We are pleased to support Felix Fund – the bomb disposal charity again this year. This small charity aims to assist with the well-being of individuals within the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Search Community across all British military. The charity helps any military or SO15 (Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Unit) personnel who have conducted […]
On 14 November 2023, a Flintshire man was convicted at Mold Magistrates’ Court for working illegally at a holiday park in North Wales. Joel Williamson pleaded guilty at the first hearing and was sentenced to a total fine of £212, including £100 contribution towards prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £32. The fine itself […]
We are pleased to announce that Allander Security Limited has rejoined The ACS Pacesetters. The company has been established since 1986 and is one of the leading suppliers of security solutions to the private and public sector in Scotland offering: Security Officers, Keyholding and Alarm Response, Door Supervisors, Retail and Leisure Security Services. With the […]
STM Group (UK) Limited are delighted to announce the appointment of Nigel Holness as their new Director Rail. Nigel, who was previously Managing Director of MTR Elizabeth Line, brings with him a wealth of experience within the public transport sector, both in the UK and overseas. Nigel joins STM in this part time, non-executive role, […]
Two men were prosecuted at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court for supplying illegal security on Monday 6 November 2023. Trevor Frater, who on 25 September 2023 had pleaded not guilty, changed his plea to guilty on the day of the trial for supplying unlicensed security and acting as a manager while being unlicensed himself. This is the […]
Ashley Marcel Zennadi pleaded guilty to fraud offences at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court. A Cwmbran man was prosecuted for fraud for failing to disclose information to the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Ashley Marcel Zennadi, used multiple aliases to disguise prior criminal convictions. He pleaded guilty to fraud offences at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 28 September […]
On Tuesday 26 September 2023, Stephen Simmonds from Ballymena was prosecuted at Laganside Magistrates’ Court. He pleaded guilty to supplying illegal security to Belfast venues as well as failing to inform the Security Industry Authority (SIA) of his change of address. The court fined Simmonds £700 and ordered him to pay £100 court costs and […]
We are pleased to announce that the ACS Pacesetters are partnering with TEAM Software, the global Workforce Management Technology for Security and FM Providers, to offer their latest software products to our members. Paul Hughes, Head of New Business for EMEA had this to say about the partnership “TEAM by WorkWave is delighted to announce […]
Below is an open letter to those employed in the security industry from Jason Towse – Security Skills Board Chair. As the leading companies in the security industry, we hope that members of The ACS Pacesetters will support this campaign. Dear Colleagues, The Security Skills Board are currently leading an important project which will define […]
On 11 September 2023, a man who had never held a genuine SIA licence was sentenced for offences relating to fraud by false representation. Adewale Balogun was using a false instrument and possessing a false identity document when attempting to work as a licensed operative last summer at two separate events. Balogun was sentenced at […]
Fast expanding First Response Group (FRG), the nationwide security, risk and property protection business, has strengthened its foothold in the events and stadia security management sector with the acquisition of Wembley-based ISC. The acquisition, which was completed this week, is part of the group’s strategy of diversification, whilst underpinning its strategic expansion into stadia, arena […]
The SIA responds to the issues raised by BBC File on 4 on training malpractice in the delivery of SIA licence-linked qualifications. The behaviours captured in this documentary are both shocking and disappointing – it throws shade on parts of a training industry that is relied on to play its part in public safety. We […]
On 14 September 2023, at Hastings Magistrates’ Court, an Eastbourne company director was prosecuted for supplying illegal security. Zac Morgan and his business First Choice (Sussex) Security Ltd were prosecuted by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for supplying unlicensed security. Howard Morrison was prosecuted for working as an unlicensed security operative. Zac Morgan entered guilty […]
Since launching its mission in May this year, Corps Security has announced its second event to address the stigma around mental health in the security industry. Following a report in 2020 by leading academic Professor Mark Button that 40% of security officers researched were presenting symptoms of PTSD, Corps Security hosted a mental health event […]
