Martyn’s Law UK: New Security Regulations Explained for Businesses

What Is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is a proposed UK law designed to improve security and preparedness against terrorist threats in public spaces.

It will require organisations to take proportionate steps to protect people, ensuring that venues and businesses are better prepared to respond to incidents. The law is named after Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

How Martyn’s Law Started

Martyn’s Law was driven by a campaign led by Martyn Hett’s mother, Figen Murray, who has worked tirelessly to improve public safety standards across the UK.

Following the Manchester Arena Inquiry, it became clear that inconsistent security measures and lack of preparedness contributed to vulnerabilities at public venues.

This led the UK Government to introduce legislation aimed at:

• Strengthening protective security

• Standardising safety procedures

• Ensuring accountability for venue operators

You can read the official government guidance here:

What Will Martyn’s Law Require?

Martyn’s Law introduces a tiered approach based on the size, capacity, and risk level of a premises. The aim is to ensure that security measures are proportionate while still improving overall preparedness across all types of venues.

For smaller venues, often referred to as the standard tier, the focus will be on building awareness and ensuring that staff understand how to respond in the event of a terrorist incident. This includes basic training, clear emergency procedures, and the implementation of simple but effective safety measures that can reduce risk without creating operational burden.

For larger venues or those considered higher risk, known as the enhanced tier, the requirements become more detailed and structured. Organisations will need to carry out formal risk assessments, develop and maintain comprehensive security plans, and introduce appropriate physical security measures. This may include systems such as CCTV, access control, and coordinated emergency response procedures. There will also be a stronger expectation for collaboration with local authorities and emergency services.

Oversight and enforcement are expected to sit with the Security Industry Authority (SIA), ensuring that organisations not only implement these measures but can also demonstrate compliance through clear documentation and accountability.

Why Martyn’s Law Is Important

Why This Matters to Your Business

Your organisation has a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of employees, visitors, and the public.

Martyn’s Law will directly impact:

• Site security planning

• Staff training and awareness

• Incident response procedures

• Investment in security systems

For decision-makers, this means security can no longer be reactive. It must be structured, documented, and auditable.

How Circle UK Group Can Help

At Circle UK Group, we understand that adapting to new legislation like Martyn’s Law can feel complex, particularly when balancing safety, compliance, and day-to-day operations.

Our role is to support businesses in building a clear, practical approach to security that aligns with evolving UK requirements. This begins with understanding your specific risks and operational environment, allowing us to help you put proportionate and effective measures in place.

This may involve reviewing existing security arrangements, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and strengthening procedures where needed. In some cases, this includes enhancing on-site presence through trained, SIA-licensed personnel, improving visibility through CCTV and remote monitoring, or introducing structured patrols and response protocols.

Equally important is ensuring that your team feels confident in how to respond to incidents. Through Circle Academy, we help organisations build awareness and embed a stronger safety culture through relevant training and guidance.

The focus is always on creating a balanced approach that supports compliance while also helping to reduce risk and maintain business continuity, without adding unnecessary complexity to your operations.

Our approach focuses on:

• Reducing operational risk

• Ensuring compliance

• Protecting business continuity

Preparing for Martyn’s Law: Key Steps

Businesses should start preparing now by:

• Reviewing current security measures

• Conducting a risk assessment

• Training staff on emergency procedures

• Investing in appropriate security technology

• Partnering with a trusted security provider

Early preparation ensures you are ahead of regulation, not reacting to it.

Martyn’s Law represents a major shift in how the UK approaches public safety and security.

For businesses, it is an opportunity to strengthen resilience, protect people, and demonstrate accountability. Organisations that act early will not only meet compliance requirements but also build trust, credibility, and operational stability.