North Wales Businesses Advised to Prepare for Martyn’s Law with New Security Training

Businesses, event organisers, and venue operators across North Wales are being advised to ready themselves for the upcoming Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known as Martyn’s Law. This legislation will impose new security obligations on publicly accessible buildings and events, with requirements varying according to the expected number of attendees.

The Act mandates that organisations take all reasonably practicable measures to minimise the risk of harm from terrorist attacks. Larger venues and events will face additional duties to enhance security and improve preparedness. A minimum implementation period of 24 months will follow Royal Assent, providing organisations with time to understand and comply with the new rules.

In response, Coleg Cambria has launched specialist NEBOSH training programmes aimed at helping businesses and those responsible for premises and events meet these forthcoming responsibilities. The college’s Northop Business School is offering the NEBOSH National Certificate in Protecting Standard Duty Premises from Terrorism starting this September, available both on-site and online. This qualification targets premises where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people simultaneously.

Additionally, from October, Coleg Cambria will introduce the NEBOSH National Certificate in Protecting Enhanced Duty Premises and Events from Terrorism. This course is designed for venues and events expecting 800 or more attendees. The training covers a broad range of topics including the nature of terrorism, legal frameworks, UK threat levels, organisational duties, potential threats and vulnerabilities, public protection procedures, and cultivating a robust security culture. The enhanced qualification further addresses protection measures, compliance documentation, and business continuity and recovery planning.

Martyn’s Law, named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, aims to strengthen security at public venues and events throughout the UK. Once enacted, the Security Industry Authority will oversee compliance, with powers to issue notices and impose financial penalties on premises that fail to meet the standards.

Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at Coleg Cambria, stressed the significance of these qualifications. “Martyn’s Law will have implications for organisations and venues across many different sectors, so it is important businesses understand what the legislation means for them and are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to prepare,” she said.

Jane also highlighted the college’s dedication to meeting evolving industry demands by offering accessible professional development. “These qualifications are another example of us responding to changing industry needs and ensuring employers across the region can access high-quality professional development locally,” she added.

She pointed out the flexibility of the programmes, noting, “This approach is brilliant for CPD. It allows flexibility for people who are already in work, busy, or unable to commit to one full-time course. We can even flex further by creating bespoke, tailored programmes for employers, particularly in industry, to support larger groups.”

Jane concluded, “For many organisations this is a new area of responsibility, so now is the time to develop that knowledge, look ahead and be prepared. Our focus at Northop Business School is always on providing relevant, practical training that reflects what employers are facing today and what they will need tomorrow.”