Mark Barber

Security job: Academy & Qualification Design Manager, Securitas

When I left school, my parents suggested I go to university or take on a local gym, which was going into liquidation. I went for the latter, which produced some really interesting opportunities.

The gym was frequented by the local ‘doormen’ who persuaded me to join them. It was like the Wild West and it turned out to be my introduction to the security industry. I loved it!

I learnt the ropes at some of the largest UK ‘urban’ events. I gradually gained more recognition and increasingly took on greater responsibilities. I was operations director for over 300 major outdoor events, and also gained skills and experience in close protection, general security and surveillance.

Turning point: training manager

The key turning point in my career came from my best friend, an assistant police chief constable, who convinced me that training was the way to go! My education in the subject matter, together with my operational experience, proved invaluable as we successfully delivered a full suite of training programmes.

Next, I was appointed national manager for the Olympics 2012, the largest ever training event in the UK, providing specialist training interventions to the top five UK security companies.

Today, I’m proud to be the Academy & Qualification Manager for our City & Guilds accredited training academy and winner of the ‘Highly Commended’ Certificate for contribution to vocational education and training, presented by HRH Princess Royal.

I have a great work/life balance. My family is everything to me, and my time at home is precious, I guard it fiercely! I’m lucky that I love my job and the people I work with; it’s busy, challenging and always keeps me on

my toes.