What Shield Associates does

Shield Associates is a privately held UK security consultancy incorporated in 2013, headquartered in Cobham, Surrey, and operating with a core team of approximately five employees. The firm was founded by former senior Metropolitan Police officers and relies on a curated network of Military Special Forces-trained associates, positioning subject-matter expertise in law enforcement, crime prevention, risk management, and protective services as its primary asset. Its service portfolio spans security audits and threat assessments, dedicated Martyn's Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) compliance advisory, premises security and physical penetration testing, evacuation/invacuation/dynamic lockdown consultancy, personal safety and conflict management training, counter-terrorism training (aligned with Project Griffin and Project Argus), licensing protection for night-time economy venues, event management, and school/community safety initiatives. Customers include Harrods, BP, McDonald's, McLaren, Wembley Stadium, Crystal Palace F.C., the Metropolitan Police, O2 Academy, Kingston University, YMCA, Essex County Council, Paddy Power Betfair, Costain, MITIE, Welcome Break and Big Yellow Self Storage, primarily served across London and the South East with episodic UK-wide, European and worldwide engagements.

Delivery is structured around bespoke professional services contracts on a quote-based, multi-year basis with no publicly disclosed pricing. Rather than building proprietary technology platforms, Shield Associates extends its service surface through trusted associate partners that provide specialist capabilities: advanced identity document validation software (used across 35+ NHS Trusts and 30+ Local Government bodies), wireless lockdown and access control systems (deployed across 300+ premises under SSAIB approval and ISO 9001), aerial drone surveys using CAA-licensed pilots flying DJI aircraft, and Special Forces-trained investigative services covering counter-terrorism, homicide, corruption and kidnap work. Marketing is content-led via a topical blog, a monthly MailChimp newsletter, and presence on LinkedIn and Twitter (@ShieldLondon), supported by a high-profile client logo showcase that functions as the principal credibility signal.

Revenue is generated entirely from professional services fees for consultancy, training, expert-witness and protective engagements, with no hardware, software licence, or subscription revenue model disclosed. The company is privately held with no institutional investment, no disclosed subsidiaries, no M&A history and no public listing, and operates under VAT registration 181620521 and Companies House number 8372268. Operating geography is concentrated in GBR with claim of UK, European and worldwide reach, and counter-terrorism, licensing-protection and Martyn's Law compliance are the most strategically material service lines given the 2025 regulatory environment.

Name

Shield Associates

Legal name

Shield Associates

Website

https://shieldassociates.co.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Shield Associates is a UK-based security consultancy founded by former senior Metropolitan Police officers, delivering bespoke security audits, Martyn's Law compliance, counter-terrorism training, licensing protection, and personal safety services to enterprise, government and public-sector clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Security Consultancy Services

NAICS

Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services (56161), Investigation and Security Services (5616)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Security Consulting, Risk Assessment & Security Program Design (BPABAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Security Risk Assessment, Auditing & Security Consulting Training (BPAKAOAH), Executive Protection & Close Protection Services (IMAIAEAC), Executive Protection (Close Protection) Training & Certification (BPAKAOAC)

Keywords

• Security consultancy services
• Threat and risk assessments
• Counter-terrorism training
• Personal safety training
• Licensed venue security

Headquarters

HQ city

Cobham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Security Consultancy and Training Services: Professional consultancy fees for security audits, threat assessments, training programmes, and expert witness services. Services are bespoke and tailored to client requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Shield Associates is a UK-based security consultancy that provides bespoke security audits, threat and risk assessments, and accredited training programmes delivered by former senior Metropolitan Police officers and Military Special Forces personnel. Its portfolio spans counter-terrorism consultancy aligned with Martyn's Law (Protect Duty), premises penetration testing, close protection, evacuation/invacuation/dynamic lockdown training, personal safety and conflict management training, licensing consultancy for the night-time economy, event management and safety planning, plus specialist capabilities including aerial drone surveys, identity document validation, and physical security product supply (CCTV, access control, RFID asset protection).

