Since Martyn’s Law became UK legislation, one question has been asked more than any other:
“Does this apply to my business?”Many employers assume the legislation only affects football stadiums, concert venues and large public events. In reality, the answer isn’t always that straightforward. Offices, schools, healthcare settings, hotels, visitor attractions, conference venues, retail premises and other publicly accessible locations may all need to consider what the new requirements mean for them.
The good news is that Martyn’s Law isn’t about turning workplaces into high-security environments. For most organisations, it’s about understanding their responsibilities, reviewing existing emergency arrangements and ensuring people know what to do should the worst happen.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What Martyn’s Law is
- Whether it could apply to your premises or events
- The questions businesses should be asking now
- Practical steps you can take to prepare
- How Martyn’s Law links with your existing health and safety arrangements
If you’re unsure where to start, you’re certainly not alone. Many businesses are only just beginning to explore what the legislation means for them. An experienced health and safety consultant can help review your current arrangements and identify any areas that may need further consideration.
Not sure where to start with Martyn’s Law?
To help businesses raise awareness, we’ve created a free Martyn’s Law Toolbox Talk that can be delivered to employees, supervisors and managers as part of your existing health and safety communications.
The toolbox talk covers:
- What Martyn’s Law is
- Why it has been introduced
- Recognising potential threats
- Emergency response awareness
- Staff responsibilities
- Practical actions employees can take
Free Martyn’s Law Toolbox Talk Download
Does Martyn’s Law Apply to My Business?
Martyn’s Law may apply if your business operates publicly accessible premises or organises qualifying events. While many employers assume the legislation only affects stadiums and large venues, offices, warehouses, schools, healthcare settings, visitor attractions, hotels and retail premises may also need to consider their responsibilities under the legislation.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, was introduced following recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and is named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims who lost their lives in the 2017 attack.
The legislation aims to improve preparedness and protective security across the UK by requiring certain premises and events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist incident and, where appropriate, take steps to reduce risks.
So, What Does This Look Like in Practice?
Understanding the legislation is one thing. Understanding what it could mean for your own organisation is often where the real questions begin.
Every business is different. An office that occasionally welcomes visitors faces different challenges to a warehouse, a school or a conference venue. That’s why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to Martyn’s Law.
Rather than getting lost in legal definitions and technical guidance, let’s look at a few common workplace scenarios that reflect the kinds of conversations we’re having with clients today.
As you read through them, think about your own organisation:
- How many people could be on site at the busiest times?
- Do visitors, customers or contractors regularly access your premises?
- Would your employees know what to do during a serious security-related incident?
- Are your emergency procedures designed for more than just fire safety?
You may find that some of these situations sound very familiar.
Let’s start with one of the most common questions we hear:
“Does Martyn’s Law Apply to My Office?”
Let’s look at a typical scenario.
Scenario 1: Professional Services Office
You run an accountancy practice with 40 employees. Members of the public regularly attend meetings at your premises. You occasionally host networking events with external visitors.
Many businesses like this assume Martyn’s Law won’t affect them because they’re not a stadium, concert venue or shopping centre.
However, organisations that have publicly accessible premises should be reviewing whether they fall within scope and considering their emergency arrangements.
Questions you should ask include:
- How would staff respond to a security incident?
- Who would contact emergency services?
- How would visitors be protected?
- Is evacuation or lockdown more appropriate?
- Have staff received any emergency response training?
If your answer is “I’m not sure”, now is the time to start planning. A structured review through a health and safety audit can help determine whether your current arrangements are suitable and identify opportunities for improvement.
“We Run Events. What About Us?”
Scenario 2: Annual Conference or Business Expo
You organise a yearly conference attended by hundreds of delegates.
Your team already completes fire risk assessments, books first aid cover and develops emergency evacuation plans.
Under Martyn’s Law, businesses organising public events may need to consider terrorism preparedness in the same way they consider fire safety and other emergency situations.
This might include:
- Communication plans
- Emergency procedures
- Staff briefings
- Incident response arrangements
- Reviewing access and security controls
The key message is preparedness, not panic.
“Do Small Businesses Need a Terrorism Risk Assessment?”
Scenario 3: A Manufacturing Company with a Reception Area
A manufacturing company employs 120 people. Visitors, contractors and delivery drivers regularly enter reception.
The business owner may be thinking:
“We’re not a high-profile target. Why would we need to think about terrorism?”
The reality is that Martyn’s Law focuses on being prepared rather than predicting who may be targeted.
Just as organisations prepare for fires that may never happen, they are increasingly expected to consider how they would respond to other major emergencies.
For many organisations, the process starts with a simple review of:
- Existing risk assessments
- Emergency procedures
- Visitor arrangements
- Staff awareness
- Training requirements
Many of these areas are already covered within existing risk assessments and emergency planning procedures, making them a sensible starting point for Martyn’s Law preparation.
