8 May 2006: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is celebrating the granting of over 100,000 licences to individuals working in the private security industry. The 100,000th licence, a front-line Security licence, was granted on 1 May 2006.

Robin Dahlberg, SIA Acting Chairman said:

"Since the launch of SIA licensing in March 2004, the SIA has worked collaboratively with the private security industry to introduce regulation and licensing as prescribed by the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Great strides have been made in facilitating fundamental and beneficial change in the industry in England and Wales, raising standards and levels of professionalism for companies and individuals alike."

In facilitating change, the SIA is proud that:

• 6 sectors of the private security industry are now licensed
• 15 new security qualifications have been created
• 2,000 training providers offer SIA approved security qualifications
• 220,000 individuals hold SIA approved security qualifications
• 160,000 licence applications have been received by the SIA
• 100,000 SIA licences have been issued.