Paul Haywood Dowson was sentenced on Tuesday 12 September at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. On Tuesday 12 September Paul Haywood Dowson was sentenced for working illegally as a door supervisor at a licensed premises in South Wales. He received a 12-month Community Rehabilitation Order with 10 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR), a fine of £500, and […]
Simon Giles, the CEO of City Group Security, strongly believes in the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation. As part of his commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting carbon targets, Simon and the team at City Group Security are actively supporting Waste Week and introducing an innovative initiative within his company. Under the campaign […]
On Tuesday 1 August 2023, Alan Agnew from Ballymena was prosecuted at Laganside Magistrates’ Court. He pleaded guilty to working illegally as a door supervisor and for using a counterfeit Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence when he worked at a Belfast nightclub. The court fined Agnew £300 and ordered him to pay £235 costs. The […]
On Friday 11 August 2023, Vikramjit Sharma from Worcester was prosecuted (in his absence) at Worcester Magistrates’ Court. He was caught working illegally as a door supervisor on 4 November 2022 during a routine inspection by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and West Mercia Police. Sharma was sentenced to a £250 fine, required to pay […]
In the ongoing battle against counterfeiting, law enforcement agencies and businesses are turning to a novel and highly effective ally: sniffer dogs. These four-legged detectives possess an extraordinary sense of smell that enables them to sniff out counterfeit goods with remarkable accuracy. Below we explore the exceptional abilities of sniffer dogs and the benefits they […]
Education and certification are central to the IFPO mission of professionalising the security sector. To support learners of the global certifications, CPO (Certified Protection Officer), CSSM (Certified in Security Supervision and Management) and CPOI (Certified Protection Officer Instructor), the IFPO is launching the Approved Training Centre scheme (ATC). All ATCs will be Corporate Members of […]
The Private Security Industry Trailblazer Group announced the approval of a new, government-funded level 2 professional security operative apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship has been approved by government as a route for those wanting to join the private security industry, and for those already in employment who wish to progress. This achievement represents three years of […]
Education and certification are the reasons that The International Foundation for Protection Officers was formed thirty-five years ago and they remain at the forefront of our mission. Over the last year we have partnered with URIM, the organisation behind the hugely successful and award-winning Protect UK app, to develop a new IFPO app – CLUBB […]
City Group Security merge into one operating business from 4 individual brands and have strengthened the leadership team to become a market leader for security services across the UK providing our customers with a bespoke and personal service that is tailored to optimise security requirements. Simon Giles City Group CEO said, “Today is a hugely […]
Last Wednesday, 28 June, Olajide Shomoye from Erith was handed a suspended jail sentence of 24-weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18-months. Bexley Magistrates’ Court also ordered him to pay £2,887 compensation to his victim MNX Security. In addition, the same court also sentenced him to do 100 hours unpaid work and pay £85 prosecution costs. The […]
On Thursday 29 June 2023, a Bournemouth company director, and his business were prosecuted at Poole Magistrates’ Court for supplying unlicensed security. The court fined Patrick Briggs £960 and ordered him to pay £1,400.60 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £768. The court also fined his business Principal Protection and Events Ltd (PPE) £20,000 […]
On Monday 5 June 2023, Bury man Zahkier Hussain was ordered to pay £2,000 prosecution costs by Bolton Magistrates’ Court. He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order which requires him to carry out 200-hours of unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge of £95. The sentence follows his guilty pleas on 24 April […]
Based in the North of England, Active Security Solutions has been operating successfully since 2016. They are a leading provider of Door Supervision, Security Guarding, Event Security, Key Holding and Alarm Response Services across Yorkshire and the North East, but have recently ventured further afield as part of wider partnerships. The company works with an […]
We are pleased to announce that Taybar Security is the latest company to join the growing membership of The ACS Pacesetters. Taybar Security is based in the West Midlands and has been established for over 25 years, providing a wide variety of professional security services to a broad range of businesses across the UK. The […]
