Author: Lucy Wood

At The Westgrove Group, our priority has always been to support our partners with clear, practical and forward‑looking guidance, especially when legislation has the potential to change how we all operate in public spaces. As the UK moves closer to the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law), we continue to take an active role in helping our partners understand what is coming and how best to prepare.

Martyn’s Law aims to raise safety standards and improve preparedness across publicly accessible premises, ensuring organisations have proportionate measures in place to reduce harm and respond effectively should a terrorist incident occur.

What This Means for Our Partners

While the formal statutory guidance has been delayed to Summer 2026, we understand that many partners want clarity now. That’s why our Director of Security has reviewed the newly released Home Office awareness resources and shared the important facts with our Partners. 

These materials, which include myth‑busters, top‑tips, and infographics that explain which premises fall into the Standard and Enhanced tiers, have been designed to help build early understanding before enforcement begins.

For Westgrove, these resources are an opportunity to continue doing what we do best: translate emerging legislation into real, operational action.

How Westgrove Is Helping You Prepare

Our teams are proactively using this implementation period to help partners:

• Review existing security and emergency procedures
• Understand which premises or events may fall within scope
• Identify responsible persons and clarify internal roles
• Strengthen colleague awareness and training
• Begin building proportionate, achievable response plans

These steps align with early Home Office guidance which encourages organisations to review their arrangements now, rather than wait for the final guidance to drop.

By doing this work early, our partners will be well‑positioned to meet the new regulatory expectations. 

Our Commitment

Westgrove Group’s approach to Martyn’s Law is built on partnership. We recognise that each location we support has unique operational challenges, risk profiles and community needs. That’s why our focus is on bespoke, proportionate, and people‑centred solutions. 

As more information becomes available in the coming months, we will continue to:

• Monitor developments from the Home Office and SIA
• Translate legislation into clear operational steps
• Provide timely updates
• Work with our partners to build confidence and resilience

Our goal is simple: to ensure every partner feels informed, prepared and supported as the new Protect Duty takes shape.

If you would like to discuss how Martyn’s Law may affect your premises, or if you would like help reviewing your current procedures, please contact your Westgrove Business Manager. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

Please see the links below for the latest information released by the Home Office:

• A Martyn’s Law myth buster

• The latest guidance

• A top tips document to support your preparations

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re proud to highlight the incredible learning and career journey of Kacey Pritchard, whose development at The Westgrove Group showcases the true value of apprenticeships in building skills, confidence and long‑term career success.

Where It Began: Joining Westgrove in 2021

Kacey joined The Westgrove Group in 2021, shortly after completing college. Eager to begin her professional career and gain real experience, she enrolled on a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship—a programme that introduced her to the foundations of business operations, communication, and organisational processes.

Her enthusiasm, attention to detail, and willingness to learn quickly made her a valued member of the team.

Growing with Westgrove: From Admin to Multi‑Skilled Coordinator

After successfully completing her Level 3 apprenticeship, Kacey moved into the role of Operations Administrator. It was here that her responsibilities began to broaden significantly.

Kacey soon took on additional duties, supporting key business areas including:

• Training Coordination – managing internal training records, supporting compliance, and ensuring colleagues had the learning resources they needed.
• Mobilisation Coordination – assisting with the onboarding and mobilisation of new sites, ensuring smooth, organised and professional processes for both colleagues and partners.

Her proactive approach and adaptability enabled her to grow her skill set rapidly, establishing herself as a dependable and capable member of the operations team.

Taking the Next Step: Level 6 Project Management Degree Apprenticeship

Always committed to progressing her knowledge and career, Kacey embarked on a Level 6 Project Management Degree Apprenticeship, a major milestone that reflects her ambition and dedication.

She is now in the End Point Assessment (EPA) phase, working on a substantial work‑based project that demonstrates her ability to apply project management principles in real operational scenarios at Westgrove.

