SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

Executives from Over 70 Leading Security Companies and Associations Urge Government Action in Letter on Business Licensing Reform - #BusinessLicensingNow 19 Mar 2025

 
Today, the UK’s private security sector has come together in unity, signing a formal letter to the Home Secretary and the Minister for Security urging the implementation of business licensing across the industry. The letter has been signed by 11 trade organisations representing private security companies and over 50 executives from the largest security firms in the UK.
 
This appeal follows the recent announcement by the Minister for Security at the Home Office Security and Policing Conference, where he confirmed the Security Industry Authority (SIA) now falls entirely within his ministerial portfolio. Additionally, the Minister acknowledged the critical opportunity ahead, as highlighted in MR8 of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, where business licensing was identified as a key reform.
 
As the security sector stands at a pivotal moment, industry leaders urge the Government to recognise this statement as an unequivocal endorsement of business licensing from the sector in its entirety. This regulatory reform is essential to raising standards, enhancing oversight, and ensuring public safety across the UK.

 

Addressing a Regulatory Gap that Threatens Public Safety
The existing framework, introduced over 20 years ago, only mandates licensing for individual security operatives, leaving businesses largely unregulated. With over 500,000 licensed security operatives in the UK, it is estimated that one in four could be impacted by gaps in the current system. Furthermore, approximately 12,000 security supply businesses remain untraceable by key government agencies, including HMRC and the SIA, creating vulnerabilities that facilitate exploitation, tax evasion, and even infiltration by organised crime. 
The absence of business licensing not only compromises public safety but also results in substantial financial losses for the Government. Unregulated security firms contribute to an estimated annual tax gap of £1 billion due to non-payment of taxes and fraudulent claims. Business licensing would rectify this by providing HMRC with the necessary oversight to ensure compliance, levelling the playing field for responsible operators.
 
Enhancing Public Safety and Supporting National Security Initiatives
At a time when counter-terrorism measures such as Martyn’s Law are being introduced, business licensing would ensure that security firms meet minimum standards, reinforcing the industry’s role in safeguarding the public. The private security sector is increasingly relied upon to supplement policing resources, operating in complex and high-risk environments. Without regulatory oversight at the business level, accountability and standards remain inconsistent, putting public safety at risk. 
Currently, the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) covers fewer than 800 security businesses, leaving the majority—more than 12,000—operating outside of a structured regulatory framework. This disparity in standards is further reflected in tax contributions; ACS-accredited companies contribute over £1.2 billion annually, while non-participating firms contribute just £260 million. A mandated licensing system would close these gaps, ensuring all operators adhere to the same high standards and contribute fairly to the economy.
 
A Critical Step in Combating Organised Crime and Labour Exploitation
The lack of business licensing has allowed organised crime groups to exploit weaknesses in the system, circumventing HMRC regulations, abusing immigration laws, and violating Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) standards. These illicit activities not only undermine community safety but also put legitimate businesses at a competitive disadvantage. By implementing business licensing, the Government can eliminate these loopholes and dismantle networks that profit from regulatory gaps.
 
Financial and Operational Benefits of Business Licensing
While an initial investment in licensing infrastructure would be required, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Fees paid by licensed businesses would cover regulatory expenses, and the increased tax compliance would generate substantial revenue for the Treasury. Additionally, including the SIA’s regulatory focus of 500,000 individual licences to include approximately 10,000 business licences would streamline oversight, reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency.
This reform presents an opportunity to transition from individual licensing to a dual system of business licensing and individual registration, ensuring frontline operatives meet required training standards while linking their employment to regulated businesses. Such a model would enhance compliance while offering a more cost-effective approach for government agencies.
 
A Timely and Necessary Reform
The private security sector plays a crucial role in public safety, and as the SIA transitions into its new role as the regulator for Protect Duty, now is the time to strengthen the industry’s regulatory framework. With the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and the introduction of Martyn’s Law, the timing is right to implement long-lasting and critical changes to the sector. Business licensing is not only essential for national security but also for protecting the industry’s integrity, ensuring fair taxation, and safeguarding the public from unregulated operators.
Given the urgency of these concerns, the private security industry formally requests a meeting with the Home Secretary and the Minister for Security to discuss the immediate implementation of business licensing. This measure is critical to securing the future of the industry, protecting the public, and ensuring that the UK’s security sector operates to the highest possible standards.

