Sponsored by
New for Retail Risk – London 2025
The Pride of Retail Risk Awards. Sponsored by ASEL and Smoke Screen
Celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things…
Taking its cue from The Daily Mail Pride of Britain Awards, this new event shines a spotlight on selfless actions, bravery and acts of kindness in our industry.
The security guard who bravely saves the day. The cashier who recognises a victim of abuse and intervenes. The team of fund raisers working towards a charitable goal. These are the sorts of unsung heroes that The Pride of Retail Risk Awards recognises.
Eight categories will be open for nominations. You can nominate yourself, a colleague a team or a business as appropriate. All categories are open to retailers, suppliers, academics and members of our emergency services.
The categories are:
Community Heroes Award – Recognising an individual or business that goes to remarkable lengths to help others in their local community
Fundraiser of The Year Award – Recognising inspirational fundraising by an individual or team
Emergency Response Award – Awarded to an individual who, through their courage or skills, made the difference in an emergency
Local Heroes Award – This Award recognises local campaigns improving the lot of local people and championing community welfare
Champions of Change Award – National or international campaigns around ethical business practices, sustainability and climate change
Rehabilitation Award – For initiatives created by teams or individuals to discourage reoffending and encourage rehabilitation
Victim Support Award – Initiatives to prevent people becoming victims of crime and/or support if they do
Special Recognition Award – This category aims to recognise inspiring achievements of a person or organisation that are not covered elsewhere
We will shortly announce the independent panel of judges, comprised of seven of retail’s most senior and respected risk managers.
Nominations for an Award can be made simply by visiting to our website. The process is similar to that for making nominations for the Fraud Awards…
It is free to enter as many categories as you wish. You can also make multiple nominations in each category for different nominees.
Once the Judges have reached their decisions, and chosen a winner for each category, the winners will be invited to receive their Award and the recognition that they so richly deserve at the Pride of Retail Risk Awards Gala Dinner, taking place on 27th March, following Retail Risk – London at the Novotel Hammersmith West, London.
The Gala Dinner will be a glittering black tie affair with champagne reception, four course fine-dining experience with wines, and the Awards themselves. Later on, there will be live music performed by a band of international repute, followed by a DJ and dancing until late.
Tables for the Gala Dinner will be available from the soon to be launched Pride of Retail Risk Awards website. Those with tables booked for the Retail Risk – London Gala Dinner will automatically have their booking transferred to this event which supplants it.
Be sure to save the date in your diary. And start thinking about who you are going to nominate for the inaugural Pride of Retail Risk Awards.
GUEST ARTICLE BY TIM MOORE
Hip-hop bowling? Now that’s what I call a Christmas party!
The festive spirit is in full swing…
So the Christmas party season is upon us. For some, it’s the highlight of the office calendar. A chance to swap spreadsheets for sequins and deadlines for dance-offs.
However, it appears that not everyone shares this sentiment…
According to a new report, nearly a quarter of British office workers plan to skip their workplace Christmas parties this year. Among the top reasons for non-attendance, 31% said they simply don’t enjoy the events, whilst 24% want to avoid spending additional time with colleagues.
Ouch!
Personally, I relish the opportunity to let my hair down (figurately speaking of course!) and spend quality time with the team. And unless they’re all Oscar-worthy actors, I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.
The All-Tag camaraderie was certainly thriving at our Christmas party last week…
In keeping with modern trends, this year we traded a traditional sit-down soirée for an afternoon of activity-based fun. Among the experiences was hip-hop-themed bowling (yes, apparently that’s a ‘thing’ these days!) Think graffiti-covered lanes and nineties rap classics blasting from the speakers… Dave was in his element!
Despite not knowing my Biggie Smalls from my Snoop Dog, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the hip-hop inspired celebratory dance moves that followed every strike (let’s just say some were better than others!)
And if bowling wasn’t enough to get the competitive juices flowing, we also tried our hand at AR darts. It turns out there’s nothing like a virtual reality pub classic to reveal just how seriously your coworkers take winning. Spoiler alert: very!
All joking aside, the Christmas party was the perfect moment to come together as a team to celebrate what has undoubtedly been our best year yet. And it was a great way to reward everyone for their hard work and dedication over the last twelve months.
The afternoon also sparked a unanimous decision: All-Tag Europe socials need to happen more often. No complaints from me!
The day wrapped up with a delicious meal and drinks at a nearby pub. Of course, being the incredible boss I am, I stayed teetotal. I’d volunteered to hold the fort the next morning so everyone else could ‘work from home’ (little did I know that a 16-pallet delivery would be there to greet me on arrival at the office!)
To top it off, as the clock struck 5 PM, I received a panicked call from a retail customer with a tagging issue. So instead of heading home to put my feet up that evening, I hopped in the car and made the two and a half hour journey to assist them.
Well, ’tis the season of goodwill – or in this case, just another day at All-Tag!
But before the year wraps up entirely, Dave and I are gearing up for another adventure: the All-Tag global sales conference in Florida…
This annual event allows us to swap valuable insights with our peers, share success stories and get updates on some of the exciting projects in the pipeline. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to trade strategies about the nuances and quirks of our respective markets.
Teams calls are great for the day-to-day, but nothing beats the energy of sitting face-to-face with colleagues from around the globe.
Over the years, these conferences have been a wellspring of inspiration. Dave and I often return with fresh ideas for tailoring approaches to better serve the UK market – and we’re more than happy to reciprocate. Our US counterparts are keen to learn from the successes we’ve had across the pond, making this a true exchange of best practices.
The conference will culminate in a festive Christmas meal. I’m told there’s no hip-hop bowling on the agenda, but I’m confident we can sneak in some celebratory dance moves anyway!
Office parties may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I count myself lucky.
I’ve got the best team around me – and that’s always worth celebrating, whether at Christmas or any other time of the year!
Tim Moore
Managing Director
All-Tag Europe
Time is running out to submit your nomination for the New Zealand Fraud Awards ’25!
You’ve got to be in it to win it – get your entry in before 19th December!
NOMINATE NOW
GUEST ARTICLE BY DAN HARDY
History is merely a list of surprises. It can only prepare us to be surprised yet again
Sometimes you have to look back to move forward…
I love memorable quotations.
Phrases that sum up a vast and often complex subject in just a few words.
And recently I have had cause to reflect on some of my favourite quotes. They have seemed most apt…
Reading the news, I see our beloved UK Government has decided to renationalise the railways. This about 30 years after they were privatised.
Those of a certain age will recall that the reason they were privatised was because of the poor track record; of bad service, inadequate infrastructure and low staff morale that beset the industry. Is it just me or are those not the self-same reasons being touted as justification for renationalising now!
Good or bad is not a binary choice. There are nuances, shades of grey, in these things. If you swap one unsatisfactory system out in favour of reinstating the previous unsatisfactory system, guess what!?! You get… An unsatisfactory system!
The railway barons should study silk purse manufacturing and understand that they do not start with a sow’s ear, not if they want a great product. Surely this is political hubris. Wouldn’t the sane option be to come up with an untried solution; having concluded that we have successfully identified two ways (nationalised and privatised) that didn’t work? Why repeat the mistakes of history? And anyway, its not about who owns the railways, but where the necessary investment is going to come from, that matters.
Point to a highly regarded UK Government transport initiative that is well known for providing an excellent service at an affordable price for the people. Go on. I challenge you… because I can’t!
“If history and science have taught us anything, it is that passion and desire are not the same as truth.” E.O. Wilson.
Recently I went with my wife to buy a new hob for our kitchen. We wanted gas. But the salesman waxed lyrical about induction hobs.
Induction hobs, we were informed, were cleaner, more controllable and more economical than anything else. What a schmuck I was, to even imagine having gas rather than this amazing product (which looked like an electric cooking ring to me!). This, we were assured, was “the right choice.”
Somewhat unconvinced I asked the salesmen “name a professional kitchen anywhere in the UK that has fitted these.” He couldn’t. That shut him up (although to be fair upon subsequently checking I found one high profile kitchen that did, but shortly afterwards reverted to gas… the installation had been sponsored by an induction hob manufacturer!)! You see, look to history and the track record and you can clearly see what you should not be doing going forward.
“Denial is the way people handle what they cannot handle.” Shannon L. Alder
And another thing…
According to the Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, there is no reason that the UK cannot be close buddies with both the USA and the EU, even if they go head to head in a tariff war. Really!?!
