Sector
Defence, Security & Space
Defence contractors, security services, aerospace and space technology.
Start here
See all 7Plan SIA licence renewals for your team
Refresher training becomes mandatory for close protection
Prepare your venue for Martyn's Law
The SIA becomes the regulator for premises protect duties
Start a private security business
SIA licensing and set-up for a security business
SIA licence compliance quick check
The licence-holder self-audit
Export controlled goods and dual-use items
Controlled and dual-use exports — penalties reach 10 years
Respond to SIA enforcement action
SIA enforcement action? Start here
Who regulates you
See all 7ICO (opens in a new tab)
Data protection, freedom of information, privacy and electronic communications regulation. Enforces UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Issues fines for breaches. All businesses …
Enforces 4 Acts this sector relies on.
CAA (opens in a new tab)
UK's aviation regulator. Responsible for aviation safety, airspace policy, economic regulation of airports, and consumer protection. Issues air operator certificates, pilot licences, and drone …
Enforces 3 Acts this sector relies on.
ECJU (opens in a new tab)
Administers the UK export licensing system for military and dual-use goods, software, and technology. Part of the Department for Business and Trade. Processes export …
Enforces 2 Acts this sector relies on.
Home Office (opens in a new tab)
Government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order. Administers UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), issues sponsor licences for employers hiring overseas workers. …
Enforces 2 Acts this sector relies on.
HSE (opens in a new tab)
Workplace health, safety, and welfare regulation across all industries. Enforces the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations. Investigates serious incidents …
Enforces 2 Acts this sector relies on.
Ofcom (opens in a new tab)
Regulates telecoms, TV, radio, video-on-demand, postal services, and online safety. Issues licences for telecoms providers, manages spectrum. Now enforces Online Safety Act duties for …
Enforces 2 Acts this sector relies on.
Key legislation
See all 14General rules
Common requirements that apply across industries. Conditions such as employing people or operating premises are shown only after they are known.
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.
Applies across industries.
General ruleFile 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.
Applies across industries.
General ruleVerify 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.
Applies across industries.
General ruleCheck 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.
Applies across industries.
All guidance for defence, security & space
International Trade
5
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.
Relevant across several parts of this sector.
Defence Security Clearances
Understand SC and DV security clearance requirements for defence contractors.
Relevant across several parts of this sector.
UK Export Controls for Defence Products
Navigate UK Strategic Export Control requirements for military and dual-use goods.
Relevant across several parts of this sector.
ITAR Compliance for UK Companies
Comply with US ITAR regulations when handling US defence articles.
Relevant across several parts of this sector.
UK Space Industry Licensing
Obtain licences for satellite operations, launches, and space activities.
Relevant across several parts of this sector.
Compliance & Legal
8
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.
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
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.
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
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.
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
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.
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
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.
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
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).
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
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.
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
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.
Relevant to a specific activity in this sector.
All journeys
Set up a security and investigation business
For new security and investigation businesses, from guarding, door supervision and close protection to key holding, alarm and …
Start a private security business
Set up a security company that deploys only licensed staff. Get your own SIA licence, register and insure …
Set up a public administration body
Set up or run a government department, local authority or other public body. Meet the workplace duties every …
SIA licence compliance quick check
Quick compliance check for businesses employing SIA-licensed staff. Covers licence validity, licence types, refresher training, first aid, right …
Meet your duties when employing security staff
What pubs, clubs, retail, and events businesses need to know when employing or contracting SIA-licensed security staff — …
Plan SIA licence renewals for your team
Operational planning path for managing team SIA licence renewals. Check expiry dates, schedule training, and submit renewals within …
Respond to SIA enforcement action
What to do if your security business faces SIA enforcement action including licence revocation, compliance inspection failure, or …
Subsectors
SIC 2007 divisions covered by this sector.
Public Administration & Defence
Public administration and defence; compulsory social security
SIC 84