Kacey is hoping to graduate in the summer, marking another remarkable achievement in her professional journey.

Professional Achievement: APM PMQ Qualification

As part of her Level 6 programme, Kacey also achieved the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)—a respected industry accreditation recognised across the profession.

This achievement has strengthened her technical understanding of project management and further enhanced her capability to support large‑scale operational and mobilisation projects across the business.

A Bright Future Ahead

Kacey’s journey—from college graduate to skilled project management professional—demonstrates the power of apprenticeships in developing talent from within. Her commitment to learning, combined with the opportunities provided by the Westgrove Apprenticeship Programme, has enabled her to build a dynamic and rewarding career in a relatively short space of time.

We are incredibly proud of everything Kacey has achieved and look forward to celebrating her graduation and future milestones.

Immy began his career in security in 2014 at Castle Quay Shopping Centre, joining the team as a Security Officer. From day one, he demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, personal development, and delivering high standards—qualities that have shaped his entire career within Westgrove.

In 2021, Immy was given the opportunity to step into a temporary Dual Service Manager role in Gloucestershire. He embraced the challenge, successfully managing the site until the contract came to an end. He then returned to Castle Quay as a Security Officer, using this time to invest in his professional development and build the foundations for the next stage of his career.

During this period, he achieved his NEBOSH Level 3 General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, strengthening his technical knowledge and opening the door to further progression. His drive and ambition soon led him to the next step: in 2022, he progressed into a Dual Service Manager role at Royal Priors Shopping Centre. Alongside his responsibilities, he enrolled onto the Level 5 Operations Management Diploma through the Westgrove Apprenticeship Programme—an experience that greatly enhanced his leadership and operational management skills.

After successfully completing his Level 5 apprenticeship, Immy returned to Castle Quay in late 2024 as the site’s Dual Service Manager, a role he proudly holds today.

What Apprenticeship Is Immy Doing Next?

Immy is now preparing to enrol on a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Property Management through Westgrove.

Fuelled by Ambition: Why Immy Chose This Path

Having progressed from frontline operations into management roles, Immy is ready to take the next big step. He chose the Level 7 apprenticeship to deepen his strategic leadership abilities, enhance his operational decision‑making, and gain a broader business perspective.

This advanced programme will help him prepare for future senior leadership responsibilities and support his long‑term career ambitions within the organisation.

Master-Level Achievement: What This Qualification Brings

Upon successful completion, Immy will achieve a Level 7 qualification, equivalent to a Master’s degree, along with additional professional leadership and operational accreditation.

This will be added to his already impressive list of qualifications, which includes:

• LLM qualification
• Level 5 Diploma in Operations Management
• Diploma in Project Management
• NEBOSH Level 3 General Health and Safety Certificate

Immy has always been passionate about learning and continuously improving—and this next qualification marks another important milestone in his development.

The Power of Progression: Why This Matters

The Level 7 programme will equip Immy with advanced skills in:

• Strategic leadership
• Financial and resource planning
• People and performance management
• Long‑term organisational planning

These capabilities are vital for his progression into senior leadership and will support his transition from operational management to higher‑level strategic roles within Westgrove.

Looking Ahead: Immy’s Vision for His Future Career

Looking ahead, Immy hopes to progress into a senior operational or regional management role within Westgrove. He is driven by a desire to lead larger teams, contribute to business growth, and support the development of future talent.

His passion for continuous learning, combined with his experience across both security and facilities management, positions him strongly for a successful future within our business.

A Personal Thank You

Immy also shared his appreciation for the support he has received:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Westgrove team, especially my Business Manager, Clare, for believing in me and supporting my development throughout my career journey.”

As we mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of our own success stories: Oliver Crawford, whose apprenticeship journey has helped shape a promising and purposeful career.

For Oliver, the choice was clear from the start. He knew he wanted to step into the world of work straight away—but he didn’t want to lose the opportunity to keep learning. An apprenticeship offered the best of both: the ability to earn, grow, and gain real experience while continuing his studies.

