Member Info for Hedgehog100

"Care Begins At Home With Grosvenor Technology

... Access control is now integrated with Lynwood’s fire system and automatic doors, and the centre will also be taking advantage of enhanced security via the escorted guest feature, whereby staff swipe cards control visitors’ access.

“Lynwood’s previous experience of access control had left a fairly bitter taste. Now, thanks to Grosvenor Technology, residents and their families are secure in the knowledge that the access control on offer mirrors the state-of-the-art building. The Lynwood team is confident that the system is easy and intuitive to use, and that it is backed up by Grosvenor’s excellent aftercare support.”

– Andrew Wylie , Senior Account Manager, FTL"

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/industry-solutions/care-begins-at-home-with-grosvenor-technology/

In addition, Grosvenor's state-of-the art time clocks terminals can cater for disabled people much better than older options.

Manual paper time cards in particular can be very challenging for visually impaired persons.

It all adds up to NWT being the best listed disabled access play that I am aware of.

And this is a need that is only going to increase with our ageing population.

McCarthy & Stone, the (unlisted) retirement housing company, shows what a great business area this can be:-

"... in 1977 they built their first retirement housing development in Hampshire. Subsequently they ceased other building work to concentrate on developing specialist housing for elderly people.[3] By 1982, when the company was floated on the Unlisted Securities Market, the company had completed 15 retirement housing developments and was selling around 200 units a year.[4] Growth was rapid after the flotation, and by 1984 the company operated on a national basis with annual sales approaching 1,000 units. The business was exceptionally profitable due to a rapidly ageing population.[3] Annual sales reached 2,601 units in 1988.[3]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCarthy_Stone

And the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing trend means that strong investment demand is likely to match the strong business demand.

And Safetell's work in combining accessibility with security is complemented by Grosvenor Technology's excellent access control provision and support:-

"Case Study | Healthcare

Care Begins At Home With Grosvenor Technology

Lynwood's new Access Control system can be easily managed through a browser on any PC on Lynwood’s system and integrates with their fire and automatic door systems.

Ensuring the safety of people and premises lies at the heart of any access control system. But personal safety is even more important when the building is home to older people and those with additional health needs.

BEN is a UK charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry. As well as providing support and advice for families in need, BEN also provides home away from home care in four locations across the country, including the state-of-the-art Lynwood Care Centre in Ascot, Berkshire.

Although Lynwood residents were enjoying brand new facilities, staff and managers at the centre were concerned the security that had originally been installed wasn’t fit for purpose. They invited security experts from FTL Secure Solutions and Grosvenor Technology, who identified that access control could be both improved and simplified. Locks had been poorly installed, break glasses were missing and most importantly, the system wasn’t networked – meaning that every time access procedures changed, 30 keypads had to be individually re-programmed.

Access control is extremely important to the staff at Lynwood, who needed a failsafe way of making sure that patients feel safe and secure; while ensuring that access for staff, families and visitors is comprehensive and stress free. The Lynwood Centre has 96 beds and 69 apartments and offers facilities for patients with dementia, physically disabled younger people, respite and day care, and rehabilitation services, as well as residential nursing care – so sees a diverse range of staff and visitors on a daily basis.

“Access control is largely in the hands of nursing staff,” explains Andrew Wylie of FTL. “Understandably, their priority is Lynwood’s residents, and they aren’t security experts, so they needed a security solution that would take less time administering and securing – so they could spend more time caring.”

Lynwood now benefits from one of Grosvenor Technology’s access control systems, which FTL didn’t hesitate to recommend for the Centre. The system is 100% browser based, so the facility is now networked and can be controlled by the Lynwood team using a PC. The hardware is also quick and easy to install and doesn’t require dependency on IT specialists. ..."

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/industry-solutions/care-begins-at-home-with-grosvenor-technology/

"Met Police

Safetell Strengthens Security Measures for Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police, the largest police force in the UK, has a crucial role in maintaining public safety and security. With hundreds of staff, visitors, criminals, and members of the public passing through its branches every day, the MET needs a versatile and high-standard approach to physical security and staff protection.

When a large MET branch in West London required a security upgrade that would create a high level of security while still maintaining a warm and accessible environment, they appointed Safetell as the security specialist for the project.

