The UK tech company has committed to making its crowd management and security software, Halo, available free of charge to the thousands of small businesses potentially impacted by new requirements from the incoming Martyn’s Law legislation.
The software will specifically be available free to those venues with capacity of less than 800 people, but who still fall in scope of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, which has currently been released in draft format and is going through pre-parliamentary scrutiny.
Many pubs and music venues may fall in scope of the new legislative requirements
The potential implications of the new legislation will require businesses such as small businesses, pubs, live music venues and entertainment spaces to show they have undertaken greater planning and assessments of security risks.
As a result, it is anticipated that businesses in scope will need to implement new security measures, training and systems – though it should be noted that the draft bill does not outline specific investment requirements.
Halo Solutions has consequently announced that its entry level software will be made freely available to qualifying businesses where public capacity does not exceed 800 people. Its software, which is already in place across sporting and entertainment venues, transport, universities, and other settings, acts as a central command and control function that can bring together disparate systems and integrate into one.
It operates as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, with monthly or annual recurring payment options. The company says its expectation is customers that sit within the qualifying bracket will be able to use it “free forever”.
Read more about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill
Using technology to manage risk
While the exact requirements of the proposed Bill – otherwise known as Martyn’s Law – have not been officially set in stone yet, Lloyd Major, Founder and CEO of Halo Solutions, believes that such technology solutions could support businesses in meeting their obligations.
“Now, every single small business owner and operator across the world – who has previously expressed to us that they really wanted to use Halo and could see its valuable contribution to crowd and public safety in their businesses – are no longer precluded from using our system because of cost,” he explains.
“This is particularly important at a time when many of those small businesses in the entertainment and hospitality sector from pubs to hotels and live music venues are already struggling and being hit by both rising costs and legislation change.
To have the benefit and peace of mind from using the Halo System to manage health and safety, fire safety, security, counter terrorism and even cleaning risks, all in one platform, to protect against legal claims, insurance claims, audits and comply with existing and upcoming legislation is a huge benefit. Public safety is of paramount importance, connectivity is critical, and now we have made the Halo system available to all.”
Supporting new users
Halo’s software, currently on version 5, can be downloaded as an app and used immediately once a user has been given login credentials from a Client Admin.
The app is web-driven, with a client obtaining a licence and then adding users who can access the app and login.
IFSEC Insider approached Halo to understand the levels of support available – given the growing demand that might be anticipated from a freely available solution. A spokesperson assured that its support channel is available 24/7 via phone or email, but that generally users are able to self-teach with guided tutorials available.
Training is not required, according to Halo, and online support or training does not come at an additional cost.
Commenting on the decision to make the Halo System accessible for free, Major added: “Making the entry level Halo System available to all small businesses in the hospitality and entertainment industries is morally and ethically the right thing to do. It has long been a passion of mine to ensure that everyone could benefit from our technology to protect the public, right since the very first concept.
“The Manchester Arena bombing inquiry has profoundly affected many people, not just the families of those who died. All too often we hear that ’lessons-will-be-learned’ and very rarely does anything ever change. The families and all of those affected by this tragedy need to see positive action taking place and a greater responsibility and accountability for the protection of the public against terrorism.
“With the tireless campaigning by Figen Murray OBE, the mother of Martyn Hett, to enshrine greater counter terrorism protection in law for the public, we wanted to play our small part in helping to protect the public, the timing and purpose of this as the enquiry closes feels appropriate and right.
Listen to IFSEC Insider’s interview with Figen Murray in our podcast, below…
