Is Your Venue Ready for Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law mandates stronger security for public venues by 2027. Learn how your organisation can prepare with smarter systems, better training, and a proactive mindset to meet new legal standards.
Nigel Austin
The terrorism threat in the UK is very real. In fact, since July 2019, the threat level has never dropped lower than “substantial” or “severe.” To ensure preparedness across public places and events, the UK government has introduced the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The new legislation requires operators of public spaces and events to immediately assess and improve their readiness to respond to a terrorist attack. The overarching aim: being better prepared, protected and ready to respond should an attack occur.
Author
Nigel Austin is the physical security sales manager for the UK and Ireland at Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division. He has worked in the security industry since 1988, beginning his career with the British Government both domestically and abroad. He has since collaborated with a range of integrators and manufacturers, gaining extensive experience; particularly in the retail sector. His previous role as European Retail Vertical Specialist at SAMSUNG (Hanwha) Techwin deepened his understanding of retailers’ unique challenges and requirements, enabling him to tailor effective security strategies and solutions. In September 2021, Nigel joined Qognify as Channel Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland, bringing his expertise to a company renowned for its global success in retail security.
Everything from busy shopping centres to large stadiums must comply with Martyn’s Law by April 2027, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is charged with enforcing the rules.
There are different rules depending on the capacity of public premises or the event, ranging from a standard-duty premises (200 – 799 people, including staff) to an enhanced-duty premise (over 800). The smaller venues and events are only required to implement low-cost solutions with no physical measures. Enhanced environments, however, must provide monitoring in and around the facility and document public protection measures.
Many organisations will likely invest in upgraded security systems. However, effective responses depend not only on hardware but also on situational awareness and training, helping staff identify potential threats and respond effectively under pressure.
Terror-related attacks are rare and unpredictable, and the most experienced personnel are not always on shift when something does occur. Even if they are, the most seasoned security professionals can’t ensure every decision they make is the right one.
One solution gaining attention is physical security information management (PSIM) systems, which integrate siloed security tools — such as CCTV, access control and fire sensors — into a unified platform. PSIMs enable rapid information processing, automated workflows and coordinated responses to incidents, whether routine or critical.
PSIM systems have been around for many years and have been embraced by large airports, mass transit organisations and critical infrastructure companies. However, these systems are ideally suited to any larger scale environment, such as those classified as an enhanced-duty premise by Martyn’s Law.
For example, airports use PSIMs to handle emergencies, locate missing persons or assess potential threats like unattended luggage. Similarly, PSIMs can improve situational awareness for stadiums, shopping centres and event venues, aiding crowd management, emergency evacuations and collaboration with police or emergency services.
Should an incident require external stakeholder intervention, the PSIM becomes a mission-critical collaboration tool, enabling real-time information (including video footage) to be shared with decision-makers, emergency control rooms and first responders en route to the scene. This ensures they arrive with the appropriate resources and can deploy faster to the right places. PSIM systems also facilitate post-incident analysis, helping organisations improve protocols, demonstrate compliance and fulfill their duty of care.
Martyn’s Law aims to eliminate the complacent mindset of “it won’t happen here” when assessing the risks associated with public gatherings. Communities impacted by terror-related tragedies serve as a stark reminder that such incidents can and do occur.
Within the security sector, it is crucial to promote discussions on how new approaches, technologies, and training can enhance preparedness. Equally important is the responsibility to raise awareness about Martyn’s Law and its role in fostering safer public spaces.
