Winners’ Summaries 2026

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (aged 30 and under) – Sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals
Ethan Girling – Protekta Security
Ethan Girling, only 22, is the Managing Director of Protekta Security, a national compliance‑led security company he founded after achieving accreditation at 20. Judges praised his exceptional entrepreneurial impact, rapid growth, and national expansion, highlighting his advocacy for apprenticeships and efforts to address industry skills shortages, alongside his strategic maturity, customer‑focused approach, and commitment to sustainable, efficient operations.

Judges commended Ethan Girling for his exceptional entrepreneurial achievement at a remarkably young age, combining six-figure first-year growth, national expansion, and third-party accreditation at just 20 to establish strong credibility and impact. They were particularly impressed by his innovative approach through ‘Security Health Scores’, AI-driven maintenance tools, and the ‘Green Miles’ initiative, demonstrating strategic maturity, customer-focused thinking, and a sophisticated integration of sustainability and operational efficiency.

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by The Banks Foundation
Jonathan Wakerley – Engineer Now!
Jonathan Wakerley is an award‑winning entrepreneur who has founded and scaled successful security, property, and risk management businesses across the UK and UAE, including City Group Security. As Founder and Chairman, he drives growth through strategic leadership and innovation, notably addressing the UK skills shortage. Judges recognised him as a standout leader and an outstanding example of entrepreneurial excellence.

Judges highlighted Jonathan Wakerley as a clear standout, demonstrating multi-sector growth and strong entrepreneurial leadership across markets. An outstanding example of entrepreneurialism.

Intrapreneur of the Year
Darrell Gilmour – Skills on Demand – Skills for Security
Darrell Gilmour is a leading intrapreneur at Skills for Security, rising from apprentice to Director of Technical Training and leading its AI‑enabled Skills on Demand platform. Over five years, he has built a specialist team, expanded learning to thousands, and delivered significant revenue growth. Judges praised his exceptional frontline‑to‑director journey, strong technical leadership, and sector‑wide impact.

Judges praised Darrell Gilmour for his exceptional “frontline-to-director” story, building Skills On Demand from scratch into a scalable AI-enabled learning platform with over 7,000 users and £450k annual revenue. A standout intrapreneur, he combines technical expertise, business acumen, and innovation to deliver significant impact across the sector.

Entrepreneurial Business of the Year – Sponsored by Skills for Security
MAN Commercial Protection
MAN Commercial Protection is a family‑run security business that has grown into a leading national provider, blending personal service with the scale and professionalism of a top‑tier company. Over the past year, it has launched a technology‑led division, delivering hybrid guarding solutions that cut costs and enhance protection. Judges praised its strong, evidence‑based entry and consistent, high‑quality performance.

Judges recognised MAN Commercial Protection as a balanced entry demonstrating consistent performance, supported by excellent evidence-based examples throughout.

Market Disruptor of the Year
LINEV Systems UK
The LV STREAM High Footfall Bag Scanner transforms venue security with AI‑driven, continuous‑flow screening that removes queues while maintaining strong threat detection. As part of LINEV Systems UK’s wider advancement of X‑ray screening, it enhances efficiency, safety, and the visitor experience. Judges praised its disruptive, non‑intrusive approach, delivering faster entry, improved security standards, and scalable, cost‑effective performance.

Judges highlighted LINEV Systems UK for excellent evidence of disruption through a non-intrusive, AI-led screening process that automates filtering. Their approach redefines venue security by improving safety, speeding entry, and enhancing the visitor experience while remaining scalable and cost-effective.

Family-Owned Business of the Year – Sponsored by the British Security Industry Association
Mercury Training Services
Paul Lawton‑Jones founded Mercury Training Services in 2005 to professionalise protective security and facilities management and create clear career pathways. Now a UK leading specialist apprenticeship provider, Mercury supports major national employers while championing standards and workforce development. Judges praised its national impact, strong growth, and values‑led leadership, highlighting a family‑built business delivering long‑term stability and meaningful social contribution.

Judges acknowledged Mercury Training Services as a family-built business delivering national impact, strong growth, and career pathways while exemplifying loyalty and ethical leadership. The business stood out for its outstanding performance, balance between commercial success and investment in people, and a values-led approach underpinning long-term stability.

Lifetime Achievement
Lisa Ventura MBE
Lisa Ventura MBE is a leading cybersecurity entrepreneur and advocate who has scaled organisations, founded Cyber Security Unity and the AI and Cyber Security Association, and driven global collaboration on emerging threats. A published author and champion of diversity, she created The Rise of the Cyber Women series and co‑founded International Impostor Syndrome Awareness Day. Judges praised her transformative influence, sustained innovation, and strategic leadership, recognising her as a deserving Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Judges celebrated Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS for transforming global cybersecurity through entrepreneurial vision, advocacy, and mentorship. Her sustained innovation, strategic influence, and commitment to diversity and professional development mark her as a powerhouse and a deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.