Mandatory Licensing of Security Businesses

From 6 April 2015, all security providers will need to hold an SIA business licence.

The Home Office has been working with the SIA on the introduction of business licensing. Home Office Ministers have publicly stated their commitment to the regulatory reforms and the introduction of business regulation; which will help create a fair business environment for security companies, remove rogue element, and deliver better value regulation.

The proposed implementation dates are:

· 7 April 2014: SIA accepts business licence applications.

· 1 October 2014: The last recommended business licence application date.*

· 6 April 2015: Legal requirement to have a business licence.

To qualify for an SIA business licence, a security provider must demonstrate that it is 'fit and proper' to supply security industry services. When processing a business licence application, the SIA will consider: identity; criminality; financial probity; integrity; business competency (including British Standards).

A business will need to obtain approval for each sector in which it supplies a security industry service. The relevant sectors are:

· Manned guarding - Cash and Valuables in Transit, Close Protection, Door Supervision, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), and Security Guarding.

· Key holding.

· Immobilisation of vehicles (including the restriction and removal of vehicles) in Northern Ireland only.

A business licence will last for five years. To maintain a business licence businesses will be required to comply with the conditions of the licence, provide a yearly return evidencing its continued compliance, and pay an annual subscription fee.

The SIA is writing to private security businesses to inform them of their responsibilities in applying for a business licence.

Business representatives can sign-up for further information about business licensing on the SIA's website: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sign-up.