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.