City Security magazine is proud to work with contributors from across the security sector and beyond, including police forces, security associations, security providers, consultants and specialists who produce a range of varied and interesting content.
Click on an author’s name to see articles from them.
Anna Averkiou is an established consultant, journalist and trainer who draws on more than 30 years’ experience as a journalist to help organisations and individuals engage more effectively with the media. She started her career as a trainee reporter on local newspapers in North London, before specialising in world news and current affairs with various national and international news organisations including the BBC, C4, TV-am, CNN, ABC (America), MBC, Worldwide Television News (now APTN) and Visnews (now Reuters TV). During that time Anna covered some of the world’s biggest stories, and ran bureaux in Moscow, Sarajevo and Brussels. Since leaving the BBC in 2010, she has developed a particular interest in crisis communications and has worked around the world with private, public and Third sector clients. She regularly teaches, writes and speaks about journalism and media issues and was Media Advisor to the Panel of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry into historic child abuse. Anna is a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists, Institute of Directors and Chartered Institute of Marketing. She is also a school governor, a trustee/advisor to several charities, served on the London Executive Board of The Emergency Planning Society and is now Board Advisor on Media Engagement for The Security Institute.
Barry Dawson is a commercially astute, forward-thinking security professional, with more than 25 years of experience in developing, managing and growing market share and profitability. As Managing Director of Security at Wilson James, Barry delivers a focused approach to Strategic Account Management, transforming Wilson James from a great “manned guarding” company to one delivering an intelligence-led security solution service, tailored to each of its clients.
City Security magazine is proud to work with contributors from across the security sector and beyond, including police forces, security associations, security providers, consultants and specialists who produce a range of varied and interesting content.
Darren Read is Managing Director at Amulet, the specialist security company of the Churchill Group. Darren has extensive experience in the industry having joined Amulet in 2014 after 11 years with Securitas. He has expertise in project management for major clients, commercial strategy and acquisition integration and a leading industry voice around major trends and developments in the security industry.
David Balaban is a computer security researcher with over 17 years of experience in malware analysis and antivirus software evaluation. David runs MacSecurity.net, which presents expert opinions on contemporary information security matters related to Apple devices, including malware, social engineering, and privacy. David has a strong malware troubleshooting background, with the recent focus on ransomware countermeasures.
Having cut his teeth in the security industry at London-based First Security, David joined Axis Security in 2007 as Sales Director and was promoted to Managing Director in 2015. David spent his early years in architecture before leaving to pursue a career in sales. He is married, has 2 boys and a passion for motorcycling – an activity he has enjoyed (mostly) since he was 17 years old!
David Ward is a senior security consultant who has worked at every level of security over many of the security disciplines for over 25 years. In 2000, he co-founded Ward Security a company which under his direction, grew to become one of the leading security company’s in the UK with a £50m turnover, employing over 1100 security personnel. He left his Chief Executive position in the business in 2021 to establish DWA Associates and specialise in working with businesses at an international level to provide risk management consultancy, security advice and training. He is a board trustee of the CSSC (Cross-Sector Safety and Security Communications) and Chair of the South East Region, a role he has held since 2015 and one that involves developing strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies, local and national government and private sector businesses. He is the creator of the City Security Council (CSC) and until recently was Chair of the Group. The CSC is a collective of premier city security companies formed with the specific purpose of improving incident responses by security companies in the City of London in times of major crises by working collaboratively together and in partnership with the City of London Police and the City of London Corporation. He has recently been appointed as Chair of a Special Interest Group at the Security Commonwealth (SyCom) where his main role involves understanding the perceptions of the security industry and identifying areas that need addressing to manage the overall reputation of the industry in the UK.
A senior member of the security community who has been working in the industry for over 30 years, firstly serving with the City of London Police for 26 years. He was then appointed as MD at JPMorgan Chase as International Security Manager. In 2008, Don was appointed Head of Security at the Bank of England and in 2013 was appointed as the Bank’s first Chief Information Security Officer. Don’s unique contribution to the security sector has been in establishing and leading a number of key public-private security partnerships that have become pivotal to security in London, nationally and globally. Don is founder and Chairman of the Sister Banks, Project Griffin and the Building Accreditation Scheme (BAS), and founder, Vice Chairman of Trustees and Chairman of the Senior Management Board of the Cross-Sector Safety and Security Communications (CSSC) initiative.
