The UK security market plays an important role in protecting businesses, government organisations, public spaces and digital systems. It covers a wide range of services and technologies, including security guards, video surveillance, access control, alarm systems, risk management and cybersecurity solutions.
As businesses depend more on digital platforms and connected devices, the need for effective security continues to grow. At the same time, physical security remains important for offices, shopping centres, transport networks, hospitals, warehouses and other public and private facilities.
The United Kingdom has also developed a strong cybersecurity industry that serves customers at home and abroad. Its technology companies provide solutions to help organisations protect sensitive information, prevent cyberattacks and respond to security incidents.
The market offers opportunities for established security providers, technology companies, startups and investors. However, growth also brings challenges, including rising cyber threats, changing regulations, higher operating costs and the need for skilled professionals.
What Is the UK Security Market?
The UK security market includes businesses that provide products and services designed to protect people, property, information and digital infrastructure.
It can be divided into two main areas: physical security and cybersecurity.
Physical security focuses on protecting buildings, equipment, people and other physical assets. It includes security guards, CCTV cameras, access control systems, intruder alarms and perimeter protection.
Cybersecurity focuses on protecting computers, networks, cloud platforms, applications and digital information from unauthorised access, data theft and cyberattacks.
Some businesses operate in both areas. For example, a company may provide security staff and surveillance equipment while also offering digital monitoring and threat detection services.
According to Grand View Research, the broader UK security market generated an estimated USD 7.87 billion in revenue in 2025. The research firm projects that the market could reach approximately USD 12.21 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5% over its stated forecast period.
These figures relate to the broader security market, rather than cybersecurity alone. Different research firms may use different definitions, so market estimates should be compared carefully.
UK Cybersecurity Market Growth
Cybersecurity has become one of the most important parts of the UK’s wider security industry. Companies, public bodies and individuals increasingly rely on online services, cloud computing and digital communication. These changes create new opportunities but also introduce additional security risks.
Cybercriminals may use phishing emails, ransomware, stolen passwords and software vulnerabilities to attack organisations. A successful attack can lead to financial losses, service interruptions, stolen information and damage to a company’s reputation.
As a result, businesses are investing in tools that can detect threats, prevent unauthorised access and protect important systems.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the UK cybersecurity market was valued at USD 14.77 billion in 2025. The firm forecasts that it could reach USD 25.13 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.09% between 2026 and 2031.
This is a separate market estimate from the broader security market figure. The two numbers should not be added together because their coverage and research methods may differ.
The cybersecurity industry includes software developers, security consultants, managed service providers, cloud security companies and specialists in data protection. Demand for these services is expected to remain important as organisations continue to modernise their technology.
UK Cybersecurity Exports: Strong International Demand
The UK has built a strong international position in cybersecurity services. British companies supply security products and expertise to organisations across Europe, North America, Asia and other markets.
Exports are an important part of the industry’s growth because they allow UK businesses to serve customers beyond the domestic market.
UK government statistics show that cyber security exports increased from £7.2 billion in 2023 to £8.6 billion in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 19% when rounded to the nearest whole percentage.
Cybersecurity accounted for around 67% of the UK’s total security export revenue in 2024. The figures show how important digital protection has become within the country’s wider security export industry.
The government data also identifies Europe as a major destination for UK security exports. Businesses selling overseas can benefit from growing demand for cyber protection, digital resilience and specialist security services.
Export growth creates opportunities for UK companies to expand their customer base, develop partnerships and compete in international markets.
UK Cyber Security Exports from 2020 to 2024
The following chart shows the rise in UK cybersecurity exports over five years. The figures use the historical series published in the UK government’s security export statistics.
UK Cyber Security Exports, 2020–2024
Annual export value in £ billions
UK Cyber Security Exports, 2020–2024
Annual export value in £ billions, based on UK government historical statistics.
The chart shows a consistent increase in UK cybersecurity exports between 2020 and 2024. Export revenue rose from £4.1 billion in 2020 to £8.6 billion in 2024, more than doubling over the period.
The increase reflects growing international demand for cybersecurity products and services. As organisations move more activities online, they need stronger protection against data breaches, ransomware, fraud and other digital threats.
The figures also show why cybersecurity has become a valuable part of the UK’s technology and security industries.
Main Segments of the UK Security Market
1. Physical Security Systems
Physical security systems protect buildings, equipment and people. Common products include CCTV cameras, electronic locks, access control systems, alarm systems and perimeter security equipment.
Businesses use these systems to monitor entrances, control access to restricted areas and identify suspicious activity. Transport facilities, offices, retail stores, factories and public buildings are among the potential customers.
Demand is also changing as traditional equipment becomes more connected. Modern systems can combine cameras, sensors and software to help security teams monitor multiple locations.
2. Security Guarding Services
Security guarding remains an important part of the UK market. Guards help protect premises, manage entrances, monitor visitors and respond to incidents.
These services are used at commercial buildings, construction sites, events, shopping centres and industrial facilities.
Technology can support security staff, but trained people remain important in situations that require judgement, communication and a physical response.
3. Managed Security Services
Managed security services allow businesses to receive security support from specialist providers instead of managing every activity internally.
Services may include continuous network monitoring, threat detection, incident response and security system management.