The sun shone brightly at Royal Windsor Racecourse for the ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards on Wednesday, 24th May. We were joined by our members, together with their staff and clients, and guests. We would like to congratulate all the inspirational winners who are a credit to the Security Industry. The lifesaving acts, […]
We welcome Prime Secure Systems Limited to the membership of The ACS Pacesetters. Prime Secure’s Head Office is based in Glasgow, and this is supported by regional offices located in the North of England, London, the Midlands, and the South of England enabling them to provide services to their clients across the whole of the […]
The Security Minds Matter project aims to make a positive difference to Mental Health and Wellbeing in the security sector. Independent, but supported by the SIA, they aim to keep awareness of mental ill health high and reduce stigma. How can you help? Security Minds Matter have designed cards to help share resources and are […]
On Wednesday 3 May, Ibukun Chiedu Joseph was handed a six-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The court also ordered Mr Joseph to do 120-hours community service and pay a £128 victim surcharge. Mr Joseph’s sentence follows his guilty plea for using a cloned Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence multiple […]
On Tuesday 4 May two men from Cardigan pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. On Tuesday 4 May two men from Cardigan pleaded guilty to working illegally as door supervisors at a Cardigan wine bar between September and November last year. Tristan Edwards was fined £400, ordered to pay £250 prosecution costs and a £160 […]
The ACS Pacesetters is delighted to have Orka as our headline sponsor for this year’s Security Officer of Distinction Awards. Seeing that Orka has the UK’s largest pool of SIA licenced job seekers, they want to celebrate the officers who have gone above and beyond in their duties this year. In addition, they also want […]
We are delighted to announce that Allied Facilities Limited is the latest company to join the membership of The ACS Pacesetters after achieving an SIA ACS score in the top 15% of accredited companies. This Dorset based privately owned business was founded in 1981 as a Security Services provider, Allied Facilities incorporated cleaning and other […]
On Tuesday 28 March 2023, Christopher Butler was fined £750 at Laganside Crown Court and ordered to pay £500 prosecution costs. Butler was sentenced following his guilty plea on 25 January 2023 to 5 offences for supplying illegal security to a Newtownards bar and restaurant in October 2019. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) brought the case […]
John Arthur Radley was sentenced at Reading Crown Court following his guilty plea to the court on Monday 21 November 2022. He is required to do a 12-month community order comprising 60-hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Mr Radley is also required to pay £600 prosecution costs over a 12-month period. […]
On 14 March 2023 a Cricklewood company director Gentian Dedej, pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court for purporting to be a Security Industry Authority (SIA) approved contractor. Dedej was fined £1,666 and required to pay prosecution costs of £2,416.33 and a victim surcharge of £167 by 31 May. The case began when the SIA’s London […]
SAS Managed Services is the latest company to join the membership of The ACS Pacesetters after achieving an SIA ACS score in the top 15% of accredited companies. Established in 2018, this privately owned, Midlands based company, provides a range of security services including Door Supervision, Festival Security, Event Management, Security Guarding, TV and Film […]
We are delighted to welcome Bespoke Facilities Management to the membership of The ACS Pacesetters. Established in 2015, the company offers a total facilities management solution including Security, Cleaning, Maintenance and Helpdesk services. Bespoke Facilities Management’s aim is to provide a high quality, personalised service with a professional team and technological solutions at competitive rates. […]
We are delighted that Figen Murray OBE has accepted our invitation to be the Guest Speaker at our Awards Lunch on 24th May 2023. Figen is the mother of Martyn Hett, who at 29 years of age was tragically killed alongside 21 others at the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. Since the Manchester […]
The 2023 ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards will take place at the Riverside Pavilion, Royal Windsor Racecourse, on 24th May and we are delighted to announce our sponsors. These awards reward and celebrate front-line security staff who have carried out exceptional actions whilst on duty. This it is a great opportunity for members of […]
STM Group (UK) Ltd, a leading security solutions provider, has been awarded the Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative at the 2023 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). The event was held on February 23rd at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, with over five hundred professionals from the security industry in attendance. The OSPAs are a prestigious […]