“We’re a Warehouse. Does Martyn’s Law Matter to Us?”
Scenario 4: Warehousing and Logistics
A logistics company operates a busy warehouse employing 80 people. Throughout the day, delivery drivers, contractors, customers and suppliers regularly access the site. The reception area is open to visitors, and the business occasionally hosts client visits and contractor meetings.
The management team may assume Martyn’s Law only applies to high-profile venues or locations with large crowds.
However, organisations with publicly accessible areas should take time to understand whether the legislation applies to them and what reasonable arrangements may be required.
Ask yourself:
- Would reception staff know how to respond to a security-related incident?
- Are visitor arrangements and access controls effective?
- How would employees be alerted during an emergency?
- Have managers been briefed on evacuation and lockdown procedures?
- Could contractors and visitors be accounted for during an incident?
Many warehousing and logistics businesses already have strong controls in place for traffic management, contractor management, emergency procedures and health and safety compliance. Businesses already using competent person service may find many of the management systems and review processes required are already embedded within their existing health and safety arrangements.
For many businesses, preparation starts with reviewing current procedures, discussing responsibilities with employees and ensuring emergency response plans remain effective and up to date.
What Are Inspectors Likely to Look For?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that businesses will need expensive security equipment or extensive physical changes.
For many premises, particularly those within the Standard Tier, the focus is on demonstrating that reasonable procedures are in place and that staff know what to do during an incident.
In practical terms, organisations should be able to show:
✓ Staff have received appropriate information or training
✓ Emergency procedures have been considered
✓ Responsibilities have been assigned
✓ Plans are documented where required
✓ Arrangements are reviewed periodically
These are all principles that health and safety professionals are already familiar with.
How Martyn’s Law Links to Existing Health & Safety Responsibilities
This is where many businesses can gain confidence.
We’ve found that organisations receiving ongoing health and safety support often already have much of the foundation required through existing risk assessments, emergency planning and staff training programmes.
For example, you may already have:
- Fire evacuation procedures
- First aid arrangements
- Incident response plans
- Emergency contact processes
- Staff inductions
- Risk assessment systems
- Business continuity plans
Martyn’s Law doesn’t replace these arrangements. Instead, it encourages organisations to consider terrorism preparedness alongside other foreseeable emergencies.
What Should Businesses Be Doing Now?
Although there is an implementation period before the legislation fully comes into force, organisations can start preparing by reviewing their current arrangements.
A sensible starting point is:
- Determine whether your premises or events may fall within scope.
- Review existing emergency procedures.
- Assess staff awareness levels.
- Identify gaps in planning or training.
- Develop proportionate response arrangements.
- Record actions and improvements.
The earlier businesses begin this process, the easier compliance is likely to be.
One of the simplest first steps is to start conversations with your workforce.
Just as organisations regularly deliver toolbox talks on fire safety, slips and trips, or workplace wellbeing, Martyn’s Law awareness can become part of your wider safety culture.
Our free Martyn’s Law Toolbox Talk provides a ready-made resource to help businesses begin that conversation. For organisations requiring more formal awareness sessions, Safety Forward also provides tailored health and safety training to help employees understand their responsibilities during emergencies.
How Safety Forward Can Help
Many businesses don’t need a security consultant.
What they need is practical support understanding how the new requirements fit within their existing health and safety responsibilities.
At Safety Forward, we can help you:
Review Whether Martyn’s Law Applies to Your Organisation
Not sure whether your premises or activities fall within scope? We can help review your operations and identify what responsibilities may apply.
Conduct Gap Analysis Audits
Identify where your existing arrangements already meet requirements and where additional measures may be needed.
Review Risk Assessments and Emergency Procedures
Ensure your existing arrangements are robust, documented and fit for purpose.
Deliver Staff Awareness Training
Help employees understand what to do during a security-related emergency.
Provide Competent Ongoing Support
Integrate Martyn’s Law requirements into your wider health and safety management system.
If you’d like expert support, contact Safety Forward to discuss your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Martyn’s Law currently in force?
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent in April 2025 and is expected to have an implementation period before compliance requirements come into effect.
Will my business need expensive security measures?
Not necessarily. The legislation takes a proportionate approach, and many organisations will focus on procedures, planning and staff awareness rather than significant physical security investments.
Is this just for large venues?
No. The legislation may affect a range of publicly accessible premises and events, depending on their size and use.
Can Safety Forward help us prepare?
Yes. We can review your existing arrangements, identify gaps, provide practical advice and help integrate requirements into your existing health and safety management system.
Don’t Wait Until Compliance Becomes Urgent
The businesses that will adapt most easily to Martyn’s Law are those that start planning now.
A simple review of your emergency procedures, risk assessments and staff awareness arrangements today could save significant work later and help ensure your organisation is better prepared for the future.