What makes the perfect bodyguard in London?

The Perfect Bodyguard in London

What makes the Perfect Bodyguard in London? Most people associate the word ‘bodyguard’ with the giant man mountain, often seen babysitting celebrities in the States. Or Kevin Costner style gun toting Hollywood heart throbs. The reality is, both types of these bodyguards fit a role, just not in London.

This months guest blog is written by a former British Special Forces soldier who works for Westminster Security and wishes to remain anonymous. He has vast experience providing close protection around the world through his time in the military, with over 15 years experience in the private sector, predominantly operating as an individual close protection bodyguard in London.

At Westminster Security, when a new client calls us to enquire about our close protection services in London, they often ask; how big is he? How tall is he? Is he a good fighter? I have to kindly explain to them that none of these factors come into consideration when it comes to placing an operative to protect them. What does matter is manners, intelligence, observation skills, forward planning, people skills, etiquette and local knowledge. Not fast cars, muscles and guns!

Bodyguards in London are now commonly referred to as ‘Close Protection Operatives’ or CPOs. The title projects an image of professionalism, whereas ‘Bodyguard’ sounds a lot more intimidating and some might say thuggish.

Types of Bodyguard

The giant sized Man Mountain – As mentioned preciously, this type of bodyguard is often seen gracing the glossy tabloid magazine pages, pictured manhandling fans or carrying designer shopping bags for their tiny celebrity principals, who are dwarfed in their shadows. Their waistlines are bigger than their egos, and they’re as effective as solar powered torches. However, record labels and celebs love them as they feel safe hiding behind them, and they grab the headlines.

Muscle bound meat heads – The type of bodyguard who has waited 10 years to get his SIA licence due to the murder charge on his record. An old school doorman with more scars and tattoos than teeth, a man who could kill you with his breath alone. Fortunately this type of bodyguard normally ply their trade on the doors at the local pub, wooing punters with their CP badge of honour, and tales of heroics. Seldom do you see them on the catwalks of Knightsbridge and Chelsea, they certainly look lost at sea during afternoon tea at The Ritz.

The car salesman – Fresh off his close protection course, armed with his quick tongue and spikey hair, ill-fitting supermarket suit, shiny faux leather shoes, pink shirt, brash tie and sunglasses. He knows everything and is better than every other bodyguard and he’s keen, ready and eager to show you – by beating you in an arm wrestle over lunch. Like a rabbit in the headlights on sight of their first street beggar, but tells his Facebook friends he fought off an armed gang. Luckily these newbies get found out quick, and end up doing nights on a building site for the rest of their glittering security careers.

The grey man – He is your perfect bodyguard in London, he is neither a man mountain, meat head nor car salesman. He is professional, he blends in, keeps his mouth closed and ears open. He speaks when spoken to and is polite to everyone. He fits in at a Michelin star restaurant, just as well as in a busy nightclub. He has good local knowledge and connections, he is mature with a good sense of humour. He is thinking 10 steps ahead, and can take control of any situation with ease. He is effective and he is respected for his results, not his stories. He is versatile, adaptable and proactive. He has a military or police background in close protection, he is who you want as your bodyguard in London.

Westminster Security in London

At Westminster Security, we provide highly sought after, professional close protection operatives. All of our CPO’s have backgrounds in the British Military and Police specialist protection units. We believe that their training and experience is priceless, which helps them and us stand out above other security companies for all the right reasons.

We only employ the most experienced and qualified close protection operatives with proven exemplary backgrounds. They are all rigorously financially and security vetted for your peace of mind. They are all trained in advanced driving, first aid, conflict resolution and self-defence.

We provide a complete, premier protection service. Including but not limited to; security chauffeured luxury vehicles, residential security and concierge services. Our clients include royalty, celebrities, company CEOs and high-net-worth families. We are well practiced in providing a high end service for the fast paced demanding lifestyles of our clients. We operate with complete discretion and efficiency.

Find out more about our close protection bodyguards in London by clicking here.

Contact Westminster Security today to enquire about our Close Protection Bodyguard services in London.

Call us on: 0208 123 3323 or 0755 4000 300

Close Protection FAQ’s

Do you have female bodyguards in London?

-          Yes, we can provide a wide range of female bodyguards to suit all your needs. We have female bodyguards who are also trained in childcare, and others who are multilingual. Please contact us with your individual requirements and we will do our utmost to assist you.

Can my bodyguard also double as my driver?

-          Yes, all of our close protection operatives are trained in advanced defensive driving. All of whom have vast experience chauffeuring our ‘Best of British’ fleet, which includes; Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar and Range Rover vehicles.

I need to hire bodyguards in London, what is the procedure?