“An apprenticeship was my chance to kick‑start my career while continuing to learn – and it’s been life‑changing!” Oliver reflects.

During his time as an apprentice, Oliver demonstrated commitment, capability and a real passion for his field. He successfully achieved his NEBOSH Certificate in Health & Safety, a milestone qualification that has bolstered his professional development. His drive didn’t go unnoticed—Oliver was also nominated for two highly respected industry accolades:

• The Sceptre Awards – Young Achiever Category
• The BSIA Awards – Young Achiever Category

Following the completion of his apprenticeship, we were delighted to offer Oliver a permanent position within the Westgrove team. It’s a testament not only to his dedication, but also to the strength of apprenticeships in developing the next generation of industry professionals. Oliver is now firmly on the first step of what promises to be a fulfilling lifelong career.

At Westgrove, we’re passionate about supporting apprentices who bring energy, ambition and fresh perspectives to our business. Apprenticeships aren’t just a route into employment—they’re a platform for building meaningful futures.

As we celebrate NAW2026, Oliver’s story reminds us why investing in people early in their career matters. It changes lives, strengthens industries and creates opportunities that last.

National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate the incredible impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider community. At The Westgrove Group, apprenticeships play a vital role in developing talent, supporting progression, and empowering colleagues to reach their full potential. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on colleagues whose journeys truly represent the value of learning while working—and one standout story is that of Ben Jaggers.

Ben’s development through multiple roles, his success in achieving a Distinction in his Level 3 apprenticeship, and his ongoing commitment to personal growth reflect exactly what National Apprenticeship Week is all about: creating opportunities, building confidence, and shaping future leaders. His journey shows how the right support, combined with determination and passion, can transform a career.

Discovering a Passion for Security

Ben joined The Westgrove Group in April 2021 on a 14:00–22:00 shift at Telford Town Centre. Within just a year, he was nominated for a BSIA Award, earning Regional Winner and National Runner-Up—a remarkable early milestone.

His path into security began unexpectedly. Before Westgrove, Ben worked as a checkout operative at Wolverhampton Asda. A redundancy led to an opportunity within the security team, and it was here that Ben discovered his passion for the industry. It’s a reminder that apprenticeship journeys often begin with a single chance moment.

Building Skills and Broadening Experience

Ben spent around 18 months at Telford Town Centre before seeking to expand his knowledge by moving into Hospital Security at New Cross Hospital in January 2023. The new role offered valuable experience, but Ben soon realised that his heart was still in retail and town centre security. He returned to Telford in May 2023, rejoining the team and continuing to thrive.

Stepping Into Leadership

Ben’s ambition only grew stronger. In November 2023, he successfully applied for the Security Controller role, completing his first shift on Boxing Day. His strong work ethic and eagerness to learn all aspects of the control room quickly stood out.

By September 2024, he had progressed even further, stepping up as a stand‑in Security Team Leader. Ben proved himself to be a natural leader—calm, confident, and professional.

Driving Inclusion as an Autism Awareness Champion

Alongside his operational responsibilities, Ben also serves as an Autism Awareness Champion. Living with autism himself, he uses his experiences to support colleagues and help build a more understanding, inclusive workplace. His role highlights the value of diversity and the strength it brings to our teams.

A Standout Apprenticeship Journey

In January 2024, Ben began his Level 3 Security First Line Manager apprenticeship. Like many learners, he faced moments of frustration and self‑doubt, but he pushed through with determination and resilience.

When the time came for his end‑point assessment, Ben felt understandably nervous—yet he delivered a strong presentation and was awarded a Distinction. This achievement reflects not only his capability, but his dedication to growth and his commitment to becoming the best version of himself.

The Westgrove Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Feeley as our new Operations Director for our Technical Services arm. Gary brings extensive operational experience, a passion for enhancing service delivery, and a strong track record of building successful partner relationships.

