The UK’s Wake-Up Call: Navigating Civil Unrest and Building Resilience

Last summer, from 30 July to 5 August 2024, the UK faced a protests. It started with a horrific stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, where three children lost their lives. False rumours spread like wildfire online, wrongly pinning the attack on an Islamist asylum seeker. Within hours, chaos erupted—riots hit over 27 towns and cities, from Sunderland to Belfast, with vandalism, looting, arson, and attacks on mosques and asylum-seeker hotels. Over 1,840 people were arrested, with more than 800 charged, many facing years in prison.

Prior to this ongoing protests around the country, but largely focussed on London have been a regular occurrence after October 7th 2023. Recent years have also seen major disruptive protests from groups like BLM, and an ongoing disruptive action from various climate groups like Just Stop Oil.

Recent protests in Epping, Essex, targeting asylum-seeker hotels, have raised fears of more unrest as summer looms. In response, the UK has launched a new national policing unit to monitor social media and tackle misinformation in real time, aiming to prevent another breakdown.

As a security expert, I’ve seen how these events exposed cracks in our preparedness. Here’s some considerations for business and event organisers, to keep people safe and operations steady.

How Unrest Hit Businesses Hard

1. Empty Streets, Empty Cash Registers

When riots swept through towns, high streets turned into ghost towns. Footfall dropped by an average of 4.8%, with some days seeing a 7.5% plunge. One in four businesses faced direct hits—closures, smashed windows, or lost stock. Nearly a third had to shut down temporarily. Insured losses hit around £250 million, but smaller businesses, often uninsured, are still struggling to recover. Retail, tourism, and hospitality took the biggest blows, with some areas now seen as “risky” by customers and investors.

2. Broken Windows, Broken Supply Chains

Vandalism hit 44% of affected businesses, 40% lost equipment or stock, and 47% had to close their doors. Many boarded up proactively, but looters still got through. Small businesses supplying local shops saw orders dry up as stores shut or relocated. The ripple effect disrupted supply chains, with some suppliers pulling back from “volatile” areas, shaking trust and delaying contracts.

3. Keeping Staff Safe and Supported

Frontline workers, especially from minority communities, faced threats and harassment during the 2024 Summer unrest. Some refused to work in affected areas; others dealt with stress and fractured team morale. Employers now have a duty to protect their people—physically and mentally. This means offering flexible hours, remote work options, or trauma support to help staff feel safe and valued.

4. Stepping Up Crisis Plans and Insurance

After 2024, 35% of businesses beefed up security, 28% reassessed risks, and 25% checked their insurance policies. Smart moves include having clear closure plans, backup suppliers, and crisis communication strategies. Some are even updating HR policies to handle cases where staff might be involved in unrest-related incidents. Insurance is critical—make sure it covers riots and unrest, and watch for tight notification deadlines.

What Local Councils Are Facing

1. Rebuilding Trust in Divided Communities

In places like Rotherham and Epping, anger over housing, asylum policies, and strained public services has fuelled distrust in local government. Councils need to step up community engagement, tackle misinformation head-on, and lead efforts to bring people together. The government’s £1.5 billion “Plan for Neighbourhoods” aims to support 75 struggling areas over the next decade, but councils must act now to rebuild confidence.

2. Keeping the Public Safe

During the riots, councils scrambled to coordinate lockdowns, clear boarded-up shops, and work with police on crowd control. Moving forward, they need solid public order plans, real-time monitoring of online chatter, and clear communication to counter rumours before they spiral. The new national police social media unit will help, but councils must be ready to act fast on local warnings.

3. Reviving High Streets and Reputation

Councils are footing the bill for policing and clean-up while helping businesses with insurance claims for damaged public property. They need to show visible recovery efforts—supporting local shops and reassuring residents and investors. If they don’t, these areas risk being seen as “no-go zones,” driving away business and investment for years.

What Event Organisers Need to Do Differently

1. Seeing Threats Before They Explode

The Southport riots showed how fast misinformation can turn a tragedy into widespread violence. Even small community events can become flashpoints. Organisers need to stay alert to social media rumours and public sentiment, watching for signs of escalating tensions that could spark trouble.

2. Stronger Security, Smarter Plans

Every event needs a robust security plan: work with police, assess risks before the event, plan crowd control, map out exit routes, and set up lockdown procedures. In high-risk areas, consider mobile patrols, temporary barriers, or permanent vehicle blockers for vulnerable spots like parade routes or open venues.

3. Staying Ahead with Real-Time Intel

The new NPoCC intelligence unit tracks social media for early warning signs. Organisers should tap into these feeds and connect with local resilience forums to get a heads-up on potential trouble. Without these links, you’re flying blind—and a crisis can hit before you’re ready.

4. Training Teams to Spot and Stop Trouble

Your staff—security, volunteers, or front-of-house—need training to spot early signs of disorder, like suspicious crowd behaviour or hate-filled chatter. Teach them de-escalation techniques and run tabletop or live simulations to practise. Update HR policies to address staff who might stir up trouble online or join in unrest.

5. Protecting Your Reputation

If an event goes wrong, you don’t want to be seen as careless or out of touch. Have pre-drafted statements ready that show you prioritise safety, inclusion, and truth. Designate a spokesperson to work with police and councils, ensuring your message is clear and timely.

Moving Forward: Practical Steps for Everyone

Stay Informed, Stay Ready

• Businesses: Sign up for real-time alerts on protests and local sentiment.

• Councils: Use social media tools, community reports, and police intel to catch disinformation early.

• Event Organisers: Build direct lines to police and community alerts to feed into your planning.

Train and Prepare

• Update crisis plans with clear roles, lockdown steps, and communication strategies. Test them regularly.

• Train staff on spotting risks, staying safe, and handling emergencies—no matter their role.

Strengthen Defences

• Invest in physical security like cameras, barriers, or access controls, especially during tense times.

• Plan for continuity—have backup venues, remote work options, or ways to pause operations smoothly.

Put People First

• Show staff you care with flexible schedules, mental health support, or protection for those at risk of targeted abuse.

• This is especially crucial for workers from communities singled out during unrest.

Protect Your Reputation and Finances

• Have ready-to-go statements that align with police and council guidance to avoid mixed messages.

• Double-check insurance for riot coverage and note any strict reporting deadlines.

The Bigger Picture

The Southport riots and recent Epping protests are a stark reminder: unrest can flare up fast, fuelled by a multitude of factors including misinformation, economic stress, or social divides. Businesses, councils, and event organisers can’t just react—they need to anticipate. That means layering intelligence, training, and planning to stay one step ahead. Security isn’t just about locking doors; it’s about controlling the narrative, building trust, and showing people you’re prepared.

In a world where a single rumour can spark chaos, being ready isn’t optional—it’s essential. Let’s learn from last year and build a safer, stronger future together.