You think Donald and Ursula, faced with billions of dollars/euros in losses courtesy of tariffs, are going to play nice!?! Do you think they will ask the UK to “please favour us with your trade if you would not mind… We would be awfully grateful” Or do you think “the Donald” will tell it like it is… “You are either with us or against us… Pick a side…”
The whole history of the world is summed up in the fact that, when nations are strong, they are not always just, and when they wish to be just, they are no longer strong.” Winston Churchill
On a note closer to home at ASEL we use the past to prepare for the future every hour of every day. After all, that is an essential part of risk modelling.
By studying what has happened in the past we are able to predict what is likely to happen in the future. That modelling takes into account a wide variety of factors that history , again, has shown us are relevant in coming to conclusions about what is likely to happen. And again, once we know what is likely to happen, we can then turn our attention to what is likely to be the best way to deal with it.
And because our bank of experiential data is growing all the time, in real time as we monitor and respond to challenges across all of our clients’ estates; we can use history to constantly update our future plans using our AI powered systems. Empirical data, modelled dispationately accurately reflecting what has happened.
However, even with such a detailed understanding of what has happened and why, we still also prepare for a range of outcomes and not just one because…
“History is merely a list of surprises. It can only prepare us to be surprised yet again.” Kurt Vonnegut
Even so I would rather be prepared than not. Because “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Dan Hardy
Group Managing Director
ASEL
The countdown is on! Retail Risk – Sydney returns on 27th February 2025…
Don’t miss out – book your stand today!
BOOK NOW…
GUEST ARTICLE BY CORIN DENNISON
I don’t believe… it!
Am I turning into TV’s Victor Meldrew? I might just be…
Just lately I seem to be spending a lot of my time being angry!
I’ve come to a realisation. I’m getting grumpier as I get older.
In fact, I’m teetering dangerously close to Victor Meldrew territory… “I don’t believe it!”
In my defence, my irritation is not entirely without cause…
It might surprise you to learn that my beef isn’t with rude people. Or Gen Z and their TikToks about how to open a can of beans. No, my frustration is with our obsessive need to tiptoe around the truth.
When my wife and I first moved to Germany ten years ago, we were in for a culture shock. At first, we baulked at the Germans’ frankness. But over time, I came to admire their pragmatism. They weren’t blunt. They were simply being practical and efficient.
On our return to the UK, I realised that we Brits are at the other end of the spectrum; pathologically polite and so conflict-averse that we’d rather wade through verbal treacle than risk offending someone. And it’s driving me around the bend…
I’ll give you an example…
Earlier this week, I was on a telephone call with the nurse who is caring for my elderly mother. She was hesitant to broach a difficult subject, and I could sense the discomfort on the other end of the line. Instead of diving straight in, she opted for fifteen minutes of small talk.
Now, I’m all for small talk. It’s the oil that keeps social engines running smoothly. But this was ridiculous. I could tell she was stalling. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of vague pleasantries, I couldn’t take it anymore. “For the love of God, just tell me what you want to say!” I blurted.
After a firm but frank exchange, she quickly hung up…
This encounter got me thinking. When did we stop telling people the truth? When did it become more about how we feel than what needs to be said?
I’ve spent most of my career delivering news – both good and bad. It was just part of the job when I was in the police force. The motto was always, “Just come out with it.” Sure sometimes it was difficult. But in the long run, it was better to be practical and efficient.
Now I see how far we’ve swung in the opposite direction. We’ve become so obsessed with not offending anyone that we’re tiptoeing around issues, burying truths in layers of small talk and euphemisms. Most of the time we don’t want to have the conversation at all.
You only need to tune into ITV at 9pm to see my point. I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! is practically a masterclass in how to avoid direct confrontation. And every night, much to the annoyance of those around me, I find myself yelling at the telly in frustration…
“If you don’t want to clean the dunny again, then why not just say!?! If your campmate isn’t pulling their weight collecting firewood, tell them! Don’t skirt around the issue in the hope it will somehow miraculously resolve itself (I did warn you I was becoming grumpier with age…)!”
Of course, being direct isn’t always easy – even for me. My advice? Start with, “I’m being transparent” – it signals that what’s coming might sting a bit. “With respect”, which equates to “with absolutely no respect whatsoever” works equally well, as does the classic British favourite, “I don’t disagree,” which we all know means “I disagree entirely, but I’m trying to be polite about it!”
Nigel Farage and Fred Sirieix spent half of last year’s I’m A Celebrity bickering over Brexit, much to the delight of the tabloids. But here’s the thing: disagreement is healthy. It’s part of inclusivity.
Isn’t the whole point of inclusivity to welcome people who are different from ourselves. Isn’t D&I about creating a broad church, welcoming and tolerant of all creeds, religions and opinions. What’s not OK is being disrespectful, which is an entirely different beast.
Whether it’s politics or life in general, it’s perfectly acceptable – and in my view commendable – to offer a different opinion if you have the logic to support it.
Our aversion to directness doesn’t just create awkward personal moments. It spills into our professional lives too. In business, dodging hard truths can slow progress, damage relationships and waste time.
At Cotton Associates, we believe that addressing challenges honestly, no matter how uncomfortable, is the only way to solve them effectively. That’s why we assemble ad hoc teams of seasoned professionals to deliver clear, unvarnished and practical advice when you need it most.
So, if you find yourself frustrated by endless small talk or passive-aggressive emails, you could take a leaf out of the Germans’ book. Or simply do what I do and embrace your inner Victor Meldrew. But then you might ask “What’s it got to do with you?”
Corin Dennison
Managing Director
Cotton Associates
EDITOR’S CHOICE
One in five shop purchases now made in cash
BRC says shoppers turning to cash as cost of living crisis continues to bite…
Cash use in the shops rose for a second year in a row after a decade of falls, according to retailers.
Notes and coins were used in a fifth of transactions last year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said, as shoppers found cash helped them to budget better.
“Persistent inflation and the cost of living crisis continued to affect households across the country and many consumers used cash to budget more effectively,” said Chris Owen, Payments Policy Adviser the BRC.
The amount spent per purchase also dropped slightly from £22.43 in 2022, to £22.03 last year, it said.
The findings were published after charities told a committee of MPs that numerous groups were excluded from essential services and community venues that had started to refuse cash.
They cited issues for women in abusive relationships, whose partners use a bank account as a form of control or to track their movements.
Some older people and those with mental health issues were also far more comfortable using cash, the Treasury Committee heard, or did not have the digital skills or mental capability to operate only with cards, computers or phones.
Read the full story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1el81lenq1o
GUEST ARTICLE BY WILLIAM WALLER
A Silverstone soaking!
Turns out the famous circuit isn’t as glamorous as it’s cracked up to be..!
It’s one of the most famous race tracks in the world. The place where history is written at 200 mph. Of course, I’m talking about Silverstone.
South Africa may not currently have a driver in the Formula 1 lineup, but that doesn’t stop me from marvelling at the prestige of this iconic circuit. So when the chance arose to tread the same tarmac where legends like Hamilton, Schumacher and Verstappen have pushed the limits of greatness, I couldn’t resist.
To clarify, this wasn’t one of those pricey ‘drive a Ferrari for five minutes’ experiences (though in hindsight that would have been much warmer and drier!). Instead, my wife Mandy and I chose to trade horsepower for foot power and take part in the Silverstone Run Fest.
Having decided to skip the half marathon event and concluding we were too long in the tooth to enter the ‘Family Mile’, we chose to compete in the 10k. However, what we hadn’t accounted for was that we’d be running in the eye of Storm Bert…
Oh joy.
If you’ve ever been to Silverstone, you’ll know the track itself is a good 20-minute walk from the car park. By the time we reached the starting line, rain was dripping from our noses and our t-shirts were now a second skin. Suffice it to say, we didn’t exactly cut the dashing figures typically associated with Silverstone’s F1 glamour. Drowned rats is probably closer to the mark!
Suddenly paying over the odds for a blink-and-you-miss-it experience in a performance sports car didn’t seem like such a bad idea…
Nevertheless, there’s something magical about running on the same asphalt that’s witnessed motorsport brilliance. Navigating Silverstone’s legendary twists and turns was exhilarating – even if I didn’t build up quite enough speed to risk flying off Stowe Corner!
As we pounded around the circuit, most of the other runners were craning their necks for a glimpse of the iconic paddocks, likely hoping for a sneak peek of a race car or two. I, on the other hand, was too busy admiring the craftsmanship of the paddock shutters themselves (old habits die hard, as they say!)