Driving Operational Efficiency and Strengthening Partnerships

Gary has joined Westgrove with a clear mission: to improve operational solutions and strengthen relationships with our existing partners. His focus is on elevating the service experience across our Technical Services portfolio and ensuring that our partners benefit from consistent, transparent, and high‑quality support.

A Vision for Growth and Innovation

In his new role, Gary is responsible for a number of key areas, including:

• Enhancing partner satisfaction through improved communication and service delivery
• Introducing our new A.I. based systems to increase transparency and reporting

Looking ahead, Gary anticipates his role evolving in line with the growth of the Technical Services arm. As the team expands, he sees himself providing additional support to existing colleagues while cultivating new talent and helping shape the future direction of the team.

Delivering Impact from Day One

Since joining Westgrove, Gary has already made significant contributions. He has:

• Revamped the operational structure of the Help Desk
• Recalibrated response times and improved technician workflow systems for partners
• Enhanced technician capability by upskilling and introducing new training opportunities

These improvements are already helping to boost efficiency, strengthen service responsiveness, and support our commitment to delivering exceptional standards across all partnerships.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending quality time with his family and heading out for walks with Molly, the family dog. He’s also an avid Everton supporter — something he admits brings its own highs and lows!

Gary’s energy, experience, and forward‑thinking approach make him a fantastic addition to the Westgrove leadership team. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the continued growth and innovation his expertise will bring to our Technical Services offering.

As we close out the quarter, we’re incredibly proud of the outstanding nominations received through our Recognition & Reward Awards. Across our business, colleagues have been celebrated for their compassion, professionalism, teamwork, quick thinking, dedication to learning, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

This morning, we held our quarterly R&R Teams presentation with a huge 46 screens of colleagues and teams, hosted by Claire McKinley-Smith (CEO), Glenn Wilson (Managing Director), Ryan Curry (Operations Director), James Francis (Director of Security), and Mark Allison (Head of ESG). Your engagement and support are what make these moments so special.

These nominations highlight what truly sets Westgrove apart — remarkable people who go above and beyond every day. Whether supporting vulnerable individuals, responding confidently in challenging circumstances, maintaining exceptional standards, stepping up for one another, or demonstrating impressive personal and professional growth, our colleagues continue to embody the values that define us.

Site Manager of the Quarter

Sonny – Telford Centre: – Consistently supports colleagues with exceptional care and high standards.

Team of the Quarter

Castle Quay Housekeeping Team: Maintains outstanding cleanliness and consistently delivers excellent service.

Colleague of the Quarter

Keiran – Swan Centre: Shows strong professionalism and handled a recent challenging incident calmly and effectively.

Newcomer of the Quarter

Alfie – Houndshill: Rapidly growing in confidence and skill, becoming a valued team member.

Commitment to Learning

Ben – Telford: Demonstrates impressive growth, confidence, and proactive learning.

People Award

Dianne – Four Seasons: Exceeds expectations and has become essential far beyond her initial cover role.

ESG – Social Value of the Quarter

Telford Team: Collaborated effectively to deliver strong results and service improvements.

Robbie & Karl – Cwmbran: Volunteered their time and went above expectations on a community project.

Outstanding Act of the Quarter

Wellington Team: Responded quickly and compassionately to support an unwell child.

Majid – Queens Square: Acted promptly and professionally to assist a distressed individual.

Kevin – Markethall Shrewsbury: Responded swiftly to a theft report, helping identify the suspect.

Castle Quay Security Team: Managed a medical emergency with professionalism and care.

Mo – Queens Square: Demonstrated strong leadership and compassion while supporting a distressed person.

Service Excellence of the Quarter

Kingfisher Team: Delivered excellent service during the Centre Lights Switch-On event.

Sarah Scudder: Maintains a safe, clean service yard with dedication and attention to detail.

Arcades Security Team: Responded quickly and compassionately to assist an ill customer.

