What does that mean for the end client...?
It is currently NOT a requirement for security companies to be SIA: Approved Contractor status - the industry respected standard for suppliers. However, the business license in mandatory.
This is what the SIA say about the license:
"To qualify for an SIA business licence, a security business must demonstrate that it is 'fit and proper' to supply security industry services. When processing a business licence application, the SIA will consider: identity; criminality; financial probity; integrity; business competency (including British Standards).
A business will need to obtain approval for each sector in which it supplies a security industry service. The relevant sectors are:
- Manned guarding - Cash and Valuables in Transit, Close Protection, Door Supervision, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), and Security Guarding.
- Key holding.
- Immobilisation of vehicles (including the restriction and removal of vehicles) in Northern Ireland only.
A business licence will last for five years. To maintain a business licence businesses will be required to comply with the conditions of the licence, provide a yearly return evidencing its continued compliance, and pay an annual subscription fee."
What we say...!AGS will be applying for the new business license as of April 2014. It is a requirement, but also for us, having the stamp that proves we are the standard expected for our industry is something we will be proud to hold and provide to our clients. SIA Approved Contractor remains - however we are awaiting further information as to whether the new business licenses will supersede this requirement or work side-by-side with it. It is difficult to know for now.
For more information on the SIA launch, please click HERE
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