Despite the relentless rain and gale-force winds, the race was a blast. I even managed to clock a respectable time – proof that it’s not only Trellidor that can deliver a speedy turnaround under pressure.
However, the same can’t be said for my post-race gymnastics routine in the car park… Trying to change into dry clothes in the back of a car whilst maintaining some semblance of dignity is not easy!
At this point, most people would have probably headed home to shower and warm up. Not us. Instead, we made a detour to Bicester Village, where Mandy insisted on checking out a new running shop.
Naturally, arriving later in the day meant facing a lengthy queue to get in – hardly ideal for someone like me, who treats shopping with military precision: in by 9AM, out by 9:30AM. But hey, you live and learn!
On the bright side, our shiny new running attire will come in handy. Because I never seem to stop running and slow down these days…
Silverstone at the weekend. The Trellidor team running flat out pretty much every week. I can’t wait for Christmas for a brief ‘pit stop’… although we will still be on duty 24/7, to support any retailers who have break-ins, throughout the festive season.
But I don’t mind the constant need for speed. It’s all worthwhile when it means you can claim pole position.
William Waller
Managing Director
Trellidor UK
GUEST ARTICLE BY DAN HARDY
At a time of extremes and spiralling uncertainty, should you be better prepared?
From simple events to developing trends, we all have to get to grips with the impacts of a changing world…
Storm Bert. Wow!
And then its understudy let loose on stage – Storm Conall.
Sitting here on the Dorset Coast, it felt like our house was going to take off!
Perhaps it’s me. Maybe my military background. But I am not a person given to fear, panic or exaggeration. Even so, that was a humdinger of a storm.
My spaniel, Izzy went to ground, hiding under the dining room table. And to be honest I felt like joining her.
When Martha asks “Dad, is everything going to be alright” as a parent you put a brave face on it. “Yes of course,” was my reply. Although sensing a lack of conviction on my part, I think Martha started eyeing up Izzy’s safe haven too. Kids can sense these things… And I am useless at lying. I wish it were otherwise!
Who can forget the BBC footage capturing the moment that Tenbury Wells floods in Worcestershire? It is like something out of a Hollywood movie, as the water works its way quickly and almost silently through the town centre…
First an inch of water, then all too quickly six inches. And suddenly the piece of road that was dry 30 seconds ago is feet deep in water. Drivers throw their vehicles into gear and make a dash for it as the destructive power of the approaching floodwaters becomes horribly clear.
Listening to Prime Minister’s Questions today, the local MP for Tenbury said that a flood plan had been agreed, billions of funding allocated and yet no progress had been made in implementing the proposed defences. Rather surprising in a town where I understand the question is no longer will it flood again, but when.
Of course, some can respond to a disastrous situation with an impromptu solution. Hats off to the 94 year old in County Tyrone, whose ingenuity in the face of mobility issues saved her from a watery fate.
Annie Sweeney managed to escape harm as water flooded the ground floor of her house by getting in her chair lift and escaping to the upstairs of her house. Can you imagine! I have visions of Annie majestically rising from the waters and gliding victoriously up her staircase to safety, much to Poseidon’s chagrin and (in my head) accompanied to a rousing orchestral soundtrack worthy of Raise The Titanic.
Unlike James Cameron’s Titanic, which was one of the most successful films ever, Raise the Titanic (filmed in the 90s), was a box office flop; despite the best efforts of John Barry and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Perhaps overly ambitious special effects (before the era of CGI of course) meant that the film ran hugely over budget. It cost $36M to make and only took $8M at the box office. The film’s producer, Lou Grade, mused that “It would have been cheaper to lower the Atlantic!”
Despite our home’s proximity to the sea, fortunately the noise of the high winds and some spectacular footage of waves crashing over the sea defence on the coast were as bad as Bert and Conall got for my family. Although a few neighbours have lost fence panels and some of the trees and hedges have definitely taken a beating.
And of course, all of this is a reminder of the uncertainty that we face at this time of year. Unfortunately, according to the experts, it is not going to get better. If anything, the frequency of extreme weather events is going to get worse. And one has to say, this has not been helped by the outcome of the COP 29 talks.
The previous COP 28, held in Doha, was rather marred by the President of that conference – who somewhat controversially was also head of UAE state oil company, Adnoc. Sultan Al Jaber was apparently caught on camera during the summit surreptitiously touting for new contracts to export oil!
Having learned their lesson, the organisers of COP 29 assembled representatives from the rich industrial nations and the poor developing nations, to discuss how international collaboration was going to save the planet. Unfortunately, the talks seemed in trouble from the start. In his opening address, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev used his opening speech to say that petrochemical exporters should not be ashamed of their trade and that oil was “a gift from God”. I mean, there’s a time and a place for everything, mate!
All of this sparked a debate as to whether COP was any longer fit for purpose and that, at very least should not be hosted by oil producing countries. Wow! Never saw that one coming! As Karl Marx said, “There must be something rotten in the very core of a social system which increases its wealth without diminishing its misery.”
After a less than auspicious start, the assembled nations at COP 29 all agreed that $1.3Trillion was the amount needed by the poorer countries to meet the challenges of climate change and to operate sustainably going forward. Then the rich nations agreed to give them $300Billion! It is a lot of money. But then it is a BIG problem.
What price thwarting an existential threat I wonder. Turns out about 23% of what is required! There is something uniquely depressing about those who know the cost of everything, but the value of nothing.
Of course, the latest climate disruption is a timely reminder for us all with regard to things closer to home.
At ASEL we continued to model risk for retailers looking to do more with less. And following the Government’s decision to levy huge tax increases on business in the latest Budget, that’s pretty much everyone! Because we offer the service free of charge, it means retailers can look anew at how they cost their security and reprioritise in the light of recent developments.
And risk modelling is not just about the effects of the Budget. It also reflects things like the changing weather, sentiment amongst staff regarding their own safety and a myriad of other factors that allow informed decisions to be made about what resources are put where and for how long. And we can also model what if scenarios, where we throw into the mix an extreme event such as a big storm or terror attack.
At a time of extremes and spiralling uncertainty, it is more important than ever to be prepared come what may.
GUEST ARTICLE BY JAMES HAIGH
Over the next 2 weeks our senior managers will be criss-crossing the country… hand-delivering Christmas gifts to every one of our guards
“Keeping good people isn’t just about pay… It’s about making them feel valued.”
Esme’s not happy with me. Not in the slightest.
After cutting her leg last week, she now finds herself in what can only be described as ‘lead prison’. No more chasing squirrels or running around like a mad thing – not for now at least.
I’m hoping the festivities will lift her spirits.
The Christmas tree is up, standing proudly in its designated spot. If you’ve been keeping up with my articles, you’ll know I’m quite particular about my tree. So yes, I can confirm; it’s perfectly shaped, its needles are impeccably even and it smells divine.
However, the decorations will have to wait a little longer. My goddaughter is coming to visit in a few days and decorating the tree together is our thing. But that’s not the only tradition keeping the holiday spirit alive…
Scott’s annual curry night is one for the ages. Every year, he and his mates don their gaudiest Christmas jumpers and descend upon the local curry house. They’ve been at it for fifteen years now.
I just feel sorry for any newcomers to the group. They told one poor guy it was fancy dress… He turned up in a giant inflatable turkey outfit! Presumably he felt like a right turkey by the end of the night!
Of course, we’ve got our own festive rituals at Advantage One too (sadly none of which involve inflatable fancy dress costumes!)…
We’re currently in the thick of finalising the team’s Christmas gift boxes. In fact, I’m writing this article surrounded by stacks of goodies whilst knee-deep in wrapping paper.
Over the next couple of weeks, the senior managers and I will be criss-crossing the country to deliver each gift personally. Each guard – from Greenwich to Glasgow and everywhere in between – will be handed their gift and given a well-deserved pat on the back for their hard work over the past year. (They might even get to see Scott in a Santa suit if they’re lucky!)
I believe a “thank you” in person goes a long way – even if that means battling the holiday traffic and driving to the most remote corner of the UK. Besides, at least this way there’s no risk of ‘porch pirates’…
The issue hit the news again last week, with consumers being warned to be extra vigilant ahead of Black Friday. I read that 21% of all parcel thefts take place in November and December as gangs target empty homes with parcels sitting outside.
