Protect guidance for businesses
What the risk looks like in your sector
Businesses that are open to the public may be vulnerable to terrorism-related threats because they have predictable opening hours, visible customer footfall and accessible premises. Retail units, offices, shopping areas and high street locations can all be exposed to risk, particularly in busy town centre environments.
Possible risks may include:
- suspicious packages left on premises
- hostile reconnaissance or suspicious behaviour
- vehicle as a weapon attacks
- online threats or extremist messaging
- attempts to access restricted areas
What Martyn's Law may require
Martyn's Law (Protection of Premises Act 2025) will apply to certain premises that are open to the public and meet defined capacity thresholds. The requirements will be proportionate and based on whether a premises falls within the standard or enhanced tier.
If your business is in scope, you may be required to:
- register your premises with the regulator
- undertake a terrorism risk assessment appropriate to your size and activity
- put in place proportionate procedures to reduce the risk of harm
- ensure staff are trained in what to do in the event of an incident
- keep procedures under review
Enhanced tier premises may be required to implement additional measures, which could include more detailed planning, physical security measures and formalised documentation.
See our Martyn's Law guidance page for full details and thresholds.
Practical steps
- review your premises layout and access points
- identify where people gather or queue
- ensure CCTV is operational and maintained
- train staff to identify and report suspicious behaviour
- develop evacuation and lockdown procedures
- review business continuity arrangements
- review security arrangements for receiving deliveries and admitting visitors and contractors to your site
Training and resources
- Guide Shelter Report (opens new window) guidance that can be used by staff in any business or organisation in the event of a terrorist attack.
- complete the free ACT Awareness e-learning (opens new window)
- encourage supervisors to complete SCaN training (opens new window)
- ACT Security e-Learning (opens new window) for security staff
access further support via our training and resources page