Smaller companies often lack the resources to maintain a large in-house cybersecurity team. Managed providers can help them access specialist expertise and monitoring tools.
4. Cloud and Software Security
Cloud computing allows organisations to store information and run applications using remote infrastructure. However, businesses must protect cloud accounts, data and connected applications against misuse.
Cloud security tools help manage user access, monitor activity and identify potential threats. Software security also involves checking applications for weaknesses and correcting problems before attackers can exploit them.
5. Risk Management and Consultancy
Security consultants help organisations understand their risks and develop suitable protection plans. Their work may include security assessments, penetration testing, compliance support and incident planning.
These services can be valuable for companies that handle sensitive information or operate essential services.
Major Companies in the UK Security Industry
The UK market includes international security groups, established facilities management companies, specialist technology providers and smaller cybersecurity firms.
Some major names in physical security and guarding include:
- Mitie: Provides facilities management and security services to businesses and public-sector organisations.
- Allied Universal and G4S: Operate across security services, guarding and related protection activities.
- OCS Group: Provides facilities management and associated security services.
- Securitas: Offers guarding, electronic security and integrated security solutions.
The cybersecurity market has a different competitive landscape. It includes specialist firms working in network protection, cloud security, identity management, software testing and managed threat detection.
Competition varies across individual market segments. A company known for physical guarding may not be a direct competitor to a specialist cloud security provider.
Businesses compete through service quality, technology, pricing, customer support, specialist knowledge and their ability to respond to changing threats.
What Is Driving Growth in the UK Security Market?
Several factors are supporting demand for security products and services.
Rising Cyber Threats
Cyberattacks can affect businesses of every size. Criminals may target financial information, customer records, business systems and essential services.
Organisations increasingly need tools that can prevent attacks, identify suspicious activity and reduce the damage caused by security incidents.
Digital Transformation
Many organisations are moving services, data and applications to cloud platforms. They are also connecting more devices and using remote working systems.
These changes can improve efficiency, but they create additional points that need protection. Security providers can help organisations manage these risks.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is changing how security teams identify patterns and respond to threats. In cybersecurity, AI-assisted tools can help analyse large amounts of activity and flag unusual behaviour.
Physical security systems may also use automated video analysis to identify specific events.
However, AI is not a complete solution. Systems need proper testing, human oversight and safeguards against errors, misuse and privacy problems.
Regulation and Compliance
Organisations must follow relevant data protection, cybersecurity and sector-specific rules. Regulatory requirements can increase the need for security assessments, monitoring and better incident response.
For example, the Telecommunications Security Act 2021 introduced requirements and measures intended to improve the security of public electronic communications networks and services.
The rules that apply depend on the organisation, its activities and the systems it operates.
Smart Cities and Connected Infrastructure
Connected cameras, sensors and control systems are increasingly used in buildings, transport networks and public infrastructure.
These technologies can improve monitoring and efficiency, but they also need reliable protection against unauthorised access and disruption.
Challenges Facing the UK Security Market
Despite its growth opportunities, the industry faces several challenges.
Skills shortages: Security providers need people with knowledge of network protection, incident response, software security and risk management. Recruiting and retaining experienced staff can be difficult.
High costs: Advanced security systems require investment in equipment, software, training and ongoing maintenance. Smaller organisations may struggle to afford comprehensive protection.
Rapidly changing threats: Criminals regularly change their methods. Security providers must update their systems and processes to keep up with new risks.
Privacy concerns: Surveillance technology and digital monitoring must be used responsibly. Organisations need to consider privacy, access controls and applicable data protection rules.
Strong competition: Established companies and newer technology providers compete for contracts. Businesses must show that their services offer reliable protection and good value.
Dependence on technology: Security systems themselves can have weaknesses. Poor configuration, outdated software and weak passwords can undermine otherwise useful protection.
Future Outlook for the UK Security Market
The outlook for the UK security market is supported by the continuing need to protect physical assets and digital systems.
Cybersecurity is likely to remain a major area of interest as businesses adopt cloud services, connected devices and AI-based tools. Managed security services may also attract customers that cannot maintain specialist teams internally.
Physical security providers have opportunities to combine traditional guarding with electronic monitoring and access control. Integrated services can help customers manage several security needs through a single provider.
International exports offer another route for growth. The UK’s cybersecurity export performance shows that domestic companies can compete in overseas markets and supply specialist services to international customers.
However, future growth is not guaranteed. Market conditions, customer budgets, competition, regulation and the pace of technological change will influence individual businesses.
Companies that invest in skilled staff, dependable technology and strong customer relationships may be better placed to respond to these changes.
Conclusion
The UK security market covers a broad range of activities, from physical protection and security guarding to advanced cybersecurity services. Both areas are important as businesses and public organisations face changing risks.
The wider UK security market was estimated at USD 7.87 billion in 2025 by Grand View Research, while Mordor Intelligence estimated the dedicated cybersecurity market at USD 14.77 billion for the same year. These figures refer to different market definitions and should be considered separately.
UK cybersecurity exports also increased from £7.2 billion in 2023 to £8.6 billion in 2024, highlighting the country’s position in the international security industry.
Looking ahead, digital transformation, rising cyber threats, cloud adoption and connected infrastructure are likely to continue shaping demand. Businesses that can deliver reliable, affordable and effective protection will have opportunities to compete in this evolving market.