The cost of so-called porch piracy apparently hit £376.6Million over the past year. Ouch! Suddenly driving halfway across the country to hand-deliver Christmas gifts to our guards seems like a wise move!
However, the porch piracy story wasn’t the only news to catch my eye recently…
Last week Labour launched its Get Britain Working white paper in response to the glaring hole in the jobs market. Experts say the number of economically inactive people – those not working or looking for work – surged during Covid to over nine million and has stayed at that level ever since.
Sir Keir Starmer may have a point about the crisis, but at Advantage One we’re doing our bit to address it. We actively work with job centres and support ex-service personnel, guaranteeing interviews to anyone who applies. Of course, candidates still need to meet our exacting standards, but we’re proud of the opportunities we provide.
Unlike some companies, all of our guards also receive the higher national living wage – even if they’re under 21 years old.
But I’ll be honest; keeping good people isn’t just about pay. It’s about making them feel valued. And that’s what our Christmas gifts, handwritten cards and personal deliveries are all about.
Maybe I should give Sir Keir a call… I’ve got a few tips on how to fix the UK’s employment crisis!
James Haigh
Managing Director
Advantage One Security
Strategic cargo theft ‘up by almost 1,500%’
Fresh warning as Organised Retail Crime gangs exploit supply chain vulnerabilities…
Organised Retail Crime (ORC) has dominated discussions in retail loss prevention for over a decade. And now a new and deeply troubling form of ORC-linked theft is taking the spotlight – strategic cargo theft.
As reported by Loss Prevention Magazine, this sophisticated crime is shaking supply chains worldwide and creating unprecedented challenges for retailers.
According to CargoNet, strategic cargo theft has skyrocketed by nearly 1,500% in just two years.
Unlike traditional theft methods, strategic cargo theft relies on deception rather than physical breaches. Thieves manipulate data, forge paperwork and impersonate legitimate parties to gain access to freight. Shockingly, the perpetrators never even touch the warehouses, trailers or goods directly – they exploit vulnerabilities in the supply chain itself.
This surge in strategic cargo theft stems from a perfect storm of factors. Post-pandemic shifts in consumer behaviour, deteriorating relationships between retailers and supply chain partners, and a lack of successful prosecutions are all believed to have contributed to its rapid escalation.
Addressing these challenges requires innovative thinking and collaboration across industries… And that is precisely why we are launching Retail Risk – On The Move, a new show designed to help businesses manage and mitigate supply chain risks.
Developed in direct response to growing concerns and at the request of stakeholders, this one-day event will bring together industry leaders to share insights, strategies and actionable solutions to combat threats like strategic cargo theft.
So mark your calendars! Retail Risk – On The Move will take place on 8th May 2025 at the Coventry Building Society Arena (formerly Ricoh Arena).
To express your interest in attending, click HERE…
The Retail Risk Podcast – sponsored by All-Tag
Building a safer and healthier workplace
Paul sits down with mental health and personal safety expert, Terry Streather…
What does it take to stay mentally strong, resilient and safe in today’s demanding retail environment?
This week, Paul dives into these critical topics with Terry Streather, co-founder and Director of Oakwood Training.
With a career dedicated to workplace mental health and personal safety, Terry has worked with global retailers and security teams to help them develop a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing.
His philosophy is simple yet transformative: mental health and personal safety are deeply interconnected. When we feel stressed or unsafe, it directly impacts how we perform, make decisions and interact with others.
In this compelling episode, Terry explains why it’s vital to normalise and de-medicalise mental health discussions in the workplace and how doing so can drive meaningful change.
With the retail peak trading season in full swing, he shares invaluable advice for looking after your mental health during this challenging time. He breaks down the key building blocks of resilience and explains how small, consistent changes can have a big impact on your ability to handle stress.
But it’s not just about individual well-being. From expressing gratitude to providing proper training, managers play a pivotal role in reducing stress and empowering their teams.
The discussion also explores on how modern security measures, whilst essential, can sometimes unintentionally heighten stress levels – and what can be done to counteract this.
Whether you’re looking for tips to manage conflict in the moment or advice on dealing with the aftermath of traumatic events, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you and your team thrive.
To access this interview click HERE
NEWS ARCHIVE
Harrison Retail unveils new loss prevention showroom to tackle shoplifting epidemic
The showroom includes a fully operational supermarket replica…
Harrison Retail has opened a new state-of-the-art showroom in Evesham, exhibiting a range of bespoke POS loss prevention solutions designed to combat shoplifting and opportunistic theft in-store.
With shoplifting costing retailers an estimated £1.8 Billion annually, the showroom offers a glimpse into innovative approaches to safeguarding profits whilst maintaining a positive shopping experience for customers.
The opening was marked by an exclusive event attended by key figures from the retail industry such as Simon Singleton, Former COO of H&B and Pepco Group UK; Simon Hedaux, Co-Founder of Rethink Retail; and Adrian Beck, a professor at the University of Leicester and a member of the ECR Retail Loss Group.
Guests were invited to tour a fully operational supermarket replica, which showcased a selection of bespoke POS loss prevention solutions in-situ.
The showroom also features a multi-functional space equipped to accommodate up to 50 guests for presentations, events, workshops and more.
Daryl Bedford, Manager Director of Harrison Retail, said: “While retailers’ efforts to combat shoplifting through defensive merchandising are well-intentioned, we are seeing them trigger unintended consequences as a result of compromised shelf appeal, replenishment rates and customer selection, ultimately limiting business success.
“This is why we created our point-of-sale loss prevention solutions, which are equally as effective in deterring criminal activity. However, they preserve the integrity of store layouts and access to products, keeping customers at heart. We strive to secure retail spaces with our innovative fixtures designed to limit accessibility to high-value merchandise and reduce the volume of products stolen from displays, combatting stock shrinkage.”
“We’re thrilled to open our showroom to prospecting and existing customers who can explore our product offering in a realistic retail setting from which we can collaborate to craft a customised solution tailored to each retailer’s targets.”
The showroom is available for visits by booking through the Harrison Retail website, by clicking HERE…
GUEST ARTICLE BY TIM MOORE
There’s always room for improvement, even if there isn’t for that last pig-in-blanket!
“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”
– Winston Churchill
The countdown to Christmas is on. And I’m already dreaming about the main event: Christmas dinner.
Foraging the aisles of my local supermarket this week, list in hand, I found myself mentally planning the feast. Turkey or beef? Roasted or mashed potatoes?
By the time I reached the checkout, I was practically drooling. I guess it’s no surprise – Christmas dinner is, for many of us, the culinary event of the year.
But, whilst acknowledging the importance of good company, what exactly elevates this particular roast from a traditional end of week meal to a fabulous festive feast?
For me, it’s got to be the pigs in blankets. Add those crispy, porky bites to a well-cooked roast and you’ve got a Christmas miracle on a plate.
I know I’m not alone in my love for these festive treats. A study by Perspectus Global estimates that a staggering 668 million pigs in blankets will be devoured this Christmas – that’s equivalent to 11.2 per person!
In fact, they’re so popular that one supermarket recently announced the launch of an all-you-can-eat pigs in blankets restaurant, complete with the world’s first footlong vegan pig in blanket (a bold choice for you, Dave!).
Of course, pigs in blankets aren’t the only stars of the show…
Take Brussels sprouts, for instance. Pair them with crispy bacon and they transform from school-dinner dread to holiday delight. Then there’s Christmas pudding. Let’s be honest, on its own it’s not exactly a showstopper. But add a generous dollop of brandy butter and suddenly it becomes a sweet finale worthy of the occasion.
When you think about it, there are lots of things that can be enhanced by adding the right elements. And this isn’t just true for food…
Advancements in smart technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) have breathed new life into all sorts of everyday products. Televisions are now interactive hubs, refrigerators can remind you to buy milk and thermostats learn your preferences to keep your home cosy while saving energy. And all thanks to clever enhancements and thoughtful additions.
I recently had a fascinating conversation with my neighbour, who works at Rolls-Royce, about this very concept. He explained how jet engines can handle air hotter than the metal surrounding them, and that even a minor increase in air temperature can reduce fuel efficiency by 8%. This is only possible because engineers apply a special coating to the engine, which improves the performance and heat-resistance of the underlying material.
It’s another powerful example of how the right enhancements can maximise the performance, efficiency and sustainability of existing innovations.