Challenge

The branch wanted to create an environment that was more open-plan and less threatening than standard police stations while simultaneously enhancing access per the Equality Act 2010. However, as a highly-trafficked police station dealing with members of the public, including victims of crime and dangerous criminals, security was of the utmost importance. It was up to Safetell to implement safety solutions that would not compromise the accessibility of the space nor the safety and security of the staff and public.

Solution

Safetell created and installed a bespoke version of their moving security shield, CounterShield, an accessible interview room counter, security doors equipped with door automation and manual attack-resistant glazing that would enable officers to adjust the level of security in the building as required.

Outcome

The dedicated interview room, constructed using Countershield and Swing Door Automation, allows users to enter the room and open the door with the push of a button. The interviewer is able to control the security level inside by raising or lowering the manual attack-resistant CounterShield and securely locking the door at will.

The flexibility of the security solution allows staff at the police station to create a more open and accessible police environment without negatively impacting or compromising the level of safety in the building. ..."

http://www.safetell.co.uk/case-studies/safetell-strengthens-security-measures-for-metropolitan-police/

"Bank

Creating Equal Access in Banks

Equality of Access is a critical issue in modern times for both new and existing buildings. Ensuring accessibility for everyone, regardless of their abilities, is an important aspect of shaping a welcoming and inclusive environment. It is particularly true for the corporate head offices of businesses that want to offer access in accordance with the Equality Act, including the Northern Bank.

This prominent banking group, with over 200 branches and four head offices, wanted to improve access at their City of Leeds head office, located in one of the busiest business districts.

Challenge

The challenge was to link their existing Access Control solution with an enhanced Swing Door Automation system, allowing for ease of access for visitors and staff while also accommodating wheelchairs and mobility devices. Safetell was tasked with finding a solution that would carry the weight of the existing entrance doors, integrate with the networked access control system without messy cabling, and provide wheelchair access in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Solution

Meeting all of these requirements wouldn’t be easy, and no off-the-shelf solution would suffice. Safetell manufactured bespoke hardware and designed an electronic interface that eliminated pre-existing conflicts with the electronic locking system. This also removed the need for additional cabling.

Outcome

The installation of the automated door system was completed by Safetell’s team of engineers, providing a forward-looking security solution that successfully combined door security and wheelchair access. The receptionist staff at the Northern Bank reported that the new doors were beneficial to their colleagues and were easy to access. The bank was delighted with the result and is considering installing ten more systems. Overall, the doors provided access with ease for everyone, enabling a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Safetell’s innovative approach to providing access solutions not only met the Northern Bank’s requirements but also helped them create a better experience for staff and visitors. ..."

http://www.safetell.co.uk/case-studies/creating-equal-access-in-banks/

"Importance of Customised Security Solutions: Safetell’s Approach

09 August, 2023

... Why Is a Customised Solution Necessary?

While many companies are selling ready-made security solutions, typically limited to one type of product, they aren’t always suitable for your organisation’s needs. Here’s why a bespoke security solution is the best approach for most companies: ..."

https://www.safetell.co.uk/insights/importance-of-customised-security-solutions-safetells-approach/

Safetell's bespoke-customised solutions give them an enormous advantage in combining accessibility with security, as their many highly satisfied customers can testify.

Here are some cracking examples of Safetell's outstanding work in this regard:-

"RNIB

Safety For All With Safetell

RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) is the largest community of blind and partially sighted people in the UK. As a leading sight loss charity, it was essential that their headquarters had the necessary security measures in place to protect their staff, visitors, and sensitive information.

Challenge

RNIB required a secure access control solution for their multi-tenant building that would be accessible and easy to use for all, including those with low vision. Additionally, there was a need for high colour contrast on the gates to ensure that individuals with low vision could easily distinguish the entrance.

Solution

Safetell provided RNIB with two Round Cab Speed Gates integrated with third-party access control. The Speed Gates provide an aesthetically pleasing entrance control and anti-tailgating solution for any building or secure area. To ensure easy identification of the entrance, yellow highlighting was added to the black gates to provide high colour contrast for individuals with low vision.

Outcome

The installation of Safetell’s Round Cab Speed Gates has provided RNIB with an effective and easy-to-use access control solution that ensures the safety and security of their headquarters. Additionally, the high colour contrast provided by the yellow highlighting has improved the accessibility of the entrance for individuals with low vision. Safetell’s solution has provided RNIB with peace of mind, knowing that their staff, visitors, and sensitive information are protected. ..."

http://www.safetell.co.uk/case-studies/safety-for-all-with-safetell/

And quality servicing-maintenance of autodoors, as provided by Safetell, is crucial, to avoid the following sort of problem reported this week:-

"Disabled woman using commode in social housing flat due to door fault

4 days ago

By Stuart Woodward

BBC News, Essex

A disabled woman said she had used a commode toilet in her kitchen for nearly a year due to a fault in her sheltered housing flat.