-          Once we receive your call or email we will discuss your individual requirements and conduct an initial threat and risk assessment to figure out the best systems to put in place to mitigate the threats and risks posed to you. We will then assign a bodyguard or close protection team for your personal protection. Please contact us for further information.

www.westminstersecurity.co.uk/the-perfect-bodyguard-in-london/

Female Bodyguards in London - Westminster Security London

Female Bodyguards – Carly Field Interview

Female Bodyguards in London are becoming evermore popular with international visitors, often being selected over their male counterparts, especially for female Arab clients. Female close protection operatives are few and far between, but are a real asset to any close protection team. The majority of them having backgrounds in the military and police force, which stands them in good stead when entering the private security industry.

Westminster Security would like to introduce you to Carly Field. Carly Served 17 years in the Royal Logistic Corps of the British Army, reaching the rank of Corporal. She completed several operational tours including; Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. She has deployed all over the world in support of front line combat troops, including the planning and coordination of troop and equipment movements. Ensuring that health and safety procedures were being implemented.

Carly decided to leave the Army late last year and decided to take up the challenge of close protection. So we wanted to interview her to find out why she took the big brave step, how she’s finding ‘civvie street’, her experiences so far, and any advice she has for other budding female bodyguards.

Hi Carly, first of all thank you for agreeing to this interview, we promise to go easy on you. So tell us, with just 5 years to push before completing a full career in the Army, why did you decide to leave?

Good question. People think I’m crazy (including my husband) for leaving so close to getting a full pension but I wasn’t happy there was no quality of life, well there was but 6 weeks a year when my husband and I would get leave together. Too many changes, the Calibre of soldier had changed and there isn’t the respect there any more. I remember at my first unit the Sergeant would be away in the mess all time or golfing etc. and you think to yourself I’m going to work hard to achieve that, you aspired to be that person. Then I got selected for Sergeant and spent 12 months sat behind a desk, it made me realise I loved being on the ground not a SNCO (Senior Non-Commissioned Officer), and I signed off. I didn’t want to be a pension prisoner and unhappy. I’m a great believer in you’re in charge of your own destiny. Don’t moan do something about it.

It’s a very brave decision leaving the comfort and safety of the Armed Forces in these uncertain times, and becoming self-employed. What made you choose close protection for your new career?

I met a few CP guys on tour in Afghan and they influenced me slightly. It’s always been in the back of my mind. I think it could be that no day is the same, there is travel involved which I still enjoy. The different variety of tasks, meeting all types of people from different backgrounds, networking with people you wouldn’t normally have contact with. Was it risky giving it a go when the market is flooded? probably but that wasn’t going to put me off, I did my research and it was very mixed and varied from ‘they’re desperate for females’ ‘Good females are like gold dust’ to ‘don’t bother you won’t get anywhere the industry is flooded my hubby works the circuit’ and ‘yes they are desperate for females but they don’t use them’. I called various companies and training companies to find out for myself, and I really wanted to pursue it what was the worst that can happen? I tried my best and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t matter there are plenty of other jobs out there and at least I can say I gave it a go.

Quite right, nothing ventured nothing gained. The security industry seems like a natural progression for ex service personnel, the skills and experience gained are highly transferable. What advice would you offer anyone who is looking at leaving the military and entering the private security industry, is the grass greener?

The grass isn’t always greener no but then it depends on your reasons why you got out, everyone is different. For me the grass was greener to an extent, ok I’m not getting a wage same day every month guaranteed, but I’m enjoying the varied experiences. I think I made the right decision for myself and family.  My advise to those still in; ensure you get as many courses under your belt prior to signing off, and try and make yourself stand out in comparison to others – something that will jump out on a CV.  I was lucky speaking fluent French helped me get my current task which I started 3 weeks after getting out which is fantastic, I know I was very fortunate.

Well done, that’s great news, you certainly landed on your feet. Being multilingual is certainly a highly desirable skill. Do you have any plans to attend any further training in the future?

Yes I’ve enrolled for the online Open University Introduction to Cyber Security. We do everything online these days so I’m interested in how to protect ourselves more.

I will look at doing the Open source Int level 3 course when work permits. Then I’ll be looking at Spanish language as I think it’s a natural progression from French as they are very similar.

Best of luck on your courses. When customers call us enquiring about female bodyguards in London, they often ask; “how big is she…can she fight?” Does size really matter? 

There’s a common misconception that someone’s size represents their ability to perform a role. Today’s modern bodyguards are more about diplomacy and etiquette, blending in not attracting any undue attention. Then stepping up and taking control should a situation arise.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Carly, we wish you the best of luck in your new career. You have certainly got off to a flying start and we can tell you will be successful and highly sought after. We will certainly be using you in the near future.

If you would like to connect with Carly, please visit here LinkedIn profile by clicking here.

If you would like to hire female bodyguards, please contact us on +44 (0)208 123 3323 or +44 (0)755 4000 300