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Navigating An Uncertain World

Navigating An Uncertain World

In a world where the only certainty is uncertainty, security professionals face unprecedented challenges. The recent Global Risks Report 2025 paints a stark picture of our increasingly fractured society.

In partnership with Toro Solutions, The Institute of Strategic Risk Management and MX4 Foundation, Corps were proud to take part in this expert panel discussion hosted in January.

With representatives from the security industry, including our Executive Director Mike Bluestone and Director of Corps Consult Neil Shanks, we were delighted to take part in an extremely thought-provoking panel discussion. It which was moderated by Corps’ Sales and Marketing Director Andy Topp.

Together, the panel reflected on the crucial insights about the future of security and risk management from the Global Risks Report 2025 and debated the current challenges and solutions.

How has the security industry changed in 2025?

It’s clear that the world is changing at a rapid rate. Exacerbated weather events, increasing conflicts and the polarisation of society make vigilance a constant requirement. Risks are becoming more interconnected, unprecedented, and difficult to navigate. With heightened tensions and new methods of offence, there’s a multitude of factors the security industry needs to adapt to. The traditional frameworks and tools the industry has used in the past to understand and manage risks were designed for a different era. They are no longer fit for purpose in the modern day.

Treating physical and cyber security as separate fields is no longer appropriate. Attackers are now blending their tactics, using both physical and digital methods of offense. This new method requires a fundamental shift in how the security industry approaches all facets of security.

How are standards changing the security industry?

Martyn’s Law has the potential to mark a watershed moment for UK security, introducing mandatory requirements for physical security measures in events spaces to enhance public safety. The panel highlighted the need for clear, actionable standards for resilience. These standards must bridge the gap between cyber and physical domains, creating a unified framework that organisations can adopt.

Building resilience in security

The panel agreed that resilience is critical in an increasingly volatile world and businesses must consider three key factors:

  • What risks will most hurt?
  • What policies, processes, and training will prepare us?
  • How can we move from a reactive to a proactive approach to security?

The key to building resilience in security, is to undertake scenario planning. This helps colleagues pre-prepare their responses and build the required muscle memory. This testing should also be part of ongoing training.

How do we cultivate the next generation of security officers?

It’s important that the security field comprises more young people, women and diverse voices from a multitude of backgrounds to better represent the communities we protect. The panel talked about the fact that security is often seen as a second-choice career, rather than a first choice calling and this must change. The consensus was that the industry must unite and speak with one voice if it is to evolve.

Security providers need to create initiatives to attract diverse talent, invest in training and modernise perceptions of the industry to make security a career of choice. The next generation of security professionals must be agile and equipped to thrive in a converged, fast-changing world.

Ready to build a secure future for your organisation?

As one of our panel experts noted, “We’re in a Darwinian stage of evolution” in security. Companies that adapt will thrive; those that don’t, face heightened risks. It’s no longer enough to operate alone. Our industry must work as one to develop the right strategies, and work from an integrated mindset. This moves us from survival to adaptation.

Are you looking to enhance your security operations? We have the expertise, resources, and vision to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your future.

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Martyn’s Law: Transforming The Role Of Security

Martyn’s Law: Transforming The Role Of Security

Martyn’s Law, officially known as the “Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill”, is a draft bill which will change security’s function throughout the UK. The proposed bill is especially important at a time where events and festivals are increasing in popularity after the lockdowns of previous years.

King Charles III outlined the change to legislation during his King’s Speech earlier in November, framing its relevance around the increased threat of new technology for national security. His speech, which was part of the State Opening of Parliament, marks the key Government priorities for 2024. This means that the Government will consult on the bill as part of the introduction to the parliamentary process.

Why the law is needed

Martyn’s Law was spearheaded by Figen Murray OBE, mother of Martyn Hett, who was one of the 22 victims of the horrific 2017 Manchester Arena Attack. Six years on, Murray and her team are still fighting for better security measures at venues, helping to develop this bill in Martyn’s memory.

A year ago, she spoke at a Corps Security event on the topic at the Royal Opera House. During Murray’s speech, she prompted officers to think from the perspective of someone intent on causing harm, who is trying to detect building vulnerabilities. These thoughts could be integrated into counter-terrorism action plans akin to health and safety structures, that should involve well-informed staff and possible practice runs.

