What is Martyn’s Law? Key Information for UK Organisations
Supporting Martyn’s Law requirements through effective digital communication
As Martyn’s Law comes into focus, organisations across the UK are being asked to take a more proactive approach to safety.
Martyn’s Law introduces new responsibilities for organisations to improve safety, preparedness and communication in publicly accessible spaces. Understanding what’s required (and how to respond) is essential.
We help organisations explore how digital communication tools, including digital signage, can support clearer messaging, improved awareness and more effective incident response.
What Organisations Need to Know and How to Prepare
Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, represents one of the most significant changes to public safety legislation in the UK in recent years.
Designed to improve how organisations prepare for and respond to potential terrorist threats, the law introduces new responsibilities for those managing publicly accessible spaces.
For many organisations, this will require a shift in mindset, from viewing security as a specialist function, to recognising it as a core operational responsibility.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law has been introduced to ensure that organisations take proportionate and practical steps to protect the public and improve preparedness in the event of a terrorist incident.
The legislation applies to a wide range of publicly accessible premises and events across the UK, including:
-
Retail environments
-
Hospitality venues
-
Entertainment venues
-
Public buildings
-
Transport hubs
-
Event spaces
Any organisation where 200 or more people may be present could fall within scope.
Key Requirements for Organisations
Martyn’s Law introduces a tiered approach, meaning requirements depend on the size and nature of the venue.
Standard Tier (200–799 people)
Organisations will be required to:
-
Notify the regulator (SIA)
-
Implement basic public protection procedures
-
Ensure staff understand how to respond to incidents
Enhanced Tier (800+ people)
Larger venues must go further, including:
-
Implementing measures to reduce vulnerability to attacks
-
Documenting security plans and procedures
-
Monitoring premises and surrounding areas
-
Assigning responsibility for compliance
What This Means in Practice
Martyn’s Law is not about turning organisations into security experts, it is about ensuring preparedness, awareness and clear communication.
Organisations will need to:
-
Assess risks across their premises
-
Plan responses (evacuation, lockdown, communication)
-
Train staff and ensure procedures are understood
-
Provide clear guidance to occupants and visitors
Importantly, there is an implementation period of at least 24 months, giving organisations time to understand and prepare before enforcement begins.
The Role of Communication in Martyn’s Law
A critical but often overlooked aspect of Martyn’s Law is how organisations communicate with people during an incident.
In high-pressure situations, clear and immediate communication can:
-
Reduce confusion and panic
-
Direct people to safety
-
Support evacuation or lockdown procedures
-
Reinforce staff instructions
This is where many organisations currently have gaps, particularly in real-time, visual communication across physical spaces.
How Digital Signage Can Support Martyn's Law
While no single technology can guarantee compliance, digital signage can play an important role in supporting the communication, awareness and preparedness requirements of Martyn’s Law, helping organisations deliver clear and timely messaging when it matters most.
Real-Time Emergency Messaging
Digital displays can be used to instantly communicate critical instructions such as:
- Evacuate immediately
- Use specific exits
- Avoid certain areas
- Follow staff instructions
This ensures messages are visible across multiple locations.
Provides Clear Visual Guidance
During an incident, people may not hear announcements or alarms clearly. Digital signage provides:
- Visual instructions
- Directional guidance
- Clear, easy-to-understand messaging
This is particularly valuable in noisy or crowded environments.
Pre-Incident Awareness
Digital signage can also be used proactively to:
- Display safety messaging
- Reinforce emergency procedures
- Support staff training environments
- Inform visitors of key safety protocols
Offers Centralised Control
For organisations with multiple sites, digital signage systems allow:
- Centralised control of messaging
- Rapid updates across all locations
- Consistent communication standards
Ensuring clear, consistent messaging is delivered across every location when it matters most.
Supporting Staff Response
Digital signage can complement staff training by:
- Reinforcing procedures visually
- Supporting coordinated responses
- Providing additional communication channels during incidents
Helping staff respond more confidently and effectively.
Mimo Flashcast - Real-Time Alerts
Any screen. Any Time. Everywhere.
With our award winning Flashcast, you can add instant visual alerts to any display, without adding complexity.
Mimo FlashCast is a simple, scalable hardware and cloud-managed solution that overlays emergency and everyday alerts on any HDMI-enabled or WiFi connected device. The display continues operating normally, and alerts appear only when triggered so existing content and workflows remain uninterrupted.
Flashcast offers organisations fast deployment with a minimal IT burden and has been intentionally designed to reduce technical friction. This includes:
- Cloud-based management
- Simple HDMI connection
- No complex signage CMS required
- Intuitive interface with little to no training
- Scalable architecture (single display to multi-site enterprise)
An Explanation Video For Martyn's Law
Important Considerations & Preparing for Martyn’s Law
It’s important to note:
Martyn’s Law does not mandate specific technologies, and no supplier or product can guarantee compliance on its own.
Instead, organisations must take a risk-based, proportionate approach to implementing procedures and measures.
Digital signage should therefore be viewed as:
✔ A supporting tool for communication
✔ Part of a wider safety strategy
✔ A way to enhance preparedness and response
Although enforcement is not immediate, organisations are already being encouraged to begin preparing.
Early steps include:
- Reviewing your premises and occupancy levels
- Assessing current communication capabilities
- Identifying gaps in emergency response planning
- Considering how technology can support safety procedures
