CIE announces strategic partnership with Third Millennium Access Readers

In a latest announcement that’s set to redefine the UK access control marketplace, CIE-Group is proud to unveil a brand-new strategic distribution partnership with Third Millennium, the respected UK manufacturer of high-security access readers. The news was officially launched live at The Security Event 2025, held at Birmingham’s NEC, where the companies introduced their alliance and demonstrated the cutting-edge technologies that make Third Millennium an industry standout.

This new partnership between CIE and Third Millenium promises to deliver not only the latest in access control reader innovation, but also a highly collaborative, technically supported approach to customer projects - providing future-proofed solutions to installers, integrators and end-users across a wide variety of security-critical sectors.

'We’re joining forces with a brand that has been quietly reshaping how secure access control is delivered in the UK.'

'A Perfect Match': CIE & Third Millennium

Chris Edwards, CIE’s Marketing Director, hosted the live announcement and exclusive interview with Third Millenium's Mike Nash, Head of Sales and Steve Greenaway, Business Development Manager.

“We’re really excited about this new partnership being launched at the show,” said Chris. “We’re not just adding a new product to our portfolio - we’re joining forces with a brand that has been quietly reshaping how secure access control is delivered in the UK.”

Steve Greenaway echoed this sentiment, emphasising the synergy between the two companies:
“What’s attracted us to CIE is the fact that you're not just a distributor. You're very much on the ground - with resellers, consultants and end users - building systems from the ground up and looking for unique solutions. That marries perfectly with the way we approach the market.”

Who is Third Millennium?

Established for nearly three decades, Third Millennium is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in high-security access control readers and credential solutions. Their product range includes:

• Single-technology readers
• Multi-technology readers
• Anti-ligature readers
• OSTP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) readers
• Custom-built reader designs for unique applications

Designed and manufactured entirely in the UK, Third Millennium has built a reputation for precision engineering, advanced security protocols and unparalleled flexibility.

Mike Nash emphasised the brand’s commitment to UK-based production:
“UK design and manufacture is what we’ve had now for the best part of 30 years. That’s a big part of our identity. It also means we can respond to market needs much faster than overseas brands.”

Secure Migration & Maximum Flexibility

While there are many access control readers in the market, Third Millennium’s unique approach to secure, soft migration makes it a truly standout choice.

In today's environment, many buildings still rely on outdated low-frequency proximity systems, which are known vulnerabilities in terms of cloning and unauthorised access. Instead of requiring a complete rip-and-replace upgrade, Third Millennium offers a soft migration pathway. This allows legacy systems to coexist with new secure platforms until a full migration is achievable - saving time, cost and disruption.

Mike Nash explained:
“In most cases, we can offer a reader that will read the existing low-frequency technology - but more importantly, allow the client to migrate to a secure DESFire platform. Our readers can handle both technologies during the transition. And when you’re ready, you simply switch off the old one. It’s secure, it’s seamless and it’s painless.”

This dual-read capability allows users to keep their existing database, maintain card usage and introduce new secure credentials without a full system overhaul.

Real-World Applications Across Key Verticals

Third Millennium readers are seeing increasing deployment across high-security verticals including:

• Healthcare & NHS facilities
• Police & Government buildings
• Banking & financial institutions
• Corporate headquarters
• Education campuses

The company's anti-ligature reader designs, in particular, have made them a go-to choice in environments where safety and compliance are non-negotiable, such as mental health facilities and custodial settings.

As Mike Nash explained:
“We’re becoming very popular in hospitals and the healthcare industry, police forces - especially with our anti-ligature readers - and in sectors like banking. We design to solve real-world problems, not just push products.”

New RXQRK QR Code Reader revealed

One of the key highlights from Third Millennium's presence on the CIE booth at TSE2025 was the unveiling of their new RXQRK QR Code Reader - a standout addition to the company’s RX Series of access control solutions.

The Third Millenium RXQR Readers represent a new level of versatility in modern access control. Designed to match and seamlessly integrate with the rest of the RX Series readers, the RXQR models combine a high-security multi-technology RFID reader with a built-in QR code scanner. This dual-function unit offers both robust credential security and the flexibility to support convenience-based access scenarios, including temporary or visitor access using smartphone-generated QR codes.

Mountable directly to flat surfaces or standard UK/EU electrical back boxes, the RXQR is engineered for ease of installation while maintaining a refined, professional appearance. Whether installed as part of a new access system or retrofitted into existing RX Series® installations, it blends in perfectly.

Steve Greenaway emphasised the design intent:
“It’s designed not just for performance, but also to complement existing infrastructure - visually and technically. The RXQR fits right in with our RX Series readers, offering customers consistency in look and reliability.”

Secure and Flexible Functionality

The RXQR supports both Wiegand and OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) communications, catering to modern security system requirements with options for encryption, scalability, and centralised management. The inclusion of OSDP support ensures that the RXQR meets growing demands for secure, bidirectional communication between reader and controller.

Mike Nash added:
“What sets the RXQR apart is that it brings together secure RFID access with the ease of QR-based entry - something that’s particularly useful for managing visitors, contractors, or temporary access without compromising on overall system security.”

Why CIE were chosen as the ideal partner

"Every project is unique. CIE understands that, and they’re not just pushing boxes - they’re building solutions. That makes all the difference.”

The new partnership offers Third Millennium a distribution model that supports its technically complex, consultative sales process - something not always achievable through traditional distribution channels.

Steve Greenaway elaborated:
“We’ve never really focused on distribution before, because our product needs a lot of technical support  - especially in early project stages. Every project is unique. CIE understands that, and they’re not just pushing boxes - they’re building solutions. That makes all the difference.”

This aligns perfectly with CIE’s approach to technical sales, project design, and customer support. The partnership will enable integrators to benefit from both product availability and in-depth guidance, right from system design to installation and commissioning.

What's next?

CIE and Third Millennium are already planning a series of training days, live demonstrations, and partner webinars to introduce the access control community to the product line.

Live product demonstrations, including for the QR Code Reader, are now available via CIE’s technical team. Custom integration support, technical training and full project consultancy are also included as part of the offering.

As Chris Edwards noted:
“We want our customers to not only get access to the latest technology, but to also have the support structure behind it. That’s why this partnership is such a win for integrators and end-users alike.”

Learn More & Book a Demo

To learn more about the full Third Millennium reader range or to request a free consultation or live product demo, contact the CIE technical sales team today at cie-group.com or call 0115 977 0075.

Whether you're planning an upgrade, a soft migration, or a full overhaul of your access control infrastructure, the combination of Third Millennium’s UK-made innovation and CIE’s technical support expertise delivers the right solution - secure, scalable and future-ready.

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