KST Connect – Issue 1
Contents
- A Message From Our CEO
- Celebrating Our EcoVadis Bronze Certification
- KST and Permaconn Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive Innovation in the UK Security Market
- Cyber Essentials Certification
- Annual ESG Report 2024/25
- KST awarded extension of prestigious contract with Post Office Limited until 2029
- Innovation Day Success
- Congratulations to Team Scotland
- KST & KGS Shortlisted for The Security & Fire Awards for Excellence
- Investing in Learning: Our New LMS Launches This November
A Message from Our CEO
I am delighted to introduce the inaugural edition of KST Connect, our new quarterly newsletter designed especially for you. At KST, we believe that strong, open communication between us and our customers is the foundation of long-term success. With this newsletter, our aim is to keep you informed, engaged and at the heart of everything we do.
Each quarterly issue will bring you updates on our latest innovations, insights from our expert teams, and practical tips to help you get the most from our services. We’ll also be sharing customer stories, celebrating achievements, and offering you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening within KST. This is more than just a newsletter—it’s an opportunity for us to connect, learn and grow together.
If you have feedback or topics you’d like to see covered in future editions, please do let us know by emailing [email protected]. Your input will help shape KST Connect and ensure it remains valuable and relevant to you.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. I look forward to sharing our journey with you and celebrating our collective success in the months ahead.
Warm regards,
Bob Forsyth
CEO, Kings Secure Technologies
Celebrating Our EcoVadis Bronze Certification
We are proud to announce that we have successfully achieved the EcoVadis Certification at Bronze level! This outstanding accomplishment places us among the top 35% of all EcoVadis members worldwide, reflecting our collective commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
What is EcoVadis?
EcoVadis is a leading global provider of business sustainability ratings. Their rigorous assessment evaluates companies on environmental, social, and ethical performance, offering valuable insights and benchmarking data to help organisations improve their sustainability practices.
Why This Matters
Achieving this certification is a significant milestone for us. It demonstrates that sustainability is not just a goal but a core part of how we operate. By meeting EcoVadis standards, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a positive impact for our stakeholders and the environment.
What’s Next?
EcoVadis will work with us to develop an action plan aimed at improving our score in the coming years. This is just the beginning of our journey towards even greater sustainability achievements.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success—your hard work and commitment made this possible!
KST and Permaconn Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive Innovation in the UK Security Market
We are thrilled to announce our new strategic partnership with Permaconn, a market leader in secure communications technology. This exciting collaboration was officially unveiled at our recent KST Innovation Day 2025 and marks Permaconn’s formal entry into the UK market. It’s a move that reinforces our ongoing commitment to working with the most forward-thinking and innovative partners in the security sector.
For over 50 years, we’ve led the way in delivering cutting-edge security solutions across the UK. Innovation is at the core of everything we do, and we’re meticulous in selecting best-of-breed partners to ensure our clients benefit from the very latest in performance, flexibility and engineering. Our partnership with Permaconn is a perfect example of this strategy in action—bringing together two pioneers with a shared vision for technological excellence and industry transformation.
As part of this collaboration, our state-of-the-art monitoring centre, K-SOC, will work closely with end users and third-party installers to support the seamless introduction of Permaconn’s acclaimed product suite to the UK security landscape. We’re proud to have K-SOC named as a launch Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) partner, ensuring robust support and operational excellence from day one.
Permaconn’s solutions are known for their exceptional engineering, performance and technical capabilities. Through this partnership, we’re enabling UK clients to access a new standard in flexible, reliable and advanced remote engineering—setting a fresh benchmark for the industry.
With a strong reputation across Australasia and the trust of thousands of security professionals and organisations, Permaconn’s entry into the UK market is set to be a game-changer. Backed by our established infrastructure and deep industry expertise, we’re confident that Permaconn will quickly become the go-to solution for organisations seeking next-generation remote engineering capabilities.
Our Chief Operating Officer, Darren Gamage, summed it up perfectly:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Permaconn as a strategic partner in our mission to deliver the best possible security solutions. At KST, innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and this collaboration allows us to set new standards for engineering excellence and client service. Permaconn’s proven track record and technical leadership will help us bring a new level of capability to the UK market, ensuring our clients stay ahead of emerging challenges.”
