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Episode 20

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Published on:

11th Aug 2026

Demystifying Martyn’s Law: A Reality Check on UK Protect Duty Compliance

In this live episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny sits down with an expert panel of former law enforcement, military, and corporate security leaders to unpack the impending Terrorism Protection of Premises Act - widely known as Martyn’s Law or the UK Protect Duty.

Together, the panel cuts through the industry myths and high-pressure sales tactics to offer a practical, common-sense reality check. They explore why compliance is about driving safe outcomes rather than just buying new hardware, how large-scale franchises are already preparing, and why the "people side" of security - training, confidence, and culture - is the most critical element of any protective strategy.

About Our Guests:

  • Tim Molden: Board Director for ACES and Head of Security and Licensing for Capital Archers (the UK's largest McDonald's franchise). Tim brings the practical perspective of an organization responsible for protecting thousands of premises and millions of daily customers.
  • Rachel Webb: Director of Security and Strategy for Mitie, and a former Intelligence Corps officer in the British Army. Rachel specializes in risk management and strategic organizational security.
  • John Campbell: Founder of Campbell Sutherland Crisis Leadership and former Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police. John previously served as the National Police Lead for Protection and Prepare as part of the UK’s counter-terrorism Contest Strategy.

Chapters:

  • (0:00:00) – Introduction & Reality Checking Martyn’s Law

Steve introduces the panel and kicks off an honest discussion on cutting through the misconceptions surrounding the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act. The panel emphasizes that the Act is fundamentally about good risk management and evolving existing security practices.

  • (0:03:21) – Debunking the Technology & Compliance Myths

John and Rachel demystify the compliance landscape, reminding listeners that there is no such thing as "certified compliant equipment." They discuss the lessons learned from the Manchester Arena attack, highlighting why failures usually occur in human response and training, not a lack of hardware.

  • (0:05:21) – The Franchise Perspective: Standard Tier Preparation

Tim explains why Capital Archers is choosing to implement standard-tier compliance across all of their units early, regardless of size. He touches upon the logistical realities of managing a transient workforce and the benefits of standardized security awareness.

  • (0:12:45) – Grey Spaces and Public-Private Partnerships

The panel tackles the challenge of "grey spaces" - the public areas right outside a business's front door. They discuss how businesses, local councils, and police must collaborate to protect busy high streets and commercial districts.

  • (0:15:20) – Regulator Readiness & The True Cost of Training

A look ahead at the SIA (Security Industry Authority) public consultations. Tim and Rachel debate the commercial realities and hidden costs of mandatory staff training, emphasizing that any security tool is only as good as the human operating it.

  • (0:26:30) – Next Steps and Strategic Recommendations

The panel shares their final top tips for businesses over the next two years: identify a Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) today, complete honest gap analyses, utilize official government resources, and focus on creating safe environments rather than ticking regulatory boxes.

Resources:

Meet your host Steve Kenny:

Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.

Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.

Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world

https://www.axis.com/

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About the Podcast

Security Tech Talk
Conversations with security industry disruptors and innovators
We talk to security industry leaders, disruptors, and innovators with strong views and opinions on the future of topics like physical security, smart buildings, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. We dig into the latest tech trends, explore how security is shaping the world, and delve into those tricky regulations (like NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the UK's Product Security, Telecommunications, Infrastructure Act and more) that keep everyone on their toes. We are here to talk about technology trends, explore the big issues facing the security industry, and provide valuable insights that will support you and your business. Join us as we uncover important information to help you come away feeling well-educated and prepared for the future. This podcast is brought to you by Axis Communications Inc. - innovating for a smarter, safer world.

About your host

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Steven Kenny

Steven Kenny – Manager, Architecture & Engineering Program – EMEA, Axis Communications.
With two decades of experience in the security industry, Steven Kenny has played active roles in numerous high-profile projects, both domestically and internationally. Over the last eleven years, his focus has been on understanding how security technologies can best support business security strategies, all while advocating for the heightened importance of cybersecurity and compliance within the physical security field.

Currently leading a team of Architect and Engineering managers across the EMEA region, Steven remains committed to contributing positively to global security practices. He is actively involved in industry associations and international standards organizations, seeking to collaboratively shape the landscape of security.

In a more behind-the-scenes capacity, Steven has provided consultative support to a national steering group instrumental in establishing the Secure by Design, Secure by Default certification. His close collaboration with the UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner reflects his dedication to enhancing standards in the physical security sector. As a speaker at international security conferences, Steven has modestly shared insights that have contributed to the industry's development and the identification of key technology trends.

Beyond his professional commitments, Steven has volunteered his expertise, previously serving as Director of Systems, Information, and Cyber Security for ASIS International and the UK chapter, before being elected as a board director. He also serves on the EMEA Advisor Council as the emerging technology lead for TiNYg (Global Terrorism Information Network). Additionally, he contributes to various standards committees supporting IoT security and plays a role in the BSI Private Security Management and Services. Steven Kenny's humble dedication has made a meaningful impact on the global security landscape, positioning him as a valued contributor to the industry.