News

Delivering protection through partnership.

ORIS Media is delighted to welcome Assist Security as the latest Solutions Partner for ORIS-CON 2027, taking place on 16th March 2027 at The Vox, Birmingham.

With more than 30 years of experience, Assist Security delivers tailored security solutions across retail, healthcare, corporate, hospitality and the public sector. Named Security Company of the Year at this year’s OSPAs, Assist combines highly trained security professionals with innovative technology and intelligence-led risk management to help organisations create safer environments for their people, customers and assets. Renowned for its partnership-led approach, Assist works closely with clients to develop practical, risk-based security strategies that deliver measurable outcomes while protecting people, property and reputation.

As a Solutions Partner, Assist Security will join an exciting line-up of organisations supporting the ORIS-CON experience, engaging with retailers, policing, crime partnerships and fellow solution providers throughout the event. Through an immersive investigation and collaborative discussions, delegates will have the opportunity to explore the evolving challenges facing retail security while discovering innovative approaches to protecting people, assets and businesses.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Assist Security to ORIS-CON 2027. Their approach reflects exactly what ORIS-CON is all about – bringing together people, technology and expertise to tackle today’s security challenges through collaboration. We look forward to having the Assist team involved in the event and the conversations that will shape the future of retail protection.”

Lewis Elkins, Group Commercial Director at Assist Security, said:

“We’re delighted to be partnering with ORIS-CON 2027 and supporting an event that brings together so many organisations committed to improving safety, resilience and collaboration across the retail sector.

At Assist Security, we believe the most effective security solutions are built on strong partnerships, shared knowledge and a willingness to innovate. ORIS-CON provides an excellent platform to exchange ideas, explore emerging challenges and showcase the practical, intelligence-led approaches that help retailers protect their people, customers and assets. We look forward to meeting delegates and contributing to what promises to be an outstanding event.”rked alongside ORIS for many years and have always valued the organisation’s commitment to bringing the retail protection community together. ORIS-CON represents a natural evolution of that collaboration, creating an environment where retailers, policing, solution providers and industry partners can openly share knowledge, explore new approaches and work collectively to address the challenges facing the sector. We’re proud to continue supporting ORIS and look forward to contributing to what promises to be an outstanding event.”

ORIS-CON 2027 continues to bring together organisations from across the retail protection community, creating opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector today.

Turning inventory data into operational intelligence.

Building on years of collaboration to support the future of retail protection.

ORIS Media is delighted to announce that Retail & Asset Solutions (RAS) will join ORIS-CON 2027 as a Solutions Partner, building on a longstanding relationship founded on collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to supporting the retail protection community.

For many years, RAS has been an active supporter of ORIS, contributing to industry events, thought leadership and collaborative initiatives long before the launch of ORIS-CON. Their continued commitment reflects a shared belief that the most effective solutions are achieved through partnership, knowledge-sharing and collective action.

Taking place on 16th March 2027 at The Vox, Birmingham, ORIS-CON has been designed to provide retailers, policing, crime partnerships and solution providers with a unique opportunity to collaborate through an immersive investigation experience, expert speakers and meaningful networking.

With decades of experience supporting retailers through inventory accuracy, asset visibility and operational improvement, RAS brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to the event. Their continued investment in innovation and operational excellence makes them a natural addition to the growing community of organisations supporting ORIS-CON.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“We’re incredibly pleased to have RAS supporting ORIS-CON as a Solutions Partner. Our relationship with the team has developed over many years, and they’ve consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting both ORIS and the wider retail protection community. It’s fantastic to see that relationship continue to grow as we build ORIS-CON together.”

Graham Parker, Sales Director at RAS, said:

“We’ve worked alongside ORIS for many years and have always valued the organisation’s commitment to bringing the retail protection community together. ORIS-CON represents a natural evolution of that collaboration, creating an environment where retailers, policing, solution providers and industry partners can openly share knowledge, explore new approaches and work collectively to address the challenges facing the sector. We’re proud to continue supporting ORIS and look forward to contributing to what promises to be an outstanding event.”

