Marks and Spencer taps WalkSafe Pro app as retailer looks to support worker safety on the move
M&S is introducing a WalkSafe Pro app, with the aim of helping colleagues feel safer when travelling alone or commuting at night.
Powered by location-based insights from police, local authorities and community partners, WalkSafe Pro helps colleagues make more informed journey decisions by providing information based on both police data and precautionary insights from other app users. They can share their live journey with trusted contacts, while SOS alerts connect directly to Mitie’s 24/7 control centre, enabling real-time monitoring, assessment and a coordinated response where required.
The app can also be used outside of work. Over time, M&S stores will also be marked as designated ‘safe spaces’ within the app, supported by colleague training. This means users will be able to identify nearby stores as a place to step inside, feel reassured and seek support if they feel unsafe during a journey.
Thinus Keeve, M&S Retail Director, says: "Our colleagues’ need for safety doesn’t stop when a shift ends - and our colleagues have told us that travelling to and from work can be when they feel most vulnerable. WalkSafe is a simple but powerful way we’re responding. It’s another way we’re continuing to invest in security - helping our people stay connected and supported wherever they are. And as our stores will become WalkSafe Safe Spaces, we’re to extend our role into the communities we serve, helping to create safer environments for everyone."
Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie, says: “Everyone deserves to feel safe, whether they’re at work, travelling home or out in their own time. Our partnership with M&S is a fantastic example of how we can work together to better support colleagues in those moments where they feel most vulnerable. “This is an important step towards building safer communities, helping people feel more confident wherever they are. By combining WalkSafe’s technology with Mitie’s frontline expertise, 24/7 monitoring and response capability, we’re able to provide practical, real-time support when it’s needed most.”
Emma Kay, Founder, WalkSafe, comments: “WalkSafe was created to address a simple but important problem: too many people don’t feel safe when travelling alone, particularly after dark. Built from lived experience, it brings together real-time information and practical tools to help people better understand their surroundings and take control of their personal safety. Through partnerships like this one with M&S, we’re extending that support further, helping organisations play a more active role in giving colleagues and local communities greater confidence, reassurance and access to help when they need it.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Retail security will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