Carol Aldridge says her front door in Chelmsford has an intermittent fault and opens at random times.

The 63-year-old said she positioned her wheelchair in front of the door for safety, but this prevented access to her wet room.

Her social housing landlord said it was trying to resolve the issue.

"I don't feel safe during the day or the night," said Ms Aldridge, who said she was at "breaking point".

Ms Aldridge said the fault on the door, which opens electronically, first occurred in April last year. ...

She said the noise of the door trying to open against her wheelchair, and the stress, kept her awake at night, and she said she had checked into a hotel on several occasions to get some sleep. ...

CHP said it had visited her flat on numerous occasions and the door had "always worked as it should" when they had inspected it. ..."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-68493201

"What are the current automatic door legislations that apply for powered pedestrian doors?

13 June, 2023

... Regular Maintenance & Servicing

The BS EN 16005:2012 standard emphasises the importance of proper installation by trained professionals and routine maintenance to ensure the ongoing safety and reliable operation of the doors. At Safetell, we help our clients ensure the safe and reliable operation of their automatic doors with our automatic door maintenance service. We ensure that your automatic doors operate efficiently and meet automatic door legislation requirements.

Contact our professional experienced team to find out more about automatic door installation and maintenance, and how we can help."

http://www.safetell.co.uk/insights/automatic-door-legislation/

Note that under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and the Equality Act 2010, public buildings in the UK are legally required to provide easy access for people with disabilities.

So some premises could actually potentially be breaking the law by not having automatic doors, if they have not made other reasonable adjustments to allow disabled people to enter.

And of course everyone will experience restricted mobility at some point in their lives, e.g. when they are young children or elderly.

"DISABLED ACCESS DAY

Disabled Access Day 2024 March 16

Disabled Access Day takes part every two years and is all about trying something new ...

In 2015 Disabled Access Day began as a day to celebrate good access and created opportunities for people to try something new. The day was about highlighting the fantastic access that already exists in places, ..."

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/disabled-access-day-2024/

To celebrate Disabled Access Day 2024, I would like to highlight the excellent work that Newmark Security is doing in this area: with automatic doors being a key part of this:-

"How do automatic doors help people with disabilities?

... Automatic doors are particularly helpful for people with disabilities. Any organisation that is serious about widening access and promoting accessibility should consider installing automatic doors.

Breaking down barriers

... People with disabilities make up a significant percentage of the population (22%) and when they are unable to access services, take part in leisure activities, shop and socialise, it’s a lost opportunity for businesses. ...

The advantages of automatic doors for disabled people

The use of automatic doors has a range of benefits for disabled people, some of them obvious, others that are less so. Automatic doors eliminate the need for manual effort to open the door. This makes it easier for people with disabilities to enter and exit a building. This is particularly important for people with mobility challenges, such as those who use wheelchairs or walkers, but also for people with other forms of disability such as autism.

Manual doors can be heavy, particularly larger doors in commercial buildings, making them almost impossible to open for some people. This is not only an issue for people with disabilities, it can also be challenging for older people. Automatic doors make it easier for a wider range of people to use your building comfortably.

Automatic doors also provide a safer operation for disabled people and other users. Doors equipped with sensors and touchless activation can be triggered without the need for physical contact, reducing the risk of germs and viruses spreading. This is particularly important in buildings such as hospitals and schools

Automatic doors can also be equipped with special features to accommodate the needs of disabled people. For example, some door operators can be programmed to operate at a slower speed, making it easier for people with mobility issues to pass through the door. Other safety elements such as audible signals can be incorporated to alert visually impaired people that the doors are open.

A key element in widening access

Promoting accessibility in your building is a comprehensive project within which automatic doors will play a key role. ..."

https://insights.safetell.co.uk/how-do-automatic-doors-help-people-with-disabilities

"How to protect against access card cloning

... Selecting the right BLE reader is crucial for effective access control. Features such as easy credential distribution, customisation options, and support for BLE and traditional cards and fobs enhance security and flexibility. BLE readers that allow customisation through a smartphone’s built-in fingerprint scanner/face unlock contribute to an additional layer of protection.

