In 2018 we have seen some dramatic changes in the Top 30 List of regulated security companies, which chiefly includes MITIE Plc’s acquisition of Vision Security Group from Compass Plc. In other news, Cardinal Security was bought out of financial difficulties and administration by Amberstone Guarding Ltd, allowing Amberstone to preserve Cardinal’s customer base and workforce. Furthermore, Securitas acquired the MK group and Kingdom Security has acquired Keyline Chartered Security. Meanwhile, Interserve announced their first Deleveraging Plan in November 2018 in a bid to restructure their rising debt with the full support of the Cabinet Office.
Alan Clamp the Chief Executive of the SIA (Security Industry Association) announced his departure in July 2018 and is set to be replaced by Ian Todd, who will begin his post 25th Februaury 2019. James Kelly departed the BSIA (British Security Industry Authority) in November, with Mike Reddington taking over as the New Chief Executive as of 21st January 2019. Overall, margins continue to move downwards in the Manned Security Services Industry as of 2018.
Mike Reddington, Chief Executive of the BSIA commented: “I have been personally involved in the security industry for over 25 years and I am very passionate about its progress and development. In 2018, UK security continued its drive to ensure that it recruits and retains a talented and dedicated workforce that is fit for purpose for 21st-century demands. New challenges mean new opportunities to develop cutting edge technology, training, and standards that deliver on keeping people, property, and assets safe. The BSIA and its members are committed to leading these initiatives, ensuring that every level of security – from guarding to manufacturing and distribution – is equipped for today and tomorrow.”
Infologue.com Top 30 UK Companies in the Regulated Security Sector
Turning to the Infologue.com Top 30 for 2018, we believe that the estimated turnover of the regulated security sector is £4.1 Billion. The Top 30 security businesses make up 84.7% of the regulated security services market. The Infologue.com Top 30 mirrors the regulated private security sector, which includes companies operating within the following security disciplines: Guarding, Cash and Valuables in Transit, Close Protection, Door Supervision, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), Security Guarding and Key Holding. Please read our health warning below our Top 30 Table.
| Rank | Company Name | 2018 Turnover | Est Market Share |
| 1 | G4S Plc* | £784,000,000 | 22.56% |
| 2 | Mitie Total Security Management (VSG) | £650,000,000 | 18.71% |
| 3 | Securitas Security Services Ltd | £264,000,000 | 7.60% |
| 4 | Interserve Plc (First Security (Guards) & Knightsbridge) | £135,000,000 | 3.89% |
| 4 | Ultimate Security (Noonan)* | £135,000,000 | 3.89% |
| 4 | OCS Group UK Ltd | £135,000,000 | 3.89% |
| 7 | Loomis UK Ltd* | £122,000,000 | 3.51% |
| 8 | Wilson James Ltd | £111,000,000 | 3.19% |
| 9 | TSS (Total Security Services) | £103,000,000 | 2.96% |
| 10 | Cordant Security | £101,000,000 | 2.91% |
| 11 | ICTS UK Ltd | £99,000,000 | 2.85% |
| 12 | Axis Security Ltd | £85,000,000 | 2.45% |
| 12 | Kingdom Security Ltd | £85,000,000 | 2.45% |
| 14 | Corps Security Ltd | £80,000,000 | 2.30% |
| 14 | ISS Facility Services Limited | £80,000,000 | 2.30% |
| 16 | Sodexo | £60,000,000 | 1.73% |
| 17 | CIS Security Ltd | £52,250,000 | 1.50% |
| 18 | Profile Security Services Ltd | £51,000,000 | 1.47% |
| 19 | Carlisle Security | £45,000,000 | 1.30% |
| 20 | SecuriGroup | £40,600,000 | 1.17% |
| 21 | Atalian-Servest Ltd | £40,000,000 | 1.15% |
| 22 | Ward Security Limited | £32,500,000 | 0.94% |
| 23 | Guarding UK* | £31,500,000 | 0.91% |
| 24 | Man Commercial Protection Limited | £28,000,000 | 0.81% |
| 25 | STM Group Ltd* | £27,500,000 | 0.79% |
| 26 | Amulet Security | £27,000,000 | 0.78% |
| 26 | Lodge Service Ltd | £27,000,000 | 0.78% |
| 26 | Interr Security | £27,000,000 | 0.78% |
| 29 | Manpower Direct (UK)Limited | £16,500,000 | 0.40% |
| 30 | Cardinal Security Limited *Bought by Amberstone Guarding | Figures to be finalised | |
| Estimated Turnover of Top 30 | £3,474,893,000 | 84.75% | |
| Est. Turnover of UK Regulated Security Industry | £4,100,000,000 | 100.00% | |
*Companies marked with an asterisk were either unable or refused to give data and as such data was taken through general checks.
Companies to Watch in 2019
Dardan Security
Incentive Lynx
Atlas Security
Brooknight Security
The above table is based on estimates and historical published data of annual turnover and should be viewed only as a guide to the approximate size of the largest companies in the manned security industry. The turnover is calculated on an annualised basis as of end December 2018 and relates only to revenue derived from the regulated sector of the Private Security Industry. Some companies have non-related areas of business in their statutory accounts which Infologue.com attempts to estimate and factor out of the estimated turnover. Whilst some companies are now providing information on turnover to Infologue.com, all figures will not be accurate as statutory information can be up to two years out of date. Infologue.com welcomes input from the companies in the Infologue.com Top 30 and will amend any verified inaccuracies as soon as possible. Therefore these figures should be treated with caution and be regarded as a best guess. The Infologue.com Top 30 UK Companies in the Regulated Security Sector 2018 is an exclusive production of Infologue.com and may not be replicated without the express written permission of the producers thereof.
Infologue welcomes input from companies within the Infologue.com Top 30 and will amend any inaccuracies as soon as practically possible.
In order to be fair and reasonable, we have set a cut off period of 30 days for addition/corrections of 30 days from publication. The final decision on any amendments is strictly decided by the publisher.
* 16/04/2019 amendment made – Manpower Direct (UK) Limited figure added