A study on the development of statistical data on the European security technological and industrial base has shown that the UK’s security sector is in a promising era of growth.
Published in June 2015, the study, commissioned by the European Commission DG Migration and Home Affairs, aimed at developing statistical data that would allow to obtain a clearer picture of the technological and industrial base of the security industry in Europe.The research took into account existing statistical data, whilst also carrying out a company survey in seven Member States (UK, Germany, Estonia, Spain, France, Italy and Poland), with the results extrapolated to compile an assessment of the size, structure and performance of the overall EU security industry sector and market. From these results, the outlook for the UK’s security industry looks very positive.
According to the research, UK turnover growth has grown by more than any of the other Member States surveyed, with 35% of UK respondents citing that turnover has increased by more than 25% over the past 5 years. A further 15% of UK respondents reported growth of up to 25% and only 13% stated that they have experienced a decrease in growth.
Looking ahead, according to the research, the UK’s security industry can expect growth of 16% over the next 5 years, well above the average growth rate for all respondents of 10%.
Perhaps most strikingly, are the figures quoted for the UK’s security industry turnover and employment. The total turnover for all security products and services, as defined by the research, is €25.4 billion (not including defence), and an estimated 352,000 people are employed by the UK’s security industry. Commenting on the results, James Kelly, Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), said: “This research demonstrates the economic importance of the UK’s security industry and it is pleasing to see data that supports the notion that the UK’s security industry is growing.
The statistics show that our industry is performing well domestically as well as wider afield in global markets, positioning the UK as a global leader in security products and services. This is something that we should be proud of, the ‘Great British brand’ is in demand and I expect that this will continue to grow as more and more UK companies expand their business overseas.”Indeed, the research also tells a compelling story when it comes to export market share in total sales of security products and services. The UK has the strongest export share in total sales, with approximately 55% of UK respondents admitting to having a degree of export exposure. Interestingly, 15% of UK respondents claimed to have an export share of between 75-100% of total sales.
Members of the BSIA’s Export Council – a dedicated forum for BSIA member companies who are focused on extending their business to overseas markets – have also reported an increase in the demand for British security products and services according to research conducted by the Association. 60% of respondents to the annual survey cited a 60% increase in overseas business during 2015, and a further 30% stated that the level of business had remained the same.
According to the BSIA’s research, further increases in overseas trade are expected for 2016, with a clear focus on the Middle East as an important market for the UK’s security sector. 40% of respondents identified the Middle East as the single most important target market and 80% of respondents are looking to increase their level of business in this region. Many of the companies surveyed, currently showcasing the very best that the British Security Industry has to offer to buyers in the Middle East at Intersec Dubai – which is taking place from the 17th – 19th January 2016.
BSIA members exhibiting at Intersec this year include: Remsdaq (Stand S2-F25), RGL Electronics Ltd (Stand S1-G20 UK Pavilion), GJD Manufacturing Ltd (Stand S4-F39 IMCI stand), Storm-AXS (Stand S1-H29 UK Pavilion) and Texecom Ltd (Stand S1-G34 UK Pavilion). As a UKTI Approved Trade Organisation (ATO), the BSIA is responsible for facilitating the UK Pavilion at Intersec 2016 which brings together a number of UK companies to promote the ‘Great Britain’ brand. The UK Pavilion will form a focal point for overseas buyers that want to buy the quality, innovative security products that the UK is globally renowned for.