How to bolster access card security

The rise of card cloning poses significant dangers to organisations, ranging from security breaches to reputational damage. Recognising the urgency to fortify access control cards against cloning, Grosvenor Technology offers these practical tips to enhance security measures.

• Use modern, secure cards: Shift from outdated MIFARE Classic cards to more secure options like MIFARE DESFire, equipped with EV2 and EV3 chipsets.

• Leverage security features: Make optimal use of security features available in different access control cards, focusing on secure cryptography and automatic activation of security features.

• Use programmed cards: Programming cards add information, such as credential data, to the card’s chip, enhancing card security.

• Embrace mobile access control: Move away from traditional cards and adopt mobile access control, utilising smartphones for secure and encrypted credentials.

• Employee education: Fostering a culture of security awareness and implementing proactive measures are essential to combating the threat of employee access card copying. By addressing vulnerabilities, organisations can bolster their defences against unauthorised access and protect the integrity of their access control systems.

• Regular inspections: Regular access card checks serve to identify anomalies or unauthorised replicas, acting as a deterrent to potential attackers while reinforcing the significance of access card security among employees.

Adopting advanced access control technologies becomes paramount in the face of evolving security threats. Grosvenor Technology’s commitment to innovation aligns with industry trends, ensuring that access control systems remain resilient against the growing menace of card cloning. As organisations navigate the complex landscape of security, the shift towards mobile Bluetooth-based solutions emerges as a beacon of enhanced security and convenience.

Grosvenor Technology offers tailored solutions for organisations seeking to fortify their access control systems and stay ahead of emerging threats. Speak to our experts today to safeguard your premises against card cloning."

https://newmarksecurity.com/insights/how-to-protect-against-access-card-cloning/

"How to protect against access card cloning

... What are EV2 and EV3 chipsets?

At Grosvenor Technology, we work with the newest systems that incorporate high-frequency communication with strong MIFARE DESFire EV2 and EV3 levels of encryption. Here is a summary of the technologies and how they can bolster building security and reduce the chances of card cloning:

MIFARE DESFire EV2: Offering advanced encryption algorithms and mutual authentication protocols, EV2 chipsets provide a formidable defence against cloning and unauthorised access attempts. With support for multi-application capabilities, EV2 cards enable access control systems to accommodate diverse credentials and functionalities within a single card, ensuring enhanced data integrity and confidentiality.

MIFARE DESFire EV3: Building upon the foundation of EV2, MIFARE DESFire EV3 chipsets introduce additional security layers to fortify access control systems further. Incorporating diversified keys and secure messaging protocols, EV3 chipsets thwart sophisticated hacking attempts and prioritise compatibility and interoperability, facilitating seamless integration with existing infrastructure. With enhanced speed and efficiency, EV3 cards streamline authentication and data transfer processes, empowering organisations to maintain a robust security posture in the face of evolving threats.

Bluetooth-based access control

In response to the security vulnerabilities associated with traditional proximity ID-based readers, the industry is witnessing a significant trend towards mobile Bluetooth-based access control solutions. The adoption of smartphones for access control credentials has become a game-changer, offering higher encrypted credentials tied to the smartphone.

Bluetooth is seamlessly integrated with smartphones that users already utilise for various tasks. Bluetooth’s familiarity and widespread application make it an attractive choice, eliminating the hassle of remembering keys or carrying proximity cards. The encrypted nature of Bluetooth credentials provides a robust defence against cloning and hacking concerns associated with traditional proxy credentials.

Adopting Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in mobile access control systems ensures efficient and high-performance technology. BLE-based access control systems leverage a Bluetooth-enabled reader wired to the access control panel and the credential holder’s smartphone. This deployment is user-friendly, with a one-time internet connection required during the initial setup, making it a secure and convenient option. ..."

https://newmarksecurity.com/insights/how-to-protect-against-access-card-cloning/

Just added to NWT's website, a superb new article on access card cloning, that builds on on a 1st. December 2023 Grosvenor Technology article on the same subject:-

"How to protect against access card cloning

Businesses must fortify their building security to protect against the evolving threat of card cloning"

https://newmarksecurity.com/insights/

"Card Cloning – A Real Threat to Modern Building Security

Thankfully, innovation has led to the development of encrypted solutions that provide the security that all environments can benefit from."

