The Invest Plymouth team recently caught up with Ken York, Director of Security Management South West (SMSW), to learn more about the company’s wide ranging security services and its vital role in safeguarding Plymouth and the wider South West.
Celebrating 20 years of service in 2025, Security Management South West (SMSW) has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Plymouth’s business services sector. With a team of over 140 skilled professionals, SMSW contributes significantly to the city’s economic ecosystem, delivering trusted, high quality security solutions across the region.
From manned guarding and mobile patrols to event security and CCTV monitoring, SMSW’s services are relied upon by businesses, public institutions, and event organisers alike. Each year, the company supports over 140 events and festivals, ensuring public safety and smooth operations at everything from local community gatherings to large scale regional spectacles.
In response to growing demand, SMSW recently expanded its operations with a new office in Dartington, strengthening its presence across the South West. The company is also committed to developing future talent, offering in-house training and certified qualifications to upskill their own team and professionals from external organisations. As an ISO 9001-accredited organisation, SMSW continues to uphold the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
With a foundation built on openness, honesty, and transparency, SMSW remains dedicated to its mission: protecting people, property, and community, all from right here in Britain’s Ocean City.
Can you introduce Security Management South West and share how long you’ve been providing professional security services in Plymouth?
We are a professional security services company with a longstanding reputation for providing reliable, high quality security solutions in the Plymouth area. We have been serving businesses, local authorities, and individuals in Plymouth for over 20 years, delivering a range of tailored services including manned guarding, event security, mobile patrols, alarm response, and more. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our clients' assets, premises, and people, and we pride ourselves on our commitment to providing expert, customer-focused security services.
Your team covers everything from manned guarding to mobile patrols. What areas of security do you specialise in most?
We specialise in a variety of security services, with a particular focus on the following key areas:
- Manned Guarding – We provide highly trained security officers for premises protection, crowd control, and access management. Our team excels in offering a visible security presence that deters potential threats while ensuring a safe and secure environment for both employees and customers.
- Mobile Patrols – Our mobile patrols offer flexible security coverage across a range of properties, from commercial buildings to construction sites. We provide random or scheduled patrols to ensure the security of your premises, offering peace of mind with regular checks and rapid response times.
- Event Security – Our expert team manages security for a wide range of events, from corporate conferences to large public festivals. We ensure a safe and secure environment for guests, providing crowd control, access management, and emergency response as needed.
- Alarm Response – We offer rapid alarm response services, where our team is dispatched immediately to attend to any security breaches or alerts. This service minimizes the risk of theft, damage, or harm to property.
- Keyholding and Alarm Monitoring – We also provide keyholding services, ensuring that your premises are securely locked and alarm systems are monitored around the clock. If an alarm is triggered, we respond promptly, checking the premises and liaising with emergency services when needed.
Each of these services is supported by a skilled and professional team dedicated to delivering bespoke solutions tailored to meet the unique security needs of our clients in Plymouth and beyond.
In 20 words or less, how would you describe the peace of mind your services bring to clients across different sectors?
We provide reliable, professional security solutions that ensure safety, deter threats, and give clients peace of mind 24/7.
Do you primarily support businesses in Plymouth, or do your services extend across the South West and beyond?
While we have a strong presence in Plymouth, we extend our services across the entire South West region and beyond. We cater to a wide range of clients, including businesses, local authorities, and event organisers, offering tailored security solutions wherever they're needed. Whether it's in Plymouth, Cornwall, Devon, or further afield, our team is committed to providing reliable and professional security services wherever our clients require support.
SMSW has supported a wide range of clients, including large-scale events. Can you share a standout moment or success story from one of these events?
One of the standout moments for us came during MTV Crashes 2014, a high-profile, large scale music event held in Plymouth. Our team played a critical role in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the event, which featured major artists and attracted a large crowd.
A key success story from this event was the effective crowd management and security coordination, particularly during the peak of the concert when the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, and there were several instances where crowd control was crucial to maintaining safety without disrupting the festival's energy.