As ORIS-CON continues to grow, it is trusted, long-term partnerships that will underpin its success. The continued support of organisations such as RAS reflects the collaborative ethos at the heart of ORIS and the shared ambition to create a stronger, more connected retail protection community.

ORIS Media is delighted to announce VARS Technology as the latest Investigation Partner for ORIS-CON 2027, bringing its expertise in intelligent security technology, ANPR, facial recognition and incident management to the UK’s most immersive retail crime event.

Trusted by more than 1,500 forecourts and hundreds of retailers across the UK, VARS has built a reputation for developing innovative solutions that help businesses prevent crime, protect colleagues and make faster, intelligence-led operational decisions. From market-leading forecourt protection and ANPR to facial recognition and parking management, VARS delivers integrated solutions designed to reduce loss while improving safety and efficiency.

At ORIS-CON 2027, VARS will play an integral role within the live investigation, demonstrating how technology can transform isolated incidents into actionable intelligence. Delegates will explore how vehicle intelligence, facial recognition and real-time alerts can help identify repeat offenders, reveal wider offending patterns and support a coordinated response to organised retail crime.

Unlike a traditional conference, ORIS-CON places delegates at the centre of a live investigation that unfolds throughout the day. Working alongside retailers, law enforcement, crime partnerships and industry experts, attendees will analyse evidence, evaluate intelligence and collaborate to solve a complex retail crime scenario. Investigation Partners are embedded within that journey, demonstrating how their expertise supports real-world investigations rather than simply showcasing products.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“Retail crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the ability to connect intelligence across incidents, locations and offenders has never been more important. VARS bring a wealth of experience in using innovative tech to support prevention, investigation and operational decision-making. Their expertise will add another important dimension to the collaborative investigation at ORIS-CON 2027, helping delegates understand how intelligence-led technology can strengthen the response to organised retail crime.”

John Garnett, a Director at VARS Technology, said:

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to really engage with delegates, allowing them to experience the value that ANPR and facial recognition can offer to a live investigation first hand. The format of the event is unique and engaging, as well as really lending itself to showcasing what VARS Technology can offer as a business.”

ORIS-CON 2027 will take place on 16 March 2027 at The Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham, bringing together retailers, law enforcement, security professionals and technology providers for a unique day of collaboration, innovation and practical learning.

The Outstanding Loss Prevention Awards (OLPAs) are now officially open for nominations, inviting individuals, teams, and organisations from across the retail loss prevention, asset protection, and profit protection community to put forward their achievements for sector‑wide recognition.  Nominations close on 24 November 2026. Launched as a new and fully independent awards programme, the OLPAs recognise and celebrate outstanding performance, innovation, and measurable impact across all sectors. They honour those who protect assets, reduce theft and fraud, minimise operational risk, and strengthen organisational resilience through effective security and risk‑management practices. Designed with integrity at their core, the OLPAs are free to enter and operate under strict ethical principles.  A key differentiator is the programme’s independent judging process: judges are appointed independently and not by the organisers. In addition, the OLPAs follow a clear ethical sponsorship policy.  The headline sponsor, UKPAC, and collaborating partner ORIS-CON will not nominate judges or take part in judging.

“Independence and integrity sit at the heart of the OLPAs.  These awards champion excellence without influence, ensuring that every nomination is judged fairly, and every achievement is recognised on merit alone.”

 Martin Gill, Founder of the OLPAs.

Whether you’re leading a national loss prevention team, delivering innovative technology, developing people, strengthening partnerships or driving operational excellence, the OLPAs provide an opportunity to celebrate success and recognise those making a real difference across the profession.

The inaugural OLPAs ceremony will take place at a gala dinner on 16 March 2027 at the VOX Birmingham, held alongside ORIS-CON ’27.  The collaboration brings together two respected organisations with a shared commitment to professional excellence, innovation, and sector‑wide engagement.

