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When it comes to First Aid, most people assume it’s just CPR, bandages, and a tick-box certificate. But at SWBM Academy, we believe First Aid should be more than just another qualification, it should be an empowering, life-saving experience. Whether you're a security officer, office worker, shop manager, carer, or simply a responsible parent, First Aid is a skill every person should have and have properly.

The criminal threat has changed. Today’s retail theft is often run by professional groups using distraction, coordination, and stealth to hit multiple locations in one shift.

AI facial recognition is becoming mainstream in retail settings, especially supermarkets and convenience stores. While it offers powerful detection, it also raises legal concerns and ethical questions.

Retail crime is evolving rapidly and so must the guards who protect stores. Here's how retail security is changing in 2025 and what you need to prepare for.

f you work in retail security or plan to today’s climate demands more than basic training. Shoplifting and violence are at record levels, and many retail teams are overstretched and underprepared. Here's what’s happening—and how you can be truly ready.

Most retail guards are unclear about their legal powers. They’re often told not to intervene or believe they must see the crime take place before taking action. That’s not quite right. This blog explains: What the law actually says When “reasonable grounds” allow a citizen’s arrest How to act safely and legally How SWBM Academy prepares you to perform with confidence

With so much confusion online about SIA courses, refresher training, booking options, and pricing, we’ve taken the time to answer the most common questions learners search for. Whether you're renewing your licence, entering the security industry for the first time, or comparing training providers this guide is for you. These are real questions from real learners. And we’ve answered them all honestly, clearly, and based on facts.

If you’ve recently completed your SIA training or are preparing to start your career in the security industry, getting that first job offer can feel like a major win. But before you sign anything, there are a few key questions you must ask or you could end up with less money, more stress, and no support on shift. At SWBM Academy, we don’t just train you to pass an exam, we want to help you understand the industry and succeed long-term. So here’s a simple guide to help you pr

If you're new to the security industry — or even if you’ve been around for a while — writing a strong CV can feel tricky. What should you include? How should you describe your experience? What if you’ve never worked in security before? Don’t worry, we’ve created a free, fill in the blank CV template just for you. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps and you’ll have a professional, job-ready CV ready to send to employers.

In today’s security industry, it takes more than a licence to stand out. Employers want skilled professionals — not just badge-holders. Whether you're new to the industry or refreshing your qualification, the difference between a good course and a great one lies in what skills you leave with — and how ready you are to perform on-site, from day one. At SWBM Academy, we don’t just teach to pass exams we teach you to succeed in the real world. Here are the 7 essential skills eve

Fact-Checked, No Assumptions When you see an SIA course advertised for £139.99 or £189.99, it sounds like a great deal. But here’s the truth: That price? It’s only the beginning. Once you click "Book Now" and go through the checkout, you’ll quickly see how much more you’ll actually pay to meet legal requirements and complete your training. Let’s compare — side by side — what you get at SWBM Academy vs what really happens elsewhere.

Most people think once they finish an SIA course, they’re automatically job-ready. They’re not. Here’s the truth: thousands of people pass the test, get their badge, and still can’t handle the job or get one. Why? Because most courses do the bare minimum. They teach just enough to help you tick boxes, not actually do the job. At SWBM Academy, we’re not interested in churning out clueless licence holders. We train real professionals. And here’s what you need to know before you