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/insights/card-cloning-a-real-threat-to-modern-building-security/

"Insights

How to protect against access card cloning

The threat of card cloning casts a long shadow in the building security landscape. As technology advances, so do malicious actors’ techniques to compromise access control systems. This article delves into the pervasive card cloning issue, explores the industry landscape, and sheds light on how Grosvenor Technology can work with your organisation to upgrade your building security approach.

Card cloning remains a substantial security risk, with hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in existing proximity ID-based readers. The shift from 125 kHz prox technologies to smart 13.56 MHz credentials marked an industry response to documented security vulnerabilities. However, even these technologies face challenges as hackers swiftly find ways to clone prox credentials.

Additionally, employee access card copying presents a significant threat vector. Attackers can obtain access card information through various avenues, such as social media, observing employees in common areas, or within the company premises.

The repercussions of cloned access control cards are severe, ranging from security breaches to potential harm to the building, company, staff, or data. A security breach could lead to reputational damage and financial losses. Recognising these dangers, organisations are urged to prioritise security measures promptly. ..."

https://newmarksecurity.com/insights/how-to-protect-against-access-card-cloning/

So Warren Buffett himself has embraced the HeSaas phenomena, with his massive investments into Apple.

And who can argue with 'The Oracle of Omaha'?

Moreover, Buffett was for decades renowned for his aversion to tech investments, due to their risk and uncertainty; though he did say that his investment techniques could be applied to the tech sector.

Apple's HeSaaS was Buffett’s great insight: and Newmark's HeSaaS has been on of our great insights, Dab.

I can't speak for you, but for me it was a bit of a 'Eureka!' moment.

Like a case of 'HeSaaS Bejeesus!'

Dab808 Posts: 231 Price: 92.50 Strong Buy

RE: Hardware-enabled SaaS (HeSaaS): Dawn of a New(mark) Era 5 Mar 2024 16:42

" ... What an excellent post and I totally agree. HeSaaS is the magic formula as Apple have proven ..."

https://www.lse.co.uk/ShareChat.html?ShareTicker=NWT&share=Newmark-Security&thread=AB453DDB-A668-4246-B4DB-BE9117BA4622

Thanks for that great reply Dab.

A nice, juicy comparison, which is certainly something to get your teeth into:-

"Apple’s Services Push Pays Off

R. Scott Raynovich

Contributor

R. Scott Raynovich is the Founder and Chief Analyst at Futuriom.com

Jan 28, 2021, 12:25pm EST

... Investors care about Apple's services growth because it means the company is becoming more diversified into services in Wall Street's view, allowing it to trade at a higher multiple of profits and sales. Services and software companies generally have higher valuation multiples than hardware companies. In the business, they call this a "re-rating." ..."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rscottraynovich/2021/01/28/apples-services-push-pays-off/?sh=6666624c154f

"Why Warren Buffett invested in Apple - and it’s still paying off

Published 3 November 2023

Tom Stevenson

Fidelity International

... Buffett bought Apple shares in the first quarter of 2016, and they have turned out to be one of his best investments, rising in value by more than 500% since he started to build a stake of nearly 6% in the world’s biggest business. ...

In some ways it is surprising that it took Buffett so long to arrive at Apple. It always had a strong brand and incredible customer loyalty, but it was the growth of the company’s services arm that marked the transition from a classy hardware manufacturer to a brand that people cannot imagine living without.

That was Buffett’s great insight, and the surge in Apple’s value since 2016 has been his reward. ..."

HTTP://www.fidelity.co.uk/markets-insights/investing-ideas/investing-ideas/why-warren-buffett-invested-in-apple-and-its-still-paying-off/

"Here's How Much You'd Have If You Invested $10,000 in Apple Stock When Warren Buffett First Bought It

Keith Speights, The Motley Fool

Sun, March 3, 2024 at 3:50 PM GMT · 4 min read

Warren Buffett told Berkshire Hathaway shareholders last year that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) was a "better business than any we own." And he has put his money where his mouth is through the years.

Apple ranks as Berkshire's biggest holding by far. It makes up a whopping 44.3% of the conglomerate's portfolio. Like many investors, Buffett has made a lot of money from his investment in the technology giant. ...

Berkshire first initiated a position in Apple in the first quarter of 2016. Buffett and his team at first bought roughly 39.2 million shares of Apple.

