I am delighted to be part of a speaking panel at CHS Leeds 2025 on the subject of Understanding Martyn’s Law.
As Martyn’s Law (or the Protect Duty as it is sometimes known) comes close to being enacted after many years of campaigning, it is more vital than ever that the events industry truly understands the steps that need to be taken to improve security in our public venues.
Martyn’s Law has become something of a passion project of mine over the last few years so it was very satisfying to see the Bill’s progress through the Report stage in the House of Lords this month, bringing it very close to reality.
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for this progress to be made but that is nothing compared to the tireless and inspirational campaigning of Figen Murray, who has championed this cause ever since her son, Martyn Hett, was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
I went to hear Figen speak back in 2021 and I felt really compelled to support her, because I thought this woman has experienced the worst, most unimaginable tragedy, yet she’s using her energy to drive and encourage positive change. I didn’t know how we could help, but I knew we had to try.
So that is how we began our own Martyn’s Law journey at ICC Wales in 2022. Initial research showed knowledge and awareness was poor in the business events industry so we created a detailed report then went on to produce toolkits, deliver masterclasses and form an industry working group. We have also fundraised for Figen’s charity – anything to help get her message across.
The feedback from industry colleagues from the outset has been amazing and the momentum the campaign has gathered has been incredible. We won the ICCA Best Marketing Award for the campaign and in the past year I have been honoured and humbled to receive the Personality of the Year at the M&IT Awards and the Outstanding Contribution Award at the ABPCO Excellence Awards, with our Martyn’s Law work cited as a major factor behind these successes.
As this important legislation is now expected to hit the statute book in the coming weeks, ICC Wales continues to work with key industry partners to ensure that the business events sector is ready to meet the requirements and help keep our venues safe for our teams, our delegates and our visitors.
I look forward to bringing everybody up to date at the panel session at CHS Leeds on March 25th.