Mark Driscoll: Stepped in swiftly to coordinate shopfitting, keeping work on track.

Lindsey Spears: Provides reliable, wide-ranging support that positively impacts the team.

Lil Henderson & Jennifer Baker: Deliver accurate, timely payroll across multiple sites.

Paul Britton: Remains dedicated and supportive despite personal challenges.

At Westgrove, the R&R programme is more than recognition — it’s about shining a light on the incredible achievements happening across our sites, strengthening our culture of appreciation, and celebrating the people who make a real difference.

Our Founders built Westgrove on the principle that People Come First, and this value continues to guide everything we do. It’s at the heart of our success and the reason we celebrate these moments together.

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and to all our colleagues for the fantastic work you do. We are proud of every one of you and look forward to another quarter of excellence.

The Westgrove Group is delighted to announce the appointment of James Francis as Director of Security, joining the Executive Team to lead the strategic development of security solutions across the business.

What will James bring to Westgrove?

James has been brought in to focus on the strategic growth and development of our security solutions, ensuring colleagues and partners have the knowledge, skills, and information to deliver the best in class in security.

As the business continues to expand, James’ role is pivotal in building strong relationships across the security sector and reinforcing the key deliverables of the Westgrove brand.

“It’s a hugely exciting opportunity to join a people-centric organisation like Westgrove, which invests in its colleagues and particularly in security professionals across the business,” says James.

Key Aspects of The Role

James is leading the delivery of our comprehensive security strategy, providing clear areas of focus and development. With the UK security industry undergoing significant change, James will help Westgrove navigate this transition successfully.

He will also act as a bridge between Westgrove and the wider security industry, sharing insights and experiences to influence positive change.

“Ultimately, my role is about helping others – providing advice, guidance, and expertise to colleagues facing varied security challenges.” James adds.

Looking Ahead

In the short term, James will focus on the implementation of Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty), legislation he strongly supports.

“Coming from an events and arenas background, I’m a big advocate for Martyn’s Law. It places more responsibility on organisations to train and develop their colleagues to keep the public safe,” he explains.

Longer term, James will support Westgrove and its partners in embracing technology and AI within day-to-day security operations.

Early Achievements

Since joining, James has already made an impact by developing Westgrove’s security strategy, outlining a Martyn’s Law roadmap, and enhancing our security audit process.

A little about James

Outside of work, James is a keen football and cricket follower, having played both sports at a high level in his younger days – even sharing the pitch with a former England captain! These days, weekends are spent watching his son play football and enjoying family time.

It’s the everyday heroes among us who make Westgrove truly exceptional. Whether responding to emergencies, showing compassion to those in distress, or quietly going the extra mile, our colleagues are the foundation of everything we stand for.

Our Reward and Recognition Scheme is more than a celebration, it’s a sincere thank you. It honours the courage, kindness, and professionalism that our teams demonstrate day in and day out. These are the moments that define us, often carried out without fanfare, simply because it’s the right thing to do.

At our latest Quarterly Teams Presentation, our Executive Team—CEO Claire McKinley Smith, Managing Director Glenn Wilson, Operations Director Ryan Curry, HR Director Harriet Oldfield, and Head of ESG Mark Allison, had the privilege of recognising individuals and teams whose actions embody our values.

From lifesaving interventions and fire response to acts of generosity, vigilance, and environmental innovation, the stories shared were deeply moving. And yet, time and again, our colleagues responded with quiet humility: “I was just doing my job.” That spirit of service is what makes them truly remarkable.

Congratulations to our Quarter 3 Reward & Recognition winners:

Colleague of the Quarter

David Edwards, Union Square – Recognised for exceptional commitment and flexibility during a challenging staffing period at Union Square.

Site Manager of the Quarter

Nathan Foster, Broadway Shopping Centre– Commended for calmly managing a serious knife-related incident shortly after joining his site. 