Our security personnel demonstrated excellent communication and situational awareness, handling potential security concerns quickly and professionally. One of the most memorable moments was when a minor altercation broke out in the crowd. Thanks to our proactive approach and rapid intervention, our team was able to de-escalate the situation before it became a major issue, ensuring that the event continued smoothly and safely.
The successful handling of MTV Crashes 2014 reinforced our reputation for delivering high-quality event security services, even in the most challenging and dynamic environments. Our work at the event contributed to its overall success and helped ensure it went off without a hitch, leaving both the organisers and attendees with positive experiences.
What do you enjoy most about being part of Plymouth’s business services and public safety community?
What I enjoy most about being part of Plymouth's business services and public safety community is the opportunity to contribute to the safety and well-being of the local area. Being able to collaborate with other businesses, local authorities, and community groups to ensure a secure environment is incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact our work has on residents, visitors, and local events. The sense of community in Plymouth is strong, and knowing that our services help create a safe space for everyone makes being part of this industry truly meaningful.
Looking ahead, where do you envision SMSW in ten year's time? Are there any exciting goals, new services, or areas of expansion you’re aiming for as the business continues to grow?
Looking ahead, we envision continued organic growth and evolve as a leading provider of innovative and reliable security services across the South West and beyond. In ten years, we aim to expand our reach even further, offering our services to new sectors and regions, while maintaining the high standards that have become synonymous with our name.
Some of the exciting goals and areas of expansion include:
- Technology Integration – We plan to incorporate more advanced security technologies, such as AI-driven reporting systems, to stay ahead of emerging threats and offer our clients cutting-edge services.
- Sustainability – We aim to implement sustainable practices in our operations, from eco-friendly vehicles for our mobile patrols to energy-efficient security systems, helping our clients maintain security while supporting environmental goals.
- Regional and National Expansion – While we’re proud of our strong foundation in Plymouth and the South West, we are exploring the possibility of extending our services to other parts of the UK
By continuing to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of security needs, we hope to be recognised as a forward-thinking, customer-centric business that sets the standard for security excellence over the next decade.
Tell us about your role at SMSW. What inspired you to build a career in the security industry?
My role involves overseeing operations, developing security strategies, and ensuring that our services consistently meet the needs of our clients. I work closely with our Operations team to maintain high standards, handle complex security challenges, and identify new opportunities for growth and service improvement. My role also includes managing relationships with clients, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to their specific requirements.
What inspired me to build a career in the security industry is my deep commitment to public safety and my desire to make a tangible impact in the community. I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can problem-solve, think on my feet, and help create safer environments for people. The security industry allows me to do that, while also continuously learning and adapting to new technologies and challenges.
Seeing the difference that effective security can make in people’s lives, whether it’s at an event, in a workplace, or within a community, has been incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to be part of a dedicated, professional team that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of others is what drives me every day.
When you're not overseeing operations or securing events, how do you like to spend your downtime?
When I'm not overseeing operations or securing events, I enjoy spending my downtime walking Jackson our dog, I also like to unwind with a good book or catch up on some of my favourite shows and films. Spending quality time with friends and family is a priority too, as it helps me recharge and stay balanced. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet evening or being active outdoors, I make sure to enjoy the moments of relaxation away from work.
If you could grab lunch with any inspiring figure in business or leadership, who would it be and what would you ask them over desert?
If I could grab lunch with any inspiring figure in business or leadership, I’d choose Sir Richard Branson. His approach to business, leadership, and risk taking is incredibly inspiring. I’d love to ask him about his philosophy on balancing business growth with maintaining a strong, values-driven culture.
Specifically, I’d ask, "What has been the most pivotal moment in your career where you felt you were truly making a difference, and how did you overcome any self-doubt during that time?" I think his insights on resilience, innovation, and leading with purpose would be invaluable, especially as we look to grow SMSW and continue making a positive impact in the security industry.