UK security sector provides the technology protecting people around the world

A|D|S, the UK’s AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation today published a manifesto for the security industry in the run-up to the forthcoming General Election.

8,000 companies make up the UK security industry and the overall sector employs 600,000 people. The innovation and high-technology products and services that the sector produces deliver security to the UK population and bring rising economic benefits through the successful export of our world-leading equipment overseas.

Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said:

“The UK security industry is proud to protect the nation and proud to produce for its economy. Security is a hidden hand that keeps our civilian population safe. To achieve this protection the Government, which defines the security needs of the country, and the industry, which develops the technology to meet those needs, must work in partnership. The industry encourages the nation to embrace this world-leading manufacturing and services sector that not only keeps us safe but also delivers hundreds of thousands of skilled jobs as well as considerable benefit to the economy.

“Our security industry manifesto aims to set out to the political parties in the run-up to the General Election what the sector needs in order to be in the best possible position to maintain our security at home as well as continue to deliver strong economic benefits through exporting world-class security equipment.

“Innovative UK-based security companies provide the capability for UK Government departments to deliver for the whole British population as well as for their counterparts overseas to do the same for their countries. An example of our excellence in overseas markets is that UK companies supply over 60 per cent of airport security systems to the US Government’s Transport Security Administration.

“The Government is ultimately responsible for national security. This environment is becoming more challenging and therefore the Government partnership with industry in the fight against terrorism and other threats to our security has never been more important.”

Because the need to combat terrorism has increased in recent years the UK Government investment in counter-terrorism and intelligence has risen from £1 billion in 2001 to £2.5 billion in 2008 and is expected to reach £3.5 billion by 2010 / 11. Police counter-terrorism resources have also increased by 70 per cent since 2006.

To build on UK success in security, A|D|S is seeking commitments from a future Government:

1. Maintain a strong focus on the export of UK security capabilities and develop a joint Government / industry approach to UK security exports which delivers more capabilities at lower cost.
2. Deliver increased transparency around security research & development which is allocated by different Government departments and agencies.
3. Drive standardisation in the security and resilience sector across Government in the UK and internationally.
4. Develop better coordination in procurement in national security and resilience.
5. Support the prompt payment of security contracts especially to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
6. Work with the UK security industry through RISC (UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers’ Community) to develop capabilities needed to tackle challenges identified in CONTEST (the UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy) and the National Security Strategy.