UK Security Industry
The UK has three main security agencies:
- MI5 - Responsible for UK and commonwealth security
- MI6 (SIS) - Responsible for overseas security in non UK nations
- GCHQ - Responsible for codes and ciphers/cyber terrorism (used to be named MI1 during the war)
The security sector has been affected by the credit crunch and as such is set to have its budget cut by 11.3% from its current £2.1 billion. As such there will need to be a 10% reduction across the board, spanning jobs, energy, technology, salaries, bonuses, marketing, travel etc.
This is of major concern to senior intelligence staff, as key people are being lost to the commercial work due to the salaries being 3-4 times what they get paid by security agencies. The ICS (The Intelligence and Security Committee) was set up in 1994 in order to oversee the three security services and monitor policies, admin and expenditure.
The security sector is becoming more visible in the public arena as the service has been modernised since its formation in 1909.
Security Service Websites
All security services have high tech websites that are highly informative about censored information. Each website is managed internally by internal security staff (handling design, security, updates and remote access).
Regards design, many security companies will use internal designers for the job, or a website designer with security experience in order to help with the design and development side of the website.
Sercurity Service SEO
Every company that is involved in the security industry uses SEO services; whether in house or expternally SEO for the security sector is very important for security firms to be found on the web.
Many internet users prefer the results that search engines display (rather than the adverts (PPC) that are brought up on the sides of SERP's).
Security Services PPC
For many security companies, SEO is not enough, as there are only 10 companies that can get onto page 1; so therefore paid advertising to get onto page 1 becomes a necessity.
There are hundreds of PPC companies that have security sector experience in the UK, and these are the ones for security companies to talk to about a PPC campaign.
Security Service Brochures
All security agencies use a wide variety of corporate brochures, letterheads, printed material and marketing materials. Most of this would be designed and produced by commercial design agencies from the UK.
Security Service PR
Public relations plays a big part in the security services these days with regards to the media attention they now receive. PR is handled internally although some may be contracted to external agencies as and when. For targeted exposure, talking to security experienced PR agencies is best, as they know the security industry, who to talk to and what media circles to target for articles and press releases.
Security Service Telemarketing
Many security companies due to the recession have started using proactive forms of marketing such as telemarketing for security companies in order to boost enquiry numbers. Telemarketing can be used both for handling inbound calls and outbound calling (for lead generation).
Marketing Costs
With the cuts of 11.3% needed, security agencies are needing to look into the marketing side of their companies and see where savings can be made either by subcontracting out work to cheaper sources, or changing the marketing that is done to make it leaner and more affordable.