United Kingdom - Safety and Security United Kingdom - Safety and Security
Overview
The UK security and resilience market is valued at approximately $15bn and is growing. The market continues to benefit from the focus on national security and counter terrorism, the need to guard against the increased threat of crime and the general demand for security products and services.
In the global security export market the UK is fifth, behind the US, Japan, China and Germany. The market is fragmented with a large proportion of SMEs. U.S. firms have historically used the UK as a headquarters for access to the EU market. This, however, might change because of Brexit. The final exit deal and its impact on trading between the UK and EU is still unknown.
While the threat from terrorism to the UK as a whole is high, the current terrorist threat to the national infrastructure can be characterized as generally limited. The exception is transport which continues to face high levels of threat. Generally higher levels of effective and visible protective security at national infrastructure sites are likely to act as a deterrent to terrorists, who increasingly favor ‘soft’ targets. Nevertheless, with the continual diversification of the threat, the ambition and capability of terrorist groups to target UK infrastructure is likely to continue to evolve.
The UK Government’s national security technology procurement strategy emphasizes the need for commercial off-the-shelf solutions from well-established suppliers that can be deployed quickly, suggesting a good opportunity for U.S. companies with a strong existing track record in the U.S. The constant terrorism threat raises the need for new technology and product innovation. Although the demand for security services such as consultancy, training, guarding and risk analysis is also growing, the UK market is highly competitive and can represent challenges for U.S. businesses, as the local companies are seen as one of the world leaders in this sub-sector.
There are an estimated 2,000 companies in the UK that specify in the design, manufacturing and supply of security equipment in the UK. All the main U.S. suppliers typically do well in the UK. British companies operating in the market vary in size from small niche companies through to a handful of major UK-owned global operators such as BAE Systems, Smith Group, etc. Foreign players active in the UK include Ansell, Draeger, EADS, Thales and Finmeccanica. A number of the major global and European companies have presence in the UK.
While the UK market is substantial, mature and growing rapidly, there can be significant challenges to newcomers with no previous track record in the UK. For that reason, it is strongly advised to consider partnering with an established local partner. For UK government-related opportunities, it is often important to have a UK incorporated presence.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Access Control and Identity Management
There has been an increase in the call for solutions that combat the growing threat of identity theft. Demand for solutions that help enhance retail, property and personal security remains. Biometrics are at the forefront of the opportunities in this sub-segment.
Screening and Detection
As a result of the increased threats of international terrorism in Europe, there is a call for higher investments in national security and counter terrorism, which indicates steady growth for this market in the coming years. In addition, the need for increased security at airports and other high profile national locations continues to drive the demand for better and more sophisticated screening solutions from which U.S. companies offering advanced technologies in this sub-sectors can benefit.
Surveillance
In the area of surveillance systems the demand is for innovation; increased complex risks mean that customers require more agile solutions. Customers’ demand dictates that analog CCTV is replaced by IP surveillance systems with added functionalities such as facial recognition and incorporation of interface with smartphone technologies. The UK also follows the global trend of tailoring solutions for each customer of security products. The thermal imaging market is also expected to grow significantly over the next three years with video surveillance representing the largest contributing growth.
Opportunities
Large investments in critical national infrastructure create opportunities particularly for the following types of products: Security screening (improved speed and convenience), biometric, connectivity, crowd management, hostile vehicle protection, security solution for soft targets, physical protection of assets, intelligent surveillance, anti-drone systems, blast proofing, containment, and predictive strategic security.
In addition, Fire Equipment is a Safety market sub-segment that is experiencing a raise in demand in the wake of the widely publicized Grenfell Tower fire disaster.
Web Resources
ADS
ASIS International
British Security Industry Association
Association of Security Consultants
Security and Counter terror Expo
May 20-21, 2020
Olympia, London
IFSEC International
June 18-20, 2019
Excel, London
International Security Expo
December 3-4, 2019
Olympia, London
Security and Policing Expo
March 3-5, 2020
Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre
For further information, please contact:
PJ Menner
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service
Tel: +44 (0)20 7891 3470
Email: pj.menner@trade.gov