The 1 November will see one set of SIA licences across the whole of Great Britain - Scotland, England and Wales. The GB-wide SIA licences are recognised as a portable symbol that the individual is trained, qualified and fit and proper for their role.

"We have been communicating with the industry in Scotland for over two years about SIA licensing and I am pleased with how proactive Scottish operators have been as we move towards 1 November. Thousands of employees, supervisors, managers and directors already hold an SIA licence, which demonstrates their commitment to working in a professional industry" says Andy Drane, deputy chief executive, SIA "Regulation will prevent unsuitable people from obtaining positions of trust in the private security industry. Legitimate businesses will benefit as improving standards will drive out the small minority of companies who are tarnishing the sector by using the security industry as a front for illegal activities"