Dr Alison Wakefield FSyI is past Chairman of the Security Institute, and an academic criminologist. Alison is a regular author and public speaker on security topics, and her contributions include the books Selling Security: The Private Policing of Public Space (Willan Publishing, 2003), The Sage Dictionary of Policing (Sage, 2009, edited with Jenny Fleming), and Ethical and Social Perspectives on Situational Crime Prevention (Hart Publishing, 2000, edited with Andrew von Hirsch and David Garland).
Emma is the founder and Managing Director of Esoteric Ltd, a well-established Electronic Bug Sweeping, Counter-Espionage and Intelligence gathering company based in Surrey, UK. An MBA graduate, and a Chartered Security Professional (CSyP), Emma’s early career was spent with the Royal Military Police, followed by a career in the Ministry of Defence. She is a Vice President of the Security Institute, having previously been Chairman (2013 to 2015); Board Director of Defence Industry Security Association (DISA); a Council Member of Terrorist Information Network Group (TinyG) and council member for City and Security Resilience Networks (CSARN). Emma is a Trustee and member of the Board of the City of London Crime Prevention Association (ColCPA). Emma is also a non-executive director of Kings Security Group Ltd and Falanx Group Ltd.
Eugene is Secretary of the City of London Crime Prevention Association and Executive Editor of City Security magazine. He is a prominent figure in security in the City of London and is currently a security consultant working across a number of sectors.
Gloria Laycock has a BSc and PhD in psychology from UCL. She was founding Director of the Home Office Police Research Group and the UCL Jill Dando Institute. She has carried out research and development in prisons, policing and crime prevention and has acted as a consultant and trainer on policing matters around the world. She is currently UCL Professor of Crime Science.
Graeme Hughes, VP Global Sales & Marketing at TEAM. Graeme joined TEAM via acquisition in December 2019. Having obtained his Degree in Law from Northampton, Hughes pursued a variety of commercially focused roles serving time at Fortune 500 organizations as well as with smaller more entrepreneurial companies. Hughes joined TEAM from Innovise where he had spent 14 years. Hughes held several roles at Innovise, most of which focused on the market-facing activities, helping grow the business both domestically and Internationally.
Graham is involved in many volunteer aspects within the security community to include:- Committee Member of the City of London Crime Prevention Association , Vice Chairman of ASIS UK & member of the European Advisory Council, Trustee of the City of London Police Children’s Charity, Liveryman of the WCoSP, plus he is MD of GBRUK and Co-Founder of AllSecurityEvents.com
Jeff Little served for 33 years in the British Military and followed a wide and diverse career both on the general staff and regimental duty. He was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). He was then instrumental in founding the TriTectus Strategic Resilience, a consultancy firmly directed at crisis and disaster management techniques and emergency planning with senior police, armed forces and legal expertise. Jeff is also an advisor to Super Recogniser International (SRI) Limited and to Security Expert Online (SEOL).
John Wyatt MBE spent nearly 25 years in the Army, mainly as a Bomb Disposal Officer. After a short stint with the Security Services, he formed his own company and took a PhD in explosive engineering. He was the UN’s blast consultant for the EMEA region and carried out many prestigious projects in the UK and elsewhere in the world including the Crown Jewels, the Shard, British Museum, and assassination enquiries in the Lebanon, Sri Lanka and the Moscow apartment bombings. His book ‘Exploding the Myth’ describes some of these in more detail.
Mark is a security consultant with unique experience in delivering solutions to high profile clients and buildings. Mark is Co-Chair of the Security Institute's Built Environment Security Special Interest Group, and was listed as a thought leader in 'IFSEC Global influencers 2018'. He has provided security design services to major corporations, prestigious office, hotel and residential developments and the residences of royalty, government ministers and high-net-worth individuals.
Mike is the Director of Security Consulting for Corps Security. With an MA in Security Management, he is a Chartered Security Professional; Vice President, Fellow, and a former Chairman of the Security Institute; Ambassador for the Register of Chartered Security Professionals; Member of the London Resilience Academic Partnership; and Chair of the Security Management committee of the British Standards Institution. Mike led the development of BS16000:2015 ‘Security Management and Operational Guidelines’.
Mike Hurst CPP® CPOI FREC MSyI has spent well over 30 years in the security sector as an executive recruiter, strategic consultant, event organiser and volunteer leader with ASIS International and The Security Institute and The Security Commonwealth: currently, he sits on the global board of The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) and is the Director of IFPO UK & Ireland. His “day jobs” are as Director of Executive Recruitment and Strategic Consultancy firm HJA Consult www.hjaconsult.com and co-founder of www.AllSecurityEvents.com.