... Today, Berkshire owns nearly 905.6 million shares. ..."

https://www.fool.com/investing/2024/03/03/invested-apple-stock-warren-buffett-first-bought/

A very recent addition to NWT's website, about the 2024 BRC (British Retail Consortium) crime survey:-

"Insights

Protecting against retail crime during a “crisis”

... The UK is in the midst of a retail crime crisis that “demands action”, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said. ...

Incidents of customer theft more than doubled during the reporting period, from eight million to 16.7 million. In monetary terms, that theft costs retailers £1.8 billion – the highest figures ever recorded, up from £950 million. ...

Retailers are investing heavily to protect their staff and their stock. Figures show that crime prevention spending totalled £1.2 billion over the 12 months, up from £720 million, with retailers installing measures such as security doors, perspex screens to protect staff, and high-quality CCTV systems.

In total, the cost of retail crime and spending on crime prevention has risen to £3.3 billion, up from £1.8 billion.

Unfortunately, there is little optimism that these issues will soon improve. ...

The BRC has previously called on the government to offer tax relief on crime prevention investments, or to introduce funding for retailers, and said these statistics clearly show the need for meaningful law enforcement.

A scheme is in place in South-West England for independent retailers to access up to £2,000 to cover the cost of security upgrades, but the industry body would like to see a nationwide initiative rolled out. ..."

http://newmarksecurity.com/insights/protecting-against-retail-crime-during-a-crisis/

It's hardly surprising that demand for Safetell's retail security solutions is soaring, and there's a compelling case for tax breaks and subsidies for such investments, which could boost demand even more.

Safetell is an absolute expert in this area, and won't leave people hanging around:-

"Retail Sector

The retail sector, as we all know, is an industry focused on customer service, convenience and accessibility. This is reflected in the range of bespoke security solutions that Safetell has developed to keep customers and employees safe while still providing the best possible customer service experience.

Our specialist range includes screens and counters, retail banking solutions, security doors and door enhancements, transfer units, cash & asset protection, and service and maintenance."

http://www.safetell.co.uk/sectors-solutions/

"Watch: Woman hoisted into the air by shop shutters"

Wales · 3 days ago

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-68480197

And in the legendary tech stocks investment book "Super Stocks", marketing in its broad sense is highlighted as one of the very key factors that can make a super tech company:-

"Books I have read...

2018-03-21

Super Stocks by Kenneth L. Fisher

... If a company isn't good at marketing, it isn't good. A technology company that isn't good at marketing, isn't good at technology. A Super Company is competent (not necessarily perfect) at marketing.

Most of the variance in results boils down to finding what to develop in the first place. What should the product be like? How should it perform? Why will the customer prefer it over other alternatives? What is the motivation that generates the sale? These kinds of marketing factors determine up to 80 percent of the effectiveness of research. The other 20 percent varies with the capability of management. ...

Super Companies: The Business Aspects

... In their most abbreviated form, the business aspects of a Super Company must include:

1. Growth orientation: A burning desire in all senior personnel [...] for growth. This need manifest itself not only in growth markets but, more importantly, throughout the daily lives of the employees that make growth happen.

2. Marketing excellence: A broad understanding of changes in the nature of its market – at least as soon as the customer first perceives them – along with an organization capable of attaining and continuing to maintain customer satisfaction.

3. An unfair advantage: A competitive superiority over all current or potential competitors – usually being the lowest-cost producer – and/or having established a unique or semiproprietary position in at least a major portion of its product lines.

4. Creative personnel relations: A company "culture" that makes employees feel that they are treated with dignity, that they have been and will be offered fair promotion opportunities, and that they exist in an atmosphere where constructive ideas from subordinates are encouraged and financially rewarded.

5. The best in financial controls: Financial controls which learn quickly if results are not as planned. This must be coupled with a constant desire to seek continual creative evolutionary improvements in financial controls relative to the competition.

Marketing is an absolute key – perhaps the single most important aspect to success. More companies fail, or exist at a lackluster level, for lack of marketing excellence than for any other single reason. Superb marketing is so important because it satisfies one of business's only reasons for existence: its customers.

Marketing in its simplest and best form is helping people. And it is hard to do a good job if you don't understand them. This ability to understand the customer is what makes good marketing so unique. ..."

https://books.danielhofstetter.com/super-stocks/

Note also that NWT is outstanding in all five of the key business attributes listed above.

"United Nations

International Women's Day

8 March

Invest in women: Accelerate progress

Achieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet. However, we are facing a key challenge: the alarming $360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures by 2030.

