Half-term meant some time off for me, but with three daughters aged between 9 and 15, I still found a few opportunities to dip back into Adept. Anyone with children will understand the need for a break!

That said, plenty has been happening:

• Adept Annual Awards – The team has been working hard in the background to prepare for our big event on 14th March. It’s great to see everything coming together, and I’m really looking forward to celebrating the team’s achievements.
• Welcoming Back a Familiar Face – A familiar name rejoined Adept as Estate Co-Ordinator, with Marnia returning after almost six years away. I was involved in the interview process, and hearing her stories about how Adept used to be makes me even prouder of what we’ve built in recent years.
• An Inspiring Podcast Episode – The latest Adepting to Change podcast was a real eye-opener. Daniel Nkrumah, a member of our cleaning team at Leeds Dock, shared how he has helped transform lives in Ghana—building a school, student accommodation, and sending back thousands of pounds worth of clothes and toys each year. Truly inspirational. So much so that a major broadcaster has now contacted us about doing a story on him. I encourage everyone to give it a listen!
• Industry Awards and Our Stance – The OSPAs (Outstanding Security Performance Awards) took place, and a few people asked if we were attending. We made a conscious decision not to put forward nominations this year, choosing instead to focus on meaningful recognition—such as the Living Wage and Good Employment Charter awards—where success is based on real impact rather than how well a nomination is written or who you network with. That said, there were some truly deserving winners on the night, and it’s great to see individuals and companies making a real difference in the industry being recognised. For us, we want to ensure that when we win awards, it’s for the work we’ve done, not just for how well we write about it.
• Cracking Down on Rogue Security Practices – I also read about a Manchester-based security company director being prosecuted for failing to comply with an investigation into suspected unlicensed operatives. It’s good to see action being taken, but a £3,500 fine feels laughable when you consider how much these companies make by cutting corners. Unlicensed security puts both businesses and the public at risk—stronger enforcement is needed to drive out those who undermine professional standards.

After a mix of family time, reflection, and dipping into Adept here and there, it’s back to it. Looking forward to a busy and productive week ahead.

Hope everyone has a great one!