Team of the Quarter

Four Seasons Team – Awarded for coordinated and effective response to a fire emergency.

Highly Commended: The Oaks Team – Celebrated for teamwork, site support, and outstanding cleaning and security service.

Newcomer of the Quarter

Pete Marsland, Susan O’Neill, and Graham Bowskill, Lowry – Acknowledged for dedication and leadership during a busy contract mobilisation.

ESG Social Value

Grosvenor Macclesfield Security Team – Commended for completing a charity step challenge supporting bereaved military children.

ESG – Environmental

Darwin Shopping Centre Team – Celebrated for installing a wormery to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Learning & Development Award

Karl Gaze, Beaumont Shopping Centre – Honoured for completing his apprenticeship with distinction while supporting site operations.

Service Excellence

Andrew Gregory, Kelsey Britton, & Maria Maskell, The Galleries – Honoured for compassionate care of a lost elderly woman at The Galleries.

David Jenkins, Cwmbran Town Centre – Nominated for consistent excellence in first aid and safety response.

Chris Semple, Beaumont Shopping Centre – Commended for preventing a theft through vigilance and proactive support.

Kevin Goss, Brian Griffiths, Hayden Graham & Liam Edwards, Market Hall Shrewsbury – Praised for embracing new technology and completing all training post-takeover.

Neil Hudson, Houndshill Shopping Centre – Honoured for proactive team support and personal development through a leadership apprenticeship.

Outstanding Act

Kingfisher Team – Acknowledged for professionalism and compassion during a traumatic incident.

Martin Beresford, Four Seasons Shopping Centre – Praised for bravely extinguishing a fire while recovering from surgery at Four Seasons Mansfield.

Daniel Flay, The Galleries – Recognised for identifying and helping recover a missing person through CCTV vigilance.

Jake Farlie, Darwin Shopping Centre – Celebrated for a personal act of kindness in replacing a child’s lost item out of his own pocket.

Colin Junior, Touchwood Shopping Centre – Recognised for helping a stranded customer pay for parking out of his own money.

Maria Furniss, The Moor – Celebrated for bravely assisting a bleeding assault victim beyond her expected duties.

Jackson Murphy, Telford Centre – Recognised for administering CPR during a medical emergency, praised by attending police.

A huge congratulations to all our winners and nominees this quarter. You continue to inspire us all. Thank you for everything you do—you are the reason we shine.

The Westgrove Group is proud to announce it has been awarded a significant new contract to deliver cleaning services across all McArthurGlen UK Designer Outlets, following a highly competitive and rigorous tender process.

The partnership marks a major milestone for Westgrove, cementing its reputation as a trusted facilities management provider with a strong track record in delivering excellence for some of the UK’s premium leading retail destinations.

Under the agreement, Westgrove will provide comprehensive cleaning services across McArthurGlen’s entire UK portfolio of designer outlets, which attract millions of visitors annually. The contract not only highlights the company’s ability to deliver consistently high standards in complex, high-footfall environments but also its commitment to ESG, innovation, and guest experience.

“We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract with McArthurGlen,” said Glenn Wilson, Group Managing Director at The Westgrove Group. “This achievement reflects both the hard work of our dedicated teams and the strength of our tailored, partnership-led approach. We look forward to bringing our expertise to enhance the shopping experience at these iconic destinations.”

“McArthurGlen are delighted to partner with The Westgrove Group, as our new provider of cleaning and waste management services across our UK portfolio,” said David Jackson, UK Facilities Lead at McArthurGlen.  “Westgrove’s emphasis on team culture, sustainable initiatives and working practices, alongside their vast knowledge of shopping centres and experienced management team, aligns with McArthurGlen’s focus on guest experience across our centres. We look forward to our long-term partnership with the Westgrove Group”.

Westgrove has experienced sustained growth in recent years, expanding its service offering while maintaining its focus on quality, people, and values. The new contract further strengthens the company’s position within the retail and leisure sector.