Protection business is looking good for ex-policeman

Sep 26 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

AN ex-policeman is looking to triple the size of his security business after expanding into Dubai and securing prestigious industry accreditation.

North Tyneside-based firm Sec-Tech UK, which protects celebrities as well as high-profile businessmen, believes it will double its 30-strong workforce in three years .

The firm, which was set up in 2006 by ex-policeman Andy Redhead, recently became the 13th firm in the UK to be given accreditation by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as a provider of closed protection, which involves security staff working undercover as part of their client’s entourage.

Over the past two years it has provided security at the Wimbledon tennis tournament and recently presided over the Tutankhamun exhibition at the O2 arena in London, which included watching over the transportation of some of the world’s most priceless treasures.

The Whitley Bay-based firm, which also handles cases of corporate malpractice, differs from most companies in the protection market in that all of its operatives are ex-policemen rather than ex-armed forces, which is the industry norm.

Mr Redhead said: “The accreditation is massive for us and allows us to build on our growing reputation in the market. I believe we can triple our turnover over the coming years as we grow through word of mouth.”

The North Shields-born entrepreneur set up the business after sustaining a permanent knee injury while making an arrest as a firearms tactical adviser with Northumbria Police.

Despite undergoing reconstructive surgery, Redhead was forced to end his 22-year police career before starting up his own business with partner Peter Thomas, who was also part of Northumbria’s firearms unit.

“I have had a lot of experience in areas such as hostage negotiations and ransom cases, so I have a good under- standing of how to handle difficult situations,” Mr Redhead said.

“Being ex-policemen means that we have a lot of experience of dealing with the public courteously and respectfully, while maintaining control of a situation. It also means that when liaising with the police, our people have an equal knowledge of the law and a wealth of experience to draw upon.”

He is currently in talks with government officials in Dubai after a friend in the protection industry introduced him to high-ranking officials in the Middle East region after working with a member of the Saudi royal family.

He has also just signed a multi- million pound contract with Dubai protection group Jadec LLC, which will see Sec-Tech look after dignitaries from the UAE during their visits to the UK.

However, he believes it is the UK market that will provide the most growth and is hopeful of more involvement with firms in the North East.

He said: “There are more and more blue-chip companies coming to the North East, either to be based here or do business.

“We can create a personal protection programme that can allow them to conduct their business without threat to themselves and their families.

“People are now having to ask themselves if they have catered for the safety of their staff and, with the involvement of the SIA, they can no longer employ a couple of heavies from the local pub.”