Andrew Pears, CEO of Permaconn, added:
“This partnership with Kings Secure Technologies is an exciting milestone for Permaconn as we enter the UK market. Their reputation for innovation and customer focus aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing secure, flexible and high-performance solutions. Together, we look forward to supporting UK security professionals with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex landscape.”
We’re excited about what this partnership means for the future of security in the UK—and we look forward to delivering even greater value to our clients through this collaboration.
Cyber Essentials Certification
We are pleased to share that we have successfully achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification. This is an important milestone in strengthening our security posture and demonstrates that we have met the government-backed, independently verified standard for cybersecurity.
What this means for KST:
- Independent validation: Our systems, processes, and controls have been tested and verified by an external assessor.
- Reduced cyber risk: Certification confirms that we have the right safeguards in place to protect against the most common cyber threats.
- Stronger client assurance: This certification offers you the reassurance that we take our responsibilities seriously and continue to operate to the highest standards in safeguarding sensitive information.
- Support for growth: Holding Cyber Essentials Plus strengthens our ability to meet compliance requirements in tenders and contracts, helping us remain competitive.
This achievement reflects the efforts of our IT and security teams in improving our defences and ensuring best practices are embedded across the business. We will continue to keep security at the forefront of how we operate.
Annual ESG Report 2024/25
Earlier this year, we released of our first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report for 2024/25. This milestone highlighted our commitment to sustainable practices, ethical governance, and social responsibility. The report demonstrated our dedication to creating a positive impact on the environment, supporting our colleagues, and engaging with the communities we served. From reducing our carbon footprint to increasing diversity and supporting mental health, we embedded responsible practices into every part of our business. The report not only measured our progress but also set a clear direction for the future. By expanding renewable energy initiatives, enhancing diversity programmes, and increasing community engagement through our Kings Secure Tomorrow initiative, we remained committed to driving meaningful change.
You can view the full report here
We will be releasing our next report in 2026.
KST awarded extension of prestigious contract with Post Office Limited until 2029
At Kings Secure Technologies, we are proud to announce the extension of our prestigious contract with Post Office Ltd, which will now run until 2029.
As a vital part of the UK’s national infrastructure, Post Office Ltd requires robust and reliable security controls to ensure uninterrupted service to its customers, clients, and communities. With a vast estate comprising over 11,500 branches, 15 cash centre depots, and 3 main administrative offices, delivering first-class service and maintaining compliance is absolutely critical.
Over the years, we’ve built a strong and trusted partnership with Post Office Ltd. We’ve continually reviewed and refined our services, always seeking opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiencies—ensuring that any savings can be reinvested for the benefit of our client.
Our CEO, Bob Forsyth, put it best: “We are delighted to announce the extension of our contract with Post Office Ltd and the continuation of our successful relationship. The team at KST prides itself on having provided exceptional and reliable critical security services to Post Office, keeping their Post Masters, assets, customers and clients secure through vigilance and proactive engagement.”
Post Office Ltd’s Director of Property, Network Crime and Equipment shared their thoughts on the extension: “The safety and security of our Post Masters, the public and our colleagues is top priority for Post Office Ltd. Under the extended contract, KST will continue to be responsible for the provision of Property Security, Grapevine and Business Support Services for our extensive portfolio. During the initial tendering process, we were impressed by the quality and competitive value offered by KST, and also by their understanding of our business and requirements. We are delighted to extend this contract with KST and look forward to further developing our trusted relationship.”
We are honoured by this continued vote of confidence and remain committed to delivering excellence in security, fire and life safety technology for Post Office Ltd and all our clients.
Innovation Day Success
October 2nd saw us host our annual Innovation Day and it was our biggest to date!
This year’s theme was The Journey to a Unified View: Integrating Security & Fire Systems into a Single Platform with all the latest developments in technology from our partners, including:
Ark Fire Protection, Concept Smoke Screen, Deep Alert, Eagle Eye Networks & Brivo, Genetec, Hanwha Vision Europe, Honeywell Gent, Honeywell Security and Access Solutions, LenelS2, Loxal Security, Milestone Systems, PACOM, Permaconn, Portcullis and Recorded Future. KST Group company Quidvis were also in attendance.
The event was held at the Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club – an amazing venue nestled just outside of Birmingham.
