Physical security management trends 2023

As the cost-of-living crisis intensifies in 2023, owners of construction companies will place a greater emphasis on environmentally-friendly materials, public safety, and strategies to increase value.

Physical protection

Key events in 2023 will have an impact on the physical protection of people, property, and businesses. King Charles III's coronation in May will be the focus of nationwide large-scale gatherings and celebrations and is already receiving security preparations. Even though this presents a unique security problem for the UK, there are also ongoing circumstances to take into account. 

As a recession looms and families suffer with the rising cost of living, it is impossible to dismiss the likelihood of economically driven crime, labour discontent, and even civil disturbance. Meanwhile, high-profile, frequently contentious debates about counterterrorism policies continue to be a part of the security landscape.

Security services and safety management 

The year will be challenging due to a lack of labour and materials and an increase in prices

The year will also be challenging due to a lack of labour and materials and an increase in prices. Security services and safety management will have difficulties as a result of all these problems in 2023. 

Here are some themes I believe will emerge in 2023, along with advice on how to properly approach security in your forthcoming builds: 

Dedication toward sustainability 

Building industry discussions are increasingly focused on sustainability, and companies of all sizes are under pressure to enhance their sustainability efforts and reduce their carbon footprints. A consultation on the Environmental Audit Committee's (EAC) plan, which has the potential to address the source of 25% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, the built environment will be launched by Ministers in 2023. 

It's critical that procuring more sustainable materials for new construction becomes the standard as a new regulatory framework for net zero in the built environment is developed. ​

• Eco-friendly alternatives 

Look for eco-friendly,​sustainable fencing and responsibly sourced gates, and use regulated wood when it comes to perimeter security measures. 

Any sustainability or responsible sourcing certificates will have a more meaningful context if all these criteria are met first because the best use of the timber has been made, and a product with a long lifespan eventually results in less deforestation. 

Understanding the connection between value and carbon efficiency 

Many businesses will ratchet up their perimeter protection to combat the anticipated rise in crime

The cost-of-living crisis, which is expected to turn into a recession, is a significant issue that is impacting the UK. Many businesses will ratchet up their perimeter protection to combat the anticipated rise in crime. This may need to be considered while building new commercial properties. 

Developers might want to take expert advice on fencing for high-value residential structures into account. 

• Fencing and gating solutions

There is increasing acknowledgment that choosing lower-quality fencing and gates for perimeter fencing around residential and commercial property projects is less sustainable and potentially more expensive in the long run. This is due to the likelihood of replacements and repairs, which increases waste.

Construction companies and professional builders will carefully consider the lifetime cost of fencing and gating solutions in 2023 as the recession bites, looking beyond upfront product expenditures to find the best value and lowest long-term carbon effect. The guarantee's duration is important. 

• Environmental preservation

Environmental preservation is important on construction sites as well. There are many benefits to developers implementing measures like hedgehog-friendly security fencing. When it comes to security and protecting hedgehogs, vertical bar fencing checks all the right boxes.

Since the fencing features pale spacing which conforms to anti-trap regulations, hedgehogs have more than enough room to pass between the pales to the other side. 

Public safety during significant events in 2023 

Be prepared for new legal restrictions designed to safeguard the public

Professional builders should think about temporary and long-term security solutions for commercial properties during major events like King Charles' coronation in May.

Any temporary solutions must be strong enough to endure big crowds. Be prepared for new legal restrictions designed to safeguard the public.

• Martyn's Law anti-terror Protect Duty

The Martyn's Law anti-terror Protect Duty, which advanced in the legislative process in December, will have draft legislation set to be published in the spring of 2023.

There is little doubt that this will significantly alter the building sector as well as how public areas, venues, and the people who use them are safeguarded.

• Security measures

There is currently, except for select sporting venues and public transportation, no mandate that anyone takes any effort to prevent such incidents, including establishing security measures like HVM (Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) barriers, having an action plan, or providing training.

This is going to change, though, in light of the suicide attack at the Manchester Arena in 2017, which claimed the lives of 23 people who had just left an Ariana Grande concert.

• Adopting new rules 

The government is also attempting to adopt new rules that will make it an offence not to take preventative measures or know what to do should an assault occur, as a result of a campaign by Figen Murray, whose son Martyn died in the incident.

An obligation to protect is introduced by the Protect Duty.

• Behavioural and physical controls

Building contractors hired to ensure that new builds are safe should add physical safeguards like fences, bollards, CCTV

It's crucial to think of security as a blend of behavioural and physical controls. Building contractors hired to ensure that new builds are safe should think about adding physical safeguards like fences, bollards, CCTV, and blast-resistant glass.

The owner of the property must undoubtedly think about establishing and sustaining a security-conscious culture. It is insufficient to select a security product such as fencing, bollards, or CCTV and hope for the best.

• Guidelines

A fence and gate system that complies with other safety requirements, such as fire rules and health and safety codes, will be recommended by responsible construction companies.

To be ready and prepared to comply with this significant new obligation as the year goes on, I would advise organisations and chosen construction partners to use the data and guidelines made available by the government and police agencies.