If you’ve been watching the security industry from the sidelines, wondering if now’s the right time to make your move, the events unfolding this week have just given you your answer. The UK security landscape is experiencing a perfect storm of challenges and opportunities that’s reshaping everything we thought we knew about this sector.
When National Security Meets Everyday Reality
The headlines tell a story that’s both concerning and compelling. The UK government has just published its National Security Strategy 2025, with Sky News reporting that Britain must “actively prepare for potential war in the homeland.”
At the same time, Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police chief, is refocusing efforts on local crimes, while Scotland faces what the BBC describes as a “staggering” increase in sexual crime reports.
But perhaps most telling is what’s happening on the ground level. The Guardian reports that over 80% of Co-op workers feel unsafe at work due to short-staffing. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reality that’s driving fundamental changes in how we think about security.
The Numbers Paint a Clear Picture
Here’s what the data is telling us: retail violence and abuse has increased by over 50%, with more than 2,000 incidents happening daily across the UK. Meanwhile, 56% of retail workers have witnessed petty theft in the past year alone. The current MI5 threat level remains at SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, and this level has been maintained for several years.
With approximately 451,000 active SIA licenses currently in circulation, the industry is substantial. But what’s particularly interesting is how quickly things are changing. The SIA is implementing enhanced training requirements, and Martyn’s Law compliance preparations are ongoing, signalling a shift toward more professional, better-trained security personnel.
Recent major incidents highlight the breadth of security challenges we’re facing—from gang attacks with guns and petrol bombs to rural crime affecting farmers, and growing concerns about surveillance culture and cyberstalking.
The Market is Responding
Companies aren’t sitting idle. OCS Group just secured a five-year facilities management contract with the UK Health Security Agency, covering three sites across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Greater London. This was awarded on 13 June, showing how quickly major contracts are moving.
Meanwhile, the recruitment activity is telling its own story. Mitie Group is running a strong recruitment drive with multiple security officer positions advertised across regions. Wilson James maintains a workforce of over 5,000 employees across the UK and Europe and continues active recruitment. Securitas UK is actively recruiting for security officers across multiple locations, including Northampton operations.
The message is clear: there’s steady demand for security personnel across both retail and corporate sectors.
What the Public is Really Thinking
The public sentiment data reveals rising anxiety over national security threats and retail worker safety concerns. Social media is buzzing with discussions about the National Security Strategy, and there’s a growing awareness that preparation for potential wartime scenarios on UK soil is no longer theoretical.
Perhaps most significantly, retail workers are increasingly considering leaving the industry due to safety concerns and abuse levels. This creates both a challenge and an opportunity—businesses need security solutions more than ever, but they also need to attract people willing to work in these environments.
The Professional Development Opportunity
Here’s where things get interesting for anyone considering a career in security. The convergence of state-level threats and domestic crime escalation is driving unprecedented demand for professional security services. Companies with comprehensive capabilities spanning both physical and cyber domains are positioned for significant growth.
The government’s emphasis on national resilience, combined with the retail sector’s urgent need for enhanced protection, suggests a market that’s prioritising proven, reliable security solutions. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building sustainable, professional security capabilities.
What’s Coming Up
The industry calendar reflects this growing professionalisation. The Manchester Cyber Security EXPO on 10 July 2025 at Manchester Central kicks off a busy season of professional development opportunities. This is followed by the Security & Resilience Summer School (21 July – 1 August 2025 in London), the World Conference on Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking (8 August 2025 in London), and DigiGov Expo 2025 (4 September 2025).
Autumn brings even bigger events: DSEI UK 2025 (9-12 September 2025 at ExCeL London), the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit (22-24 September 2025 in London), and the International Security Expo (30 September – 1 October 2025 at Olympia Events London).
This isn’t just a busy events calendar—it’s evidence of an industry that’s investing in its future and the people who’ll shape it.
Your Moment to Act
The security industry faces unprecedented challenges, but within those challenges lie unprecedented opportunities. With over 80% of retail workers feeling unsafe and more than 2,000 incidents of retail violence occurring daily, the need for comprehensive security solutions has never been greater.
The question isn’t whether there will be opportunities in security—it’s whether you’ll be qualified to take advantage of them when they arise. The companies investing in security solutions today will be the ones shaping the industry tomorrow. The professionals getting qualified now will be the ones leading those companies.
At Get Licensed, we’ve been tracking these developments and helping people navigate the changing security landscape. Our comprehensive range of SIA courses is designed not just to meet current requirements, but to prepare you for the evolving demands of modern security work. From basic door supervisor training to advanced close protection qualifications, we don’t just help you get licensed—we help you build a career in an industry that’s never been more important.
Get Started with Get Licensed
The UK security landscape is changing faster than ever before. The data shows it, the headlines confirm it, and the market is responding to it. The only question is: will you be part of that change?
Discover our SIA training opportunities and see how Get Licensed can help you build the qualifications that today’s security market demands.
Leave a Reply