These ideas will soon become mandatory procedures. Martyn’s Law will introduce multiple requirements for organisations to better prepare their security teams for a range of terror and non-terror related prevention and response.

What the law includes

Martyn’s Law will qualify for any premises with a capacity for over 100 individuals. These areas are classed as the “Standard” tier.

Standard premises were initially outlined as requiring anti-terrorism training for staff, information sharing procedures, and a preparedness plan for potential attacks will need to be in place. These plans could include first aid or specialty training for staff prior to emergency services’ arrival. However, the government is currently consulting on the requirements of the standard tier, to ensure there are not overwhelming burdens on smaller premises.

Further duties apply for “Enhanced tier”, establishments with a capacity of over 800. These will require heightened measures, risk assessments to help develop thorough security procedures, a shift of security culture to be more diligent of potential threat, and enhanced security technology. These can be implemented through ‘reasonably practicable’ measures tests.

Once enforced, the law will change the landscape of day-to-day security measures for buildings we protect. The new constant and vigilant eye cast will heighten public safety measures, so attacks like the Manchester Arena can never occur again.

What’s next?

This law has been through multiple stages of development since its first draft was released in December 2022, after the Government consulted the public, terror survivors, local authorities, and security experts.

One major next step will be introducing a regulator, that monitors eligible premises’ compliance and advises them. This regulator will be equipped to address non-compliance, who can investigate any malpractice and sanction and offenders monetarily. They will likely be able to access all areas of sites, interview any staff, and could work with a police presence.

The Law is set to be introduced within the next calendar year. However, there is a possible change of Government during a General Election possibly between Autumn 2024 and January 2025. The recent ministerial appointment Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as the Home Secretary may also slow down the Law’s finalisation.

Stay up to date

Martyn’s Law is not final. It will require further parliamentary review and Governmental changes may totally transform it by the point that it is introduced to law.

To follow these changes, be sure to stay up to date with Corps Consult’s monthly Intelligence Updates, as part of our Corps Relay. These updates includes any developments on Martyn’s Law and what we can expect in upcoming months. The November update on the bill is featured on page 6.

Martyn’s Law is set to be a welcomed and comprehensive change to the security industry. Ensuring counter-terror training and emergency preparedness will save lives and serve public interest well.

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2020: Looking Ahead

2020 represents the start of a new year and a new decade. But how will the next decade be different to the last? Change can be scary, but it can also be positive. Corps Security embraces change because it pushes to improve as a business and develop in line with our customer’s evolving needs. Last year saw huge trends emerge in technology-led services, civil unrest and other threats, and security officer requirements.

Here are the changes that Corps believes will shape the security industry over the next decade.

A hybrid model

If security companies invest wisely in both technology and their people, they can create a hybrid business model that helps customers to maintain the highest standards while lowering their costs.

New state-of-the-art technology will make customers safer and more efficient. The savings made from these efficiencies can then be reinvested back into the business to upskill colleagues and attract and retain the best talent.

There are challenges. Brexit is likely to impact the labour pool availability and the 6.2% National Minimum Wage increase has stretched the financial budget within organisations, thus affecting the security industry’s margins. However, endorsing this pay increase shows organisations are actively trying to support lower income households, as well as help to attract, retain and train the best talent to create a workforce that is happier, more engaged, and more effective. At Corps, we are always looking for new ways to work smarter. We aim to pay staff well in a positive, tech-savvy and supportive working environment.

Formatting a hybrid solution offers the best of both worlds between technology and traditional security. Moving to a blended model can make the most of the budget and help everyone work smarter to achieve great results.

Research into facial recognition surged in 2019. It’s a great example of how technology and security are merging to make people safer – though ‘grey areas’ around ethics, privacy and usage still need to be addressed in order for there to be clearer terms, facial recognition can be used to protect locations and people involved. Whatever changes service providers make to their business will have an undeniable effect on clients and it’s important to have them front of mind during any process of change.

The evolving role of a security officer

Front-of-house will play an important part in manned guarding provisions with security officers now doubling up as brand ambassadors. Security officers may act as a first point of contact for the public, for example manning a reception desk or giving directions at the entrance to an office building. The use of technology in terrorism has also meant officers need to be upskilled so that they can react to such situations to keep people safe. The recent assassination of Iran’s Qasem Soleimani by drone highlights both the evolving nature of security threats and the danger if this type of technology were to one day fall into the wrong hands.

