Judges

Simon Banks

The Banks Foundation

Simon founded CSL in 1996 and continues to be heavily involved. He is also Chairman of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and Skills for Security, as well as a board member of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). He also spent 8 years on the board of BAFE.

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Tim Barnes

The Centre for Entrepreneurs

Tim is the of the Centre for Entrepreneurs, the UK’s leading entrepreneurship charity. He sits on the boards of Capital Enterprise and NACUE, two leading entrepreneurship support organisations. In 2014 he was granted the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion for life.

Jonathan Biney

IIRSM

Mr. Jonathan Biney is a seasoned HSE Manager with over 8 years of senior leadership experience. His expertise includes risk management techniques and a comprehensive understanding of UK and international health and safety legislation. Jonathan has successfully led cross-functional teams, managed workplace safety projects, and conducted thorough hazard and risk assessments.

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Ian Cass

Forum for Private Business

Ian Cass originally joined the Forum of Private Business in 2013 and took the reins as Managing Director three years later in Summer 2015. Ian worked for Diageo for 14 years before forming the Venture team, he also runs Jack in the box Training, owned a couple of pubs, Founded Hunters gin, is chairman of the Micro Business Alliance which represents organisations accounting for 1.4 million micro businesses in the UK and has been a business angel and investor for a variety of small businesses.

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Carol Daniels

National Enterprise Network (NEN)

Carol Daniels, is the Operations Director for National Enterprise Network (NEN), the home of enterprise support. NEN’s members provide enterprise support for start-up, small and microbusinesses, enabling economic growth and improving lives in communities across England.

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Sue Jones

The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (WCoSP)

Sue Jones joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 1979 having gained a Business Diploma, with Secretarial Studies, at College. She retired in 2019 after 40 years’ service. She held a wide variety of posts in London and served overseas in Diplomatic Missions in Singapore, West Berlin and Brussels, with temporary duties in Bangkok, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. She has wide experience in HR, having held posts in Recruitment and Training.

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Hanna Kupny

IPSA

With nearly two decades of driving business transformation and building high-performance teams in the security industry, Hanna is a proven leader. Her journey from frontline to leadership equips her with a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic vision.

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Julie Nel

The Security Institute

Julie Nel, MA MSyI, is the Chair of The Security Institute and one of the leading women within the UK’s security profession. She has an extensive security background spanning 35 years, having served in the UK military and UK law enforcement, leaving at the rank of Detective Superintendent.

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Pauline Norstrom

Industry Representative – CEO, Anekanta®

Pauline Norstrom is the CEO of Anekanta® Consulting and Anekanta® AI which are focused on commercial research into responsible AI, and the provision of impact and risk services for compliance with the EU AI Act and pending national and international regulations. The brand specialises in high-risk AI, GenAI and biometrics use cases for civil security, transportation and smart cities.

David Scott

Skills for Security

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Marie Tedstone

Young Entreprise

Having worked at Young Enterprise for over 15 years, Marie is passionate about helping young people to develop enterprising mindsets and encourage their entrepreneurial spirit.    In her current role, she works with a range of organisations to secure support to help the next generation fulfil their true potential.

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Jo Watling

Security Industry Federation

Jo works day-to-day with workers right across the private security industry, spanning all roles, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

Incorporating decades of experience in people management within the nighttime economy into her advocacy work, she demonstrates a commitment to not only understanding the needs of security workers but also actively collaborating with employers to create solutions that contribute to a more equitable and just working environment.

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