Earlier this month, members of the Association of Security Consultants gathered at the Building Research Establishment’s world-class testing facility in Watford, for a hands-on look at how security technologies perform under pressure.
The BRE Live Testing Workshop was developed in collaboration with the BRE and Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to give consultants, manufacturers, and clients a shared understanding of what “fit for purpose” really looks like in physical security.
Throughout the day, live demonstrations tested products against forced entry, blast, and fire standards. Attendees watched in real time as doors, shutters, fencing, and access control systems were pushed to their limits. These were serious performance tests conducted by independent evaluators.
The result? Attendees saw exactly how well certain products stood up to professional attack simulations and left with a clearer sense of how to assess risk, specify products, and advise clients based on evidence, not assumptions.
The workshop also gave centre stage to some of the UK’s leading security manufacturers and suppliers, with exhibitions from Burton Security, Premier, ABLOY, MEESONS, and Selectgaze, alongside testing partners ALUROLL, CLD, Eagle Automation System Ltd., ej, Security Doors Factory, and Stronghold. Seeing the real-world performance up close gave attendees a chance to separate marketing claims from measurable outcomes.
Beyond the presentations or panel talks, the value of the day also came from direct exposure to both products and people. Technical conversations happened on the move – by the test rigs and in between demos! These discussions helped cut through complexity, especially around certification, and how products align with operational risk on live sites.
Events like this give consultants working insight. Watching independent tests, speaking to engineers, and sharing knowledge with peers offers something that can’t be replicated in webinars. For ASC, it’s another tool to encourage better-informed decisions in the field.
"We’re proud to deliver events that not only inform and inspire but also bring the security community closer together," said Gary Thompson, Chairman of ASC. "Our collaboration with BRE highlights the importance of a standards-led approach and reinforces ASC’s mission to support its members with real-world knowledge and insight."
This event marks the beginning of a more coordinated approach to physical security - where consultant insight and empirical testing converge to shape guidance, frameworks, and procurement decisions.
Continuing its trajectory of delivering high quality CPD events, ASC is preparing for its 31st ConSeC this October. With a new venue and refreshed look, the 2025 conference will focus on ‘Conflict & Emerging Risks: How they are Shaping the Future of Security Technology’. Keep an eye out on their website as the registrations will open soon.
