Business guidance

Defence, Security & Space

Apply for an SIA licence

Most private security roles in the UK, from door supervision to close protection, need a licence from the Security Industry Authority, and working without one is a criminal offence. Licences last 3 years; before applying, check which licence you need and get the qualification and identity documents ready.

Defence, Security & Space

Become a MOD supplier

The Ministry of Defence keeps no preferred supplier list, so any business can bid. Register free on the Defence Sourcing Portal, Contracts Finder and Find a Tender, meet the cyber and security requirements each tender sets, then bid under the Procurement Act 2023.

Defence, Security & Space

Data protection for security CCTV and body-worn cameras

If your security company runs CCTV or body-worn cameras, the footage is personal data under UK GDPR, and public-space systems should follow the Surveillance Camera Code. Agree with each client who is controller and who is processor, carry out an impact assessment where required, and justify how long you keep footage.

Defence, Security & Space

Defence Security Clearances

Understand SC and DV security clearance requirements for defence contractors.

Defence, Security & Space

ITAR Compliance for UK Companies

Comply with US ITAR regulations when handling US defence articles.

Defence, Security & Space

Manage security staff hours, lone working and violence risks

Security work often means long shifts, nights and lone working, so the Working Time Regulations 1998 apply in full: an average of no more than 48 hours a week unless the worker opts out in writing. You must also assess the risks of lone working and violence and put controls in place.

Defence, Security & Space

Meet your security and investigation regulatory duties

Guards, door supervisors, close protection officers, keyholders and alarm-response staff need a front-line SIA licence, which applies across the whole UK. Installing alarms or CCTV needs no statutory licence, and private investigator licensing has not yet been brought into force.

Healthcare & Social Care

NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit compliance

Any organisation that handles NHS patient data or connects to NHS systems, from GP practices to suppliers and care homes, must complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit every year. Failing to reach Standards Met can cost you access to NHS systems and contracts.

Defence, Security & Space

Register as an SIA Approved Contractor

The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme is voluntary, but many buyers of security services require it. To apply, your company must have traded in private security for at least 12 months with every operative licensed, and pass assessment by a UKAS-accredited body against the scheme's standards.

Defence, Security & Space

Renew your SIA licence

How to renew your SIA licence before it expires, including the new mandatory refresher training requirements for door supervisors (from April 2025) and close protection operatives (from April 2026).

Defence, Security & Space

Set up security staff training

Every security operative must hold the SIA-endorsed qualification for their licence sector before applying for a licence. Since 1 April 2025, door supervisors and security guards must also complete refresher training before renewing, so plan at least six months ahead and keep training records.

Defence, Security & Space

UK Export Controls for Defence Products

Navigate UK Strategic Export Control requirements for military and dual-use goods.

Transport & Logistics

UK Space Industry Licensing

Obtain licences for satellite operations, launches, and space activities.

Defence, Security & Space

Understanding SIA regulation of the private security industry

What the Security Industry Authority does, why private security is regulated in the United Kingdom, how the licensing system works under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and what happens to businesses and individuals who operate without a licence.

Defence, Security & Space

Verify SIA licence validity for your employees

Before deploying anyone on licensable security work, check their licence on the SIA Register of Licence Holders, confirm it is active and covers the right sector, and match the original card to the person. Using unlicensed staff is a criminal offence under section 5 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Tax & Finance

Check if you need to register for VAT

You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover passes the registration threshold in any rolling 12 months, or when you expect it to pass the threshold within the next 30 days alone. Under the first test, register within 30 days of the end of the month. Late registration brings penalties and backdated VAT.

Compliance & Legal

File your confirmation statement

File a confirmation statement every 12 months, within 14 days after your review period ends. Filing late is a criminal offence for the company and its officers.

Premises & Operations

Meet your business waste duty of care

Every business that produces, stores or disposes of waste has a duty of care under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and stays responsible after it hands the waste on. Use only registered waste carriers, complete waste transfer notes correctly, and follow the stricter rules for hazardous waste.

Compliance & Legal

Verify your identity for Companies House as a director or PSC

Yes, if you are an individual director or PSC of a UK company, or an individual director of an overseas company registered in the UK. Corporate directors and officers of corporate PSCs are not yet required to verify. The transition for existing directors and PSCs ends on 17 November 2026.