Eleven teams of students, apprentices, graduates and early-career professionals took part in the ASIS UK Security is You(th) Innovation Challenge from 13–15 October, concluding with presentations at Goodenough College, London.
Building on the four-team pilot in 2025, this year’s competition more than doubled in size, with a further ten individuals waitlisted. That growth demonstrates the demand for opportunities to apply knowledge, gain professional feedback and build connections across the security sector.
A challenge grounded in professional practice
Teams had less than 48 hours to develop an Executive Safety & Security Programme for a fictional chief executive facing a complex threat. Their proposals needed to address protection requirements, international travel and the family home, while remaining within budget.
Presenting to judges acting as the organisation’s board, participants had to explain their priorities and defend their recommendations. The exercise tested analytical thinking, teamwork and the ability to translate security assessments into practical decisions.
The final day opened with a keynote from Abu Ahmed of the UK Home Office, while Phil Tennent served as master of ceremonies.
Participants represented the University of Glasgow, University of Portsmouth, University College London (UCL) and University of Oxford, alongside Nuclear Transport Solutions, Cundall, Thornton Tomasetti, The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Apprenticeship Scheme and more.
Celebrating this year’s achievements
ASIS UK congratulates the winning team, Muiz Salami, Annabel Grace and Jason Kang, and the runners-up from The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Apprenticeship Scheme: George Berry, Olivia O’Keefe and Jack C.
Every team deserves recognition for its commitment and willingness to present its work for professional scrutiny. The opportunity to receive direct feedback from experienced practitioners is an important part of the challenge, helping participants develop their judgement and confidence.
Our thanks go to this year’s judges: Matt Blake, Simon Crane, Simon Harris, Robin Hughes and Farah Benis, who contributed their time and expertise to assessing the proposals.
The people behind the programme
Farah Benis has driven the UK initiative since its initial development in 2024, establishing the first competition in 2025 and leading its expansion this year. Her sustained commitment has brought universities, employers and industry supporters together to create opportunities for emerging professionals.
ASIS UK also recognises Shakirra Patel, NextGen Director, and the NextGen Steering Committee: Amelia Fish, Jasmine Palmer-Garrick, Jim Maietta, Katerina Duran Myenko, Matt Blake, Jacob Nyaudoh and Phil Tennent, for their work supporting the programme and the Chapter’s wider NextGen activities.
Industry support that creates opportunity
This year’s event was supported by Immediate Action Ltd, the Association of Security Consultants, Wesco Anixter, Secure Logiq, Convergint and FFA Security Group. Special thanks also go to Orlando Mardner and Professor Martin Gill for donating books for participants.
Their support enables ASIS UK to offer practical professional development and access to expertise at an important stage in participants’ careers.
Security is You(th) demonstrates what a professional community can achieve when it invests time, resources and experience in those entering the sector. This year’s growth provides a strong foundation for continued collaboration between ASIS UK, universities and employers—and for more emerging professionals to contribute their ideas to the industry.
Reflecting on the event, Farah Benis, ASIS UK Chapter Chair, said:
“The growth of Security Is You(th) over the past two years has been remarkable, and the standard of this year's presentations really demonstrated the talent and potential of the next generation. What is particularly encouraging is the feedback from participants about the value of the experience, the professional connections they've made and the opportunities it has opened up for them.”
We’ve published a selection of images below but you can view the full event album here
