Held at the Manchester Central, the event concentrated on the SIA’s experience of regulation so far and how to take regulation of the industry forward.  The day also focused on how the SIA could learn from, and work together with, the private security industry to raise standards and professionalism, and improve public safety.

Addressing key industry representatives on the topic of “The future of the private security industry – a threat and opportunity assessment”, Douglas Greenwell, Sales & Marketing Director for G4S Secure Solutions (UK), spoke about how the security market has developed over the last quarter of a century, away from the ‘traditional’ security market to total facilities management.

Greenwell also outlined how this market development has resulted in a shift in purchasing behaviour, from the procurement of security for single contracts at single sites, to the provision of all FM services across multi-sites, and how the competitive landscape is now more complex than ever.

Greenwell comments: “The traditional security market has changed in recent years to become a complex and highly developed UK support services market.  It is up to companies such as G4S to listen to the market and respond to this change in purchasing behaviour by providing a complete security solution tailored to individual needs.  As the UK’s leading security company, G4S is very aware of the importance of working closely with organisations like the SIA.  Events like this conference are a vital reminder of the role we all play in ensuring standards are maintained and ultimately in keeping the public safe.”Baroness Ruth Henig, SIA Chairman said:“I would like to thank Douglas for bringing his expertise to the conference.  It is essential for us to take into account the views of key stakeholders, working together to gain further insight on how we can continue to drive forward regulation of the industry.  We remain committed to being a proportionate and effective regulator, balancing the needs of business and industry with public protection.”G4S has a broad range of services to ensure the right security solution is delivered for businesses throughout the UK, from simple patrol and alarm response services to complex security operations involving the integration of electronic systems, manned security and specialist services.