IN AN INDUSTRY where reliability, professionalism, and experience are paramount, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd has emerged as a leading provider of security services and training across Wales. Founded in November 2021 by Company Director Ryan Mayne and General Manager Mathew Davies, the company has grown into a trusted name in the security sector, offering high-quality training programs, security staffing, and event protection.

Now, with a team of around 300 employees, RM Training is poised to expand its operations in Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring businesses, event organisers, and hospitality venues have access to qualified security personnel in a sector where demand is at an all-time high.

From high-risk security to building a future in Pembrokeshire

For Ryan Mayne, the security industry is not just a business—it’s a lifelong career shaped by real-world experience in high-risk environments. With over two decades in top-tier security roles, Ryan has worked in some of the UK’s largest clubs, corporate settings, and high-profile protection services, dealing with situations that were often tense, unpredictable, and dangerous.

“When I think back to some of the things I saw and some of the incidents I had to deal with, it scares me,” Ryan reflects.

But his life changed during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Home Office deployed him to Pembrokeshire to help manage refugee and asylum seeker security operations. It was here that he fell in love with the county, leading to a decision that would shape both his personal and professional future.

“I was deployed to a site near Tenby, and it didn’t take me long to realise just how fantastic Pembrokeshire is,” Ryan explains. “I knew this was the place where I wanted to build something new.”

That decision was cemented by his relationship with Tenby native Kerry McReynolds, whom he later married.

“We knew Pembrokeshire was the place where we wanted to bring up our children,” Ryan says. “So it made sense to set up the company here too.”

While Ryan handles the strategic direction and business growth, Kerry plays a pivotal role in the company’s success, managing client relations, staff retention, and back-office operations, all while raising their two-year-old son, Archie.

“She’s the driving force,” Ryan says. “None of this would be possible without her.”

When it comes to ensuring the smooth operation of a security business, General Manager Mathew Davies is the man who makes it happen. With a background in both military and civilian security, Mathew brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership to RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd, making him a key figure in its rapid growth and ongoing success.

Since joining forces with Company Director Ryan Mayne, Mathew has played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, staff training, and client relationships, helping RM Training establish itself as one of the leading security providers in Pembrokeshire and South Wales.

Mathew’s journey into the security industry was forged through years of hands-on experience in demanding environments. His military background instilled a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking, all of which have proven invaluable in his role at RM Training.

After transitioning into civilian security, Mathew quickly climbed the ranks, demonstrating a deep understanding of risk management, personnel coordination, and high-pressure decision-making. These skills now form the backbone of RM Training’s success, ensuring that every security operation runs seamlessly.

Empowering Pembrokeshire’s Workforce with security training

One of RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd’s primary objectives is to provide local people with a structured pathway into the security industry.

The company offers over 140 online and practical courses, covering a wide spectrum of security roles including:
 Door supervision for pubs, clubs, and licensed venues
 Corporate security for offices and commercial spaces
 Retail security for shopping centres and stores
 Event and festival security
 Site and property security

A core focus is Security Industry Authority (SIA) accredited training, ensuring trainees receive recognised qualifications required to work in the sector.

Their newly established office in Port Talbot is also playing a key role in retraining workers affected by the Tata Steel job losses, helping individuals transition into security careers following redundancy.

“Our goal is not just to train people but to give them career progression opportunities,” Ryan explains. “This industry is about keeping people safe, and that starts with having well-trained professionals.”

Expanding security services across Wales

Beyond training, RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd provides security services for a wide range of businesses. The company currently supports:
 Bars, pubs, and nightclubs struggling to find licensed and reliable door staff
 Retail and corporate businesses in need of on-site security operatives
 Festivals and major events requiring crowd management teams
 Close protection and private security clients

With over 200 events already booked for 2024, RM Training is becoming the go-to security provider for major gatherings across South Wales.

But for General Manager Mathew Davies, ensuring quality and reliability is just as important as expansion.

“He’s the one who makes sure the staff are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, while offering them all the support they need,” says Ryan. “Mathew works 24/7 to ensure our high standards never slip.”

The company now aims to secure additional security contracts across Pembrokeshire, addressing a major shortage of trained security personnel in the region.

“The reality is that there simply aren’t enough trained security professionals in Pembrokeshire,” Ryan explains. “Businesses struggle to find reliable door staff and event security. We’re here to fix that.”

