Simon Alderson, First Response Group CEO, discusses the importance of protection critical infrastructure as well as recommendations and advised methodology on how to do so.Criminal activity involving UK infrastructure can have serious national implications, placing a crucial emphasis on rigorous monitoring and security every minute of the year.Facilities which are categorised as being ‘critical national infrastructure’ (CNI) are those whose loss of function have far-reaching consequences, being essential for the continuous smooth functioning of society. These include, for example, ...

In his first blog for Infologue.com, Ben Draper, Chief Operating Officer of Ward Security, discusses the importance of prioritising experience within the security sector, for both customers and employees.To remain relevant and compete in today’s ever-changing world, experience must be top of mind for every person in your business. From management to marketing, from front-line to back-office, everyone needs to be invested to deliver a great experience. And this is especially important in our sector, with large and diverse workforces, many of whom are working within our clients’ business...

Leigh Turner, Founder & CEO of Elite Tactical Force LTD and Ambassador & Representative for the Security Industry Federation discusses the scourge of pervasive worker exploitation and how the Security Industry Authority must undertake urgent action.The security industry finds itself at a critical juncture, besieged by the scourge of pervasive worker exploitation. Disturbingly, numerous reports have surfaced, revealing shockingly low wages ranging from £8.75 to £11 per hour, a blatant affront to the established National Living Wage of £11.44 (Ages 21+) for the year 2024. Such fla...

John Robertson, Managing Director of International Fraud & Investigation Services, discusses the pervasiveness of modern slavery within the UK security industry and what steps need to be taken to address the situation.Since early 2022 I’ve been investigating a number of items which led me to discover that modern slavery and worker exploitation are rife throughout the security industry. The 1st red flag for me was when I discovered a Romanian national protecting a home for the vulnerable who’s basic English was very basic, but he was eating a raw onion like it was an apple and he wa...

The Home Office has just announced a £4m funding boost to include investment in new knife detection technology to try to keep knife crime below pre-pandemic levels. However, police commander Stephen Clayman says that while the police are ‘tackling symptoms’, they do not have the ‘cure’.  Simon Alderson, CEO of First Response Group discusses Knife crime and how we can protect our officers. “Whilst the funding to tackle knife crime is clearly an important investment for the police, we should be mindful that it is our security officers who are increasingly on the front line of we...

MI5 has warned vice-chancellors that British universities are being targeted by hostile states to steal sensitive research. British universities are cited as some of the best in the world; working on cutting-edge and revolutionary research.The Director General of MI5 and senior politicians warned last week these institutions are being targeted for their intellectual property (IP) by hostile states and spies - and as a result this is a threat to national security.In the face of this, universities must work at speed to increase their physical security measures and keep their academia and...

Samsic UK’s HR Director Andrew Safo-Poku Jnr and Finance Director Baldip Brreach discuss the recruitment and retention issues that are being felt throughout the facilities management industry, and look at ways in which talented employees can not only be found, but kept.Recruitment issues, skills shortages and retention difficulties are putting businesses under pressure throughout the UK. Service industries, haulage and construction are just a few of the sectors that are becoming more and more vocal about their concerns for the future as talented, loyal employees become harder to find. ...

According to a BBC survey, nearly one in five teachers in the UK has been attacked by a pupil this year, with an increase in other disruptive behaviours such as fighting, pushing, shoving, spitting, swearing, and chair-throwing. This statistic and a series of distressing incidents in secondary schools has pushed the topic of safety in schools into the forefront of public debate. The question is, should schools have more security in place to protect our children and teachers?Unfortunately, there have been several headline grabbing tragedies fuelling this debate in recent years. The fatal st...

In his first blog for Infolouge.com, John Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Danhouse Security, discusses the implications of the recent increase in the Living wage in London and what it means for businesses in the capital.Within London, there are at least 2,500 employers who pay what’s known as the real Living Wage which is now set at £13.15 an hour for workers in London. It’s not a mandatory amount and they are not obliged to pay their employees such a rate in law, but they’ve decided that it supports their brand and attracts a higher calibre of employee if they do. It’s a statem...

In his second blog for Infologue.com, Noah Price, G4S Academy International Director, provides an overview of the risk employees can pose to organisations and how companies can prevent them.With insider threats on the increase, G4S Academy International Director Noah Price explains the risks and threats employees can pose to an organisation and how to prevent them.If asked to describe a physical security breach that can impact a company, most people would think of an external criminal intent on harming an organisation. But what if the attack comes from within? Perpetrated by someone yo...