Neill Catton has over 30 years’ experience in the security industry from foundation to senior leadership. Has operated in most sectors with the focus of delivering quality security solutions to support private and public service customers. Actively involved with industry associations, and current Chairman of the City Security Council, he is committed to raising the profile of the Security Industry and its skilled professionals, while encouraging talent of the future. Neill serves as Managing Director of CIS Security, an Independent London based Security Services Specialist.
Paul is Deputy Chairman of the City of London Crime Prevention Association and Executive Editor of City Security magazine website.
Peter J French was awarded the MBE in 2010. He is the Chief Executive of SSR® Personnel, the leading recruitment consultancy in the field of security risk, permanent or interim hire, with a significant workforce presence in Europe and the Middle East. SSR® has been recognised globally as a best-in-class security recruitment consultancy in the S&FEA. He has been recognised as one of the sectors security visionaries in the IFSEC annual listing. SSR Middle East has also been awarded best security recruitment company in the region. Peter serves on the Chartered Security Professionals Registration Authority. He is a Fellow of the Security Institute, ASIS Certified Protection Professional, a Past Master, Principle Founding Member, and former Trustee of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. He is one of the co-founders of the Security Benevolent Fund that supports those in the security profession that require financial support in times of need. With a dedicated team of Volunteers, he organises the WCoSP Spring Dance that has to date raised over £658,000 for good causes. Peter was honoured as the 6th recipient of the Root & Branch award by the City Liveries Club for his ongoing work with the Livery and Charities.
Philip Ingram is a journalist specialising in the security and intelligence arenas who has built on a long and senior military career as an intelligence and security officer and strategic planner; he maintains a close interest in global events. Philip now runs his own media company, Grey Hare Media, that specialises in delivering informed content for mainstream and trade media outlets as well as wider marketing advice and support.
Richard Jenkins is CEO of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) – in position since 2014. NSI is a UKAS accredited third party certification body, and maintains a register of over 1800 Approved Companies with NSI Gold approval the most widely recognised benchmark in the Security Systems, Guarding Services and Fire Safety sectors. With its roots stemming from the 1970’s, NSI celebrated 20 years of independence from the Loss Prevention Council in 2018. Richard’s experience in the private sector within the UK and EMEA, spans sales, retail and wholesale distribution, manufacturing, international logistics and quality systems, in blue chip organisations such as IKEA, Chubb, Steelcase and Caterpillar. Richard has brought a strong added value and service ethos, a determination to deliver transparency, and clarity in promoting and supporting the high standards delivered by approved companies in the sector.
Rick Mounfield completed his career in the Royal Military Police in 2011 as a Regimental Sergeant Major. His career spanned 23 years, an accumulated 8 years of which were served on operational tours. Rick’s Close Protection specialisation meant he deployed in small teams to protect British Ambassadors and senior Generals across Africa and the Middle East. When he retired he was licensed by the SIA as a CP Operator. Between 2011 and 2017, Rick worked exclusively in the UHNW security arena, employing Close Protection Officers and security specialists in roles across the world. The disparity between those that were professional and those that were not had a marked impact on Rick’s decision to accept his current role of Chief Executive at the Security Institute. He now drives the strategic aims of the Institute, one of which is to encourage professional development and continuous learning. Rick has an MSc in Security Management from Loughborough University and was admitted to the register of Chartered Register of Security Professionals in September 2016.
Roger retired from the Metropolitan Police Service, having successfully completed a 34-year career, in 2012. He has a unique background in operational command, having been pivotal in all major events in London for over 14 years. Roger is now working as an Advisor, Trainer or Consultant in a number of areas, including a number of crisis management and security projects with the public and private sector.
A Security Consultant, BDM, Commercial Project Manager, and security solution provider to the UK focusing on British and European Standards that meet all Emergency requirements, high security standards and ballistic for the UK's government, Police and all CNI Sectors along with National Blue Chip Clients.
Will Geddes, Managing Director of ICP Group and TacticsON, has over 25 years' experience in specialist security advising corporate and private clients across the world. He is a regular commentator for international media on risk, security and terrorism matters for the BBC, ITN, Sky News, CNN, The Telegraph, Radio 4 Today, etc. and is a regular keynote speaker, as well as author of 'Parent Alert: How to keep your kids safe online' (Released: 19.07.18).
City Security magazine is proud to work with contributors from across the security sector and beyond, including police forces, security associations, security providers, consultants and specialists who produce a range of varied and interesting content.