From 6 April 2023, the cost of applying for an individual SIA licence for any sector in the regulated private security industry will be reduced to £184. This is the lowest fee ever since licensing was introduced in 2004. The reduction applies to both new applicants and those renewing existing licences. Licence holders applying for […]
The Security Industry Authority (SIA), the regulator of the private security industry, ran a series of terror resilience exercises at Atik, Windsor yesterday. SIA-licensed security operatives working at Atik, Windsor took part in a series of terror-related exercises designed to test their responses. The security operatives from Atik, Windsor and SIA approved contractor Scope Security […]
We have chosen Prost8 UK as our charity to support at the 2023 ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards lunch taking place on 24th May. Prost8 UK is a small, new charity working hard to stop overtreatment of men with low to intermediate grade prostate cancer by championing ground breaking, minimally invasive NHS focal […]
A Bradford man has been sentenced after he was discovered using fake references in a dishonest attempt to gain a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. On Thursday 9 February 2023 Shakeel Ahmed was sentenced at Bradford Magistrates’ Court to a 12-month community order with a 150-hour unpaid work duty. He was also ordered to pay […]
We currently have Sponsorship Packages available for The ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards which is taking place on 24th May 2023. If you are a member or provide services or products to the Security Guarding Industry, we would love to hear from you. The standard package includes: 2 Places at the Awards Lunch […]
The Silver Fox Auditors from FM Contract Watch have carried out a regular series of audits to test the contract security team at Moor House in London for several years. During this time they have used many disguises and methods in an attempt to gain unauthorised entry to the premises. On the 8th February 2023, […]
The Silver Fox Audit scheme, a division of FM Contract Watch, has been established for over 20 years and provides nationwide on-site penetration and customer service audits to test front-line security teams on their alertness, efficiency and compliance. Our auditors have all held senior roles in the security industry, are ex police officers or military […]
On Monday 19 December, the Government announced details for the Protect Duty, now to be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. The Homeland Security Group has provided a factsheet for organisations in order to socialise what the law […]
On Monday 23 January 2023, Richard Mbembe-Babaku of Atherton pleaded guilty to fraud charges at Manchester Magistrates’ Court. The court fined Mr Mbembe-Babaku £120, ordered him to pay £250 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £34. Richard Mbembe-Babaku was formerly licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). His security guard licence was revoked by […]
Christopher Butler pleaded guilty to five offences. Two men supplied as security by Butler were also prosecuted for working illegally. On 25 January 2023 Christopher Butler, from Belfast, pleaded guilty at Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court to five offences including providing illegal security to a bar and restaurant in Newtownards. Two men supplied as security by Butler […]
We are delighted to announce that The ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards Lunch will take place in the Riverbank Pavilion at Royal Windsor Racecourse on Wednesday, 24th May 2023, commencing with pre-lunch drinks at mid-day. It is open to all ACS Pacesetter members and each company which attends the function can be presented […]
FM Contract Watch is a small independent business providing support services to the Security Guarding Industry including Penetration/Customer Service Audits, Security Consultancy and Reviews throughout the UK. We have a requirement to increase our team of Auditors in London, North of England, Scotland and Ireland. The positions are self-employed and applicants should be prepared to […]
Haidar Zaheer was prosecuted on 5 January 2023 at Bradford Magistrates’ Court for working illegally as security in a city centre pub. Zaheer pleaded guilty to working without a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. The court fined him £323, plus prosecution costs of £600 and a victim surcharge of £129. The prosecution follows a joint […]
We are pleased to announced that STM Group (UK) Limited is the latest company to join the ACS Pacesetters – the organisation for security companies in the top 15% of all SIA ACS accredited companies. STM Group is an award-winning, UK based, security company and an experienced supplier of manned security solutions and customer service […]
