Remember the last time you flew? The endless queues, the frantic scramble to get your laptop out of your bag, the stress of wondering if your toiletries bag was exactly the right size? Well, if you’re flying through Manchester or Liverpool airports, those days are officially behind you.
Both airports have just introduced cutting-edge computed tomography (CT) scanners that are completely revolutionising the security experience. And if you’re thinking about expanding your security team and investing in upskilling opportunities, this security technology leap represents some of the most exciting opportunities the industry has seen in a while.
The End of the Laptop Shuffle
Let’s start with what’s actually changed because it’s genuinely remarkable. At Liverpool John Lennon Airport, passengers can now keep their liquids and electronics in their hand luggage during security screening. No more frantically digging through your bag to find that laptop charger, no more wondering if your shampoo bottle is 99ml or 101ml.
The magic happens thanks to those new CT scanners, which create detailed 3D images of bag contents. It’s the same technology hospitals use for medical scans, but adapted for security purposes. The scanners can identify threats without requiring passengers to remove items from their bags.
Liverpool has gone even further – they’ve ditched the requirement for a clear plastic bag for liquids. You still need to stick to the 100ml limit per container, but you can keep everything in your regular bag. It’s a small change that makes a huge difference to the travel experience.
Manchester’s Measured Approach
Manchester Airport has taken a slightly different approach, maintaining some traditional requirements whilst embracing the new technology. Liquids still need to go in that familiar clear plastic bag, and electronic devices larger than A5 size still need to come out for separate screening.
But here’s the thing – both approaches show how security technology is evolving to balance efficiency with thoroughness. It’s not just about making travel easier (though that’s a nice bonus); it’s about using advanced technology to maintain the same high security standards whilst improving the passenger experience.
Recommended Read: Use of Force at Manchester Airport
The £400 Million Game Changer
Now, whilst airports are leading the charge, the real excitement is happening behind the scenes. The government has just launched UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) with a ringfenced annual budget of £400 million. This isn’t just about military applications – it’s about creating a robust ecosystem of security innovation that will transform the entire industry.
The establishment of the new Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (replacing UK Strategic Command in September) shows just how seriously the government is taking technological advancement in security. When you consider they’re dealing with more than 90,000 cyber attacks on MoD networks alone, you start to understand why they’re throwing serious money at innovation.
What This Means for Your Security Company
If you’re running a security business or hold a leadership role like a security manager, this technological revolution should have you absolutely buzzing with excitement. Here’s why:
Security Technology Integration is Everything
Modern security isn’t just about having good instincts and sharp eyes (though those are still important). It’s about understanding how to work with sophisticated technology to enhance human capabilities. The security officers operating these CT scanners need specialised training to interpret the 3D images and identify potential threats.
Customer Service Matters More Than Ever
With streamlined processes, passengers have higher expectations for their security experience. You need security professionals who can combine technical expertise with excellent customer service skills.
Continuous Learning is Essential
Technology keeps evolving, and security professionals need to evolve with it. The officers who installed these systems six months ago are already learning about the next generation of security technology. For security managers and leaders, it’s critical to keep up with evolving technologies and upskill, just as they search for talent that meets the current demands.
The Cyber Security Reality Check
Whilst we’re celebrating technological advances, there’s also a sobering reality check happening. Fresh data reveals that 27% of UK businesses have been hit by cyber attacks in the past year – a staggering 69% increase from the previous year.
This isn’t just about traditional computer hacking. Cybercriminals are targeting building management systems, CCTV networks, IoT devices, and access control systems. Some buildings opened as recently as 2013 are still running Windows 7 – an operating system that hasn’t had security updates in over five years.
The convergence of physical and cyber security means security companies and leaders need a specialised workforce of security professionals who understand both domains.
The Hiring Opportunities
So, what does this mean if you’re thinking of getting qualified security personnel for your team? You’ll need:
- Security Technology Specialists: Security professionals who understand how to operate, maintain, and optimise advanced security systems are in huge demand. From CCTV operation to access control management, technology skills are essential.
- Training and Development Experts: As technology evolves, someone needs to train the next generation of security professionals. This can also serve as a chance for you to combine technical knowledge with teaching skills and take on training roles.
- System Integration Specialists: Many companies need help integrating new security technologies with their existing systems. This requires both technical knowledge and project management skills.
- Compliance and Standards: As security technology becomes more sophisticated, the regulatory framework becomes more complex. Professionals who understand both the technology and the compliance requirements are incredibly valuable.
Looking Ahead
The airport security revolution is just the beginning. We’re likely to see similar technological advances across the entire security industry over the next few years. Facial recognition, AI-powered threat detection, predictive analytics, and biometric authentication are all becoming mainstream. For anyone building a security team, this represents an incredible opportunity to become a part of the technological revolution early on.
As the industry evolves rapidly, the demand for skilled professionals is growing. Now is the time to invest in training and qualifications to ensure your team is prepared for the future. The question isn’t whether you can afford to upskill your staff – it’s whether you can afford not to.
At Get Licensed, we provide the training and certification your team needs to stay ahead. Whether it’s SIA training programmes or specialist security courses, we help you build a skilled workforce ready to embrace the future of security.Â
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