Safe and secure Close protection services are on the rise for the wealthy. Here’s what you need to know
Close Protection Officers (CPOs) are highly professional and very discreet operators. When you think of bodyguards, then images of celebrities surrounded by hulking men often come to mind, but the image of a professional close protection officer takes us far from that conspicuous minder. They’re more likely to be in the background, wearing business suits and ties, keeping a close eye on their clients and the surroundings. One company at the forefront of providing such highly qualified officers is Excellentia. With the strap line “Excellentia – the constant pursuit of excellence”, the company does just that. The growth in the number of high net worth individuals over the last 20 years has seen an increase in demand for such services. Wealthy individuals face the threat of kidnapping or the kidnapping of their children, and dignitaries face the risk of attempted assassination. Business executives working in high-risk sectors – such as unstable political regimes – may also have protection assigned by their company as a matter of course. The diversity of those seeking close protection services is increasing year on year and you’d be surprised at the number of people in the UK that have a close protection officer, not only providing protection to them but their home and their assets. Excellentia, a platinum level security firm established in 2006, has a high-calibre workforce of professional, discreet men and women who are all government vetted and have previously served in close protection units for the UK Royal Military Police, Royalty and Special Branch protection or the UK Special Forces, providing protective security in the UK and overseas. As the company says, this provides "excellence through experience." Derek Kerr, director at Excellentia, explained why it’s not about James Bond types wearing sunglasses doing handbrake turns as they speed their clients away from bad guys. “It’s vital for our operators to listen to what the client wants. Often they prefer their security to be inconspicuous as they go about their daily routine and
not bring more attention to them. Our operators are constantly risk assessing, thinking how they can protect their client at all times and get them out of a difficult or threatening situation if it should occur. It’s this thinking, dynamic risk assessing and planning that protects the client.” Thanks to Excellentia’s optimal level staff, the company is also highly regarded by many of those seeking to train their own team in security work. Derek Kerr outlines why they are uniquely placed to run this kind of training “We are a specialist company providing close protection training in the centre of London. The majority of close protection work in the UK is in London so it makes sense for our operators to have excellent knowledge of venues, routes and the environment in general for them to look after their client as best as they can.” Besides close protection, the company also offers security and risk assessments for a wide range of projects, ensuring that corporate governance and reputation is strictly adhered to. Additionally, Excellentia has a team of highly professional investigators – covering everything from due diligence to business intelligence – who will discreetly and comprehensively gather the information a client needs to make informed decisions. “Our clients needs are developing, particularly as the world of technology develops. It’s vital that we tailor our services to meet these changing needs. It’s exciting times for Excellentia as we grow and develop services to meet our clients individual needs.” With its bespoke training programmes and wealth of international security experience, Excellentia should be the first choice for anyone looking to reduce risk for themselves, their family or their organisation. “Excellentia are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the entire year to provide you with the service you desire on land, sea or in the air. Excellence simply delivered." excellentia.co.uk
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