The UK security industry is facing significant challenges, from financial pressures to regulatory concerns. Yet, amidst these difficulties, some companies are setting new standards for service quality and innovation.
This blog highlights five security companies that are leading the way in delivering excellence and improving industry standards.
The Current UK Security Industry Landscape
I think that it is fair to say that the UK security industry is in a bit of a state. Just when service providers thought things couldn’t get any tougher, the Labour Party came along and inflicted a huge increase on employers’ National Insurance contributions, on an industry that was already facing massive financial challenges.
Recommended Reading: Learn about security trends that might transform the industry this year.
Increases in the minimum wage, and a playing field already full of hills and valleys caused by malpractice and endemic criminality, mean that it is tougher than ever for SMEs at the cheaper end of the market to survive.
Despite the many problems the industry has to cope with, there are still companies that are innovating and working hard to stand out from the crowd.
Top 5 Security Companies Changing the Game
Let’s take a look at some of the trailblazing work going on in the guarding sector and the companies that are doing things a bit differently.
1. FGH Security – Excellence in Training and Retention
FGH Security has a well-deserved and growing reputation for quality of service. Led by former Royal Marine and accomplished fitness guru Peter Harrison, FGH has gone out of its way to stand out in a cash-strapped industry. Some notable contributions include:
- Award-winning training programs for both frontline officers and management.
- An enviable record of both staff and client retention, which speaks volumes in such a competitive sector.
Keep your eye on FGH for better and bigger innovations likely to come in the following years!
2. Pro Sentry Limited – Ensuring Officer Competency
Pro Sentry Limited has found a way to ensure the quality and knowledge of the officers that it deploys. With questions about the validity of some SIA training certificates and associated malpractice, Pro Sentry impressed me by ensuring that:
- All new security officers undertake an extensive e-learning training syllabus.
- Officers must successfully pass every one of the dozen or so courses before completing probation.
I worked with PSL for a while last year, and their training courses took me a good 16 hours to complete, and the exams were not at all easy. Kudos to Pro Sentry for maintaining such high standards.
3. Risk Management Security – Prioritising Quality Over Price
Not so much an initiative as an outstanding and winning ideology. I was speaking to their MD a few months ago and was hugely impressed by Risk Management Security’s approach to contract acquisition. Here’s how Risk Management Security follows an outstanding ideology in contract acquisition:
- They do not engage in cut-price bidding wars or the charge rate race to the bottom.
- They offer well-rewarded security employees with strong managerial support.
- They provide potential clients with a charge rate that genuinely enables them to deliver quality service.
I absolutely love the fact that clients are made aware that awarding contracts based on cheap bids means that they will not get decent security officers, and they are not taking the safety or security of their people or premises seriously.
Brace yourselves as this may come as a shock, but if an enthusiastic security sales person promises you super professional and highly trained security officers, and expert 24/7 management support, for a charge rate of £15 per hour, THEY ARE LYING!
There are still some security service users out there that want quality and will pay appropriately for it. Risk Management Security would be happy to assist.
4. Carlisle Support Services – Driving Innovation in Security
Always looking for clever technological solutions to security operational problems, Carlisle now hosts an annual event that has grown considerably in size over the last few years.
Their “Innovation Lab” brings smart thinking to a wide industry end-user audience. This year, it is being held at the Excel Centre in London on Thursday 27th March (2025) and it is free to attend. Just visit their website to register: Carlisle Innovation Lab
Another cause for kudos to be bestowed on Carlisle is the fact that they are early and vocal supporters of the UK Security Industry fair charge rate framework—an initiative gaining wide support. This effort was instigated and championed by John Lambert, their Northern region Managing Director, and Chair of the International Professional Security Association.
(Congratulations to John and Sarah on the recent birth of their adorable baby girl Isla.)
5. Bidvest Noonan – Advanced Trauma Training for Security Officers
Bidvest Noonan has been quick to recognise the vital importance of advanced trauma training for its security officers deployed at high-profile sites and venues. Their approach includes:
- Partnering with Turret Training, a leading prehospital care provider, to deliver life-saving courses.
- Equipping teams with advanced trauma skills, ensuring that staff and visitors at locations like Battersea Power Station are as safe as possible.
The necessity of this training is underscored by:
- Police policy during terrorist incidents, which dictates that a scene remains sealed until the area is confirmed safe.
- This means only those already present can administer first aid, as emergency responders cannot enter until the threat is neutralised.
- Security personnel on-site play a crucial role in providing immediate care to victims.
- Limitations of the SIA’s basic first aid qualification, which does not sufficiently prepare security officers for severe injuries resulting from terrorist attacks or serious accidents.
- The impact of proper trauma training, such as Turret Training’s D13-based course, which significantly improves survival outcomes in emergency situations.
The Role of the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
Although not a security company, the Security Industry Authority deserves a nod of recognition as a regulator.
They have recently announced a huge new drive, spearheaded by Paul Fullwood, Director of Inspections & Enforcement. This will involve the SIA working in partnership with the Police, HMRC and other bodies, to fight criminality and malpractice within the industry, and will involve a blitz on tax evasion, training malpractice, fraud, modern slavery and illegal migrant workers.
All we need now is mandatory business licensing and we are well on the road to a greatly improved industry.
How GuardPass Supports Security Innovation
GuardPass is committed to raising standards in the UK security industry by providing employers with the tools they need to recruit, vet, and manage top-tier security professionals. The platform ensures:
- Comprehensive BS7858 vetting services to verify SIA-licensed security professionals via GuardCheck.
- Access to qualified jobseekers with a database of 235k+ SIA-licensed professionals on the GuardPass portal.
- A streamlined hiring process that connects security companies with the best talent in the industry.
By leveraging GuardPass, security employers can enhance their service quality, ensure compliance, and stay ahead in an evolving industry.For more information, sign up today and learn how we can help your security business thrive.