The demand for security consultancy services has increased as recent terror events have highlighted the need for effective and proportionate mitigation measures. Security training has seen an increase in demand, especially for technical courses in the areas of access control and CCTV.
Security management training has also risen, except in the oil and gas sector where demand dropped significantly; this is attributed to the suppressed oil price. However, recently there are signs indicating this trend has bottomed out and oil companies are beginning to invest once again in security management training.
Security ramifications of Brexit
Important trends developing in the last year include higher demands for training in cyber-security, and the facilities management market’s pushing to upskill in security disciplines in response to the heighten risk of terrorism.
The Brexit situation is having an impact as companies seek to safeguard their international supply chains. For example, there is an increased demand for security advice on Authorised Economic Operator applications. Those businesses which ignore EU requirements, which include producing risk assessments, are at risk of legal restrictions in trading operations.
The changing tactics of terrorists – for example, using vehicles as a weapon and marauding attacks – have demonstrated the need for flexible mitigation strategies.
Educating against cybercrime
Terrorism and cyber-related crime, often involving extortion, are amongst the leading issues looking ahead to 2018, with the C-suite continuing to place reputational risk as a top-three agenda item. The impact of lax security can be extreme, as evidenced recently via international media of many leading brands targeted by cyber criminals and terrorists.
In the next year, we at The Linx International Group will continue to invest in increasing our eLearning programmes portfolio, and are gearing to provide more consultants to meet higher demands overseas, particularly across EMEA and the Far East. What has emerged in 2017 is an increasing mandate from overseas for British-based security consultancy and training services, which are widely regarded as “best in class.”
| In 2017, there is an increasing mandate from overseas for British-based security consultancy and training services |
Winners and losers
The winners in the new year will be those companies that invest in quality training to produce increased skills sets in their people, appreciating such investment will increase outputs and ultimately customer confidence. The losers will be those security businesses, particularly in the guarding sector who resist investing in their people and rely on winning business based purely on price alone.
We have seen a clear trend in corporates wanting multi-disciplined third-party contractors able to supply personnel with recognised industry qualifications, not just providing manpower at the cheapest possible price.
Continuing success into the new year
The Linx International Group has had a successful 2017, increasing staff numbers to address double-digit increase in sales. Key achievements for the group have included: The design and creation of two new technical training centres in Dubai and Singapore, the creation of a new professional register for Certified Technical Security Professionals and the launch of a new Master’s Degree in International Security and Risk Managements (developed in conjunction with the University of South Wales).
Building on these successes will be a challenge in 2018, as will keeping pace with the ever-rapid changes in technology. One thing is certain, the demand for security across most areas of life will increase – our biggest challenge will be to meet that demand.