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And now, to carry through the Government's manifest desire of turning the job of 'Security' into a profession rather than a stop-gap, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has officially opened for business.

If the launch event at Westminster's QEII Conference Centre was any sort of yardstick, it's safe to say that the industry is taking the whole idea of regulation very seriously indeed. The 800-strong delegate list read like a 'Who's Who?' of the private sector. They had flocked to the Home Office altar in search of enlightenment – and were not to be disappointed.

SIA chair Molly Meacher and the organisation's chief executive John Saunders spoke with genuine passion and determination when assessing the mammoth task that lays before them and their colleagues at 50 Broadway.

"We understand our remit, and are firmly focused. Our business planning reflects an action-based mindset, and a wish to be judged on our achievements," confirmed Saunders, before citing collaboration, openness and fairness as the SIA's Best Practice approach. This is The Real Deal.

Absolutely correct, too. The majority of this industry's ills have their roots in adversarial, short-sighted and avaricious attitudes that must now be confined to the past.

On that note, how refreshing to witness Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens and Lincolnshire chief constable Richard Childs engaging in full and frank discussion with the major contractors on issues concerning the 'wider police family'. That is the future for Security UK.