At a difficult time for the public sector BAPCO 2011 closes a success

BAPCO 2011 held this week at the Business Design Centre is Islington, saw leading decision makers from all aspects of public safety communications meet and do business with over 100 exhibitors and stay informed of the latest key topics at the conference programme.

With restrictions on travel and time out of the office being imposed on some services, the event nevertheless attracted a good attendance of high profile visitors who were keen to see current and future cost-saving communications and information management systems. Visitors came from local and central government, the emergency services, fire authorities, police, MOD, Home Office, Maritime & Coastguard Agency, British Army and the Department of Health and the private sector. The event also attracted many international visitors, which included members of the Norwegian Health Service, Finnish National Police Board, Ministry of Justice Belgium, French Ambulance Service and Motorola Solution's American division.
Several exhibitors commented that the profile of visitors was slightly different this year and they were delighted with new business and new contacts that they made at the show.

Olaf Baars Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Director of Service Delivery commented:
"We're working with partners to establish the scope and feasibility for a new joint control centre and it's been great to be able to meet so many potential suppliers at BAPCO. Whilst there is still a way to go before we are in a position to place orders being able to talk to so many people in one place has saved us many days of telephone calls and meetings."

David White at Capita Secure Information Systems said:
"We were incredibly busy right through the two days. Our sales team were run ragged with back to back appointments and we made some really valuable new contacts. It's the best show yet."

Peter Prater, Frequentis commented on their continued support for the public services: "We invested more in our stand on the main floor this year to make a statement of confidence, and to show that we are here supporting public services at a fairly difficult time. It paid off, we have had a really busy and productive show. Looking forward to next year"

The focus of the co-located conference was 'Delivering lower cost incident management through technology' and included useful discussions on reducing casualties and enhancing communications whilst reducing costs, forward planning for the 2012 Olympics, dealing with cyber threats and utilising the best technologies available to deal with the financial restrictions facing the sector.

Once again, BAPCO proved itself to be a key event for this sector and a unique opportunity to meet and discuss how best to prepare for the challenges ahead.

BAPCO 2012 Conference and Exhibition will be held from 25-26 April at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.