Join us on March 8, 2024, for International Women’s Day under the theme 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, and take a stand with us using the hashtag #InvestInWomen.

Take a stand with us using the hashtag #InvestInWomen

The official website of UN Women is the meeting point to mobilize, contribute, read stories, and find material to spread the message through social networks. ..."

https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day

To Mark International Women's Day 2024, I would like to pay tribute to NWT's brilliant CEO Marie-Claire Dwek, and the stellar success she is achieving in a male-dominated industry.

Note that prior to her appointment as NWT's CEO, Marie-Claire had a marketing-investment background:-

15th Apr 2013 7:00 am RNS Directorate Change

"Appointment of Chief Executive Officer

Newmark Security plc (AIM:NWT), a leading provider of electronic and physical security systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marie-Claire Dwek as Chief Executive Officer of the Group

Since 2001 Marie-Claire Dwek has worked in property investment and management for Motcomb Estates. Previously, Ms Dwek, aged 48, worked for four years as marketing director of Newmark Technology Limited, a subsidiary of the Group. ..."

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/NWT/directorate-change-kmfml2x57k1k7g8.html

"What Being A Partner Can Do For Your Business

... New For 2024: Extended 5 Year Warranty

This year, we increased the warranty period for our Advance Hardware to 5 years. This extended warranty applies to all Advance Hardware products purchased after 01/02/24.

This enhancement of our existing warranty extends to;

• Multi Controllers: Manage up to 8 doors from a single location.

• Single Controllers: Manage up to 2 doors (read in only) or 1 door (read in and read out).

• 2-Door Blades: With 2 additional inputs and outputs.

• I/O Blades: Offering 8 highly configurable inputs and outputs on a single blade.

• OSDP Blades: Featuring the latest secure and encrypted communications technology between the reader and controller.

A Partnership That Opens New Doors

At Grosvenor Technology, we are known for our collaborative approach, where Partners are highly valued and regarded. If you have an upcoming project that you’d like support with, just contact your local account manager or apply to be a partner here."

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/insights/what-being-a-partner-can-do-for-your-business/

The article is also featured on Grosvenor's LinkedIn page:-

https://uk.linkedin.com/company/grosvenor-technology

Another very good new article just added to Grosvenor Technology's website, which highlights the company's leading approach to partnerships, and helps to explain why they are so successful in developing these.

The very compelling combination of technology, price, training, and support is clearly a very winning one.

"What Being A Partner Can Do For Your Business"

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/insights/

"Insights

What Being A Partner Can Do For Your Business

At Grosvenor Technology, we are known for our collaborative approach, where Partners are highly valued and regarded.

Ben Lagden

Commercial Director

At Grosvenor Technology, we prioritise the relationship we have with our Partners because we recognise that their success is our success. By delivering exceptional customer service, providing responsive tech support, and continually developing cutting-edge solutions, we provide our Partners with the best platform to thrive in the competitive security sector.

So, what does being a Partner mean? And how can it make your job easier?

Our Tech

First of all, you have exclusive access to our Advance Controllers, Blades and JanusC4 software. Our in-house development team have been leading the way since our solutions debuted in 2016. Renowned for its ease of use and comprehensive features, our hardware stands out from the competition by offering plug-and-play functionality that simplifies door additions.

Our tech is developed here in the UK, with plentiful stock always available from our Dorset-based warehouse, making ordering new stock quick and reliable.

Competitive Cost

As you’ll likely know, JanusC4 is among the most competitively priced access control solutions on the market. We’ve invested heavily in the development of its functionality so it can deliver exceptional value to your customers, ensuring it earns its reputation as a workhorse of the AC industry. With sales only made to registered Partners, you won’t be competing on price against retailers, either.

Free Training

You may have met Robert, our in-house trainer. He’s created both online and in-person workshops designed to impart an in-depth understanding of our products and their application. Our training is completely free and includes collaborative modules with industry leaders like Assa Abloy and Gamanet.

See more on our training event schedule here.

Partner Zone

The Partner Zone on the website allows you to instantly access documentation like data sheets, installation guides and product information at the click of a button. And if you need assistance with a project, our tech support team is available 27/7. ..."

https://www.grosvenortechnology.com/insights/what-being-a-partner-can-do-for-your-business/

6th Mar 2024 1:08 pm RNS Proposed Acquisition and Suspension of Listing

"Spiritus Mundi plc, (LSE:SPMU), the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) seeking to acquire targets in Europe and Asia in the clinical diagnostics sector, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a heads of terms (the "Head of Terms") to acquire the entire issued share capital of InReste Pte. Ltd. ("InReste") (the "Proposed Acquisition"). The Proposed Acquisition would constitute a reverse takeover under the UK Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA")'s Listing Rules.

