At The Security Event 2025, NEC Birmingham, CIE’s Chris Edwards sat down with Steve Greenaway of Third Millennium to discuss why their UK-manufactured access control readers are a game-changer for government and industry projects. With the increasing need for high-security, reliable and compliant access solutions, Third Millennium stands out as one of the few UK-based manufacturers delivering cutting-edge card readers built to meet the strict demands of government and enterprise.

Why UK manufacture matters in Access Control

As globalisation expands product choices, UK manufacture has become a defining factor in high-security projects. Steve Greenaway highlights:

“One of the key components of the Third Millennium product is that it is UK design and manufacture.”

For sectors such as government, defence, aerospace and critical infrastructure, local manufacturing isn’t just a preference - it’s a requirement built into project specifications. These industries demand a higher level of security assurance and trust, which UK-manufactured technology provides. 

“For many of the projects and applications that we have there, UK manufacture is critical. It is expected, it’s usually built in as part of the requirements and specification.”

Trusted by government and industry leaders

Third Millennium readers are not only approved for government use, but they are also widely deployed in British industry. Steve explained:

“We’ve traditionally been in high-security applications in UK government and indeed UK industry. Companies like Airbus… we are approved and used on many government and British industry projects.”

This track record demonstrates proven reliability in some of the most demanding environments where data protection, national security, and operational continuity are paramount.

Filling the Gap: Few UK Access Control manufacturers remain

In today’s market, there are very few UK-based manufacturers of access control card readers. Most competitors are international, which can cause difficulties for projects requiring local manufacture. Steve emphasises that Third Millennium is one of the very few companies able to provide the level of technology, security and compliance expected for top-tier projects.

“There are very few UK manufacturers of access control systems… and one of very few who have the level of technology and high security that we carry within our product.”

For system integrators, consultants, and project managers, this makes Third Millennium an essential partner for projects where UK compliance is non-negotiable.

Meeting unique UK market requirements

The UK security market is unique in its standards, compliance needs, and expectations. Third Millennium’s local design and manufacturing base means they can adapt quickly to evolving customer requirements.

“The UK market has a very unique and specific set of requirements. And being a UK manufacturer, we can actually adapt to those requirements very quickly.” 

This adaptability ensures that projects don’t face delays waiting for overseas suppliers to modify products. Instead, customers benefit from a responsive, UK-focused manufacturer that understands the regulatory and operational context.

Startegic supply partnership with CIE-Group

With the Third Millennium access reader range now part of the CIE-Group portfolio, customers have greater access to these trusted, high-security access readers. Chris Edwards explained that this addition allows CIE’s customers to confidently specify UK-manufactured products for government-funded or government-owned projects, knowing they meet strict compliance requirements.

“To have you guys on board, and for all of our customers to have you within the portfolio, is going to make access to those kinds of projects much easier.” 

This partnership means CIE can now support its integrators, consultants and clients with solutions that tick all the boxes for security, compliance and trust.

The function and benefits of Third Millennium Access Readers

How do Third Millennium access readers function, and why are they so valued?

• Access Control Authentication: Their card readers serve as the frontline of security, controlling who enters secure facilities.
• High-Security Applications: Designed to meet government and defence specifications.
• UK Manufacture for Compliance: Guaranteed to meet requirements where UK design and build is mandatory.
• Trusted by Industry Leaders: Used by organisations such as Airbus, UK government departments, and critical national infrastructure.
• Adaptability: Able to respond quickly to the specific and evolving needs of the UK security landscape.

The benefits include:
- Enhanced trust and compliance for government projects.
- Faster product adaptations for UK-specific requirements.
- Assurance of high security and quality from a UK-based manufacturer.
- A proven track record in both public and private sector projects.

Summary

The conversation at The Security Event 2025 reinforced that Third Millennium’s UK-manufactured access readers are more than just another access control option - they are a critical requirement for high-security projects in government, defence, and industry. Their inclusion in the CIE portfolio ensures that integrators, consultants and project managers now have easy access to solutions that guarantee security, compliance and adaptability.

As Steve Greenaway concluded, it is the combination of UK design, high-security technology, and adaptability to market needs that makes Third Millennium a standout choice:

“Being a UK manufacturer, we can adapt to requirements very quickly, and that is something that is important and quite unique.”

With an increasing focus on local compliance, trusted manufacturing, and national security, Third Millennium is perfectly positioned to lead the future of secure access control in the UK.

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