Management Solutions & Training Ltd

  UK-EU Relations, Business Continuity & the Political Horizon: Planning for Now and What Comes Next With the UK’s new agreement with the European Union now in place, many businesses may feel they can finally breathe a little easier. Trade friction is easing, defence cooperation is expanding, and negotiations are underway to support youth mobility and regulatory clarity. For the first time in several years, the mood — at least operationally — feels calmer. But if there’s one lesson the last decade has taught British businesses, it’s this: stability today does not guarantee certainty tomorrow. As we look ahead to the next five years, organisations must not only respond to current policy, but also prepare for political change. If a different government — for example, Reform UK — were to come to power, it could trigger a major reorientation of policy, particularly on issues of EU cooperation, immigration, defence, and national regulation. The Importance of Political Scen...

  The 5 Key Skills Every Successful Manager Needs in 2025 In an ever-evolving world, the role of a manager demands adaptability, foresight, and the ability to inspire teams through challenges and change. As we move further into the decade, management has grown beyond operational supervision, embracing a dynamic set of skills essential for steering organisations to success. Here are the five key skills every successful manager needs in 2025: 1. Adaptability: Thriving in Change Change is no longer an occasional disruption; it is a constant reality. Managers must demonstrate adaptability—responding swiftly to unforeseen circumstances, embracing innovation, and guiding their teams through transformation. Whether adapting to new technologies or navigating economic shifts, the ability to pivot gracefully will set exceptional managers apart. Adaptability also means fostering a culture of agility within the team, encouraging flexibility and resilience among employees to meet the dema...

Understanding Situational Awareness: The Key to Personal Security. In an unpredictable world, personal security begins with awareness of your surroundings. This is where situational awareness plays a pivotal role. Often regarded as a cornerstone of self-defence and safety, situational awareness is the ability to observe, assess, and respond effectively to your environment. But it’s not just for professionals like police officers or security personnel—it’s a critical skill that can benefit everyone in their daily lives. In this blog, we’ll unpack the concept of situational awareness, delve into its importance, and share practical tips to help you develop this valuable skill. What is Situational Awareness? Situational awareness is the practice of being constantly alert to what is happening around you, understanding how it might affect your safety, and making decisions to avoid potential threats or hazards. It involves: Observation : Noticing people, behaviours, and envir...

  Navigating Uncertainty: Strengthening Business Continuity Plans Amidst Rising Geopolitical Tensions Expert Insights from Management Solutions and Training  In today's volatile global landscape, businesses must grapple with an array of risks—none more daunting than the potential for large-scale geopolitical conflict. As tensions between Russia and NATO remain a persistent concern, organisations must proactively evaluate how such developments could disrupt their operations. This article delves into the essential aspects of Business Continuity Planning (BCP), providing expert recommendations for companies preparing to mitigate risks stemming from international conflict, alliances, and trade policies. The Geopolitical Threat to Business Resilience Conflict between Russia and NATO would undoubtedly send shockwaves through international markets, supply chains, and trade relations. Businesses that are overly reliant on suppliers, transport routes, or markets affected by suc...

  Understanding Martyn's Law: Enhancing Public Safety Martyn’s Law, or the Protect Duty, is a legislative proposal designed to improve security measures in publicly accessible places across the United Kingdom. Rooted in the tragic events of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, the law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the attack. Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, has been the driving force behind the campaign for this legislation. Her dedication to ensuring that lessons are learned and implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future has resonated widely, making Martyn’s Law a symbol of resilience, hope, and proactive change. The Origins of Martyn’s Law The Manchester Arena bombing was a harrowing reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in public spaces. It exposed the need for stronger, more consistent security protocols, especially in venues hosting large gatherings. Figen Murray’s advocacy highlighted the absence of a legal obligation for venues ...

Martyn's Law: More Than Just a Tick-Box Exercise – It's About Embedding a Security Ethos Right then, let's have a proper chinwag about Martyn's Law, shall we? It's been a fair bit of a talking point since it received Royal Assent just the other day (Thursday, 3rd April 2025, for those keeping score). And rightly so. It's a significant step towards bolstering the security of our public spaces, something driven with incredible strength and dignity by Figen Murray OBE in memory of her son Martyn Hett. But here's the thing that's really struck me – and what should be on all our minds as this legislation beds in over the next couple of years: Martyn's Law can't just be about jumping through hoops. It's not about a one-off assessment and then letting things slide. To truly honour its purpose and make a real difference to our safety, it needs to be about weaving a culture of security into the very fabric of how our venues operate. Think about ...

Martyn’s Law & First Aid Training — A Tactical Perspective on Public Preparedness From the Front Line: Why Civilian Readiness Saves Lives As a former police firearms officer, firearms instructor, and police firearms medic instructor, I’ve seen first-hand how critical those first moments of an incident can be. Whether responding to a terrorist attack, an active shooter scenario, or a mass casualty incident, one truth remains constant: preparedness saves lives. While police, paramedics, and fire crews are highly trained to manage emergencies, there is often a vital gap between the onset of an incident and the arrival of professional help. In that window, the actions taken by civilians can mean the difference between life and death. This is where Martyn’s Law becomes especially relevant. Understanding Martyn’s Law — A Step Towards Safer Spaces Martyn’s Law—named in honour of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017—is a legislative ...

  Knives in Our Schools: Facing the Threat, Protecting Our Future By a Retired Police Officer and Director, Management Solutions and Training Ltd Over the past week, I’ve read powerful, thought-provoking posts from professionals like Trevel Henry and Michael Hawkes, and I’ll be honest, they struck a nerve. As a former police officer and now Director at Management Solutions and Training Ltd, I’ve seen firsthand the rising tide of violence and vulnerability within our schools. Knives. Fights. Fear. This isn’t a storyline from a gritty drama. This is happening now, in our classrooms, corridors, and playgrounds. So, let’s cut through the noise: What are we actually doing to stop knives entering our schools? Are our staff equipped, mentally, physically, legally, to respond? Do we know what to do when the threat becomes real? It’s time for a serious, no-fluff conversation. And more importantly, it’s time to act. The problem isn’t just “elsewhere.” It’s here. It’s now. From inner ...