And that’s exactly what we’re doing at All-Tag with our innovative Q-Wrap® product. By overlaying this solution onto our RF and AM labels, we’ve created a smart way for retailers to protect small, high-value and high-shrink items like cosmetics – all without damaging the packaging or impacting the customer experience. And because this solution works with our existing security labels, it’s sustainable and eco-friendly too.
Of course, not every enhancement is a success, as I’m sure Rachel Reeves will agree…
After the Chancellor’s infamous updates to her CV were put under the spotlight last week, social media responded with an avalanche of memes. Her face was photoshopped onto everything from Gary Lineker to an astronaut. Proof, perhaps, that some things are better left untouched!
Whether it’s pigs in blankets, jet engines or All-Tag’s Q-Wrap®, the lesson is clear: improving the performance of something isn’t always about starting from scratch. It’s about knowing what to add, where and how.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Christmas dinner to finalise!
GUEST ARTICLE BY DAN HARDY
At a time of extremes and spiralling uncertainty, should you be better prepared?
From simple events to developing trends, we all have to get to grips with the impacts of a changing world…
Storm Bert. Wow!
And then its understudy let loose on stage – Storm Conall.
Sitting here on the Dorset Coast, it felt like our house was going to take off!
Perhaps it’s me. Maybe my military background. But I am not a person given to fear, panic or exaggeration. Even so, that was a humdinger of a storm.
My spaniel, Izzy went to ground, hiding under the dining room table. And to be honest I felt like joining her.
When Martha asks “Dad, is everything going to be alright” as a parent you put a brave face on it. “Yes of course,” was my reply. Although sensing a lack of conviction on my part, I think Martha started eyeing up Izzy’s safe haven too. Kids can sense these things… And I am useless at lying. I wish it were otherwise!
Who can forget the BBC footage capturing the moment that Tenbury Wells floods in Worcestershire? It is like something out of a Hollywood movie, as the water works its way quickly and almost silently through the town centre…
First an inch of water, then all too quickly six inches. And suddenly the piece of road that was dry 30 seconds ago is feet deep in water. Drivers throw their vehicles into gear and make a dash for it as the destructive power of the approaching floodwaters becomes horribly clear.
Listening to Prime Minister’s Questions today, the local MP for Tenbury said that a flood plan had been agreed, billions of funding allocated and yet no progress had been made in implementing the proposed defences. Rather surprising in a town where I understand the question is no longer will it flood again, but when.
Of course, some can respond to a disastrous situation with an impromptu solution. Hats off to the 94 year old in County Tyrone, whose ingenuity in the face of mobility issues saved her from a watery fate.
Annie Sweeney managed to escape harm as water flooded the ground floor of her house by getting in her chair lift and escaping to the upstairs of her house. Can you imagine! I have visions of Annie majestically rising from the waters and gliding victoriously up her staircase to safety, much to Poseidon’s chagrin and (in my head) accompanied to a rousing orchestral soundtrack worthy of Raise The Titanic.
Unlike James Cameron’s Titanic, which was one of the most successful films ever, Raise the Titanic (filmed in the 90s), was a box office flop; despite the best efforts of John Barry and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Perhaps overly ambitious special effects (before the era of CGI of course) meant that the film ran hugely over budget. It cost $36M to make and only took $8M at the box office. The film’s producer, Lou Grade, mused that “It would have been cheaper to lower the Atlantic!”
Despite our home’s proximity to the sea, fortunately the noise of the high winds and some spectacular footage of waves crashing over the sea defence on the coast were as bad as Bert and Conall got for my family. Although a few neighbours have lost fence panels and some of the trees and hedges have definitely taken a beating.
And of course, all of this is a reminder of the uncertainty that we face at this time of year. Unfortunately, according to the experts, it is not going to get better. If anything, the frequency of extreme weather events is going to get worse. And one has to say, this has not been helped by the outcome of the COP 29 talks.
The previous COP 28, held in Doha, was rather marred by the President of that conference – who somewhat controversially was also head of UAE state oil company, Adnoc. Sultan Al Jaber was apparently caught on camera during the summit surreptitiously touting for new contracts to export oil!
Having learned their lesson, the organisers of COP 29 assembled representatives from the rich industrial nations and the poor developing nations, to discuss how international collaboration was going to save the planet. Unfortunately, the talks seemed in trouble from the start. In his opening address, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev used his opening speech to say that petrochemical exporters should not be ashamed of their trade and that oil was “a gift from God”. I mean, there’s a time and a place for everything, mate!
All of this sparked a debate as to whether COP was any longer fit for purpose and that, at very least should not be hosted by oil producing countries. Wow! Never saw that one coming! As Karl Marx said, “There must be something rotten in the very core of a social system which increases its wealth without diminishing its misery.”
After a less than auspicious start, the assembled nations at COP 29 all agreed that $1.3Trillion was the amount needed by the poorer countries to meet the challenges of climate change and to operate sustainably going forward. Then the rich nations agreed to give them $300Billion! It is a lot of money. But then it is a BIG problem.
What price thwarting an existential threat I wonder. Turns out about 23% of what is required! There is something uniquely depressing about those who know the cost of everything, but the value of nothing.
Of course, the latest climate disruption is a timely reminder for us all with regard to things closer to home.
At ASEL we continued to model risk for retailers looking to do more with less. And following the Government’s decision to levy huge tax increases on business in the latest Budget, that’s pretty much everyone! Because we offer the service free of charge, it means retailers can look anew at how they cost their security and reprioritise in the light of recent developments.
And risk modelling is not just about the effects of the Budget. It also reflects things like the changing weather, sentiment amongst staff regarding their own safety and a myriad of other factors that allow informed decisions to be made about what resources are put where and for how long. And we can also model what if scenarios, where we throw into the mix an extreme event such as a big storm or terror attack.
At a time of extremes and spiralling uncertainty, it is more important than ever to be prepared come what may.
GUEST ARTICLE BY WILLIAM WALLER
Christmas on the beach? Perhaps not…
The Waller family festivities may look slightly different this year…
I’ve never quite understood the Brits’ obsession with the weather. Until now.
As native South Africans, my wife Mandy and I always knew that UK winters would take some getting used to. But after the meteorological chaos of the last couple of weeks, our eyes have been well and truly opened.
One minute it’s sub-zero and snowing, and the next it’s 18 degrees with gale-force winds, torrential rain and flooding. Talk about a baptism of fire!
Naturally, whilst this crazy weather rollercoaster was in full swing, I did what any self-respecting South African would do: I googled the weather back home, just to ‘see’…
Twenty-seven degrees and sunny. Of course it was. Damn.
This act of self-torment got me thinking about everything else that will be different for our first Christmas in the UK. For starters, there will be no sun-drenched beach BBQ on Christmas Day. I don’t think any amount of mulled wine is going to convince Mandy or the kids to brave thermals and frostbite for the sake of that tradition!
And as for a Christmas morning dip in the sea? Well, let’s just say the odds aren’t looking great. Although, to my surprise, I was told that a Boxing Day swim is a pastime in some parts of the UK too… As tempting as that sounds, I think I’ll pass!
Whilst we won’t be lighting the braai and roasting meat over coals this year, I’ll still be cooking up a feast worthy of the occasion. Minus the sprouts – that’s one British tradition I can’t get behind. Thankfully, my customary post-lunch snooze is a beloved ritual that seems to transcend borders!
When it comes to Christmas decorations, we South Africans know how to go all out too. But back home, the distinct lack of pine trees means we’ve always made do with an artificial one. Of course, with Britain boasting no end of real Christmas trees, that could now change… At least if I get my way.
One thing I won’t compromise on is the lights, especially not after witnessing the breathtaking illuminations London has to offer.
Earlier this week, I ventured to the capital to check out a recent Trellidor installation on the Underground. Whilst there, I decided to brave the crowds and visit Oxford Street.
I’m glad I did. The Christmas lights were nothing short of spectacular, with over 300,000 LED stars sparkling overhead. The store window displays were equally impressive (hats off to Selfridges for their dazzling creativity).
Sadly, not all parts of the UK have been as fortunate. Storm Bert postponed light switch-ons in places like Worcester, Kings Lynn and Bangor. Yet another reminder that the British weather takes no prisoners.
Between client meetings and my weekend getaways, it feels like I’ve visited all corners of the UK over the last couple of months. Cardiff has been a particular highlight – and not just because it hosted the Springboks’ victory over Wales at the weekend!
