Ahead of the coming into force of Martyn’s Law, most likely not before 2027, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, the FM (facilities management) contractor Bidvest Noonan has launched counter-terror (CT) training.
It’s begun with training for control room operators, trauma-trained medics, and security officers, focused on rapid decision-making and coordination during major incidents. A live, scenario-based counter-terror exercise followed, at White City Place in London W12, which the firm reports has high-profile tenants and offered a realistic urban setting for the simulation.
The exercise recreated the ‘platinum ten minutes’, the critical time in the aftermath of a major incident when decisive action can save lives. The scenario simulated a ‘Vehicle as a Weapon’ (VAW) attack and was supported by Turret Training, St John Ambulance (pictured), and specialists from St Barts Hospital.
The contractor points to authorities, such as the UK’s official National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and ProtectUK counter-terror police, warning that Marauding Terrorist Attacks (MTAs) and vehicle-based assaults remain among the most likely forms of attack. Such incidents can unfold without warning, and most casualties occur before emergency services arrive; as seen in recent attacks, from Westminster Bridge and London Bridge-Borough Market in 2017 to the Liverpool FC victory parade vehicle incident in May 2025.
Hence the contract firm’s taking of national counter-terror guidance to make what it terms realistic, site-specific training for private-sector security teams. Greg Beech, Director of Operations at Bidvest Noonan, said: “Incidents like these unfold in seconds, not minutes. Our goal is to ensure that when the worst happens, our teams are ready to act decisively and protect lives. By simulating real threats in real environments, we’re giving our people the skills and confidence to respond under pressure.”
The company adds that it’s anticipating the Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law), which will require premises such as pubs, concert halls, hospitals, retail and places of worship to take and document counter-terrorism measures. Bidvest Noonan adds that its training modules will expand to cover bladed-weapon attacks, hostile intruder events, and suspicious-package protocols, as an approach to threat readiness.
