Why Communication Technology Matters for Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law (formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025)  is new UK legislation designed to improve safety and emergency preparedness in publicly accessible venues and events. It requires organisations to assess risks, train staff, plan response procedures and communicate effectively in the event of an incident. The law honours the memory of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and seeks to ensure better protective measures are in place across the UK.

Martyn’s Law applies to venues and events where you might expect 200 or more people, with more stringent requirements for larger sites and is expected to be fully enforced by 2027.

Why Communication Technology Matters for Martyn’s Law

A core part of Martyn’s Law is having clear, effective communication channels that inform, guide and protect people during emergencies. That’s where modern digital signage systems (and especially those with visual alert capabilities) will play a vital role.

Traditional static signage is limited and can’t respond in real time. In contrast, digital displays can be integrated into emergency plans and used for:

🔹 Real-Time Emergency Messaging

Digital signage networks can be overridden instantly to show urgent instructions like evacuation routes, lockdown alerts or safe assembly points across multiple screens simultaneously. This immediate visual guidance helps reduce confusion and supports safe crowd movement.

🔹 Dynamic Wayfinding

In a crisis, the safest routes might change depending on location and situation. Digital displays can direct people along optimal paths based on real-time needs, something static signs simply cannot do.

🔹 Multi-Language & Inclusive Alerts

With venues hosting visitors from diverse backgrounds, digital signage can show messages in different languages and use clear visual cues for those with hearing impairments, enhancing accessibility and ensuring everyone gets critical information.

🔹 Staff Training & Preparedness

Displays installed in staff areas can be used for safety briefings, protocol reminders and training content, which helps staff to stay informed and ready to act when needed.

How Mimo’s Visual Alerting Solutions Enhance Martyn’s Law Compliance

Solutions like Mimo’s visual alerting technology take the power of digital signage further by providing a visual layer of emergency communication that complements audio notifications and PA systems:

✅ Instant Visual Alerts: In urgent situations, visual alerts can grab attention without sound, which is especially useful in noisy environments or for those with hearing challenges.
✅ Seamless Integration: These systems work with your existing display infrastructure, so you don’t need separate emergency screens.
✅ Non-Disruptive Daily Use: During normal operation, screens show standard content. When needed, they switch instantly to alert mode, keeping everyday communications effective while remaining ready for emergencies.

This gives organisations a scalable communication network that supports both daily engagement and critical incident response, which is a key component of a safety strategy that adheres to Martyn’s Law.

Communication as Part of a Broader Safety Strategy

While Martyn’s Law itself doesn’t mandate specific technologies, it does stress preparedness, risk assessment, staff training and effective public communication and digital signage fits all of these objectives.

Incorporating digital displays and visual alerting into your protective security plan not only helps with compliance but also:

• Improves situational awareness
• Enhances crowd management
• Boosts overall safety for staff and visitors
• Allows clear, immediate instructions when every second counts

Final Thought

Martyn’s Law is prompting venues across the UK to rethink emergency preparedness and communication. By combining digital signage networks with visual alerting technologies, organisations gain a flexible, powerful way to meet both everyday information needs and critical safety requirements, thereby helping protect people and enhance confidence in your safety systems.