Specialist security firm to employ ex-military

A SPECIALIST security company in the North East has celebrated its third year in business by increasing its turnover 28-fold and agreeing a partnership to provide employment to ex-military personnel.

Newcastle-based Bulwark Group, which was established in 2009 by former soldier Kris Thompson, provides a range of high-end security services including close protection, residential security, executive driving and dog handling to businesses and individuals across the North East.

Bulwark employs specialised staff from an armed forces or police background, allowing it to offer a niche set of services and staff who are trained to the highest of standards.

Thompson said: “We have experienced substantial growth since our launch, and we have extensive plans for the future. I believe our success is down to the niche set of services we offer and the high calibre of staff we employ.

“Our staff are trained in the most extreme circumstances by the best in the industry, so the service we offer is second to none. They are also very versatile and have the ability to blend into the background or provide a visible security presence depending on each client’s requirements; this really sets us apart.”

Bulwark Group has recently started working with the Career Transition Partnership, an organisation that aims to find employment for staff that have recently left the armed forces.

Thompson, who served on active duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq after leaving his previous role in private security in the Middle East, continued: “I am passionate about providing opportunities to those who have served in the Army.

“The training, pressure and extreme conditions faced by our soldiers are like no other, and they have a mentality and willpower that any employer would be proud of; they perfectly complement our service.

“I’ve been in their position and I appreciate how hard it is to come back and find employment. The skills learned on the frontline cannot be taught in any other environment, and it is for this reason that we embarked on this partnership.”

Currently employing 25 staff, Bulwark Group’s client base consists of business executives, wealthy individuals and celebrities, and it also provides security for high-profile events, concerts, parties and weddings.

Bulwark Group also meets the increasing demand for physical residential security – providing expertly trained and experienced security personnel to protect clients’ homes and families in light of recent high-profile aggravated burglaries.

In addition to security services, Bulwark also offers an executive driving service on an ad-hoc or regular basis. It has a fleet of cars that are ideal for any engagement and the service can be provided with or without security personnel.

Thompson said: “Clients hire us for a range of reasons: whether they are aware of a specific threat or just wish for added piece of mind.

“We can adapt our service to meet every individual client’s requirements, and we provide a full initial consultation to ensure all bases are covered.

“We operate throughout the North East and will continue to build on our reputation in the region. We’ve had a very successful three years and hope to continue this for years to come.”