The future for RM Training & Security Solutions Ltd

As RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd continues its growth trajectory, the company remains committed to:
 Expanding its presence in Pembrokeshire and South Wales
 Training the next generation of security professionals
 Providing reliable security solutions to businesses and event organisers
 Raising awareness of the industry’s importance in safeguarding communities

With a dedicated team, strong leadership, and a clear vision, RM Training is not just building a security business—it’s building a safer Pembrokeshire.

For more information, visit:

 www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk
 [email protected]
 01834 526418

A DELEGATION of Welsh companies have recently visited Japan, as the industry continues to target opening new markets for its food and drink products.

Foodex Japan is Asia’s largest food and drink exhibition, with the Welsh Government supporting the presence of a number of producers under the Cymru/Wales banner.

The visit comes against a backdrop of wider events being held as part of ‘Wales and Japan 2025’, which is a year-long campaign by the Welsh Government to stimulate new economic and cultural partnerships between the two nations, with the aim of bringing long-lasting benefits to both countries.

Wales has long-standing economic ties with Japan, particularly due to inward investment by Japanese companies into Wales since the 1970s, and is currently home to 70 Japanese companies.

The Welsh delegation at Foodex included a specially made eki stamp at their exhibition stall. Eki stamps are collectible rubber ink stamps found at many train stations in Japan, and are a form of souvenir with designs typically featuring landmarks, mascots, or locally produced goods. As part of the ‘Wales and Japan 2025’ celebrations, Welsh illustrator Jonathan Edwards has created a series of five unique designs which celebrate the culture of the two nations.

Among the Welsh exhibitors at Foodex Japan were Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Aber Falls, Café de Manha, The Lobster Pot and Morning Foods.

HCC also hosted a ‘Celebration of Welsh Lamb’ event in conjunction with Welsh Government at a restaurant in Tokyo, which specialises in lamb. Chef Kazuhiro Kikuchi is a well-known advocate of lamb, having published ‘Tokyo Lamb Story’, and presented a chef’s table of Welsh lamb for buyers and potential customers.

The latest figures on Welsh food and drink exports show that their value has risen by £243m – or 43% – since 2019. Welsh food and drink exports to non-EU countries were worth £202m in 2023, which is an increase of £63m since 2019, with the value of exported goods to Asia and Oceania during 2023 being £46m, a 34% increase from £34m in 2019.

The Welsh Government’s Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said,

“Foodex Japan is always an important event for Welsh food and drink companies, as we continue our push to open new markets and show what we can offer on a global scale.

“It is especially important this year as we celebrate the rich cultural and economic ties between Wales and Japan. It is an opportunity to develop and strengthen our relationships, and I’m sure the companies flying the flag for Wales will be able to build new and meaningful partnerships that are beneficial to both countries.”

A four-day event held at Tokyo Big Sight, Foodex Japan plays host to over 2,500 food and drink companies from more than 60 countries and regions. It is a hub for food and drink buyers from across Asia, as well as Japan, and provides a key opportunity to promote and build on the reputation of Welsh food and drink and connect with new customers across the region.

One of the companies in the delegation is whisky producer, Aber Falls. Talking about the visit, Managing Director Edward Williamson said,

“We’re keen to grow our exports and are really grateful for the support of Welsh Government to be able to attend events such as these.

“Increasingly whisky from Wales has a fantastic story to tell, with a number of distilleries, including ours, securing coveted PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status. This shows how unique our product is, with a taste that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. The chance to raise awareness of this story in such an important whisky market as Japan, and Asia more generally, is fantastic, and we plan to make the most of it.

Another company looking to expand their offering overseas is Anglesey-based The Lobster Pot. With a history of supplying Welsh pot caught lobster dating back to 1946, the company is hopeful that the trip will help open new markets. Julie Hill from The Lobster Pot said,

“Events such as Foodex gives us an opportunity to show what Welsh produce can offer the world.

“We’re able to give our customers a fantastic product, which is quality, sustainably-sourced shellfish. As experienced exporters to Japan, we’re hopeful that the visit will help build on our current relationships, as well as opening new opportunities in the country, and the rest of Asia.”

