NexGen Protection is in talks with Westminster Council to pilot a free street-level security initiative in Soho. The preventative, uniformed presence aims to tackle antisocial behaviour, boost public confidence, and support London’s night-time economy by protecting local businesses, residents, workers and visitors.
NexGen Protection, which provides professional security services to leading brands including Game Nation and recently announced the creation of a Training Academy complete with an integrated AGC, is in discussions with Westminster Council to provide dedicated street-level security patrols in Soho, London.
The proposed service which will be piloted on a free basis, will involve NexGen’s uniformed highly trained security officers providing a visible and approachable presence, helping to deter antisocial behaviour, identifying potential risks, supporting vulnerable individuals and reporting incidents through the relevant channels.
NexGen is clear that the proposal is not to replace the police or exercising police powers, instead, their role would be preventative, focused on reassurance, observation, and early intervention within their lawful authority.
NexGen co-founder Harj Mann confirmed: “We believe that businesses operating within a community, as we do, should also look for opportunities to contribute positively to that community.
“By offering to fund the trial, we hope to demonstrate the value that professionally trained, visible security officers can bring to local businesses, residents and visitors.”
He noted: “The success of the businesses that we protect is closely connected to the safety and prosperity of the communities around them.
“If we can contribute to making those surrounding areas safer and more welcoming, that not only benefits our clients but also neighbouring businesses, their employees, local residents and visitors.
“We believe investment in community safety is ultimately an investment in the local economy.”
NexGen has been pro-active in its engagement with key organisations as Harj Mann outlined: “On the basis that effective security does not begin and end at the entrance to a venue our Operations Lead, Lee Follen began attending local PubWatch, Safer Business and Safer Neighbourhood meetings to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the surrounding area, including local crime patterns, the incidence of antisocial behaviour and emerging security concerns.”
This outreach led to meetings with Westminster City Council’s Women’s Night Safety and Hate Crime team.
“Women’s safety is an area that we are particularly committed to” confirmed Harj Mann. “We deliver specialist Women’s Personal Protection training which representatives from Westminster have observed: my hope is that the proposed pilot can be integrated into the Council’s Night Stars initiative which would provide a valuable framework for supporting Soho’s night time economy encompassing businesses, residents, visitors and staff travelling home after late shifts.”
He continued: “For businesses to thrive, customers need to feel comfortable visiting the area, employees need to feel safe travelling to and from work, and investors need confidence in the long-term attractiveness of the location.
“There is a strong connection between public confidence in safety and the commercial success of an area.
“Our mission is simple and that is to create safer environments for everyone in the community.”
Serve and protect
Harj Mann said……. “By offering to fund the trial, we hope to demonstrate the value that professionally trained, visible security officers can bring to local businesses, residents and visitors. The success of the businesses that we protect is closely connected to the safety and prosperity of the communities around them……
Originally published on Coinslot on October 26, 2026. Republished with permission.