But then again, my recent foray to Oxfordshire was equally memorable. The grand halls of Blenheim Palace are awe-inspiring, and I’m already plotting a return for the festive light trail and Christmas market.
Speaking of Christmas markets, I had my very first experience of one last week. I’d travelled to Leicester to visit a retailer who’d recently had a shutter installed. Whilst in the area, I couldn’t resist wandering through the market in the town centre.
The wooden chalets, overflowing with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats, transformed the space into a proper winter wonderland. Unfortunately, I was driving and had to forgo the mulled cider – but I did indulge in a traditional German sausage!
Despite the erratic weather, I’m beginning to understand why so many of my fellow South Africans choose to call the UK home. There’s a certain magic here – especially at Christmas.
So whilst our festivities may look a little different this year, they’re shaping up to be just as special.
Besides, who needs braai on the beach when you’ve got mince pies by the fire!?!
Trellidor will be appearing at Retail Risk – Cape Town on 4th December 2024. To find out more, click HERE…
GUEST ARTICLE BY JAMES HAIGH
Snow, delivery drivers and a banana duct-taped to a wall!
Is it just me, or has the world lost the plot?!?!
I’m feeling particularly festive.
As I write, I’m gazing out at the snow-covered Malvern Hills – a picture-perfect winter wonderland. It’s so idyllic that, if it weren’t for the lack of chalet bars and après-ski revelry, I could almost believe I was in the Alps – not my living room in rural Worcestershire!
Esme is staring at me with her best ‘let’s play’ eyes, tail wagging like mad. She’s desperate to get outside and frolic in the snow. Truth be told, so am I. What can I say? I’m the biggest kid around – snow or no snow!
The arrival of the white stuff couldn’t have been better timed; I’ve just been given the go-ahead to wear hats again after my hair transplant. I’d love to claim my newly insulated scalp means I’m hardy to the elements, but unlike Scott (who still insists on wearing shorts!), I’m more of a hot chocolate and layers kind of person.
Ah well, you know what they say… no sense, no feeling! (Sorry Scott!)
The recent cold snap has finally forced me to admit defeat and switch on the heating. I held out for as long as I could, but after seeing my breath fogging up the kitchen I realised it was probably time to flick the switch.
Sadly for many people, that isn’t always an option. With news that the energy price cap is set to rise again in January, countless households are bracing for themselves for another difficult winter.
Earlier this month, Energy UK revealed that the average household in arrears already owes £1,500 and £1,300 on their electricity and gas respectively. That same week, a banana duct-taped to a wall sold at auction for $6.2 million.
Yes, you read that correctly.
The proud new owner of this “masterpiece” is cryptocurrency entrepreneur, Justin Sun. Apparently he plans to eat the banana as part of the “unique artistic experience.”
It’s official. The world’s gone bonkers!
Speaking of absurdities, I was listening to Johnny Vaughan’s Radio X podcast the other day, and he was musing over some of the ridiculous things that have come to light recently. The kind of stories that make you scratch your head and think, “Is this for real!?!”
Take the woman who took legal action because her letters were addressed as ‘Miss’ rather than ‘Mrs.’ Yes, that actually happened. Or the homeowners being forced to wait six months to get permission to install an environmentally friendly heat pump. Because nothing says “climate emergency” like red tape!
But the pièce de résistance? The revelation that takeaway delivery drivers are excluded from new legislation that will make it a specific offence to assault or threaten retail workers.
I mean, c’mon! Don’t delivery drivers deserve the same basic protections as anyone else? They’re out there delivering in all weathers to satisfy our late-night urges for pizza and noodles. The least they deserve is to feel safe whilst doing it.
In response, Deliveroo has launched its ‘Right to Ride Safely’ campaign and is calling on the Government to extend the new offence to include delivery drivers. Let’s hope Ministers listen.
Like many in the industry, violence against shopworkers and security staff is an issue that weighs heavily on my mind. Thankfully, during the three hours that Scott and I spent wandering the aisles of a well-known discount retailer yesterday, we didn’t encounter any such behaviour…
We were on our annual festive mission, stocking up on gifts for the team’s Christmas sacks – a much-loved tradition that’s grown over the years.
But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill sacks. Oh no, these are Advantage One sacks (apologies to M&S!). So expect to see a sleigh-load of fun (yes, fun – not tacky) surprises like inflatable reindeer toss, twerking party pong, festive bingo and novelty aprons!
But that’s not all. Over the next few weeks, the management team will visit every guard in person to thank them for their hard work. In my experience, small acts of appreciation like these go a long way in fostering loyalty, motivation and goodwill.
November marks the twenty-fourth anniversary of Advantage One being incorporated. When I founded the company all those years ago, I couldn’t have imagined how far we’d come or the community we’d build.
But despite our strong growth, it’s important to me that we continue to operate with a boutique mindset – prioritising personal touches in how we treat our staff and clients.
So as we prepare to enter our twenty-fifth milestone year, the management team and I are more determined than ever to go the extra mile to show we care – at Christmas time and beyond.
That’s all from me for this week. Esme has her paw on the door and those snow angels won’t make themselves!
guest article by WILLIAM WALLER
I salute you, Sir Cavendish!
It seems speed is a quality the ‘Manx Missile’ and I have in common…
What a send-off!
Sir Mark Cavendish certainly knows how to finish in style.
Then again, would you expect anything less? The man has been the king of finishing his entire career.
The newly-knighted cycling legend closed the curtain on his professional journey earlier this month with a triumphant victory in Singapore, taking his total number of career wins to an impressive 165.
And let’s not forget his record-breaking thirty-five stage wins in the Tour de France, 2011 road world title and podium finishes in both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. If ever there were a masterclass in dominance, determination and impeccable timing, this is it.
As someone with a penchant for sport (although I’ll be honest, my wife and I are more likely to be spotted pounding the pavement on two legs rather than tearing it up on two wheels), I’m utterly in awe of his accomplishments.
“I hope I retire in a blaze of glory like that,” I mused after watching Cavendish’s post-race interview. My wife just laughed!
On the bright side, delaying the pension gives me more time to craft a nickname as memorable as the ‘Manx Missile’ (the title Cavendish earned for his blistering sprint finishes). After all, Trellidor’s famously fast turnaround surely deserves some branding flair of its own!
Cavendish’s absence will be felt keenly on the cycling scene. None more so than by the Isle of Man, whom he has proudly represented at events like the Commonwealth Games.
Speaking of which, I see the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are shaping up to be a significantly smaller affair. The organisers recently announced that there will now only be ten sports – nine fewer than the 2022 lineup.
If you’ve been following the headlines, you’ll know the Games were originally due to take place in Victoria, Australia. But after the Aussies backed out citing skyrocketing costs, Glasgow heroically stepped in to save the day.
It’s a scenario that feels strangely familiar…
At Trellidor, we often find ourselves stepping up when retailers are left high and dry by their original shutter and grille providers.
That’s why we always encourage potential partners to onboard us as a secondary supplier. Because when the heat is on, it’s good to know you’ve got a trusted name ready to deliver at sprint speed.
Now if only I could pedal my way to a nickname half as legendary as the Manx Missile…
Trellidor will be appearing at Retail Risk – Cape Town on 4th December 2024. To find out more, click HERE…
GUEST ARTICLE BY JAMES HAIGH
From hairlines to headlines!
I’ve recently made a life-changing decision…
I’ve just frightened my neighbour. Unintentionally, of course.
“I didn’t recognise you without your cap on,” she laughed, her face a mix of surprise and amusement. Yep, for the first time in more years than I can remember, I am ‘cap-less’.
Why, you might wonder, would I choose to go bare-headed when the weather is getting noticeably colder? There’s actually a very good reason… I’ve just had a hair transplant.
That’s right. After years of procrastination (and, quite frankly, being too tight to part with the cash!) I’ve finally gone under the knife.
I started losing my hair when I was seventeen. But it wasn’t until a few months ago that I decided to do something about it. So last week I made my way to a clinic in London. It’s the same clinic, I’m reliably informed, that is frequented by countless celebrities (unfortunately none of whom I can remember to name!)
It was here that a team of specialists spent eight hours painstakingly punching 3,000 tiny holes into my head whilst I paid for the privilege. All on the understanding that “the results would be worth it”.
As barbaric as it sounds, the procedure was surprisingly tolerable. In fact, I was answering work calls before I even left the clinic. The worst bit didn’t come until a couple of days later… the saline solution they’d injected into my head caused my face to swell.