For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with reaching new markets through trade events visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/foodanddrink/growing-your-business/trade-events

For more information on how the Welsh Government can assist your business with exporting please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/export/

A PEMBROKESHIRE man who spent five years behind bars for a crime he did not commit has been denied compensation under what legal experts describe as an “inhumane” and “cruel” government policy.

Brian Buckle, who was exonerated of all charges in 2023 after a gruelling legal battle, has spoken of his devastation upon receiving a rejection letter from the Ministry of Justice. The letter acknowledged his innocence but stated that he had failed to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that he had not committed the crimes.

The decision has reignited fierce debate over the 2014 law change that places the burden of proof on victims of wrongful conviction, a policy unique to England and Wales. Critics argue that the system is designed to minimise payouts, leaving innocent individuals without financial support to rebuild their lives after years of wrongful imprisonment.

FIVE YEARS BEHIND BARS FOR A CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT

Mr Buckle was imprisoned in 2017 after being convicted of sexual offences he always denied. His case was finally overturned after a five-year fight that saw his legal team present new witnesses and fresh forensic evidence during a three-week retrial. A jury took just over an hour to return a unanimous “not guilty” verdict.

But despite being completely exonerated, Mr Buckle has been denied compensation for his ordeal. The legal fees required to clear his name totalled nearly £500,000, a sum he was eligible to claim in compensation. However, his application was refused on the grounds that he had not met the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard of proof that he did not commit the crimes — despite the courts ruling that he was innocent.

“I just burst out crying when I read the letter,” said Mr Buckle. “What more do I need to do to prove I’m innocent? I’ve lost five years of my life, my job, my pension. People are absolutely gobsmacked when I tell them I’ve been refused compensation.”

A LAW DESIGNED TO DENY PAYOUTS?

The 2014 law change, introduced by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government, shifted the burden onto the wrongly convicted to prove their innocence beyond reasonable doubt. Critics say this effectively “reverses the presumption of innocence” and was introduced to limit government compensation payments.

Since 2016, 93% of applications for miscarriage of justice compensation have been rejected, according to government figures. Leading barrister Stephen Vullo KC, who represented Mr Buckle, has described the system as “almost impossibly high” and “designed to ensure money is not paid out.”

“It’s not by accident, it’s by design,” he said. “It sends a message that the state doesn’t accept responsibility when it gets things wrong.”

The injustice of the current system has been further exposed by the government’s handling of the Post Office Horizon scandal. Unlike individual miscarriage of justice cases, which have been largely ignored, thousands of wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters were awarded compensation only after overwhelming public pressure, following the ITV drama “Mr Bates vs The Post Office.”

“The government’s response is driven by fear of embarrassment,” said Mr Vullo. “The system should be fair so that everybody receives compensation, not just those whose cases attract media attention.”

Legal experts argue that England and Wales must follow Scotland, Northern Ireland, and most of Europe, where wrongful conviction compensation is awarded based on the miscarriage of justice itself, without requiring proof of innocence.

LOCAL MP FIGHTS FOR JUSTICE

Mr Buckle’s case has caught the attention of Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, who has vowed to fight for a change in the law. He is hosting a debate in Westminster to highlight the injustices faced by victims of wrongful conviction.

“I was appalled when I heard Brian’s story,” said Mr Lake. “Miscarriages of justice have always happened and always will. But when the state makes a mistake and an innocent person spends years behind bars, it should ensure they are compensated for that injustice.”

Mr Lake is pushing for the law to be reversed and made retrospective so that people like Mr Buckle can claim the compensation they deserve.

A FAMILY DEVASTATED BY INJUSTICE

The years spent in prison have left Mr Buckle suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the emotional toll has extended to his family. His daughter Georgia has spoken openly about her own struggles, including suicidal thoughts during her father’s imprisonment.

“I’m definitely not the same person I was before,” said Mr Buckle. “I can’t keep a job because my head is all over the place. Every single night, all I dream about is being in prison or trying to get out.”

He believes an apology and compensation would be a step towards recognising the harm done to him.

“I will take what happened to me to the grave. Money won’t change how I am mentally, but it’s about the principle — the justice system admitting they got it wrong.”

With pressure mounting and a Law Commission review of the compensation system underway, there is growing hope that the law may be overturned. For Mr Buckle and others like him, that change cannot come soon enough.