At a glance

Coleg Cambria's Northop Business School is offering NEBOSH National Certificates to help businesses in North Wales prepare for the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn's Law. This legislation, named after a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, aims to enhance security at public venues across the UK. The courses will equip organisations with the necessary knowledge to comply with the law, which mandates security measures for premises hosting large numbers of people.

Businesses and organisations across North Wales can prepare for landmark new anti-terrorism legislation with specialist qualifications at Coleg Cambria.

The college’s Northop Business School is offering NEBOSH National Certificates designed to support those affected by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - widely known as Martyn’s Law.

Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, the legislation received Royal Assent last year and aims to strengthen security at public premises and events across the UK.

Cambria is offering the NEBOSH National Certificate in Protecting Standard Duty Premises from Terrorism, with courses beginning at Northop and online this month (September), as well as the National Certificate in Protecting Enhanced Duty Premises and Events from Terrorism, which launches in October. The standard duty applies to qualifying publicly accessible premises where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people may be present at the same time, while the enhanced duty covers qualifying premises and events with 800 or more people. The Act carries an implementation period of at least 24 months from Royal Assent, giving organisations time to understand and plan for their new obligations before the requirements come into force. The Security Industry Authority will oversee compliance once the law is in effect, with powers to issue compliance notices and financial penalties where premises fall short.

Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at Coleg Cambria, said the new programmes strengthen an already wide-ranging portfolio of professional and industry qualifications available through the college.

“Martyn’s Law will have implications for organisations and venues across many different sectors, so it is important businesses understand what the legislation means for them and are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to prepare,” said Jane.

“These qualifications are another example of us responding to changing industry needs and ensuring employers across the region can access high-quality professional development locally.

“This approach is brilliant for CPD. It allows flexibility for people who are already in work, busy, or unable to commit to one full-time course.

“We can even flex further by creating bespoke, tailored programmes for employers, particularly in industry, to support larger groups.”

The new certificates cover areas including the nature of terrorism and the legal framework, UK threat levels, organisational responsibilities, potential threats and vulnerabilities, public protection procedures and developing a strong security culture. The enhanced qualification also examines protection measures, documenting compliance, and business continuity and recovery.

Martyn’s Law will require those responsible for qualifying premises and events to take reasonably practicable steps to reduce harm should a terrorist attack occur. Enhanced duty premises and qualifying events will face additional requirements aimed at reducing their vulnerability to an attack.

Jane added: “For many organisations this is a new area of responsibility, so now is the time to develop that knowledge, look ahead and be prepared.

“Our focus at Northop Business School is always on providing relevant, practical training that reflects what employers are facing today and what they will need tomorrow.”

Picture by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street  Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena attacks terror attacks in 2017 following the announcement that Martyn’s Law has been given Royal Assent.

Editorial insight

The introduction of specialist terrorism protection qualifications at Coleg Cambria comes as public and private sector organisations across North Wales face significant new legal responsibilities under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law. With the legislation now on the statute books and a two-year lead-in before enforcement, businesses that operate venues or host public events will need to ensure staff are equipped to meet the new security standards.

For many local employers, this marks a substantial shift in compliance and operational planning, especially for those managing spaces that fall under the standard or enhanced duty categories defined by the Act. Access to accredited training through a regional provider may help organisations navigate the complexity of the new law, manage risk, and avoid future penalties. As the Security Industry Authority prepares to oversee compliance nationally, early uptake of these qualifications could prove critical for venues aiming to stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Human interest

The Role of Education in Terrorism Preparedness

Examine how educational institutions like Coleg Cambria are adapting to provide relevant training in response to new legislative requirements such as Martyn’s Law.

Target audience education-focused publications, national news Story potential 6/10 Local/community

Impact of Martyn’s Law on North Wales Businesses

Explore how the new anti-terrorism legislation, Martyn’s Law, is expected to affect businesses and organisations across North Wales, focusing on compliance challenges and preparation strategies.

Target audience local newspapers, regional news outlets Story potential 7/10