Saturday 2 November 2013

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.

Monday 3 December 2012

Security Guards London and the Home counties










I would like to introduce the unique contract security services of Knightguard Ltd, a totally independent company that specialises exclusively in the commercial & retail industry.


Security Guarding, Door Supervision Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)

Knightguard currently holds SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status for the provision of Security Guarding, Door Supervision and Public Space Surveillance.


Two essential elements are vital to any successful service provider:-

         The correct calibre of operatives to fulfill each assignment.

         Management that is experienced in retail and understands providing maximum security cover while working within budgetary restraints.

Due to a huge shortage of good calibre SIA Licensed personnel throughout the security industry, contract security companies are having tremendous difficulty in successfully fulfilling their contracted requirements on behalf of their clients. 

Fortunately, Knightguard is not experiencing these problems as we use the services of our training division to fulfill all our recruitment requirements.  By using our own dedicated division which holds at any one time, over 750+ fully SIA Licensed candidates throughout the UK.

Knightguard management are all drawn from commercial & retail backgrounds and their experience ensures that all our clients receive:-

a)       A security coverage that is fully flexible and provides cover at the most vulnerable times within our clients’ stores.

b)      Regular management visits with management to compile monthly KPI reports which allow forward planning. (What gets measured gets better)

c)       The supply of just not any SIA Licensed Guard, but the right Guard that will have  the correct experience and appearance.

Knightguard has already achieved SIA Approved Contractor, ISO 9001 : 2008 along with ISO 14001.

Our hourly charges rates are very competitive and I would welcome the opportunity to attend a short meeting to further discuss these, as again the rates would be depending on volume and coverage of the assignments.

If you would like a no obligation quotation or a trial period in one of your properties, register your interest below by inserting your email address in the box and subscribe to our mailing list.



Tuesday 19 October 2010

SIA will not continue as a Non-Departmental Public Body

Changes announced yesterday confirm that the SIA will not continue as a Non-Departmental Public Body, otherwise known as a ‘Quango’. There will be a phased transition to a new regulatory regime but it is not known what form this will take. Ministers in Scotland and Northern Ireland have indicated that they want continued regulation of the private security industry.



The reality is that the transition will take time and licensing in its current format will continue for the foreseeable future and potentially post Olympics. So for employers, security operatives and trainers it is business as usual. Licensing requirements remain and the SIA will continue to enforce these.



Tackling violence in the night time economy and towards public sector and retail workers is a priority of the new government. Security officers in hospitals and stores play a key role in public safety and security and door supervisors are guardians of the night time economy where violence peaks. The SIA has made a major contribution to the raising of standards in these functions and has a valuable role to play with industry in shaping the transition.



For further commentary visit

Info4security.com and Infologue.com

Wednesday 18 August 2010

Physical Intervention Training



Physical intervention skills may be needed in some workplaces to manage challenging behaviour safely. Depending on the risks faced in the job this can involve anything from avoidance and disengagement skills through to rescue, escorting and holding skills.

Maybo has a unique physical skills programme that is simple and effective yet lower in risk for the staff using them and the individuals to whom they are applied. The non-aggressive skills help to calm a situation, as they do not use pain to seek compliance. They are taught in a way that enables staff to identify the least aversive options to achieve the objective. Based on simple yet powerful principles men and women confidently apply these skills in a range of environments to protect themselves, their colleagues and service users/customers.
Importantly Maybo's conflict management Physical Intervention Training also examines medical implications and legal advice on the use of force. Physical Intervention Training at every level reinforces the need to utilise non-physical strategies as far as practicable, with physical intervention being a last resort. Staff will be given the skills to suit their situation and location. To do this Maybo carries out a training needs analysis before designing the programme. The programme will be based on the level of risk, employee and service user considerations and typical problems experienced. It will generally be split as follows.


Disengagement: This training examines how staff can reduce the risks of assault through non physical measures and avoid assault through their positioning and approach. They then learn how to disengage from the most common types of assault they can face in their role. This can extend to coming to the aid of another person and non restrictive guiding skills.


Holding: Where the job role may legitimately involve physically escorting or holding an individual, holds are taught that help to protect staff and avoid pain or discomfort for the individual. Such techniques may be required in a variety of frontline roles.


Additional holding: Where the job role may require holding and restraint of individuals who are horizontal Specialist: For those working in security we have safe non-confrontational searching advice and training. For roles where a service user can become particularly aggressive and additional support is needed Maybo will provide training on the correct and safe use of handcuffs, Maybo's SAFERwrap or an emergency restraint belt (ERB).
All skills have undergone expert medical review.
The physical intervention courses are tailored to the environment and the common scenarios


Saturday 2 January 2010

Tuesday 13 October 2009

Security Guarding Company

Knightguard Security specialise in manned guarding security services throughout London and the United Kingdom. We can provide security guards for a variety of venues including corporate office buildings, construction sites, retail stores, events and not forgetting door supervisors to licensed premises. With over 20 years of experience in the security industry, we know the business therefore we can offer you a tailor made package to suit, not only your requirements, but also your budget. In the current economical climate, we at Knightguard security understand the importance of offering a cost effective security solution without compromising standards or service. Our unique approach ensures all areas of expertise work perfectly allowing you to concentrate on your business. All our security guards are SIA Licensed, Vetted to BS7858,Trained at our SIA Approved Training Academy and are immediately available to commence work. For more information why not contact us on 020 8287 3213 or email evans@knightguard.co.uk.