How did you first get into security?

How did you first get into security? It’s a question we are often asked and one which we find equally interesting to ask our officers.

Did you know, there are currently around 380,000 SIA licenced security officers in the UK, and we have some of the best working for us here at Venture!

The diversity we have within our team - with officers joining us from a wide range of different backgrounds and industries - is one of our greatest assets.  And all the experience and ideas they bring are put to good use, helping us continually improve and enhance our services.

What motivated each individual to want to forge a career in the industry - as well as what made them want to join our team – is something we like to find out and we thought we’d share some of the answers with you here.  

Andrew, Static Guard

I guess I’m not your typical security officer! I have done all sorts over the years, most recently working in complex care where I was supporting young people with disabilities and mental health issues. I have also worked in schools as a specialist teaching assistant, supporting those with specific needs.

I joined the team at Venture Security shortly after gaining my SIA licence, which was my first step into the security industry. I quickly found that many of my skills were transferable. For example, my experience in dealing with antisocial behaviour. Having strong communication skills is also vital.

Liz, mobile patrol officer

Before joining Venture, I was working in nursing at a mental hospital and had a second job working in security within a retail setting. I had also done student housing and corporate security. I was unhappy with the security company I was working for, so when I came across Venture on Indeed, I saw they were recruiting for a mobile patrol officer and I thought I’d give it a go and switch from static guarding to mobile.

Saul, Stonehenge static guarding team leader

I used to be a milkman but around the 2000’s I decided I wanted a change. Working in security appeared to offer good money and prospects, plus I have always enjoyed working nights, so I joined a local security company. My first role was in gatehouse security, looking after staff and other visitors coming on site. Having a role that was front of house and involved meeting and greeting people was something I really enjoyed. I went on to be promoted to recruitment control, where I was looking after 100-150 security officers and working with venues including Twickenham and various football clubs and nightclubs.

I’d always been interested in archaeology and history, so I couldn’t believe it when there was an opportunity to work at Stonehenge! I thought I had no chance but applied anyway – and I got it! I was transferred by TUPE to Venture when the company took over from the previous security provider in 2019.

Otis, mobile patrol officer

Before joining Venture, I was a soldier in the British Armed Forces. It started out as a second job, while I was still in the army. I’m originally from Jamaica, where we’d rather be working than sitting at home! I met someone who worked at Venture and they inspired me to find out more. I went on to do my SIA licence and then applied to join the company.

Ben, Operations Supervisor

I gained a door supervisor qualification while working at the bars at Uni and had enjoyed the work, so I decided to give Venture a call to see what opportunities were available. I was doing an apprenticeship in engineering at the time. It’s a huge contrast to my former life in engineering, where I was stuck in an office and spent a lot of my time in basements, which was incredibly boring.

Paul Howe, Founder of Venture Security

I’ve always been interested in geography and went on to do a degree in it at Plymouth University. Alongside my studies, I gained my local authority door supervisor licence in 2000 and started working in security for pubs and clubs as well as festivals and other events. While I did explore the idea of joining the armed forces at one point, I was enjoying what I was doing and saw an opportunity there.

Over the years I saw security being provided so badly by companies who were basically trying to get as much money as possible, for doing as little as they could! There was a real lack of organisation, transparency and professionalism and I knew I could create something better - which was where the idea for Venture was born.

Looking for a security contractor you can trust?

At Venture, we work with businesses based across Andover, Salisbury, Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton and Fareham, providing a range of professional security services. Whether you’re looking for static guarding, mobile patrols, key holding and alarm response, or support with the locking and unlocking of your premises, we can help. 

To find out more email office@venturesec.co.uk or call us on 01264 391 538.

You may also be interested in:

• Venture makes Living Wage commitment
• Key holding challenges post-Covid – are you ready?
• Managing TUPE and the transfer of staff when outsourcing