ANDY DAVIS’ vast experience in security, risk and crisis management around the globe has ensured his clients have complete peace of mind about the protection of their assets, people and operations, no matter where they are based.

He had established his career around security and intelligence roles for governmental organisations before launching Trident Manor in 2013.

His career began in the army and during the 1980’s he spent much of his time in Northern Ireland where he undertook intelligence duties. This was followed by 12 years with Durham Constabulary, primarily in investigative and intelligence roles.

Following this he joined the Foreign Office as a diplomat, specialising in the protection of government assets including buildings, people and their families and operations, this work took him around the world.

He said: “My diplomatic experience took me to a range of fantastic countries, including Uganda, Columbia, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, each with their own challenges.

“I was then given the opportunity to join the corporate world and for two years I worked in Abu Dhabi. My work there was based around advising on security operations and designs for major infrastructure projects from museums to hotels and even desert islands.

"This had me reducing the risks the organisation was exposed to from criminals, terrorism and even insider threats. However, I had always planned to establish Trident Manor, I even wrote my business plan in 1987 but knew I needed more experience to really exploit my skills. In 2013 I took the plunge and never looked back.”

Trident Manor’s first contract was to develop security training and awareness programmes for a client in Kazakhstan. He is proud of the fact that this project came to him via a word of mouth recommendation, despite never having met anyone in the company before. His business was up and running, providing support and security advice, procedures and training.

By 2015 he had established offices within County Durham, initially in Newton Aycliffe followed by a move to Business Central in Darlington, due to expansion. Clients came for his advice from around the globe and in a range of fields, including the chemical, hospitality and cultural sectors.

He said: “In the last three years I have won work in 30 different countries for a wide range of clients ranging from Silicon Valley technology companies, global chemical organisations, London law firms and many from within the culture and heritage sectors.

"Our logo is 'Enabling the Protection of Assets' and this is what we deliver for all of our clients; protection of their assets, operations and reputations.”

Current projects include providing security intelligence and guidance for a client operating in Mexico who wants to ensure the safety of their staff and operations and specialising in the protection of hotels and cultural venues, in the UK and internationally.

He has an extensive network of security and intelligence experts at his fingertips, a throwback from his time spent operating internationally.

Trident Manor has been awarded a long-term contract by an American trade body to conduct security reviews and audits of its members in the UK and throughout Europe.

He said: “We have never been busier, and continue to win contracts, irrespective of Brexit. I can only see it increasing with more organisations sending their staff further afield in search of contracts but with a need to ensure they are protected, and duty of care requirements are met.”

His services and advice are sought after by a wide range of individuals and organisations around the world and he has just returned from speaking at the Global Security Exchange in Las Vegas, the largest security conference in the world.

He puts the secret of his success down to his knowledge, pragmatic approach and absolute discretion when dealing with clients; and as a result Trident Manor hasn’t ever lost a customer and continues to grow apace.

Favourite North-East building and why?

As a proud County Durham lad, it must be Durham Cathedral.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

It was a milk round in the Chilton area and I think I was paid 60p a week.

What is the worst job you’ve had?

As silly as it sounds I have never had a job that I didn’t like. There may be aspects of work that I didn’t like but I have loved every job that I have done and learnt from them.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

Slow braised lamb shank, on a bed of mixed sweet potato and butternut squash with roasted vegetables and a minted gravy. For desert it would have to be a selection of mature English cheeses with a Tawny port for good measures.

What would your superpower be?

Detecting lies

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Lyce Doucet – I used to meet and chat with her frequently whilst working in Pakistan. She has a fascinating understanding of conflict zones, politics and is a good laugh; Sir John Hall – I love everything that he has done for the region and he is such a lovely guy; Steph McGovern – She just makes me smile and has a local quirkiness that is infectious and Earnest Hemmingway – so we can talk about the one that got away.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much?

Jewellery for my wife to compensate for the time I spent travelling abroad. Cost; ‘money and fair words’.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

@PhilipIngMBE Phil Ingram (MBE) is a security and intelligence specialist and his thoughts and comments on global affairs are very interesting; and he is a really nice guy.

Favourite book?

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

– always been a favourite as it tells the story of a quest to overcome adversity.

When did you last cry?

Watching ‘Tears of the Sun’. Acts of sacrifice and achievement rolled into a good action film.

What is your greatest achievement?

Apart from family it would have to be the continued expansion and growth of Trident Manor Limited.

What’s the best piece of advice in business you’ve ever been given?

Never give up!

Favourite animal and why?

Peregrine Falcon, so I could make a speedy getaway if needed.

Most famous person on your mobile phone?

Of those I can say; Lyce Doucet.

What was the last band you saw live?

Don’t know their name but they were brilliant in Temple Bar, in Dublin.

Describe your perfect night in?

Cheese, red wine and a good TV show.

In another life I would be...

Born ten years earlier to avoid mistakes and to help prevent suffering.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Anybody who has a North-Eastern accent. I hate false North-Eastern accents.

What irritates you?

People who do not listen and are dismissive of their staff. Everybody has ideas, the talent is having the team share and develop them for a wider benefit.

What’s your secret talent?

I used to be the under-21 fencing champion (foil) when in the Army.