Greetings, everyone!
I'm Peter Miles, the CEO of Broadstone Risks. With a career spanning over two decades across 90 countries, I've operated within the security arena working and collaborating with esteemed organizations such as the UK Home Office and the London Metropolitan Police. Currently, my role involves discreetly safeguarding global icons, celebrities, and public figures. I would like to share some of my journey and help shed light on the future and potential within the close protection industry.
A Silent Guardian
Until now, I've maintained a discreet presence on public and social media platforms. In the realm of security, especially when dealing with high-profile clients, finding the delicate balance between promoting your work and preserving anonymity is paramount.
For more than two decades, I've diligently protected clients while keeping my identity concealed. Even as I worked closely with some of the world's most famous individuals, the media and fans remained unable to put a name to me, despite their best efforts. I am now open to engage with the wider community.
Sharing a Wealth of Experience
Having amassed a wealth of experience, I have been keen to mentor and offer insights into an industry that often remains shrouded in secrecy. In my view, while there are many skilled operatives working with celebrities and public figures, there exists untapped potential to refine one's skills, to uncover latent abilities, and to guide individuals in applying these skills to their professional lives.
This industry is not just about physical prowess; it's a mental game. The ability to comprehend and harness technology to enhance risk mitigation, protective intelligence, dark web monitoring, threat analysis, and other solutions is a domain that has, until now, primarily been within the purview of government intelligence agencies. This understanding must be applied to the security industry and those entrusted with the physical protection of public figures and global brands.
Protecting Icons
I've had the privilege of representing many of the worlds highest profile names, lone being, The Carters, better known as Jay Z and Beyoncé. My association with the family since 2013 became an integral part of my role as a Team Leader for the family and Global Director of an International Risk Management company that provided their protection across the globe. This unique experience allows me to offer valuable insights into scaling one's skills.
I won't delve into specifics about the client, but I mention this example to provide context and relatability to the challenges faced while working with globally renowned clients. It affords me a legitimate perspective to share with others.
The Formation World Tour
One particularly notable experience unfolded in 2016 when I undertook the challenging project of securing Beyoncé's 'Formation World Tour.' With forty-nine stadium shows spanning twenty-three countries, this tour ranked as the No. 1 World Tour of 2016, drawing 2.3 million attendees and grossing a total of $256 million. It was a monumental undertaking that involved coordinating police escorts, managing stadium shows, and addressing the security concerns inherent in diverse and ever-changing environments against a backdrop of terrorist related activity in Europe such as the Paris attacks at the Bataclan Theatre, and Stade de France and Nice truck attack and Brussels airport bombing.
Success in such scenarios requires continuous adaptation, excellence in logistics, effective communication, and a dedication to providing a high-quality service. It's a non-stop, demanding endeavor that underscores the importance of mastering the art of adaptability.
The Importance of Professional Development
It's crucial to recognize the true impact of your contributions to a security team and the client. When considering training opportunities and Continued Professional Development (CPD), it's vital to seek training that has real-world applicability, beyond merely enhancing your CV or acquiring additional credentials. This training is not just for personal gain; it benefits you, the client, and the entire industry. It equips you to make a meaningful difference and, in turn, elevates the security industry's perception and value.
In my experience, protecting billion-dollar assets, global performing artists, and public figures presents a unique set of challenges. I hope to share these experiences with the private sector to facilitate learning and growth. My aim is to create a learning environment that offers a distinct perspective on protecting global corporations, royalty, presidents, entertainment artists, and even countries, drawing from my experience within specialized government departments.
For me, it's not just about the job; it's a lifelong journey of growth and evolution. While obtaining an SIA License may serve as an initial stepping stone, the path to becoming a well-rounded professional doesn't end there. The security industry is global, diverse, and rapidly evolving, with specialized niches such as information management, surveillance, close protection, medical training, and more. At higher levels of the industry, being versatile and well-rounded pays dividends.
A Vision for the Future
I aspire to create a training environment for individuals seeking to advance their careers in protecting public figures, royalty, and celebrities. This platform will emphasize a genuine understanding of real-world scenarios, preparing individuals for the challenges of elite client protection.
Life experience, whether in law enforcement, surveillance, or countless other roles, builds judgment and adaptability that are essential in specialist environments. My goal is to bring this real-world experience to the security field and unlock the full potential of individuals in this sector.
By collectively and individually enhancing our understanding and skill sets, we can raise the bar in this industry, ensuring clients receive the best possible service. Training isn't just about getting a job; it's about becoming an asset, being prepared for any situation, and making a positive impact.
Thank you for embarking on this journey with me. I eagerly anticipate sharing my insights and experiences with you in the years to come.
Peter Miles
CEO, Broadstone Risks
