After 22 people were killed in a terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena in 2017, the government created new legislation to help protect visitors to large venues and spaces.

Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, one of the people killed in Manchester, is officially called the Protect Duty, and will come into force in the summer of 2022. It will affect entertainment venues, visitor attractions, sports stadiums, shopping centres, retail parks and even large companies. If you own or operate a publicly accessible location, the legislation will make you more accountable and will require you to:

• Consider terrorist threats,
• Implement protective security and
• Implement organisational preparedness measures.

It is vital that companies start putting measures in place now, particularly with so many large events, such as the Queen’s Jubilee and the Commonwealth Games, coming to our region this year.

To help businesses understand Martyn’s Law, what they need to do to comply, and the help available, Chris Dowen, founder of risk management company Morserv, is hosting a free workshop at the Black Country Living Museum on Monday 4 April. The session lasts two and a half hours, and is available in either the morning, at 9.30am, or in the afternoon, at 1.30pm. For more information or to register your place, visit the Eventbrite page.