 

Michael Kill Chair of the UKDSA & CEO NTIA Says “The implementation of business licensing for the private security sector is long overdue. The current regulatory framework has significant gaps that put public safety at risk, particularly within the broader hospitality and nighttime economy sectors, where security plays a critical role. The findings from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and the subsequent introduction of Martyn’s Law, make it clear that stronger regulations are needed to enhance security measures, close loopholes, and ensure greater accountability.”
 
“The UKDSA & NTIA fully support the industry-wide call for reform, advocating for higher standards, protection against worker exploitation, and a more robust regulatory structure. We have welcomed the recent statement from Security Minister Dan Jarvis, in favour of considering key reforms from the inquiry, and feel that now is the time for the industry to unite and present a collective voice in favour of business licensing, ensuring professionalism, responsibility, and public confidence in the private security services.”
 
Graham Bassett CEO CSC Says “We believe that there is a justification for Business Licensing in the Security industry.  While we do not wish to add red tape to businesses this could be a suitable replacement for the existing ACS scheme. We look forward to further discussion on the practicalities and how this impacts quality security organisations as well as those it is designed to eradicate.”
 
Anne Marie Chebib Chair of UKCMA Says “UKCMA urges the government to implement mandatory business licensing in the private security sector to enhance public safety, tackle crime, and ensure fair taxation. With an estimated over £1 billion lost annually to tax fraud in the security industry, mandatory business licensing is a financial and public safety imperative.
Without urgent reform, unregulated security operators will continue to undermine policing efforts, exploit workers, and enable organised crime.”
 
Mike Reddington CEO BSIA Says “The BSIA and its members support the implementation of Business Licensing in the professional security industry as this will provide traceability of all companies operating in the sector and identify any potential unscrupulous operators. It will also assist in ensuring company compliance to HMRC rules, mitigate potential employee exploitation, create a minimum standard of operation, and improve the safety and security of the general public.”
 
John Lambert Chair IPSA Says “I think the vast majority of the industry support business licensing to tackle the widespread issues of labour exploitation and other corporate offences. By moving the focus onto the businesses rather than the individuals working in the industry, we hope to see better compliance, which in turn will improve the lives of those on the front line. I can’t think of another example of an industry collectively asking for more regulation, which demonstrates how keen we are for the decision not to implement Business Licensing reconsidered. The fact that the recommendation came off the back of an inquiry for a tragedy where 22 people lost their lives, also reinforces the need for change.”

NEWS & PRESS

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Ministry of Sound Undergoes Huge Renovation Ahead of 35th Anniversary Year

A new KV2 sound system, multi-dimensional light installation, and a fully redesigned dancefloor and DJ booth will be completed in January Ministry of Sound is set to undergo the most significant transformation since it opened in 1991. A complete reimagining of sound, space...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Nightlife Bosses Push Back: ‘It’s Not Just Pubs Under Threat’ Says NTIA

  Sector anger grows as government rhetoric suggests only pubs may receive business rates relief in today's media leak   Nightlife operators and cultural venue owners have pushed back against government and media suggestions that only pubs will benefit from upcoming business rates reductions. Industry...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Independent Venue Week 2026: January 26th - February 1st

IVW Artist Ambassadors’ Nova Twins, Brògeal and Eve Goodman announce exclusive live shows to celebrate the importance of independent venues Nova Twins play a hometown gig at London’s Amersham Arms on January 27th Brògeal perform two Scottish shows across the week at...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Bank on it: FreshTunes Expands Payment Options for Artists

FreshTunes, the label services platform for artists everywhere, is rolling out a new option for royalty payments worldwide. Starting in Q1 2026, artists anywhere in the world will be able to receive their payouts directly to their Visa or Mastercard...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

The European Festival Report 2025: Festivals Still Thriving Despite Rising Production Costs and Boycott Pressure

The European Festival Report is the essential annual guide to the continent’s popular music festival industry, offering insights into current challenges, priorities for 2025, and developments in health, safety, and sustainability. Published by IQ Magazine in partnership with YOUROPE, the...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

Introducing Apple Music Integration for AlphaTheta’s CDJ-3000X

Apple Music has announced an update enabling Apple Music integration with AlphaTheta’s next-generation multi-player, the CDJ-3000X.With this update, the CDJ-3000X and its new StreamingDirectPlay feature give Apple Music subscribers access to over 100 million songs on Apple Music and the latest playlists on...more

