When the SIA was established in 2003, we conducted a broad examination of the entire industry. What we found was an industry that was too often encumbered by poor standards and practices, yet crying out for positive change. At the very root of its encumbrances was a long established pattern of businesses buying security services on price, rather than quality.

Security was usually regarded as a grudge spend with buyers opting to buy the minimum and cheapest service possible. This approach stifled investment and prevented the industry from developing its true potential. Much of the private security industry could not justify investing in better pay and conditions, training or technology. Staff quality was low and turnover high.

The reality was that the quality of security service was perhaps no better than the customer's purchasing practices deserved. Market forces were not improving standards or fuelling positive competition.