AWARD CATEGORIES:

Individual & Leadership Awards

• Outstanding In‑House Loss Prevention Manager/Director
• Outstanding Contract Loss Prevention Manager/Director
• Outstanding Female Loss Prevention Professional

Company & Team Awards

• Outstanding Loss Prevention Guarding Company
• Outstanding Loss Prevention Team
• Outstanding Loss Prevention Consultant

Initiative & Innovation Awards

• Outstanding Loss Prevention Digital Fraud Initiative
• Outstanding Loss Prevention Installer/Integrator
• Outstanding Loss Prevention Training Initiative
• Outstanding New Loss Prevention Product
• Outstanding Loss Prevention Partnership

How to Enter

Nominations are now open and can be submitted via: theolpas.com/enter

You can nominate yourself, a colleague, a team, an organisation, or any individual or company whose work deserves recognition.  Entries are welcome from all sectors and organisation sizes. Full details on categories, criteria, and deadlines are available online.

Attending the Awards

The OLPAs will bring together the UK’s leading voices in retail loss prevention, asset protection and risk management for an evening of networking, celebration and recognition. Tables are now on sale at £2,995 + VAT, offering organisations the perfect opportunity to host teams, clients and partners at the inaugural event. With demand already high, early booking is strongly encouraged to secure your place at this landmark event.

Media Enquiries

Christine Brooks Event Manager c.brooks@world-excellenceawards.com

For ORIS-CON enquiries: Sarah Bird Partnerships & Events Manager enquiries@oriscon.com

Building resilience when incidents don’t go to plan

No investigation ends when the offender leaves the scene.

For retailers, one incident can trigger a chain of operational challenges – damaged premises, vulnerable sites, disrupted trading and the need to make critical decisions quickly.

That’s why we’re delighted to welcome VPS as an Investigation Partner at ORIS-CON 2027.

As delegates progress through the immersive ORIS Investigation, they’ll discover that solving the crime is only part of the story. They’ll also explore how organisations recover, protect their people and assets, and maintain business continuity while investigations continue.

VPS is Europe’s leading temporary security specialist, helping organisations protect people, property, assets and operations through a flexible, risk-based approach to security and resilience. Rather than relying on a single solution, VPS assesses the risks facing each site before developing a tailored security strategy that combines physical security, monitored technology, human intervention and intelligence-led risk management.

Throughout the investigation, VPS will demonstrate how resilience is built across the entire incident lifecycle.

Whether responding to a burglary, ATM attack or critical system failure, securing a new retail development, protecting vacant distribution centres or tackling persistent anti-social behaviour, VPS adapts its security response as operational risks evolve. By combining monitored CCTV, temporary security measures, guarding, property protection and intelligence-led monitoring, retailers can continue trading while reducing disruption and protecting critical assets.

This perfectly complements the wider ORIS Investigation, reinforcing that effective incident management doesn’t stop with identifying offenders – it continues through recovery, resilience and protecting business operations.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“One of the things that really stood out when speaking with VPS was their ability to support businesses throughout the entire incident lifecycle. ORIS-CON is designed to reflect the reality of modern retail investigations, and that doesn’t end when someone is arrested. Retailers still have stores to protect, colleagues to support and operations to maintain. VPS brings that important resilience perspective into the investigation, adding another authentic layer to the delegate experience.”

David Wormald, VPS Key Account Director said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting ORIS-CON 2027 and contributing to an event that reflects the realities retailers face when incidents occur. It’s a unique opportunity to demonstrate how resilience is built through proactive risk management, tailored security strategies and protecting business continuity long after the initial incident.”

ORIS-CON 2027 is redefining how the retail security community collaborates through an immersive investigation that follows the complete journey of organised retail crime – from intelligence gathering and offender identification through to operational response, recovery and long-term resilience.

We’re delighted to welcome VPS to the investigation and look forward to showcasing how resilience, continuity and adaptable security strategies help retailers remain protected when incidents threaten to disrupt operations.

From Intelligence to Intervention

In retail security, knowing where the next threat is coming from is only half the battle.