09 Jan 2026 | Press release

ESNS The Key Exchange for Emerging New Music Is Gearing Up for Its 40th Edition

  ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), the key exchange for emerging European music talent is gearing up for its 40th edition, which will take place from 14th to 17th January 2026. The event has proven essential in breaking new acts into live music...more

08 Jan 2026 | Press release

NTIA calls for transport investment alongside proposed drink drive limit changes

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “Road safety has to come first, and the night-time economy absolutely supports efforts to reduce harm and save lives. No venue, operator or community wants to see people injured or killed...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025

Music, video and games revenues up 7.1% to £13.3bn    Streaming services and retailers grew UK revenues from music, video and games by 7.1% in 2025 to a new all-time-record of £13,257.3m, according to interim annual figures published today (January 7) by...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Save the date: Record Store Day - 18 April 2026

Celebrating 19 years of independent record shops and vinyl culture in the UK Record Store Day (RSD) returns on Saturday 18 April 2026 for its 19th edition, celebrating independent record shops and the people who support them. More than 280 UK...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Soundstripe and PopArabia Launch First Sync Camp in Middle East

  Soundstripe, the premier music licensing platform, is collaborating with Abu Dhabi-based independent music company PopArabia to create a series of songwriting camps for MENA based artists and songwriters. The first camp, Soundstripe’s first outside of the US, took place this October in...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group to transform music experience for billions of fans with Nvidia AI

Leveraging NVIDIA AI infrastructure and drawing from the world’s leading music catalog comprising millions of culture-defining tracks, this collaboration aims to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement    Universal Music Group (EURONEXT: UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, announced...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Universal Music Group appoints James Steven as EVP & Chief Communications Officer

  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the appointment of James Steven as its Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer. Steven will be responsible for leading the company’s internal and external communications, and oversee the communications...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

Warner Chappell Music strikes global publishing deal with Ziggy Alberts

Today, Warner Chappell Music expands its global roster with the signing of Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts to a worldwide publishing deal. Signed through Warner Chappell Music Australia, the agreement will encompass Alberts’ complete catalogue and future works, with a close collaborative partnership alongside Warner Chappell Music Nashville to support...more

07 Jan 2026 | Press release

IRMA announcement of Ireland’s recorded music consumption data for 2025: “Homegrown talent surges in popularity, propelling another year of solid growth for Ireland’s recorded music market”

Homegrown talent surges in popularity, propelling another year of solid growth for Ireland's recorded music market  Releases from Fontaines DC, CMAT, Kingfishr, Amble, Hozier & Jazzy helped grow the Irish singles market by 7% and albums by 12% in 2025. Irish artists' market share...more

06 Jan 2026 | Press release

Italian annual official music charts 2025 celebrates Italian leadership

YOUNG ACT OLLY DOMINATES ALBUMS AND SINGLES, RAPPER CAPAREZZA TOPS THE PHYSICAL CHART Consumption, records and trends in the Italian music market in 2025 ALL THE CHARTS HERE     The soundtrack of 2025 in Italy is strongly dominated by local music: it’s the result...more

06 Jan 2026 | Press release

Superstition is crowned ‘Your Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song’ by BBC Radio 2 listeners

  BBC Radio 2 listeners have crowned Superstition as their ‘Ultimate Stevie Wonder Song’, following an audience vote from a long list of his 60 most played solo tracks on the station.   The song, taken from Stevie’s 15th studio album Talking Book, was a hit...more

02 Jan 2026 | Press release

Christmas break 2025 - News

News from the break will appeared here from 20 December to 4 January.Most stories have now been moved to the 5 January daily email. ————————————————————NEWS Kylie Minogue scooped the festive No1 single, beating Wham! to the top spot. (Mail, Sun) The vibrant pulse...more

31 Dec 2025 | Press release

New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year

  UK recorded music consumption rises to 210 million albums, with over 200 billion audio streams generated for the first time and vinyl sales rising for an 18th consecutive year to keep physical formats in growth. British breakthrough artists including Olivia Dean, Lola...more

30 Dec 2025 | Press release

New Year's Honours list

OBEPhil Patterson, for services to Export and to the Music Industry. Karen Emanuel. Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Key Production Group, for services to Music. CBEComposer Max Richter, for services to Music. MBESinger Ellie Goulding, for services to biodiversity and the climate. Cynthia Erivo,...more

29 Dec 2025 | Press release

Karen Emanuel, Founder and CEO of Key Production Group, Awarded an OBE for Services to Music

