A message from IFPO UK! – Reflecting on IFPO Live 25: A Landmark Event

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From Mike Hurst-
Reflecting on IFPO Live 25: A Landmark Event for Security Professionals
As Director of IFPO UK, I may be a little biased, but I am immensely proud to say that IFPO Live 25, held on Thursday, 5th June, was a resounding success. Expertly chaired by Mike White, with a dynamic programme curated by Yolanda Hamblen and Farah Benis, the conference brought together an outstanding line-up of speakers and panellists to tackle some of the most pressing and topical issues in the security sector.

Highlights from the Day
1. Keynote Insights:
Former Royal Marine Gary Simpson (Special Projects Group) delivered a compelling presentation on the power of nonverbal communication for threat assessment and situational awareness. His insights highlighted a significant training opportunity for many in our field.
2. The Future of Security Panel:
Chaired by Farah Benis, the panel featured Ruth Ripley (Carlisle Support Services), Simone Neal (Amazon), and Natalia Draghici (Assist Services Group). The discussion spanned opportunities for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike, addressing both career progression and the barriers that must be overcome for a more inclusive sector.
3. Unforgettable Stories:
Former undercover police officer Neal Woods opened his session with a powerful anecdote: “When I first bought heroin from a child…” His gripping stories of gathering evidence against major drug trafficking gangs were both shocking and thought-provoking, especially his perspectives on the future of drug legislation.
4. Labour Exploitation and Employment Rights:
This critical topic was addressed by a panel featuring Barrie Millet (Mitie Security), Paul Evans (Carlisle Support Services), Abbey Petkar (Small Business Network and Magenta Security), and Leigh Turner (UK Security Industry Compliance Association). They tackled tough questions on employment rights and labour exploitation in the security sector, moderated by Mike White.
5. Fireside Chat: Human Intelligence in the Age of AI:
The day concluded with a fascinating conversation between former intelligence officers Julian Fisher and Gavin Stone. They explored how advancements in artificial intelligence are transforming intelligence gathering, the evolving interplay between human and artificial intelligence, and the implications for security operations in our digital world.
Celebrating Excellence
To cap off a fantastic day, my colleagues Yolanda Hamblen and Farah Benis were both recognised in different categories at the FSM Awards during the evening’s dinner. We were also delighted to sponsor the Training category, with Nicholas Reed doing an excellent job presenting the award.
A huge thank you to our speakers, panellists, attendees, and everyone who made IFPO Live 25 such a memorable event. The engaged audience and positive feedback have been truly encouraging. We are already looking forward to seeing you at IFPO Live 2026!

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