The real challenge is making sure the systems protecting your business are operational, maintained and ready to respond when they’re needed most.

That’s why we’re delighted to welcome Smoke Screen as an Investigation Partner at ORIS-CON 2027.

As delegates work through the ORIS Investigation, they’ll explore how intelligence, operational decision-making and business resilience combine to disrupt organised retail crime. Smoke Screen’s contribution will demonstrate how technology doesn’t simply respond to incidents, but helps retailers ensure their security infrastructure is always ready when it matters most.

In retail security, having systems in place isn’t enough – they need to be fit for purpose and ready to respond when needed. ‘Install and forget’ simply doesn’t work anymore.

That’s why Smoke Screen will use ORIS-CON to demonstrate Sentience, its connected monitoring platform, showing retailers how to move beyond simply installing deterrents and instead take control of the performance, maintenance and long-term value of their entire security fog estate.

Sentience gives Loss Prevention Managers a live, centralised view of system health, helping them identify faults early and keep units ready to activate. One retailer operating more than 400 security fog systems increased activation rates from 56% to 98% following the implementation of Sentience.

Throughout ORIS-CON, Smoke Screen will demonstrate how unit-level status, activation history and maintenance records provide auditable data that helps justify investment decisions and gives Loss Prevention Managers confidence that their systems are operating exactly as they should.

Sentience also preserves institutional knowledge as personnel change, provides Security Operations Centres with centralised fault visibility and enables maintenance teams to arrive on site fully prepared, reducing repeat visits and improving operational efficiency. The platform also works with third-party security fog systems, extending monitoring across mixed estates without requiring a complete replacement.

Smoke Screen’s theme, “From Intelligence to Intervention,” reflects the evolution of security fog from a standalone deterrent to a connected, data-driven component of a retailer’s wider security strategy.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Smoke Screen as an Investigation Partner. One of the things that really stood out during our conversations was their focus on operational readiness. Retailers invest heavily in technology, but having confidence those systems are monitored, maintained and ready to perform is just as important as the technology itself. Their contribution brings another important dimension to the ORIS Investigation and perfectly complements the wider business resilience theme that delegates will explore throughout the day.”

Jack Cunnington, Smoke Screen, said:

“Security fog is only valuable when it is available, maintained and ready to activate. We want to show how connected systems and better operational data can help retailers get more from their existing investment.”

ORIS-CON 2027 is redefining how the retail security community collaborates, moving beyond traditional conference formats to create an immersive environment where retailers, solution providers, policing and Business Crime Reduction Partnerships work together to investigate organised retail crime, share operational expertise and develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Smoke Screen’s focus on connected technology, operational resilience and data-led decision making makes them a natural fit for the ORIS-CON investigation, and we’re excited to welcome them on board.

ORIS is pleased to announce that Agilence has joined ORIS-CON 2027 as an Investigation Partner, bringing its expertise in data analytics, case management, exception reporting and behavioural intelligence to The ORIS Investigation.

As organisations continue to face increasingly complex risks, the ability to identify patterns, uncover anomalies and transform data into actionable intelligence has never been more important. Agilence has built a strong reputation for helping businesses do exactly that, providing valuable insight that supports informed decision-making and proactive risk management.

At ORIS-CON 2027, Agilence will play a role within The ORIS Investigation, an immersive experience that challenges delegates to analyse evidence, question assumptions and follow intelligence as a live investigation unfolds throughout the day.

Unlike traditional conference formats, The ORIS Investigation has been designed to demonstrate how different technologies, intelligence sources and investigative disciplines combine to support real-world decision making.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“One of the key themes running through The ORIS Investigation is that the answer is rarely found in a single piece of evidence. Often it’s the patterns, behaviours and connections that reveal the bigger picture.

That’s why we’re delighted to welcome Agilence as an Investigation Partner. Their expertise in turning data into meaningful intelligence aligns perfectly with the experience we’re creating and the challenges organisations face every day.”

