With the security industry preparing for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, questions around regulation, professional standards and the growing influence of AI are firmly in the spotlight. We caught up with Lee Doddridge, Vice Chair of the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), to discuss the challenges facing the sector, the opportunities presented by the rapid expansion of data centres and why raising awareness of new security responsibilities is so important. Drawing on 25 years of experience across the military, policing and counter-terrorism, Lee also shares his thoughts on the future of the industry – and why you should never stop learning…
Tell us about your organisation, products and services.
The ASC is a leading membership organisation for the security industry with membership categories covering independent security consultants, manufacturers/installers/integrators, executive security leaders and academia.
What have been the biggest challenges the Security industry has faced over the past 12 months?
The biggest challenge is ensuring that the SIA are fit for purpose to act as the Regulators of the new Terrorism Protection of Premises Act (Martyn’s Law), a side of the industry the SIA have never experienced and ensuring all supporting documentation and guidance is in line with the Act.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
The biggest opportunities has been within the Data Centre Sector, there are over 500 Data Centres in the planning stage in the UK alone. Personally I am working on Data Centres in the UK, Italy, Portugal, Sweeden, Denmark and no doubt, many more to follow.
What is the biggest priority for the Security industry this coming year?
Getting the implementation of Martyn’s Law correct and ensuring that the ‘End Users’ are aware. In October I attended a Business Expo, during which I spoke with 5 local authorities and government departments who had no idea what the TPPA (Martyn’s Law) was. The priority now is getting the message out to those who will have to comply with the Act.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market this coming year?
The focus will be on TPPA (Martyn’s Law) and the push to license/regulate the security consultants (over 75% of the market have no qualifications). There will also be a focus on stamping out business using the TTPA for exploitation and increase sales using the Act as fear factor.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market going forward?
Reliance on AI and dealing with the concerns raised about the potential security issues that AI could bring.
In 5 years’ time we’ll all be talking about…?
Why didn’t we see the dangers of AI and reduce our reliance on it.
Which person in, or associated with, the Security industry would you most like to meet?
Good question. During my career I have met pretty much all of them already, well the ones that I know are key within the industry.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Security sector?
I don’t think that there is much now that surprises me, there are still major flaws that need fixing and we still need governance.
You go to the bar at the Total Security Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
Soda Water and Lime or Guiness Zero.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
The variation in threats and risks, the variation in clients, the variation in challenges, the variation of security products, yet still aiming for the same results.
And what’s the most challenging?
People…
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never stop learning…
The Traitors or Love Island?
Traitors for sure.
Lee and the Association of Security Consultants (ASC) are trusted media partners of the Total Security Summit, sharing their expertise and industry insights to help inform and support the wider security community.
