You may assume that the 0.1% of the world’s population swan around the globe without anguish, however, the more an individual financially carries around on their shoulders, the greater chance of unprecedented danger. The alluring glitz and glamour of the super-rich lifestyles doesn’t guarantee safety; however, this is where close protection or bodyguard services step in.
Ultimately offering peace of mind, close protection services are an essential everyday element to consider should you be earning £500,000 plus per year. From advanced security systems across assets such as property, cars, private jets and yachts to ex-military bodyguards standing on duty nearby the client in question, these specialised services protect not only the individual in person but the wider people in their lives too.
Subject to stalking, robbery or victims of scamming, high-net-worth individuals are rarely the most popular in the room, often attracting others who feel they can take advantage. Those who have earnt a large sum of money in their lives often have already been a victim of financial scams, they do not, however, appreciate their physical safety or the protection of the value of existing assets. The core objective of close protection is to physically protect the client and their reputation, highlight areas of their lives were they may be vulnerable and mitigate their threat and risk profile.
A leading company providing bodyguard services in London are Westminster Security. Passionate about protection; personal, property and business, their full spectrum of services caters perfectly for high-net-worth individuals, families and their business interests. Personal, professional and always highly efficient, Westminster Security ensures they offer each of their client’s a bespoke and premier security service with the highest standards maintained throughout. With a team of highly trained security personnel, many with expertise working across government, police and military backgrounds. This vast range of training and experience certifies an integral combination required for discretion, professionalism and effectiveness.
John Moore, Managing Director of Westminster Security Ltd, who provide professional close protection services in London and throughout the world for their clients, outlines: “We are centrally based in London, Westminster with a footprint and experience in hundreds of countries worldwide. Whilst the UK and London is naturally our niche, we have to be able to react instantly globally to our client’s needs and requirements. The world has never been as hostile as it is today, from cyber-attacks to terror attacks and everything in-between, we protect our clients and everything they value most. We believe that it is essential that every high-net-worth individual feels safe going about their day to day lives, we provide that safety and peace of mind.”
Those with more than £30 million in assets has increased to over 225,000 individuals over the past number of years, meaning more people than ever need to consider hiring close protection for their everyday lives. With particular risk increasing whilst they travel, many high-net-worth individuals having been kidnapped whilst abroad over the past few years. With this high-risk environment in mind, high-end security companies such as Westminster Security will address many factors when their clients are travelling, whether abroad or in the UK.
Areas they take into consideration that clients may neglect are: vehicle security, not only the road, air or seaworthiness but also the skill and experience of the driver, pilot or captain. And the security of the venue or hotel the client is visiting or staying at; is the area safe, hotel and room secure, are there any hidden listening or filming devices? All of those questions are answered way in advance of them developing into an issue or threat to safety, including advising when and what the client should and should not post on social media.
Along with a private jet, yacht or chauffeur in tow, awareness and education are inherent when it comes to high-net-worth travel plans. Close protection services take the hassle away from often time-poor high-net-worth individuals. From carrying out research and reconnaissance ahead of a trip, understanding where to go (and not to), they have the resources to understand the current conditions of any given destination.
Many of the super-rich believe that if they simply invest in the latest security technology that this will do a good enough job in keeping them and their family safe and secure, however, this is often far from the case. There is little that can replace the expertise and presence of a security professional and strategy which combines technology with internal processes and human knowledge.
Security professionals do a fantastic job of appearing as their client’s member of domestic staff, driver or even a friend, without actually being one. Closely following the lives of their clients, they develop a close understanding of their day to day life patterns enabling them to naturally blend in without being detected by anyone who may be a threat, in today’s digital world, this often includes acting as a guide for social media, educating clients on how to use these digital platforms wisely.