Russ Hawkins, President & CEO at Agilence, said:

“Effective investigations require more than data – they require the ability to connect information and act with confidence. Agilence helps organisations streamline investigative workflows, prioritise risk and accelerate case resolution through analytics and case management solutions.

ORIS-CON’s focus on intelligence-led decision making aligns closely with how we help teams resolve incidents faster and improve investigative outcomes.”

ORIS-CON takes place on 16 March 2027 at The Vox, Birmingham, bringing together professionals from retail, security, investigations, law enforcement, academia and government for a unique event experience focused on risk, intelligence and problem solving.

Further announcements regarding speakers, partners and the wider event programme will be released over the coming months.

ORIS-CON is delighted to announce Intrepid Security as an Industry Partner and Networking Sponsor for ORIS-CON 2027.

Intrepid’s support of ORIS spans more than two decades, having been one of the first organisations to back the forst ORIS Risk Summit. Their continued involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to the industry and the collaborative spirit that has underpinned ORIS events since their inception.

As a business built around people, relationships and operational excellence, Intrepid Security’s involvement reflects one of the core principles behind ORIS-CON – creating opportunities for meaningful conversations between retailers, investigators, law enforcement, security professionals and solution providers.

While technology and innovation continue to transform the industry, collaboration remains one of the most powerful tools available to organisations tackling today’s security, risk and loss prevention challenges.

As Networking Sponsor, Intrepid Security will support the key moments throughout the day where delegates come together to share experiences, exchange ideas and build relationships. These informal conversations often become some of the most valuable outcomes of any event, creating new partnerships, opportunities and solutions long after the event itself has finished.

ORIS-CON has been designed to encourage exactly these interactions, combining immersive content, operational scenarios and dedicated networking opportunities within a single experience.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“One of the things we’re passionate about at ORIS-CON is creating an environment where people can genuinely connect with one another. Some of the best ideas in our industry come from conversations between people who may not normally find themselves in the same room.

Intrepid has built a fantastic reputation through relationships, professionalism and delivering high-quality security services, so we’re delighted to have them supporting such an important part of the event experience. Their involvement as Networking Sponsor feels like a natural fit for what we’re trying to achieve through ORIS-CON.”

Paul Newbury, Managing Director at Intrepid said:

“Security is ultimately about people. While technology continues to evolve, strong partnerships, trusted relationships and effective collaboration remain at the heart of protecting businesses and communities.

We’ve been proud to support ORIS since the very early days, including the first ORIS Risk Summit over 20 years ago, and we’re delighted to continue that journey as Networking Sponsor for ORIS-CON 2027. Bringing the right people together to share experiences, challenge thinking and build meaningful connections has never been more important.”

Taking place at The VOX, Birmingham on 16 March 2027, ORIS-CON will bring together retailers, law enforcement, investigators, business leaders, academics and industry partners for a unique event focused on investigations, intelligence, collaboration and innovation.

Further announcements regarding speakers, partners and the wider event programme will be released over the coming months.

ORIS-CON is pleased to announce RGIS as an Investigation Partner for ORIS-CON 2027, joining a growing network of organisations helping to shape the future of investigations, intelligence and risk management.

In today’s operating environment, organisations are faced with more information than ever before. The challenge is no longer simply collecting data – it is understanding what matters, identifying meaningful patterns and making informed decisions with confidence.

For more than 68 years, RGIS has supported businesses across the globe by providing data, insight and visibility that enables organisations to better understand their operations, identify opportunities and respond effectively to emerging challenges.

As an Investigation Partner, RGIS will contribute to the immersive investigation experience at the heart of ORIS-CON, bringing a perspective that highlights the importance of reliable information, analytical thinking and evidence-based decision making.

The role of investigators, intelligence professionals and operational leaders continues to evolve. Whether responding to incidents, managing risk, protecting assets or supporting strategic decision-making, success increasingly depends on the ability to interpret information accurately and act on it effectively.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“One of the things that excites us about ORIS-CON is bringing together organisations with different perspectives and expertise. Effective investigations rely on many different sources of information, and the ability to build a clear picture from multiple data points is becoming increasingly important.

