session there was an informal drinks reception, dinner and evening entertainment. Olympic athlete and former javelin world record holder, Steve Backley OBE, gave an interesting presentation translating his training and experience in the world of sport into the business arena in a witty, insightful and motivational way.

Evening entertainment culminated with the lively auction of donated prizes, raising £3000 in aid of the charity Together for Short Lives, a leading UK charity for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. Dean Nicholas, international master magician, also kept delegates on the edge of their seats with a world class performance.

Adam Chandler, Chairman of the BSIA's Information Destruction Section, commented: "As well as the sheer entertainment value, this event was also a fantastic networking opportunity and the only UK event of its kind designed specifically for the information destruction sector. All industry practitioners are welcome, and I would encourage all information destruction companies to come along in the future to share best practice, while celebrating the capability and professionalism within our sector."

The BSIA would also like to thank this year's headline sponsors, Global Recycling, Vecoplan, Cobia and Waste Insure.

To view various presentations from the day, including those of Steve Eckersley, Steve Backley OBE and the industry debate visit the BSIA's YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/TheBSIA