Civil unrest

2020 predictions can be hard to pinpoint, so much can happen in a small space of time. However, 2019 suggests security providers should pre-empt and plan for civil unrest to grow in an ever more complex and evolving society. This is no more apparent than in political and environmental public opinion, with several Brexit and Extinction Rebellion protests having taken place in recent months. These demonstrations show a growing public voice and whilst it isn’t something to criticise, things can easily get out of hand. For Corps, that means being cautious and communicating with our city-based customers to ensure they too are mindful of the impact of civil unrest.

There will be curveballs thrown in 2020, as we’ve seen with the recent coronavirus outbreak, but with developed business models, continuous and efficient communication and a greater understanding of technology, the security industry can prepare for these challenges, ensuring clients, staff and the public are safe.

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The new face of manned guarding

The New Face Of Manned Guarding

The uncertainty around the recent election, the rising cost of labour, civil unrest and protests, and an uncertain situation in Iran after the US assassination of Iran’s General Qasem Soleimani have compounded to place pressure on the security industry. The industry is of vital importance; crime costs UK businesses about £9 billion a year. Despite this risk, the demand on the industry to provide services with ever tighter margins is high. However, this is a sector which, by it’s very nature, is highly agile. It is rising to meet these challenges and a new model for manned guarding is emerging in those leading the sector into the coming decade.

The UK is suffering a chronic shortage of skilled labour, a growing concern for the security profession. In addition, the National Minimum Wage is set to rise 6.5% from April, adding to financial pressures. An increased Living Wage also squeezes the bottom line and will continue to do so with an unprecedented rise of 6.2% announced for April. This increase of more than four times the inflation rate will also leave employers less to invest in other aspects of their business or require that they take on fewer members of staff. These statutory changes present significant knock on effects for the businesses as staff costs increase considerably. 14% of the UK labour force in the FM sector as a whole is from the European Economic Area (EEA).  Already, we are seeing significant drops in migrant worker numbers and with Brexit upon us, it is not a far stretch of the imagination to see these numbers falling further still. Not only is finding talent a real challenge, retaining it can also be difficult; because of the pressure on margins and pay, security professionals will move on to another employer for a small increase in pay. With long-term familiarity with sites being such a valuable asset in a security officer, retention demands attention.

The industry is starting to tackle these issues with the help of technological advances. Manned guarding is far from losing its place in the security matrix but, when applied alongside technology, it can now be carried out far more efficiently. A combination of the latest security technology with experienced security officers can provide considerable savings for organisations.  Having an officer onsite 27/4 can cost an average of £120,000 per year. By transferring some manned guarding responsibilities to the latest technologies, organisations can make savings and enhance the reliability and resilience of their security. They can reinvest these savings back into their security function by improving security officers’ salaries, benefits and working conditions to increase their motivation and engagement, reducing churn.

Few security specialists offer both manned guarding and a technology solution. In doing so, they miss the opportunity to create this powerful combination of people and technological security, designed to work optimally together, all at a single point of contact. This simplifies invoicing and administration, in turn reducing costs further.

Manned guarding is – and will be for the foreseeable future – an important means of providing security in a world of evolving threats. It provides a visual deterrent to crime, and an immediate on-site response to any issues. However, with clients unwilling or unable to pay rising costs, the industry must use innovative means of tackling the novel threats that worry all those running an organisation, including theft, terrorism, and cyber security. The use of technology alongside manned guarding is a model for the security sector in an era of seemingly indiscriminate terrorist threats, political turmoil, and cyber security issues. It is an approach to technology that places clients at the heart and ensures every penny of their money is invested into having the greatest possible benefit on their organisation.

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Our Social Values

We protect more than you think

There’s a lot more to Corps Security than you might expect. Yes, we are experts in security and we have over 166 years of experience. But we’re also experts in how to put sustainability and diversity at the heart of everything we do.

We are a Social Enterprise

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>> Equal Employment Opportunities Policy

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About Corps Security

Built on over 166 years of experience and a clear social mission, we provide specialist security services tailored to ensure the safety of people and property.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, through the people we work with, the people we employ, the people we help and the planet we protect. Together we protect the things that matter.

Registered Office at 85 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6PF.  Registered in England No. 03473589

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