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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.