RGIS brings a wealth of experience in helping organisations understand what their information is telling them and make informed decisions based on evidence. We’re delighted to welcome them as an Investigation Partner and look forward to working together as we continue to develop the event experience.”

Phil Wilson, Head of Supply Chain Services at RGIS said:

“We are delighted to be joining ORIS-CON 2027 as an Investigation Partner and are excited to contribute to an event that brings together professionals from across the retail sectors such as intelligence, security, and law enforcement sectors.

The opportunity to share knowledge, explore innovative approaches, and collaborate on the evolving challenges facing our industries makes this a standout addition to the calendar. We are proud to be part of such an important event.”

ORIS-CON will take place on 16 March 2027 at The VOX, Birmingham, bringing together retailers, investigators, law enforcement, academics, business leaders and solution providers for a unique event focused on investigations, intelligence, collaboration and innovation.

Further Investigation Partners and event announcements will be revealed over the coming weeks.

ORIS-CON 2027 is delighted to welcome Lodge Security as both an official Investigation Partner and Registration Sponsor for the inaugural event, taking place on 16 March 2027 at The VOX, Birmingham.

As ORIS-CON continues to build momentum across the retail security, loss prevention and investigations sector, Lodge Security’s involvement represents another important step in shaping the immersive and operationally focused experience at the heart of the event.

Built around a live investigation that unfolds throughout the day, ORIS-CON has been designed to move beyond the traditional conference model, bringing together retailers, law enforcement, intelligence professionals and solution providers within a realistic and collaborative operational environment.

As an Investigation Partner, Lodge Security will contribute to the wider operational narrative and immersive experience that underpins the event. Discussions are already underway around how different elements of Lodge’s expertise and services can be woven naturally into the experience, helping reflect the realities, challenges and operational demands faced across modern retail environments.

A long-standing supporter of ORIS events, Lodge Security’s involvement in ORIS-CON reflects a strong alignment in values, professionalism and commitment to delivering high-quality experiences for the industry.

As a family business with deep sector experience, Lodge Security has built a strong reputation for delivering a highly personal, relationship-driven approach alongside consistently high standards of service delivery. Their focus on people, partnership and operational excellence makes them a natural fit for ORIS-CON and the collaborative ethos behind the event.

Sarah Bird, Partnerships & Events Manager at ORIS Media, said:

“We’re genuinely delighted to have Lodge Security involved with ORIS-CON as both an Investigation Partner and Registration Sponsor.

Having worked with the team across a number of ORIS events over the years, we know first-hand the professionalism, warmth and quality they bring to everything they do.

What makes Lodge such a great fit for ORIS-CON is not just their operational expertise, but the fact they genuinely align with the values behind the event itself – collaboration, professionalism, people and delivering meaningful experiences for the industry.

Their support means a huge amount to us and we’re incredibly excited to be building this experience together.”

Darren Conway, Group Managing Director, Lodge Security, commented:

“We’re proud to join ORIS-CON as an Investigation Partner and Registration Sponsor and be part of an event that genuinely reflects how modern security challenges are solved – through collaboration, intelligence, partnerships and technology working together.

At Lodge Security, our purpose over the last 100 years, has always been to enhance brand experiences and create safer environments, and ORIS-CON speaks directly to that. The immersive, operationally focused format mirrors how we work every day – grounded in real-world risk, united with partners and clients around shared goals, and driven by smarter thinking that stays ahead of emerging threats.

People are at the heart of everything we do. Safety is personal, and events like this – that bring retailers, investigators and technology providers into the same space – are exactly how we build stronger, more resilient protection across the sector.

We’re looking forward to contributing, collaborating and making a real difference at what promises to be a landmark event for the industry.”

With Lodge Security now confirmed as both Investigation Partner and Registration Sponsor, ORIS-CON 2027 continues to strengthen its growing community of partners helping shape a new and immersive experience for the retail security and loss prevention industry.

Further Investigation Partners and event announcements will be revealed over the coming weeks.