In a conference hosted by the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) – a special interest group of security trade organisation ADS – business leaders discussed opportunities to leverage the full potential of the market, and acknowledged the significant steps that have been made to date.
 
The Group, established in 2011, works in partnership with Government for the development and accreditation of standards for the UK private security industry operating overseas. The Group has been an influential participant in the development of an International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers, and has worked with Government to develop a national standard for land-based private security companies – the PSC1. Work is currently underway to develop additional standards to address maritime-specific challenges, particularly in the wake of an increase in piracy.

Speaking at the conference, ADS chief executive Paul Everitt (right), revealed the importance of the sector: “Government is increasingly turning to the private sector for the provision of capacity building and security services abroad. The work of the Security in Complex Environments Group is critical in developing regulation that will reassure both Government and international customers of the mature, high quality and human rights compliant nature of our sector.”

 
However while the private security industry was reportedly worth £62 billion in 2011, figures indicate there is scope for the UK to further leverage the potential of this market, as UK security export figures were just £2.6 billion. In a market expected to increase by 9% each year, more needs to be done to increase the UK’s market share and move it up the ranking table of global exporters from its current position in sixth place.
 
Chris Sanderson, SCEG chairman said: “Risk consultancy and security services – as opposed to equipment and technology – are important to UK security sector exports and merit Government support. This really is a field where the UK leads globally and has been exceptionally powerful in raising standards globally.
 
“Looking ahead, our work will continue to develop and communicate the development of proper professional standards and the recognition of human rights that goes with that. However, a key focus must also be on building the recognition of this sector as an important contributor to the UK economy and one with the potential to deliver so much more.”
 
Paul Gibson the director of SCEG said: “The Security in Complex Environments Group has a unique partnership with the UK Government and has been integral to the development and promotion of internationally recognised standards for the private security industry.”