As a VIP, enterprise level event we delivered quality time with representatives from our partners, live demonstrations of the latest technologies and insights into how emerging technologies and solutions could help our customers do more with less. We’re pleased to say that the event was extremely well received, with both partners and customers praising our efforts
Thankyou to Bob Forsyth, Tom Ford (Honeywell Gent), Alastair Fergus (Honeywell Security and Access Solutions), Simon Cook (Genetec), Lee Rendell (Recorded Future) Darren Gamage, Mark Dinsdale (Post Office Ltd), Ben Nelson (Milestone Systems) and Wayne Jackson (LenelS2) – For delivering fantastic, interesting and engaging presentations. Along with all staff who attended to make their customers’ experience run smoothly.
We are very much looking forward to our next innovation day which will take place in 2026.
For more information on KST Innovation Days, please visit this page.
Congratulations to Team Scotland
We are delighted to congratulate Team Scotland — Stephen Kangley (Install Supervisor), Bradley Gilmour (Design Engineer) and Louis Shields (Senior Install Engineer), pictured left to right — on their outstanding achievement in successfully completing the rigorous 5 Day Course in Fundamentals in Fire Detection & Fire Alarm Systems (BS5839-1: Non-Domestic). Covering foundation principles, fundamental design, installation, commissioning and the essentials of maintenance (service and inspection), this accomplishment highlights their dedication to professional development and safety standards. Well done to all three for demonstrating commitment and expertise in advancing fire safety within the industry!
KST & KGS Shortlisted for The Security & Fire Awards for Excellence
We’re delighted to share some fantastic news, both Kings Secure Technologies and Kings Guarding Solutions, part of the KST Group, have been recognised as finalists in this year’s prestigious Security & Fire Awards for Excellence 2025, taking place on 1 December 2025 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London.
Industry Choice Security Guarding Company – Finalist
Kings Secure Technologies has been shortlisted in the competitive Industry Choice – Security Guarding Company category. This accolade is determined by industry-wide voting, with the eventual winner chosen by the highest number of votes.Being one of the top finalists reflects not just our excellence in security guarding, but also the strong support and confidence we’ve earned from across the sector.
Security Project of the Year – Shortlist
Kings Guarding Solutions, has also made an impressive impact by being shortlisted in the Security Project of the Year category for the Project Vectura initiative.
Project Vectura exemplifies our commitment to innovation and operational excellence, and this nomination recognises the exceptional calibre of our project delivery.
Why This Matters – A Testament to KST’s Commitment
- Peer-driven recognition: The Industry Choice category underscores how our clients, partners, and peers value the service excellence that defines Kings Secure Technologies.
- Operational innovation: The Security Project nomination highlights our capability to design and execute standout projects that push the boundaries of security solutions.
- These accolades reflect the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our entire team. Whether in client interactions, technical delivery, or strategic innovation, we continue to raise the standard in fire and security.
Looking Ahead
The winners will be announced at the gala dinner on 1 December 2025.
Keep your fingers crossed, but no matter the outcome, being shortlisted at this level is a huge achievement and a vote of confidence in our brand and people.
Please join us in congratulating all our colleagues across the business. Their passion and professionalism are what make nominations like this possible!
Here’s to showcasing tomorrow’s standards, today.
Investing in Learning: Our New LMS Launches This November
We’re excited to share that this November we’ll be launching a new Learning Management System (LMS) across our entire business. This investment represents an important step forward in how we train, develop, and empower our people — all with one goal in mind: delivering even better service and outcomes for our customers.
Our new LMS will provide every employee with access to engaging, up-to-date training resources that strengthen their knowledge, skills, and compliance across all areas of our operation. From onboarding and product knowledge to safety, leadership, and customer care, this new platform will ensure that our teams are always learning, improving, and aligned with the latest industry standards.
What this means for our customers:
- Enhanced expertise: Our teams will have faster access to new training and updates, ensuring you benefit from the most current information and best practices.
- Greater consistency: A unified learning platform means consistent standards of knowledge and service across every location and role.
- Innovation and adaptability: As our industry evolves, we’ll be ready to adapt quickly — keeping our people skilled, informed, and confident.
The new LMS will go live in November, marking an exciting milestone in our commitment to excellence, learning, and customer success.
We look forward to sharing more over the coming months— and to showing how this investment will help us continue delivering the high-quality service and expertise you rely on.