InReste operates in the healthcare sector, offering a range of innovative technologies and solutions, including through its related companies. It is an integrated healthcare and wellness provider with an established biomedical research and development arm that holds exclusive patents over a number of clinical diagnostic tests. InReste is currently in the process of undertaking a corporate reorganisation such that, prior to entering into the Proposed Acquisition, it will own the entire issued share capital of Restalyst Pte. Ltd. ("Restalyst") and Reste Laboratories Pte. Ltd. ("ResteLab") (the "Restructuring"). ResteLab operates a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art laboratory in central Singapore, offering a comprehensive selection of testing, screening and laboratory services to clinicians and healthcare professionals. It is automated to process laboratory tests quickly, turning around up to 10,000 tests daily. These services are complemented by Restalyst, which is an innovative biomedical company that develops, manufactures and markets a range of diagnostic solutions. It provides clinically-proven diagnostic solutions, including a number of patented solutions, to the medical and healthcare industry including detection kits for gastric cancer, nasopharyngeal (nose) cancer and liver cancer.

Zaccheus Peh, the Company's Non-Executive Chairman, is a controlling shareholder of InReste and is expected to hold a controlling interest in InReste following completion of the Restructuring. ..."

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/SPMU/proposed-acquisition-and-suspension-of-listing-z7lgrxo5yifb2tk.html

SPMU has been suspended today at a s.p. of 3.75p, market cap. £2.22M.

And as at 30 September 2023 the Company held £498,626 in cash.

I.e. a market cap. at suspension of nearly four times more than ARA's (at 5.75p), despite having far less cash than ARA.

Hardware-enabled SaaS (HeSaaS) should become, in my opinion, become one of the 'gold standards' of tech investments.

Its merits are not yet fully-widely appreciated in the general investment community, but the 'cognoscenti' already do, and have been investing accordingly.

Pure play SaaS investments seem to be more erratic: the results can be anywhere from very good to disastrous.

RDT (Rosslyn Data Technologies - which profit-warned yesterday) is a good (or bad) example of the latter type: down over 99% since its floatation a decade ago.

And my gut feeling is that the 'golden era' of pure play SaaS investments is now over.

But how to play this emerging HeSaaS zeitgeist?

Well, I know of no better HeSaaS play than NWT.

It's only relatively recently that NWT has evolved into such an exciting HeSaaS opportunity, and its rerating upwards is still relatively early stage, so there's still an opportunity to invest here 'before the train leaves the station'.

It is quite simply an outstanding investment opportunity, of the type that very rarely present themselves.

A £100M. market cap. within a few years looks more than achievable, which would equate to a good ten-bagger from 90p, even with say 15% dilution.

So this share should certainly provide a very nice pension for many people.

Hardware-enabled SaaS (HeSaaS) can therefore be a real key to greater efficiency and effectiveness: for the users, and ergo for the wider economy.

And in addition, HeSaaS can also often be a better business model for the provider than 'pure play' SaaS; this article explains why:-

"Hardware Enabled SaaS : Next generation of SaaS companies

Kumar Sparsh · Follow

Published in Unicornindia · 3 min read · Sep 23, 2019

... This is why we believe that Hardware enabled SaaS (HeSaaS), a model where hardware is an integral part of the SaaS offering, can be a logical evolution of the pure play SaaS model for many industries and use cases. HeSaaS manages to circumvent or minimize many challenges faced by SaaS startups. The hardware element acts as an anchor, helping in reducing customer churn by reducing the possibility of customers migrating away to a marginally cheaper or marginally better SaaS. HeSaaS startups doing outright hardware sales are further able to magnify the Lock In Effect. Talent to work on specialized hardware design is also tougher to find, which along with defensible IPs makes it tougher to directly copy the product and greatly reduces commodification risk. HeSaaS model also opens up new or untapped niche markets that couldn’t have been effectively served by a SaaS only model. Hence there has been a lot of interest in this space in recent years. ..."

https://medium.com/unicornindia/hardware-enabled-saas-next-generation-of-saas-companies-aa84a0a4d293