Figen Murray

"Over the last few months I have had the privilege to have Figen speak at one of my events (PSSA Interact Day Feb 22) as well as speaking alongside her at two seminars in Washington DC in May, and while Figen's presentations have been primarily with regard to the Product Duty Act (PDA) that she has championed for some time, the style and effectiveness with which the presentations are projected is very human and emotional. Figen's presentations are almost 'legendary' in the security industry and associations are constantly trying to engage her support and attendance at their own seminars/exhibitions and I would suggest that she is currently the most sought-after speaker in the industry. Once the PDA is law, Figen's role will change and we have spoken not only about driving the same requirements elsewhere in the world, but also about how the same drive that she is currently using for PDA can be harnessed to find longer-term solutions. In summary, Figen is an excellent speaker and can engage with an audience from both an emotional and technical angle and I would unreservedly recommend her as an event speaker." - Paul, Chairman, PSSA

"I have heard Figen Murray speak on many occasions at ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) training events and also at security conferences. Figen speaks from the heart which makes for a very receptive audience that engages with her story. Her message is inspiring, with a light touch of humour that is always so heartwarming. It’s Figen’s first-hand knowledge and passion for her subject that shines through, that always leaves a lasting impression on her audience. If I were to sum Figen up in a sentence, I would say she is courageous, shows remarkable inner strength, and has a lot to contribute on her very personal life experience." - Janice, Head of Market Development, Steroplast Healthcare Ltd

"I have known Figen for a number of years, in my capacity as Publisher of Counter Terror Business magazine and our webinar series, CTB365. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of hearing Figen speak at a number of leading industry events – International Security Expo, The Global Counter Terror Summit, IFSEC and the PSSA’s interact day – to name a few. She graciously accepted my invitation to deliver the keynote address at our Protect Duty webinar last November, where she spoke about the loss of her son Martyn at the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017, and how it drove her to need a better understanding of the terrorist mindset, in order to prevent any other parent from having to endure what she has gone through. Her key messages that day – every day – are ones of forgiveness, resilience, preparedness, peace, kindness and tolerance in Martyn’s memory. 

The first time I heard Figen speak was in 2019, at the Global Counter Terror Summit, part of the International Security Expo. Over 300 global counter-terror and national security experts packed themselves into a room at Olympia London – there was barely space to stand, much less sit. As she told her story – Martyn’s story – everyone in that room was transfixed. You could literally have heard a pin drop. This “five foot nothing” mum from Manchester brought everyone in that room along with her on the horrors of losing a child to a terrorist attack, the aftermath for her and her family, her reconciliation with her own anger and how she has channelled that to be the driving force behind Martyn’s Law, now being pushed through Parliament as the Protect Duty. As I looked around the room, I saw many big, hard men in tears. I know I was. However, after the lengthy standing ovation, and as people began to file out of that room, I saw something else in their eyes. A sense of hope and purpose. A newfound determination, inspired by Figen, to make sure that atrocities like the Manchester bombing are never repeated. We awarded her our Outstanding Contribution award at the 2020 Counter Terror Awards. It was the very least that we could do.

She deserves so much more. In my eyes, Figen is not a “five foot nothing” mum from Manchester, she is a titan. An unstoppable force for good. An inspiration to anyone who hears her speak. I was privileged to be able to publish her master’s thesis on Counter Terrorism recently, but more importantly, I am honoured to be able to call her my friend." - Jake, Publisher, Counter Terror Business

"Due to personal tragedy in Figen Murray’s family I have had the pleasure to be present at several venues where Figen has successfully captivated an audience by being warm, enlightening and motivational during her talks! Figen’s ability to hold the audience’s attention whilst speaking softly with such conviction is a true gift. Figen is leading the way to implement change that will impact the safety of the whole of the UK. Figen inspires and amazes so many lives on a daily basis with relevant, valuable first-hand content and knowledge of the counter-terrorist world. The public in the UK are lucky to have her! I wish Figen all the luck and happiness in the world, she will be a fantastic asset at any dinner." - Lorraine, Business Development Manager, Westminster Group Plc

"I first met Figen during the pandemic where we both presented via a zoom conference. Despite the technological distance, it was clear from the outset that Figen was inspirational and was capable of making a connection to her audience even from inside the camera. Her great compassion and understanding, not least her resolute patience to drive change shines through and this light never dims. Her talks are always captivating, thought-provoking and incredibly “moving”. She brings a presence that is listened to and her words are clearly acted upon! And no doubt her words continue to resonate within the annals of Government! But aside from this, her kindness and simple acts of humanity are providing a platform for change. Her strength in adversity and her calmness in chaos continues to drive change and exemplify what is good in a person. She continues to be a role model for change. And these incredible attributes are keenly experienced, engaging and listened to by so many people. So, it’s an absolute privilege to provide this attestation on her behalf." - Simon, Turret Training Ltd

"I have listened to Figen speak six times and each time I was emotionally moved and inspired by not only her personal account of her tragic story but by the intelligent reasoning behind her approach to make change for the good and to improve the security of events and crowded spaces. The first time I listed to Figen, she inspired me and my business to make a change. A change that fundamentally would support and improve the security around the events industry for the better. I became more accountable and responsible for ensuring each element of my service and offering was quality assured and reviewed, ensuring that my employees were trained and empowered to do the same. Figen is a wonderful woman, but her ability to truly inspire and engage through her presentations and the impact that she had on the events and security industry is quite incredible" - Deborah, Founder & Director, CROWDGUARD