Green Light is delighted to announce the 3rd edition of the Behavioural Analysis conference, which will take place in London on 10-11 June 2020 at the Royal Air Force Museum. Behavioural Analysis 2020 will deliver practical insights into the behavioural analysis techniques used to identify individuals with negative intent. The conference will allow delegates to […]
L – R Grzegorz Miskiewicz (Security Supervisor), Anthony Insula, Madeleine Pugh. The Silver Fox Auditors from FM Contract Watch have carried out a regular series of audits to test the security team at Moor House for several years. On the 9th October, we were delighted to present the 2019 Silver Fox Award to Anthony Insula […]
This month the Security Industry Authority has published a document ‘Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) Get Approved Clarifications’. The document provides clarification and information regarding the eligibility to join the ACS scheme and the fit and proper conditions required. In brief, companies must comply with the following: Have a minimum of 2 licensable operatives supplied under […]
Atticus Risk Management Limited is the latest company to join The ACS Pacesetters which promotes the companies in the top 15% of all SIA ACS accredited organisations. Privately owned Atticus Risk Management support a range of private, state and commercial clients across the UK to maintain a secure environment for commence, learning and recreation, protect […]
FM Contract Watch were engaged by the owner of a privately-owned security guarding company, based in Scotland, to find a suitable purchaser for their business. The first enquiry was received mid-February this year. Within a week of being appointed, we had introduced the owner to two potential purchasers and arranged for NDA’s to be signed […]
United Guarding Services Limited is the latest SIA ACS company, with a score in the top 15% of all accredited organisations, to join The ACS Pacesetters. They are proud to be one of the first companies to be accredited with SIA ACS status when the scheme was introduced in 2006. This privately-owned company has been trading […]
We would like to welcome Manpower Direct (UK) Limited to the growing membership of The ACS Pacesetters – the association for the leading security companies in the UK based on their SIA ACS accreditation score. This privately-owned company, founded in 2003, was ranked in the Sunday Times fastest growing companies during their early years of […]
We are pleased to announce that Dardan Security is the latest company to join the ACS Pacesetters, the leading SIA ACS accredited companies in the UK. Established in 1973, for over 45 years, Dardan Security has built a long-lasting relationship with their clients including some of the world’s most prestigious brands. The company head office […]
We are pleased to welcome Hampshire based Veritech Systems as the latest company to join to the growing membership of The ACS Pacesetters. The company provides a range of services including manned Security, CCTV and access control and operates throughout London, South East, South West, the Midlands and Wales. To find out more about Veritech […]
The ACS Pacesetters Achievement Awards Lunch, run by FM Contract Watch, took place on Wednesday, 22nd May, at Royal Windsor Racecourse with 200+ members, their staff, clients and guests in attendance. Once again, the sun was shining as members gathered for pre-lunch drinks at the Riverbank Pavilion. This is the sixth year the lunch has taken […]
On Monday 11 March, Michael Ryan pled guilty at Coventry Magistrates’ Court to working as an unlicensed security manager on three occasions between 21 April and 28 September 2018. Mr Ryan was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £4,264 costs as well as a victim surcharge of £170 within 14 days. On 20 April 2018 […]
We are pleased to welcome White Star Security Services to the growing membership of The ACS Pacesetters. This privately owned company which has it’s headquarters in Yorkshire and offices across the North of England provides a comprehensive range of security services including: Key Holding, Alarm Response and Mobile Security Solutions Installation and Maintenance of CCTV, […]
Last Friday 8 March at Basildon Crown Court, John Raymond Daley, of Kilnwood Avenue Hockley in Essex, was ordered to pay a confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act of £25,000 and also prosecution costs of £11,000. The court order follows Daley’s conviction of six counts of providing unlicensed security guards to a school in […]
A Wiltshire security firm boss has had assets of over £80,000 confiscated after being convicted of providing unlicensed security guards to a school over a period of 12 years. Steven Renouf, the former owner of Taghna Security Services, has 28 days to comply with the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) confiscation order, which was […]
The Silver Fox Audit team completed a series of regular audits throughout 2018 to IPSL premises in Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bradford and Camberley. These unannounced audits have been carried out at various times, during the day and night, to test the security teams and IPSL’s own staff. On 8th February Lynda Moore, Managing Partner of […]