Apparently I looked like a character from Doctor Who!
As you’d expect, there were strict post-op instructions. I was told not to wear any form of headwear for twelve days to ensure the newly implanted grafts weren’t dislodged. As difficult as it was, I dutifully obeyed. Every hair is now more valuable than my car, and I intend to treat them as such!
The timing of the procedure also meant I wasn’t able to attend a hotly-anticipated event at Jeremy Clarkson’s new pub, which I’d booked tickets for as a treat for staff and clients. By all accounts (and judging by the photos in the Daily Mail), it was a brilliant evening.
Jeremey was in fine fettle, cracking jokes and mingling with guests while the Amazon film crew captured every moment.
The Corrs provided the evening’s soundtrack and the guest list was a who’s-who of familiar faces – James Blunt, Ellen DeGeneres, Natalie Imbruglia… oh, and Scott’s wife, of course! She even managed to snag a photo with the legendary Kaleb Cooper (and we all know he’s the real star of Clarkson’s Farm!)
Unsurprisingly, Jeremy’s new pub is proving hugely popular. I only hope that Mr. Clarkson takes his staff training responsibilities a little more seriously than his infamous antics on Diddly Squat Farm. However, it turns out that it is not just Jezza who is potentially falling short of the mark on staff training in areas that could prove desperately important…
This week an undercover BBC investigation revealed significant failings in the “Ask for Angela” safety scheme, an initiative that allows individuals to discreetly request assistance at bars and pubs.
The scheme relies on a simple code: if you feel unsafe, you ask for ‘Angela’ at the bar. Staff are meant to be trained to respond appropriately. Yet the BBC uncovered cases where training is falling far short of what’s required. “Some employees didn’t even know we were running [the scheme],” one whistleblower admitted. “If someone mentioned Angela, they wouldn’t have had a clue what to do.”
To say this is disappointing is an understatement. Initiatives like ‘Ask for Angela’ and its counterpart, ‘Ask for ANI’ (designed for use in shops and pharmacies during the pandemic), are crucial tools for protecting vulnerable people.
But their success hinges entirely on proper training.
At Advantage One, our security officers receive comprehensive training on all of these types of schemes. We also provide ongoing access to an online portal where they can refresh their knowledge whenever they need to.
The BBC’s investigation isn’t the only troubling news that’s caught my eye this week…
You may have seen reports about the smash-and-grab incidents plaguing businesses on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Staff say the area has become “lawless” and that despite reporting thefts to police, nothing has been done.
Based on our experience of working in stores in Edinburgh, I can’t say that I’m surprised. Drug use is rife in the city and, as we all know, crime rates and substance abuse are deeply intertwined.
If we want things to improve, we must take a new approach and address the root cause, as well as tackling the Shoplifting head-on.
I’m not saying it will be easy. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few months, it’s that unless you take action, nothing will change.
My new hairline is proof of that!
GUEST ARTICLE BY DAN HARDY
Puppies on a roll…
Well, mine look like they will enjoy a cossetted lifestyle!
I am pleased to report that my pregnant, sock-thieving spaniel, Izzy, is doing just fine.
More than can be said for me over Puppygate…
Initially I have to say the idea of becoming a grandparent was worrying. Not the training side of it, more the realisation that I am not 21 anymore and this ain’t Kansas. But being reminded of my mortality has become a concern secondary to that of the unexpected costs.
Perhaps you’ll think me naive, but upon receiving the news that grand pups were on their way I imagined a dog basket, lots of blankets, an excited family and all that good stuff from Little House On The Prairie when the Prairie Pups were born (if you do not know that show, I have nothing for you here!). Basically, I expected Izzy to do the heavy lifting. However, that may not be the case.
In order for Mother Nature to do her wonderful thing apparently today no self-respecting family would allow their dog to give birth without first purchasing a whelping box. If you don’t already know, that is a box with a clear partition down the middle, so that Izzy can get some rest after giving birth and not roll on her pups. And she will be able to see them on the other side of the see-through wall, and so reassured that they are well. To me that is four hundred quid. Yes £400.00! That’s a week at a decent Marriott where I come from.
Then there is the prospect of vet bills, vaccinations and registration with the Kennel Club, not to mention all of the paraphernalia that the modern pup requires.
Suddenly this puppy business is looking less like an expansion of the family and more like a contraction of my bank balance.
They say ignorance is bliss. All I can say is it is bloomin’ expensive! I have realised that it pays to be well informed, although I find not everyone agrees…
I was listening recently to a podcast taking issue with the media.
Apparently, evidence suggests that more and more people are turning off news programmes.
It’s not the fact that the world is a dangerous place, or that bad things happen. It is the relentless focus on a stream of bad news that the guests on the podcast were taking issue with.
The media representatives argued that it was not their fault. The world is a dangerous place right now, with Russia’s launch of ballistic missiles being the latest escalation in its war with Ukraine. There is a lot of conflict in the Middle East too. And it does not take too much imagination to see how all of this could get much, much worse before it gets better.
On the other hand, those critical of the media were pointing out on the podcast that the continual use of sound bites, snippets of information designed to get attention, were not being used to portray good, only bad. And not only was that the media’s fault, but it was also suggested that the politicians should stop obfuscating the truth and make sure that they spoke in full, honest and credible sentences. No more reading between the lines should be necessary… simply read the lines!
I have to say, I see their point. We have the most sophisticated information systems ever and yet we cannot discuss contrary ideas or even agree on what the basic facts are! It all makes for muddled thinking.
Making their message perfectly clear, something like 81 leading retailers signed a letter asking the Government to backtrack on its policy over National Insurance increases. The retail industry cannot absorb these costs. The letter was stating that in the view of the signatories reduced wages and employment was an inevitable consequence of these costs of employment as already overstretched businesses.
Just as in retail, the biggest cost at ASEL is people. And we have been front runners for some time in eliminating unnecessary cost by matching needs with resources using sophisticated AI driven technology. And this has brought our customers many benefits. In addition, we have created partnerships with retailers so that security becomes a profit centre instead of a cost. These two approaches are, it seems to me, exactly what is needed right now by risk managers, when they are being asked to do more with less.
And this week British Farmers too left little room for doubt about how they viewed the Government’s Inheritance Tax proposals.
The Government says less than 500 farms will be affected each year. The National Union of Farmers says it creates doubt for 70,000 farms every year. Both sides are trading statistics and seem to be entrenched.
At the demonstrations against the tax, the two images that had the greatest impact on me were pictures of tractors being drive around London en masse, causing chaos in the Capital followed by images of farmers’ children peddling dozens of toy tractors around the London streets too. That really summed up the farmers’ position for me.
Farmers may have millions of pounds in assets, but they do not see them as their own. They are just taking care of them for the next generation, eking out a living along the way.
And this sort of thinking seems odd to some, but I suppose that it is the same mindset that allows farmers to really love and care for their animals… and then send them to the slaughterhouse. That seems like a strange relationship to an outsider like me, but entirely appropriate to a farming family.
Just like my horror at £400 for a glorified dog box that will probably get used for 10 days and then be thrown in the attic, never to be seen again. To me it is an unexpected and slightly crazy extravagance. To the rest of my family, it is a basic puppy-raising essential!
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Retailers are right to warn of job cuts, says Andrew Bailey
The Bank of England Governor warns the number of roles could shrink by more than 50,000…
The Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, has said retailers are right to warn of potential job cuts as a result of tax increases announced in last month’s Budget.
Bailey appeared before the cross-party Treasury select committee on Tuesday, after more than 80 retailers claimed rising costs would make “job losses inevitable, and higher prices a certainty”.
Rachel Reeves’ first Budget increased taxes by £40BN, which Labour said would be used to fund creaking public services.
The biggest revenue-raiser was a £25BN rise in employer national insurance contributions (NICs), which has prompted a backlash from business groups.
In a letter to the Chancellor, retail bosses claimed this and other changes would cost the sector £7BN and lead to layoffs. Signatories included senior figures from Tesco, Greggs, H&M, B&Q and Specsavers.
Asked about their warning, Bailey told MPs retailers were “right” to raise the issue. He added that depending on how companies respond, there could be a bigger reduction in employment as a result of the NICs rise than the 50,000 jobs projected by the government’s spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
“I think there is a risk here that the reduction in employment could be more. Yes, I think that’s a risk,” Bailey said.
Reeves and Keir Starmer have robustly defended the budget in the face of criticism from companies.
Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/nov/19/retailers-are-right-to-warn-of-job-cuts-after-reeves-budget-says-andrew-bailey
GUEST ARTICLE BY DAVID DALTON
Why source tagging may be the answer to rising staff costs
The BRC’s letter to the Chancellor has got me thinking…
It’s been a turbulent few days for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
And not only due to the 10,000 farmers who descended on Westminster to protest about changes to inheritance tax.
I’m referring, of course, to the strongly worded letter submitted to the Chancellor by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) earlier this week.
Their message was stark. The measures announced in the Autumn Budget, coupled with impending policy changes, would, they claim, “make job losses inevitable, and higher prices a certainty.”
The letter’s 81 signatories, which include big names like Sainsbury’s, Asda, John Lewis, Boots and Marks & Spencer, are urging the Chancellor to reconsider the timing of the changes to “mitigate their harmful effects on high streets and consumers”.
Now normally when reflecting on the week’s events, I like to inject a little humour into my musings (usually at my or Tim’s expense).
But this is not one of those occasions.
As the BRC’s letter makes painstakingly clear, retailers are under immense pressure. So no. This isn’t the time for joviality. The stakes are too high and the challenges too pressing.
Let me be clear. I’m not here to comment on whether the increase in employers’ NI or the rise in the minimum wage are good or bad policies. There are plenty of parties on both sides of the debate already doing that.
Instead, I want to focus on the practical steps retailers can take to navigate the increasingly challenging environment…
With labour costs rising, businesses must maximise the efficiency of their most significant asset: their people. Now more than ever, it’s critical to ensure that you are utilising your colleagues’ time effectively.
For me, that begins with reassessing your loss prevention strategy and, specifically, your source tagging operations…
Source tagging – the process of attaching security labels or hard tags to products during the manufacturing process – has long been viewed by many retailers as a ‘nice to have’. A luxury rather than a necessity.
Historically, the higher complexity of source tagging meant it was usually simpler for staff to apply security tags by hand in-store. But over recent years, the economic calculus has changed.
Advancements in source tagging automation mean it’s now an efficient and economical option for more businesses – particularly in a climate of rising employment costs. Instead of shopworkers having to apply millions of security tags by hand, they can focus their time and effort on tasks that directly impact customer satisfaction and revenue.
And that’s not the only benefit. Source tagging, whether at the manufacturing stage or elsewhere in the supply chain, also allows retailers to tag a wider range of products and reduce shrink further.
It’s a win-win situation.
If you’ve previously dismissed source tagging as too costly or impractical, now could be the ideal time to reassess that decision. The economic landscape has shifted and the benefits of source tagging could be the game-changer you need to thrive over the coming years.
Earlier this week, I sat down with a major retailer to discuss how All-Tag could help them increase their source tagging operations. Their ultimate aim, they told me, was to eliminate in-store tagging entirely. By harnessing automation and cutting-edge machinery, they’re now planning to expand their source tagging program eightfold.
To be clear, no single solution will erase the complexities retailers face today. However, at All-Tag we have a proven track record of helping businesses to enhance efficiency, cut costs and combat shrink – whether through advanced source tagging, innovative loss prevention solutions or streamlined operational processes.
As the BRC’s letter underscores, the road ahead will not be easy. Given their damning assessment, the question for me isn’t whether retailers can afford to adopt source tagging…
It’s whether they can afford not to.
If you’re looking for a partner to help you navigate these challenging times, or if you’d like to discuss integrating source tagging into your existing operations, do reach out.
guest article by dan hardy
My family and other animals
We are going to be a grandparent…
As I write it is four years ago to the day since we locked down for Covid.
Four years! It seems like a lifetime ago.
Of course, part of the reason that time goes so quickly is that we are all sooooo busy…
For the last six weeks I have been living in hotels and working 18 hour days as the whole world and his wife suddenly seems to have woken up to the fact that ASEL is uniquely placed to help them throughout the Golden Quarter.
Time away from home is hard.
I miss Martha, my cricket-crazed 10 year old.
I miss Izzy, the crazy spaniel who nicks my socks every morning and runs off with them. Yeah. Brilliant game that Izzy… Never get tired of that one!
And of course, I miss my wife for many reasons; although at my age ‘getting lucky’ means walking into a room and remembering what I went in there for!
Given the significance of the day, Mrs Hardy asked me this morning, “What do you remember were the silliest things we were told that we should do during lockdown?” Hmm. Great question…
I think not being able to go into a pub and order a pint of beer unless you also bought a Scotch Egg has to be ‘up there.’
Then there is the image, indelibly etched on my mind, of police running at full pelt down an utterly deserted sandy beach… chasing a lone jogger. Useful effort that!
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but Nicola Sturgeon advising teachers to saw the bottoms off classroom doors to promote ventilation is something that neither I nor, I suspect, the Scottish Education Authority will forget in a hurry.
However, for sheer stupidity I have to say it was the trumpeter of a socially distanced, protective mask wearing band. He had cut a hole in his mask so that he could play his instrument without removing the ‘mask’. That, I think, MUST take first prize (I am laughing to myself now, just thinking about it!).
Finally returning home that evening, upon arrival I found myself ambushed…
Clearly a pre-meditated assault, a pincer movement launched by my wife and daughter simultaneously, found me pinned down in what has become a life changing discussion. Outnumbered, I surrendered…
The agreed peace terms are that ‘we’ have decided that ‘we’ want another dog to add to the crazed sock thief already in residence. And to that end a suitor must be found for Izzy on the basis that she is to provide my family with another pet and specifically me with ‘grand pups.’
The prospect of being bestowed with an inter-generational title synonymous with the passage of time and advancing of years is something I found strangely disturbing. Me a ‘grandad.’ Impossible..!
“I’m still a young man, in the prime of his life! I may be closer to 60 than not, but age is just a number,” I protested.
“Calm down dear,” my wife cooed soothingly. “Don’t let aging get you down… It’s too hard to get up again.” Charming!
Having ‘agreed’ to the plan, I was despatched to find a suitable stud. Although a rescue dog, Izzy is Kennel Club registered and so there is a complete record of her breeding line…
My first choice of potential partner, a spaniel whose owner I knew and lived only in the next village, turned out to be Izzy’s grandfather! Not a great start. However, through the auspices of the Kennel Club we found a suitable mate and the great day came when the two should meet.
Unfortunately, the first ‘date’ did not go so well. Gean the spaniel was not interested in Izzy, even though she is a very good looking bitch (!). “Blimey. Gean must be gay,” I thought, looking sympathetically towards the breeder.
Untroubled by the obvious failure on the part of his dud stud, Gean’s owner explained rather wistfully that “the time has to be right.” My mind turned to a Friday night, a French Restaurant, candles, soft nondescript music, sole meunière and a bottle of Puligny Montrachet.
Actually, it turned out that we just had to wait 2 days for Izzy to be ‘in season.’ And then on their subsequent meeting the two ‘hooked up’ and Izzy is now pregnant. Cheap date!
And it is good news. She is expecting her puppies on 20th December. Groan…
Just what I need the week before Christmas. Home based chaos and a new title to remind me of my mortality.
Suddenly those hotel rooms are looking quite appealing…
EDITOR’S CHOICE
UK policing minister kicks off debate on live facial recognition
Dame Johnston will meet with regulators and civil society groups to scrutinise the use of the technology…
The Minister for Policing, Dame Diana Johnston, has announced that the Government will hold a series of discussions on the police’s use of live facial recognition (LFR) before the end of the year.
The announcement came during the first debate on regulating the technology, which took place on Wednesday at Westminster Hall. MPs argued about well-known issues such as racial bias, accuracy and LFR’s impact on human rights.
Whilst Dame Johnston said LFR was a powerful tool that could “make our streets safer for us all”, she acknowledged concerns over the lack of dedicated legislation governing its use.
“In considering its current and future use, we must balance privacy concerns with the expectation that we place on the police to keep our streets safe,” Dame Johnston stated. “We particularly need to consider how much support the police may require from Government and Parliament to set and manage the rules for using technologies such as facial recognition.
“We must think about how we protect the public from potential misuse of those technologies, and we need to consider how the application of the rules and regulations is scrutinised.”
Dame Johnston has confirmed that regulators and civil society groups will now be invited to take part in a series of roundtable discussions on the subject.
Read the full story here: https://biometricupdate.com/202411/uk-policing-minister-kicks-off-debate-on-live-facial-recognition
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