Product overview

Shield Associates is a UK-based security consultancy offering a comprehensive portfolio of advisory services, training programmes, and physical security products. Their core offerings span security audits and threat assessments, Martyn's Law/Protect Duty compliance consultancy, premises security and penetration testing, emergency procedures training, personal safety training, counter-terrorism consultancy, licensing consultancy for the night-time economy, event management, and community outreach programmes. Supporting these services, they provide specialist offerings including aerial drone surveys, identity vetting solutions, investigative services, and physical security products (CCTV, access control, asset tagging systems). All services are delivered by former senior Metropolitan Police officers and specialist associates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Security Audits & Threat Assessments Comprehensive security threat assessment and management service covering physical buildings, infrastructure, employees and clients. Delivers risk assessment reports with an inventory of critical assets, threats, vulnerability analysis, and recommendations, aimed at commercial organisations and venues needing an independent security review.
• Protect Duty - Martyn's Law Consultancy Specialist consultancy helping organisations comply with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn's Law). Provides security plan reviews, risk assessment tools, counter-terrorism training, and lockdown procedure guidance for Standard Tier (200-799 capacity) and Enhanced Tier (800+ capacity) publicly accessible premises.
• Premises Security, Penetration Testing and Close Protection Physical security services including physical penetration testing, CCTV installation (overt and covert), alarm systems, access control, GPS tracking, close protection for individuals and families, and protection of high value goods, aimed at high-net-worth clients, corporates, and venues.
• Evacuation / Invacuation / Dynamic Lockdown Consultancy and Training Expert consultancy and training for implementing emergency response procedures including evacuation, invacuation, and dynamic lockdown in response to critical incidents. Includes comprehensive wireless lockdown alarm and access control systems for premises.
• Personal Safety and Conflict Management Training Accredited personal safety training covering conflict management, release and escape techniques, physical intervention, positive handling, and bespoke packages for children, vulnerable people, and those with specific needs, delivered by DBS-checked trainers.
• Counter Terrorism Consultancy and Training Counter-terrorism training package supporting Project Griffin and Project Argus. Covers threat awareness, hostile reconnaissance detection, suspect package response, Stay Safe principles, drone awareness, and cyber threats, delivered to enterprises and public venues.
• Independent Expert Licensing Consultancy Licensing protection services for the night-time economy including impact assessments, expert witness evidence at licensing hearings, protection from enforcement activities, and forensic crime scene awareness, aimed at bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Event Management, Planning and Safety Event planning and management services for public events including risk assessments, SAG liaison, transport coordination, command and control structure, SIA-trained security teams, and customer experience training for venues and event organisers.
• Community and Schools Initiatives Low-cost safety and security training for schools, colleges, community groups and charities. Courses include conflict management, defensive decision making, personal safety awareness, situational awareness, and gap year travel safety programmes.
• Aerial Drone Survey and Threat Assessment Specialist aerial drone deployment for premises surveys and security threat assessments using DJI Phantom 3 Professional and Inspire drones with Zenmuse X5 cameras for 4K video capture. Pilots hold Civil Aviation Authority licences.
• Security and Identity Vetting Identity document validation using advanced software technology. Reads and evaluates visible and non-visible security features and generates PDF compliance reports for Right to Work, Right to Rent, Anti Money Laundering (AML), and KYC legislation, deployed across NHS Trusts, local government, and public/private sector organisations.
• Investigative Services, Corporate Surveillance and Training Investigation and intelligence gathering services conducted by former senior Metropolitan Police officers and Military Special Forces personnel. Covers corporate due diligence, financial investigations, corruption investigations, counterfeiting, and full security vetting, delivered by staff trained to Senior Investigating Officer PIP level 3 and RIPA/PACE-compliant.
• Security Products - CCTV, Access Control and Asset Protection Physical security systems including digital CCTV (infrared and thermal imaging), door entry systems (audio and video), access control (keypad, key fob, card, biometric), and RFID asset protection for artwork, libraries, and businesses.

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Identity Scanning Solutions PartnercoreTechnology or IntegrationTrusted associate providing advanced identity document validation technology. Solutions deployed across NHS Trusts, Local Government bodies, and public/private sector organisations. Technology validates identity documents in seconds, capturing both visible and non-visible security features.
• Lockdown Alarm and Security Systems PartnercoreTechnology or IntegrationAssociate company with over 20 years experience delivering security products across UK and internationally. Provides wireless lockdown alarm and access control systems installed in over 300 premises. SSAIB approved and ISO: 9001 accredited.
• Security Products PartnercoreTechnology or IntegrationTrusted associate providing comprehensive security products including CCTV, door entry systems, access control, and asset tagging solutions. ISO: 9001 accredited and SSAIB approved with over 20 years industry experience.
• Special Forces Investigation AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilitary Special Forces personnel who have participated in investigating serious complex crimes including Counter terrorism, Homicide, Corruption, Serious public disorder, Counter narcotics and Kidnap. Conduct investigations across UK and abroad in hostile and politically sensitive countries.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Sodexo Security: Global facilities services company with a UK security division offering security guarding, consulting, and compliance services. Comparable to Shield Associates in serving enterprise clients with bespoke security solutions, though at much larger scale.
• Cordant Security: UK security services provider offering manned guarding, security consultancy, and training services. Comparable to Shield Associates in the security training and consulting space, with a broader operational footprint.
• Allied Universal (formerly G4S): Global security services company with major UK operations offering security guarding, consulting, and security technology. Comparable to Shield Associates across the full spectrum of security services, with far greater scale and resources.
• Securitas UK: One of the largest global security services companies with a UK presence offering security guarding, consulting, and protective services. Comparable to Shield Associates in the consultancy and training space, but at much greater scale and breadth of service.
• Mitie Security: UK facilities management and security services company with a comprehensive security offering including manned guarding, security consultancy, and technology services. Listed as a Shield Associates partner, indicating direct market overlap in security services.

Direct peers

• FGH Security: UK security company providing event security, venue security, and security training. Comparable to Shield Associates in the night-time economy and licensed venue security space, where both serve bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
• ICTS UK: UK security services company providing security consultancy, aviation security, and corporate security training. Comparable to Shield Associates in the security consultancy and training niche, with similar expertise in complex threat assessments.
• Wilson James: UK security and logistics services firm offering security consultancy, manned guarding, and event security for major venues and corporate clients. Comparable to Shield Associates in serving enterprise and public venue customers, though with a larger operational footprint.
• Ward Security: UK-based security services provider offering security guarding, consultancy, and training. Comparable to Shield Associates in the security consultancy and training space, with similar customer segments in commercial and public sector.
• Pilgrims Group: UK-based security risk management and consultancy firm providing protective services, security training, and crisis management to government and corporate clients. Very comparable to Shield Associates in scope and customer profile, with a similar ex-military/police talent base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ShieldLondon
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shield-associates

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shield Associates