6 November 2007: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is pleased to announce that 18 months since the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) was launched on 20 March 2006, over 400 companies have now achieved ACS status.

Andrew Shephard, SIA Assistant Director, ACS said:

"The Approved Contractor Scheme continues to attract new applicants with more companies than originally forecast seeking and achieving ACS status.

Over 400 security companies are now approved, employing more than 99,000 licensable staff - which is approaching half of the licensable security population in Great Britain.

ACS companies are demonstrating improved standards and professionalism and buyers of security services can have peace of mind knowing they have the best people in the private security industry working for them."

Notes to Editors:

To achieve Approved Contractor status, companies supplying private security services must demonstrate to an independent assessor that they have met a series of requirements covering a range of business and management indicators.

Number of Approved Contractors = 403*

* Please note that contractors may be approved in more than one sector.

The Register of Approved Contractors lists all of the organisations that have met the requirements for the Approved Contractor Scheme. Companies who have had their approval withdrawn are also listed on the SIA website.