The research is based on examination of existing literature, survey responses from 502 security professionals, and 40 interviews (20 buyers and 20 suppliers).

Acknowledging that there is no ‘best’ type of relationship (context is key) respondents on both sides (buyers of security and security suppliers) were committed to the principal of working closely and collaboratively. Key components (in an ideal world) are: trust, good communication, aligned aims, objectives and ethos, and affording appropriate priority to security. There were many examples of how the relationship worked well but it was evident that difficulties are not unusual.

In terms of barriers, both buyers and suppliers were candid in interviews and often reflective on the shortcomings of their own peers. Buyers for example admitted that they sometimes lack insight on their own needs, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the complexity of security (there are many available solutions). The lack of status experienced by some meant that they can lack control over security spend, and have limited input into the procurement process. Meanwhile suppliers face real pressures in a competitive market which can lead to cutting costs, to the point it can compromise quality and lead to under-delivery. There is a lack of understanding about these ‘realities’ often driven because those bidding for contracts are sometimes managed separately from those who deliver. Difficulties arise when there is a lack of communication and a failure to invest time. There is no shortcut to recognising and committing to overcoming these issues, easy to say, a challenge in practice to do.

Professor Martin Gill who led the research noted: "The Buyer-Supplier relationship is absolutely crucial to the way that security operates and yet in the security sector this area has been largely unexamined, and understandably so given the somewhat sensitive nature of the issues. Hopefully the findings will provide readers with an insight to the issues to be overcome in order to reach a win win situation – something that our research suggests the sector are striving for."

The Security Research Initiative is sponsored by the security sector (buyers and suppliers), and involves an annual study. The reports are made available free of charge in order to provide a more informed information base about the workings of the security sector.