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

11 Jul 2025 | Press release

Angry Mob Music Continues Marching Forward with New Brand Identity

 New Identity Re-Introduces Angry Mob Music as Modern, Key Player in the Independent Publishing Community   Angry Mob Music Group, an independent music publisher boldly serving songwriters, composers, artists, and creatives, has announced the launch of their new brand identity. Angry Mob's revitalized...more

11 Jul 2025 | Press release

OneRepublic sign new global recordings partnership with BMG

The deal marks the group's first new label home in nearly two decades   Grammy nominated and multi-Platinum selling band OneRepublic have signed a new global recordings partnership with BMG to release their upcoming seventh studio album. The first single, "Beautiful Colors",...more

11 Jul 2025 | Press release

Comment from the Musicians' Union on the government's approach to cutting disability benefits

  Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, said: "I would urge the government to rethink its approach to cutting disability benefits.  "Our latest Musicians' Census showed disabled musicians already face serious financial challenges, including a pay gap of 13 per cent, and many unable...more

11 Jul 2025 | Press release

Reservoir extends deal with Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Khris Riddick-Tynes

  Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR), an award-winning independent music company, today announced a new global publishing deal with Grammy Award-winning songwriter-producer Khris Riddick-Tynes, who has been represented by the Company since 2020. Under the extended partnership, Reservoir will continue to...more

11 Jul 2025 | Press release

Bronski Beat receive PRS For Music Heritage Award, presented by Tom Rasmussen, at site of historic debut performance

  Award formally recognises the lasting impact of the seminal 80s band and the venue where they began their careers, The Bell in London's King's Cross (presently Big Chill) UK star Tom Rasmussen to deliver commemorative performance and unveil a plaque during...more

11 Jul 2025 | Press release

River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing Sign Rising Singer-Songwriter Kenny Whitmire

  River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, announced today the signing of breakthrough country singer-songwriter Kenny Whitmire to a global publishing agreement. Kenny Whitmire moved to Nashville in 2022 to pursue a career in songwriting and quickly began...more

11 Jul 2025 | Press release

TikTok launches #THISISFOR campaign to celebrate the new album from global K-Pop sensations TWICE

TikTok has partnered with TWICE on an immersive in-app experience featuring exclusive content Fans can engage with the #THISISFOR campaign to unlock a profile frame, collect digital stickers, and access exclusive merch and rewards TikTok is excited to unveil #THISISFOR, a...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

UK music tech sector faces critical

MTUK's first-ever state of the nation report on the UK music tech sector urges the Government to ensure music tech remains a cornerstone of the UK's creative economy   A comprehensive new report from Music Technology UK (MTUK), the UK trade association dedicated to...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

Northampton's Billy Lockett signs gargantuan publishing deal with independent Notting Hill Music

  Critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter Billy Lockett has inked an immense global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music, one of the UK's most respected independent music publishers. The deal marks a pivotal moment in Lockett's flourishing career, following a breakout few years that have seen him...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

Concord Music Publishing Signs Global Deal with Grammy-Nominated Producer Duo Tropkillaz

Marking Concord’s First Signing Out of Brazil    Concord Music Publishing is thrilled to announce the signing of Tropkillaz, the dynamic GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian production duo of Zegon and Laudz, to a global publishing agreement covering all new copyrights. This landmark deal, orchestrated...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

Symphonic Distribution Partners with Third Chair to Monitor Music on Social Media for Proper Sync Usage, Maximizing Revenue

  Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, has partnered with Third Chair (previously Watchdog) to utilize their IP enforcement services to monitor social media music usages and protect all of the music under Symphonic's...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

FUGA Partners With Arketyp Group, the New Venture From YEAR0001 Co-Founder Oskar Ekman

Deal expands FUGA’s footprint in the Nordic region and follows new signings from Arketyp Group and YEAR0001Downtown-owned, B2B distributor FUGA has today announced a new global partnership with Arketyp Group, the newly launched independent label group founded by Swedish music...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Levellr Unveils AI Tool to Decode Real-Time Fan Sentiment on Discord

New feature gives artists, labels, and brands instant insight into what fans really think, feel, and care about View demo dashboard here Levellr, the fan community platform powering next-gen artist-to-fan connections, has launched a cutting-edge AI social listening tool designed to unlock...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

The UK's Official biggest songs and albums on vinyl of 2025 so far revealed

Sam Fender scoops the biggest vinyl album of 2025 so far Oasis secure best-selling vinyl single of the year so far with 'Whatever' anniversary reissue   Sam Fender's People Watching claims the best-selling vinyl album of 2025 so far! Congratulations are in order for  Sam...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Rebecca Lucy Taylor a.k.a Self Esteem to curate at this year's Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival

The festival also features Adam Buxton, Alexis Wright, Bora Chung, Charlie Macksey, Chris Kraus, Claire-Louise Bennett, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Funmi Fetto, Jackie Kay, Jimi Famurewa, Kelly Frost, Lisa Smith, Malala Yousafzai, Michael Rosen, Nikita Gill, Neoprene Genie, Nesrine Malik, Olga Ravn, Pankaj Mishra,...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

'Don't Look Back In Anger' takes title of most played Oasis song of 21st Century

‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ has been revealed as Oasis’s most played track on UK radio and TV in the 21st century, according to new data from music licensing company PPL. Following the band’s euphoric live return to universally glowing...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tom Walker signs global publishing deal with BMG

  Platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Tom Walker has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with BMG. The deal brings together Walker’s deeply personal songwriting and unmistakable voice with BMG’s industry-leading publishing capabilities.  Known for his breakthrough hits “Leave a Light On” and “Just You and...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Statement on UK Government Decision to ban Employer NDAs

A statement from Gaby Cartwright, Head of Partnerships, LIVE in response to the UK Government's decision to make amendments to The Employment Rights Bill that will ban employers from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence workplace harassment and abuse. Changes set to be introduced to...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

BBC Radio 2 listeners to vote for Your Ultimate 80s Duet

  The 1980s saw some of the world's best loved popstars unite to create some of the most magical and much-loved duets ever made. Today (7th July), Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast show and BBC Sounds announced voting has opened for Your...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

AIF calls for Competition and Markets Authority to investigate Live Nation

Live Nation could be held responsible for engaging in anti-competitive behaviour, according to AIF analysis.   The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has called for an investigation into Live Nation from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. The trade body recently provided evidence...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

LIVE Awards 2025

Category Nominations Now Open  Tom Ward is the new host of the LIVE Awards 2025   The annual LIVE Awards, which will take place on Wednesday December 10th at Troxy in East London, has announced a new host for 2025. Tom Ward is an...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

Green Man Festival 2025

14th - 17th August 2025 Announce full line up and day splits for SOLD OUT 2025 edition Cymande, Heartworms, Been Stellar, Cass McCombs, Factory Floor, Gurriers, Hannah Frances, Jamz Supernova, Keo, KOKOROKO, Shale, Lucy Gooch, Iraina Mancini, Molina, MORN, Ella Ion, Natalie...more

07 Jul 2025 | Press release

Brazilian music superstar Alok signs global publishing deal with BMG

  GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian music superstar and philanthropist ALOK has signed a global publishing agreement with BMG.A leading figure in dance music, ALOK is best known for his hit singles "Hear Me Now," "Deep Down," "Lua," and chart-topping collaborations with John Legend,...more

07 Jul 2025 | Press release

Independent music company CEOs around the world call for end to further anti-competitive, consolidation attempts in the music industry

  Hundreds of independent record labels and trade associations have raised significant concerns about Universal Music Group's acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings. Deal is the latest in a line of serial acquisitions from UMG in the independent sector Together they have signed an...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tickets For Good announces launch of Belgian business at Wallifornia, opens £3m funding round

  The Wallifornia Conference Startups alumni returns to reveal latest expansion news. TfG recipients include some 500k registered healthcare workers, teachers, and charity workers across UK, EU and U.S. It's distributed 1million+ free and discounted tickets from 1,000+ live event partners, including Dua...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Lewis Capaldi surprises fans in London's Covent Garden to launch 'Room to Reflect' meditation booth with TikTok

  SCOTTISH SUPERSTAR PARTNERS WITH TIKTOK TO ENCOURAGE THE NATION TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RESET FROM  EVERYDAY LIFE   The ‘Room to Reflect’ experience was narrated by Lewis Capaldi, offering a sanctuary from the London daily grind to meditate and escape the...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Beatport Live Launches 'The Block'

A Touring Container Stage Spotlighting Emerging DJs at Junction 2, Creamfields, and The Prospect Building  Over the last five years, more than 400 nightclubs have closed in Britain and Beatport recognises the urgent need to offer more than just a digital...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

BDi Music signs exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Paige Bea

Bea is a sought after musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer.   BDi Music has signed artist and songwriter Paige Bea to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal.  Paige Bea is a London-born musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer. Originally trained as an opera...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Bandcamp Daily's Summer 2025 Hotlist Spotlights Its Most Anticipated New Releases

Open Mike Eagle, Wet Leg, Kokoroko, Alex G, Susumu Yokota and more are all featured in the Summer 2025 Hotlist    Bandcamp Daily, the editorial arm of the world’s largest online music marketplace and community, has released its 2025 Summer Hotlist, a curated collection...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Greater China announces strategic global alliance with "Godfather of Mandarin R&B" David Tao and his company Great Entertainment

Universal Music Group to Release David Tao’s New Studio Album STUPID POP SONGS, with Physical Pre-Orders Opening Soon   Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a strategic global...more

THE HEADLINES

11 Jul 2025

  • Where’s the next wave of working-class rock stars? (see Features)

  • Populists vs. tech titans: The battle over AI and the future of music (see Comment)

10 Jul 2025

  • Can TikTok revive classic songs? A statistical analysis (see Analysis)

09 Jul 2025

  • UMG’s Michael Nash: ‘AI can be instrumental to the future of music’ (see Digital)

08 Jul 2025

  • In the post-music streaming era, do artists and labels give too much away? (see Comment)

07 Jul 2025

  • Songwriters ‘missing millions in royalties from more than 100,000 UK gigs’ (see News)

  • Merck Mercuriadis plots comeback with Hipgnosis remix (see Business)

04 Jul 2025

  • V&A East Storehouse to open the David Bowie Centre (see News)

  • ESCA calls on the EU to block Universal Music’s deal to buy Downtown (see News)

  • Virgin Music CEOs push back against critics of Downtown Music deal (see News)

03 Jul 2025

  • Record labels are running on empty (see Opinion)

  • AI music is going viral, but it’s not what fans want (see Comment)

02 Jul 2025

  • The Velvet Sundown may be the first breakout AI band from Suno (see Digital)

  • Amid cuts, WMG to "continue to supercharge our capabilities in long-term artist, songwriter, and catalog development" (see Business)

01 Jul 2025

  • WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)

  • If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)

30 Jun 2025

  • Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)