Martyn's Law and UK Business Budgets for 2025: What to Consider for Compliance Martyn’s Law, also known as the Protect Duty, is set to be a pivotal piece of legislation for UK businesses in 2025. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, this law mandates new security obligations to enhance public safety at venues and public spaces across the UK. As companies prepare their budgets for the coming year, understanding and accounting for the requirements of Martyn’s Law is crucial, particularly as it introduces two distinct levels of compliance: the Standard Tier and the Enhanced Tier.
Understanding Martyn’s Law and Its Importance
Martyn’s Law is driven by a need to protect the public in crowded spaces and venues that may be vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The law aims to ensure that organisations are better prepared for emergencies, placing the emphasis on thorough risk assessments, actionable security plans, and continuous staff training.
Under Martyn’s Law, businesses are assigned to either the Standard Tier or the Enhanced Tier, based on the type of venue, its size, and the volume of public traffic. Each tier comes with its own specific requirements and associated costs, so understanding where your organisation fits is the first step toward effective budgeting.
Cost Projections for Compliance: The Home Office’s Impact Assessment
In 2023, the Home Office released an impact assessment on the Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, which estimates the overall cost of these proposals to range between £1.1 billion and £6.3 billion over the implementation period, with a central estimate of £2.7 billion. The assessment also provides cost forecasts tailored to Standard Tier and Enhanced Tier premises:
- Standard Tier: The estimated cost of implementing the necessary security and training measures for standard tier premises is projected to be around £2,160 over a ten-year period.
- Enhanced Tier: For enhanced tier premises, which require more rigorous security and planning measures, the projected cost is estimated at £82,325 over ten years.
These figures offer a useful benchmark for budgeting and highlight the financial impact that Martyn’s Law compliance could have on organisations of various sizes and operational scales.
Standard Tier Requirements: What to Budget For
The Standard Tier applies to venues and locations that host 200 to 799 people at any one time. This could include many smaller event spaces, restaurants, shops, or community centres. While the Standard Tier requirements are less stringent than those of the Enhanced Tier, they still involve important considerations that will affect the budget. The focus here will be on policies and procedures and ensuring staff are prepared and able to respond.
- Risk Assessments
- Budgeting for Risk Assessments: Companies should set aside funds for a qualified professional to conduct regular risk assessments or to appropriately train someone “in-house”. This training is being developed currently and may become known as the “Competent Person in the Workplace” (CPIW). These assessments are crucial for identifying potential security threats and designing appropriate responses. The cost of these assessments can vary based on venue size and location but expect fees ranging from £350 to £1,500 for each assessment, depending on frequency and scope.
- Security and Emergency Planning
- Developing and Updating Security Plans: Businesses may need to implement and regularly update security plans based on the findings of their risk assessments. This might involve hiring consultants or using specialised software for incident planning and response. Allocating around £1,000 to £3,000 annually is advisable to cover planning and updates.
- Additional Equipment: Simple security enhancements, such as adding CCTV cameras or installing barriers, may be necessary depending on the risk assessment findings. The estimated costs for this equipment vary, but planning an additional £2,000 to £5,000 should provide some flexibility.
- Staff Training
- Budgeting for Training Programmes: Training may be required following risk assessments under Martyn’s Law to ensure your staff are equipped to prevent and respond to emergencies. Companies should budget for initial and refresher training sessions, which may cost between £50 and £150 per employee, per session. For organisations with larger workforces, this could become a significant expense, so accurate budgeting here is key.
- Signage and Public Awareness
- Costs for Communication Materials: Informing visitors and staff about safety protocols is another requirement. From installing visible signage to distributing informational leaflets, businesses should consider a budget allocation of £500 to £1,000.
Enhanced Tier Requirements: Higher-Level Measures for Higher-Capacity Venues
The Enhanced Tier applies to venues with a capacity of 800 people or more, such as large event spaces, stadiums, shopping centres, and major public venues. This tier comes with stricter obligations, including more comprehensive risk assessments and advanced security measures, which will naturally come at a higher cost.
- In-Depth Risk Assessments and Mitigation
- Increased Budget for Specialist Assessments: Given the size and vulnerability of Enhanced Tier venues, more frequent and detailed risk assessments will be required. These assessments may involve specialists in counter-terrorism and public safety, with costs ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 per assessment.
- Mitigation Measures: Depending on the outcomes, Enhanced Tier venues may need to invest in mitigation measures like bollards, reinforced entryways, or even security fencing. Setting aside £10,000 to £20,000 for such improvements is a prudent budgeting decision.
- Advanced Security Planning
- Comprehensive Security Plans and Contingency Protocols: For Enhanced Tier venues, security planning must cover a range of emergency scenarios. Budgeting for security planning software, possibly even simulations or drills, is essential. Allocate £5,000 to £10,000 annually for this purpose, considering the need for more detailed and frequent updates than in Standard Tier plans.
- Enhanced Staff Training
- Advanced Training for Larger Staff Cohorts: Training for Enhanced Tier locations may require specific counter-terrorism modules, including simulations or real-time drills. These training sessions can range from £100 to £300 per employee, with the potential for additional refresher courses as legislation updates or new threats emerge.
- Dedicated Security Personnel: Larger venues and events may need to hire or train dedicated security personnel. Budgeting for additional hires or outsourced security staff could range from £20,000 to £40,000 annually, depending on location and venue size.
- Public Awareness and Visitor Management Systems
- Investment in Visitor Safety: Large venues should consider allocating funds for digital signage, real-time alerts, or even mobile apps to manage and communicate safety protocols to visitors. Allocating £2,000 to £5,000 for such systems can enhance both compliance and visitor confidence.
Key Considerations and Practical Budgeting Tips
- Factor in Compliance Audits: Martyn’s Law is expected to require venues to periodically prove compliance through audits or certifications. To ensure readiness, set aside funds for external compliance checks, which could range from £1,000 to £3,000 annually.
- Update Physical and Digital Security Measures: Ensure that your organisation’s security equipment and software meet current requirements. While there is an upfront cost, this can help minimise risks and potentially reduce insurance premiums.
- Engage with Insurers Early: Many insurance companies are updating their policies in line with Martyn’s Law. It’s wise to engage with insurers to understand any premium adjustments or additional cover that may be needed to meet compliance standards.
Conclusion
While budgeting for Martyn’s Law compliance may seem like an added expense, it’s a necessary investment in the safety and security of the public. By planning strategically for the Standard or Enhanced Tier requirements, organisations can spread costs across the year and ensure they meet compliance without a last-minute scramble.
Incorporating Martyn’s Law into the 2025 budget demonstrates a commitment to public safety and can enhance customer trust and loyalty. By ensuring comprehensive security measures, businesses not only fulfil their legal obligations but also contribute to a safer UK.
For more information on Martyn’s Law, please see: Martyn’s Law Factsheet – Home Office in the media
Bianca Huttner
Bianca Huttner is a seasoned marketing leader with 15 years of experience driving growth for SaaS and Professional Services organisations. She has covered numerous territories including China, the USA, the Middle East, Australia, and Europe. Known for her relationship-oriented approach, Bianca excels in Corporate, Revenue, and Alliances Marketing. Her expertise spans product launches, marketing strategy, and Go-to-Market strategies. She holds a BA in Journalism and Marketing from the University of Johannesburg and has furthered her education at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management and Oxford University.
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