Guardhouse has launched the Entrepreneurship Awards to champion innovation in physical security  and empower young businesses.

At Guardhouse, we are committed to driving innovation, raising industry standards and supporting the next generation of businesses in the physical security sector.

To further this mission, we are proud to announce the launch of the Guardhouse Entrepreneurship Awards, an annual initiative designed to recognise and support the most promising startups and emerging businesses in security.  

The security industry is evolving rapidly, with advancements in technology, workforce management and regulatory expectations reshaping the landscape.

In this dynamic environment, fostering and encouraging fresh ideas is essential.

Through this award, we aim to celebrate and empower young businesses that are leading the way in innovation, staff well-being, and public safety.  

What is the Guardhouse Entrepreneurship Award?  

The Guardhouse Entrepreneurship Awards is an exciting opportunity for startups and businesses under two years old operating in the physical security space.

We are looking for ambitious companies that demonstrate a commitment to:  

• Raising industry standards by implementing best practices and ethical business models 

• Driving innovation through the development of new technologies, services, or operational approaches  

• Promoting staff well-being by prioritising fair treatment, mental health support and career development for security professionals 

• Enhancing public safety through improved security solutions, risk mitigation strategies, or community engagement initiatives 

The winner of the award will receive a Guardhouse software license valued at over £3,000, along with one-to-one mentoring from the founding team at Guardhouse.

Guardhouse’s technology empowers businesses of all sizes to deliver service levels typically only achievable by larger companies.  

Features such as our built-in Digital Daily Occurrence Logs, no-cost NFC tag scanning system and dedicated Customer Portals enable businesses to operate efficiently, maintain compliance, and deliver exceptional service.

By providing these tools to a young business, we are giving them the ability to tender competitively and scale at speed, ensuring they can grow and thrive in the security industry.  

Recognising leadership and diversity  

At Guardhouse, we believe in promoting diversity and inclusion within the security industry.

As part of the selection process, we will not only evaluate the values and mission of the businesses entering the award but also consider the background and experiences of the business leaders themselves.  

“The security sector is at its strongest when it embraces diverse perspectives and encourages fresh talent,” said Jack Alpe, newly appointed CEO of Guardhouse. “Through the Guardhouse Entrepreneurship Awards, we want to provide opportunities for those who may face barriers in the industry while celebrating forward-thinking businesses that are dedicated to innovation and positive change.”  

This initiative aims to highlight entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who bring unique insights and approaches to the sector.

By recognising and supporting these individuals, we hope to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and forward-thinking security industry.  

How to apply  

Applications for the 2025 Guardhouse Entrepreneurship Awards open in April 2025 and will remain open until the end of July 2025. The winners will be announced in August 2025.  

To apply, businesses must submit an entry detailing how they align with the award criteria, their vision for the security industry and the impact they aim to create.

If you would like to apply, please connect with Leigh Charles (UK Partnerships Director) on LinkedIn or email leigh@guardhousehq.com, and he will send you an application form.  

All applications will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of business leaders from within the security industry, including the Guardhouse founding team, senior leaders from security businesses, and members from The Security Journal UK editorial team.

This ensures a rigorous and fair selection process.

We are looking for businesses that stand out not just in terms of commercial potential, but also in their ability to transform the industry for the better. 

Why we created this award  

At Guardhouse, we understand the challenges faced by new businesses in the security industry.

Access to funding, mentorship and networking opportunities can often be limited, making it difficult for startups to gain traction.  

The Guardhouse Entrepreneurship Awards is our way of giving back to the industry and ensuring that the best ideas get the recognition and support they deserve.

We have always taken a partnership approach to doing business—we don’t consider ourselves just a ‘supplier to the industry’; we see ourselves as an integral part of the industry, working alongside our clients to drive progress.

This award is a way for us to show our support for the future of the industry and help the next generation of business leaders flourish.  

“As a company, we’ve always believed that innovation is key to progress,” adds Alpe. “By providing financial support, mentorship and industry connections, we aim to help security startups build sustainable businesses that will contribute positively to the sector.” 

Through this initiative, we want to encourage fresh thinking and help early-stage businesses navigate the challenges of growth.

By equipping entrepreneurs with the right tools and guidance, we can collectively raise industry standards and improve security services for businesses, employees and the public alike.  

Get involved  

If you are a startup or an emerging business in the physical security sector, this is your chance to gain recognition, support and valuable resources to take your venture to the next level.  

For industry professionals and established security companies, we also invite you to support and engage with this initiative by spreading the word, mentoring startups, or joining discussions on how we can collectively drive industry-wide improvements.  

Stay tuned for updates, insights from past winners, and expert advice from our judges. For more information on how to apply, visit our website or get in touch with the Guardhouse team today!  

Join us in shaping the future of security—one innovative idea at a time.  

Meet us at The Security Event 2025  

We’re excited to be exhibiting at The Security Event 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham! You can find us at Stand 5/K65. If you’ll be at the show, we’d love for you to come and see us .

This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.