    Karen Emanuel named in The King’s 2025 New Year’s Honours List, announced today Karen set up Key Production in 1990 - now the biggest physical music manufacturing agency in Europe, servicing the music industry A significant figure in improving gender imbalances within...more

20 Dec 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and Roblox announce strategic agreement to expand creative and commercial music experiences on the platform for artists, labels and fans

Roblox will collaborate with UMG to introduce industry-leading integrations on the platform to music fans and Roblox users globally Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment and Roblox, an immersive gaming and creation platform, today announced a new strategic agreement...more

20 Dec 2025 | Press release

6 exceptional collaborative new music projects supported to tour across the UK and Republic of Ireland through PRS Foundation's Beyond Borders

  PRS Foundation, together with Creative Scotland, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Arts Council of Ireland announce the UK and Ireland-based organisations, music groups and composers that will receive funding through the co-commissioning and touring programme Beyond Borders. The...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

PRS for Music and IPRS announce groundbreaking new licensing model to launch Apple Fitness+ in India

  PRS for Music and the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) have today announced a landmark new licensing model to support the launch of Apple Fitness+ in India. The new initiative marks a significant step forward in how digital music rights are...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

North East Music Leader Named On Influential Government Creative Council

  Generator CEO will sit among leading figures from film, TV, design and other creative sectors to champion regional music industry The leader of a North East headquartered music development organisation has been named on an influential Government-led body charged with developing...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

‘The Numbers No Longer Add Up’: Half of Night Time Venues Face 50%+ Business Rate Rises as 2026 Operating Costs Become Unsustainable

Britain’s nightclubs, live music venues, and late-night entertainment spaces are warning that 2026 will bring unsustainable operating costs, with nearly half of venues expecting business rates to rise by 50% or more, according to a flash poll of 345 nightlife business operators.  Rising rates...more

19 Dec 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Group and Splice to Collaborate on the Next Generation of AI-powered Music Creation Tools for Artists

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, and Splice, the world's most popular music creation platform, have agreed to collaborate on joint exploration of the next generation of AI-powered music creation tools for musical artists. UMG and Splice are...more

18 Dec 2025 | Press release

Global Nightlife Leaders from Over 30 Countries Converge on Liverpool for Night Time Economy Summit 2026

  Liverpool will take centre stage in the global nightlife conversation as night-time economy leaders from more than 30 countries converge on the city for the Night-Time Economy Summit 2026, taking place on 11th and 12th February 2026.  Hosted at Blackstock Market, the two-day Summit...more

18 Dec 2025 | Press release

European Talent Exchange presents final results 2025

ESNS Alumni make international impact across festivals in 2025 European Talent Exchange proudly presents the final results of 2025, a year in which emerging European artists crossed borders at an exceptional pace. Throughout the year, the programme supported 352 shows by 150...more

18 Dec 2025 | Press release

Independent music publishers generated €2.7bn in 2024 globally - up 5.1% YoY

The latest edition of IMPF's Global Market View also confirms that the collective global market share of the independent music publishing community held firm at 26.3% in 2024.   Independent music publishers generated €2.7bn globally in 2024, representing a 5.1% increase year-on-year. The...more

THE HEADLINES

09 Jan 2026

  • Lucian Grainge outlines UMG's 2026 plans in staff memo (see News)

  • Skye Newman wins Radio 1's Sound of 2026 (see News)

08 Jan 2026

  • Spotify now lets you share what you’re streaming in real time with friends (see Digital)

07 Jan 2026

  • Streamed and retail entertainment sales grew four times faster than UK economy in 2025 (see News)

  • UMG announces collaboration with NVIDIA to pioneer responsible AI for music discovery, creation, and engagement (see News)

06 Jan 2026

  • 2026 music industry predictions (see Features)

05 Jan 2026

  • New wave of global British breakthrough talent helps UK recorded music grow for 11th consecutive year (see News)

19 Dec 2025

  • What’s going to give you the marketing edge in 2026? (see Features)

18 Dec 2025

  • The global value of music copyright hits an all-time high (see Reports)

17 Dec 2025

  • The 'metamorphosis' of Atlantic Records (see Features)

16 Dec 2025

  • Looking ahead to 2026 (see Opinion)

  • Boost for artists in AI copyright battle as only 3% back UK active opt-out plan (see News)

15 Dec 2025

  • Music discovery: More channels, more problems (see Reports)