Spring 2027 Countdown: 5 Things Every Business Must Do Before Martyn’s Law Goes Live

The clock is officially ticking. As of today, Tuesday, 28th of April 2026, we are exactly one year away from the anticipated "go-live" date for Martyn’s Law: formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act.

If you run a business in Birmingham or manage a venue anywhere in the UK, you can no longer afford to "wait and see." By Spring 2027, the legal landscape for public safety will change forever. This isn't just another health and safety box to tick; it is a fundamental shift in how we protect the public from the threat of terrorism.

At Zems Academy, we are already seeing a surge in businesses seeking SIA training to ensure their teams are competent and compliant. Whether you run a small bar, a large retail park, or a community hall, here is your essential 5-step checklist to get ready for Spring 2027.

1. Check if you’re in scope: Understand the size and capacity requirements

The first thing you need to do is determine if the law even applies to you. Martyn’s Law is designed to cover "qualifying public premises." In simple terms, if your venue is open to the public and has a capacity of 200 or more people, you are in scope.

How is capacity measured?

Capacity isn't just about how many people you want in the building. It is determined by the floor area or the maximum occupancy allowed under fire safety regulations.

Common examples of premises in scope include:

• Entertainment venues and theatres.
• Bars, pubs, and restaurants.
• Retail stores and shopping centres.
• Public squares and outdoor event spaces.
• Places of worship and community centres.

If your capacity is under 200, you are currently not mandated by the law, but the SIA still recommends following "best practice" security measures. If you are over 200, move to step two immediately.

2. Know your tier: Standard vs. Enhanced

Martyn’s Law uses a two-tier system. This ensures that the burden of compliance is proportionate to the risk.

The Standard Tier (200 – 799 people)

If your venue fits here, your focus is on preparedness. You aren't expected to buy expensive hardware, but you must have a plan.

• The Goal: Ensure staff know what to do in the event of an attack.
• The Task: Create a standard terrorism evaluation. This involves identifying how you would evacuate, "invacuate" (bring people inside to safety), or lockdown the premises.

The Enhanced Tier (800+ people)

This tier is for large venues like stadiums, major shopping centres, and large concert halls. The requirements are much stricter.

• The Goal: Active mitigation and high-level risk management.
• The Task: You must conduct a full, documented risk assessment. You are also required to implement physical security measures, such as CCTV, barriers, or advanced access control.

Knowing your tier is vital because the penalties for miscalculation are high. Zems Academy provides SIA security training that helps managers understand these tier-specific responsibilities.

3. Review your risk assessment: Update plans to include terrorist threat mitigation

Most Birmingham businesses already have a health and safety risk assessment. However, a "slips, trips, and falls" assessment is not enough for Martyn’s Law. You must specifically address the threat of terrorism.

What should your new risk assessment look like?

You need to consider the most likely attack methodologies and how your building’s layout might help or hinder an attacker.

• Identify Vulnerabilities: Where are your entry and exit points? Could a vehicle gain access to a crowded area?
• Response Procedures: Do you have a "Run, Hide, Tell" policy clearly communicated to all staff?
• Communication: How will you alert everyone in the building within seconds?

Updating your risk assessment now gives you time to test your theories. Don't wait until Spring 2027 to find out your "Lockdown" plan doesn't work because a fire exit is propped open.

4. Train your team: The importance of high-quality SIA training

This is the most critical step. A plan on a piece of paper won't save lives: trained people will. Martyn’s Law places a heavy emphasis on staff training.

By 2027, "I didn't know what to do" will not be an acceptable excuse in a court of law. Your staff need to be confident in spotting suspicious behaviour and managing crowds during an emergency.

How Zems Academy can help

Zems Academy is Birmingham’s leading provider of security training. We offer a range of courses designed to get your team up to the required standard:

• Level 2 Door Supervision: Essential for anyone working in venues with alcohol or public entertainment.
• Level 2 Security Officer Training: Perfect for retail and corporate security teams.
• CCTV Training: Crucial for those in the Enhanced Tier who need to monitor premises 24/7.

Professional training ensures that your staff aren't just "present": they are prepared. A team that holds an SIA licence from Zems Academy has undergone rigorous practical assessments, including emergency first aid.

5. Stay updated: Follow the SIA’s latest guidance

The government and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) are constantly releasing updated guidance as we approach the 2027 deadline. There is currently a focus on "Section 12" guidance, which covers the specific standards for the Standard Tier.

Don’t miss the consultations

The SIA often runs public consultations where business owners can have their say on how the law is implemented. Staying involved ensures you aren't surprised by a new regulation six months before the deadline.

Action Plan for the next 12 months:

1. Month 1-3: Audit your capacity and confirm your tier.
2. Month 4-6: Rewrite your risk assessments and emergency procedures.
3. Month 7-9: Book your staff onto Zems Academy training courses.
4. Month 10-12: Run "Live" drills to test your staff's response times.

Why Birmingham Businesses Need to Act Now

Birmingham is a hub for entertainment, retail, and culture. From the Bullring to Broad Street, our city has a high density of venues that fall into the "Enhanced Tier."

The authorities have made it clear that they will be conducting inspections once Martyn’s Law goes live. Fines for non-compliance are expected to be significant: reaching into the millions for the largest organisations. More importantly, the reputational damage of being found "unprepared" could be fatal for any business.

Get Security Trained Today

Don't leave your compliance to the last minute. The demand for security training is expected to peak in early 2027, leading to a shortage of course places. By training your staff now at Zems Academy, you stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business is a safe place for the people of Birmingham.

Ready to get your team certified?
Check out our latest course dates or visit us at Invicta House, Warwick Road, Birmingham.

Book Now. Stay Safe. Be Ready for 2027.

Zems Academy is your partner in professional security education. For more information on Martyn’s Law and how it affects your SIA licensing requirements, contact our team today.