The Blog

On 14 December 2025, a public celebration on one of the world’s most recognisable beaches turned into a scene of terror. During a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, Sydney, two gunmen opened fire into a civilian crowd, killing and injuring innocent people who had gathered to celebrate, not to protest, not to provoke, simply to exist openly in public space. For many, the instinctive reaction was to see this as Australia’s problem . A tragedy far away. A failure of someone else’s s

The 10 Key Attributes Every Professional Should Build and Maintain The private security industry is one of the most diverse and demanding professions in the modern world. From guarding critical infrastructure and controlling nightlife venues to protecting high-profile individuals and monitoring public spaces, security officers operate at the frontline of public safety every single day. While the environments may differ across security guarding, door supervision, close protect

Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance, was a term I heard most days when I served in the Army, and it's still at the forefront of my mind today. In the private security industry, performance is everything. Whether you’re stepping into your first Door Supervisor role, transitioning into Close Protection, or building toward specialist work such as surveillance, maritime security, or hostile environment protection, one truth remains constant: you will onl

Martyn’s Law, Plain-Language Fact Sheet What Is Martyn’s Law? The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, became law on 3 April 2025. The law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017, following a long campaign by his mother, Figen Murray. The purpose of the law is to improve safety and preparedness against terrorism at public venues and events across the UK. What the Law Requires Those respo

If you work in, or are considering a career in, the private security industry, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is one of the most important organisations you will ever deal with. From licensing and training standards to compliance, enforcement and, increasingly, counter-terror preparedness, the SIA plays a central role in how the industry operates in the UK. In recent years, we have seen major changes to SIA training requirements, the introduction of mandatory refresher

Why Accredited Training Matters for Security Companies Training is a cornerstone of the security industry. Well-trained personnel perform better, reduce risks, and comply with legal and industry standards. However, many security companies lack the capacity to develop and deliver accredited training programmes internally. This can lead to: Missed business opportunities : Clients often prefer companies that can offer certified training. Limited revenue streams : Without trainin

The short answer is: it depends. The longer, more useful answer looks at skills, mindset, training, and context, and then matches those to the job you actually need done. Below, I’ll walk you through the strengths and weaknesses of both backgrounds, how they show up on the job, and a practical checklist you can use to decide which candidate is the better fit for a particular close protection role. Military Background: What They Bring to the Team 1. Discipline and Work Ethic F

In the world of Close Protection (CP), reputation travels faster than any CV. You can have the best kit, the most polished CV, and every qualification under the sun, but without a solid professional network, opportunities will pass you by. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or adding names on LinkedIn. It’s about building trust, visibility, and credibility in an industry where your next task often depends on who knows your name and what they say about you. Whet

In the private security industry, the difference between a smooth operation and a critical failure often comes down to muscle memory, situational awareness, and confidence . These abilities aren’t developed overnight, and they certainly don’t last without maintenance. That’s why on-the-ground training remains one of the most important habits for professionals across the private security, law enforcement, and emergency response sectors. Skill fade. The gradual loss of compete

In today’s fast-changing world, staying ahead means constantly improving your skills. Whether you want to start a new career or grow in your current role, career skill enhancement is key. It opens doors to new opportunities and helps you meet the demands of your industry. I’ve found that investing time in learning not only boosts confidence but also makes you more valuable to employers. Why Career Skill Enhancement Matters Career skill enhancement is more than just adding lin

Discover why physical fitness is vital for success and safety in the private security industry, from confidence and endurance to professional performance.

In today’s world, the role of a Close Protection Operative (CPO) or private security professional extends far beyond physical protection....

The private security industry is one of the fastest-evolving sectors in the world. Threats change, environments shift, and even the laws and regulations guiding security operations are in constant flux. Yet, one challenge remains constant across all disciplines of the industry: skill fade . Skill fade is the gradual decline of knowledge, competence, and performance when skills are not used, refreshed, or developed regularly. In an industry where mistakes can cost contracts, r

In recent months, videos have flooded social media showing brazen thieves walking out of supermarkets with baskets full of goods, while uniformed security guards stand just a few feet away, doing nothing. To the public, it’s shocking. However, to those inside the private security industry, it’s not surprising. This situation is the result of a growing storm of legal constraints, corporate policies, and shifting social attitudes that have left many guards feeling powerless. Th

Stepping into the World of Close Protection: Your Guide to a Rewarding Career It’s not just about sunglasses, suits, and earpieces. Close protection is a career that demands discipline, discretion, and dedication. If you're considering taking your first steps into the private security industry as a Close Protection Operative (CPO), here are my ten pieces of honest advice. These insights come from my experience, my observations, my mistakes, and some hard-learned lessons. 1. K

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of close protection (CP), standing still is not an option. What once passed as sufficient in the...

In close protection, client confidentiality isn’t just a policy; it’s the foundation of trust . Clients place their lives, reputations,...

Not sure which first aid course suits your role in the private security industry? Discover the differences between EFAW, FAW, FREC 3, and FPOSi, and learn which qualification is right for you.

Being subservient isn’t always the way to do things. Sometimes we need the courage of our convictions to make sure the outcome is what we...

In the private security industry, most operators spend years sharpening their physical and tactical skills, mastering surveillance,...