Why I Took the Leap and Established My Own Training Company.

Starting my own training company was a major life changer, driven by years of experience in the security industry, both delivering training and working operationally.

The journey has been full of challenges, discoveries, and a deep understanding of what people working in the private security industry need to succeed.

In this editorial post, I will share insights, motivations, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

The Spark of Inspiration

My entry into the security industry began over a decade ago, through the natural progression from serving in the armed forces.

While working in security and also teaching in security, I encountered numerous situations, some of which were intense, while others were deeply educational. What resonated with me was how each experience highlighted the critical need for effective training.

Many security officers, I observed while working, were sadly not prepared for the situations they were put in, and they often lacked essential skills in areas like medical response, physical intervention and conflict management, and in addition to this a number of training providers I had worked for in the past "were not doing the job right" which reflected on me as a tutor.

While mulling these things over, the idea of establishing my own training company began to form. I felt a significant responsibility to equip both current and future security operatives joining the industry with the skills crucial for navigating the unpredictable nature of their jobs.

Recognising the Gaps

Throughout my years in the field, I recognised the diverse skill sets necessary for security roles, particularly in door supervision within the night-time economy and the ultra-high net worth world of close protection. However, I found that many training programs were inadequate, often failing to address the complex realities of the job.

Topics like first aid and emergency response were frequently skimmed over or poorly taught, leaving many people unprepared, in addition to this there were many unnecesery additional training "bolt-ons" which while they looked cool to the outside and made a good post course photo o put on their social media had littlle to no bearing on helping the students reach their goal of passing the course.

This revelation fueled a passion in me to create comprehensive training programs tailored specifically to deliver results. I envisioned courses that combined theory with real-world scenarios, much like those involving live drills or situational simulations that i had taken part in while serving in the army, where participants could apply their skills in a controlled but realistic setting.

These methods would significantly enhance their readiness for critical situations while removing what I and many more see as useless and often poorly taught additional learning outcomes, which are not part of the curriculum.

Taking the Leap of Faith

The idea of launching my own training company became clearer, and I knew I had to act. This decision meant leaving a stable job within the private security industry for the uncertain world of entrepreneurship, and it was hear that James Consulting was born.

Fear was a constant companion, but so was excitement. I devoted time to researching the necessary steps, including creating a solid business plan, defining course offerings, and exploring suitable training locations.

Consulting with industry professionals strengthened my resolve. Conversations with seasoned veterans, many of whom echoed my concerns about inadequate training, provided valuable insights.

It was this community support that acted as a catalyst for my decision to proceed.

Laying the Groundwork

Launching a training company required meticulous planning and preparation. I first needed premises to work from and then I sat down and thought to myself do I, it was while reflecting on a conversation with another business owner and friend that i had previously worked for who told me how much he was spending just to have a nice office that i decided not to invest in office space and instead opted to rent space as and when I needed it and invest the money I would have spent in to the training we would deliver.

The second decision was which awarding body I should use, and after dropping two or three of them an email opted for the one that rang back within an hour. The team at QNUK was great, they got us set up within three weeks of our initial enquiry and were on hand to help throughout the process.

An awarding body for those who don't know is the people who assess the training providers' training delivery against the learning outcomes set out within the qualification specification.

Every course we deliver has a set of learning outcomes that we, as the training company and our instructors, tutors, or directing staff delivering the training, need to follow.

Not going it alone

While setting everything up, however, it soon became apparent that I could not do this alone. Building a network of skilled instructors was essential. Each instructor brought unique experiences, particularly in areas like medical training and close protection, which need to be taught by instructors who have real-life knowledge of the industry and are subject matter experts within their chosen field.

As we began the training sessions, I focused on establishing a welcoming and interactive learning environment. I understood that it was critical for security officers to feel comfortable asking questions and participating in discussions while at the same time taking them out of their comfort zone.

Using teaching techniques such as hands-on practice and discussing real-life events led to fantastic results.

Feedback from initial courses revealed that nearly 90% of participants felt more confident in their abilities to handle challenging situations after completing their training.

Spreading the Word

With a solid foundation in place, it was time to introduce the training company to the world. My main focus became sharing my mission and the importance of comprehensive training and providing solutions for security officers.

I leveraged word-of-mouth and engaged with the community to highlight the critical need for quality training. Potential clients needed to understand that investing in thorough training could save lives, both those of the security officers and those they were protecting or working for.

By creating valuable content about security training on my website and collaborating with industry experts, I began to raise awareness about the unique training offerings we provide. Utilising SEO strategies increased our visibility, ensuring that relevant keywords like "security and medical training” and “first aid” were naturally integrated into our content. This approach was invaluable and attracted security professionals eager to enhance their skills.

As we have evolved, it's not only security officers we are teaching, we have developed good working relationships with other businesses that saw our ability to provide good quality training and reached out to ask for our help and support for their own staff.

Committing to Continuous Improvement

As we gained momentum, I understood the importance of seeking ongoing feedback from course participants. Encouraging their insights after every course allowed me to track effectiveness and adjust the curriculum as needed. This commitment to continuous improvement helped us remain relevant in an evolving industry.

I also prioritised staying informed on best practices and current research in critical areas. By continually integrating new knowledge into our training sessions, I made sure that our company remained at the forefront of security education. In a rapidly evolving landscape, this adaptability is crucial.

Building a Supportive Community

Establishing a training company allowed me to connect with a broader community of security professionals. Partnering with various organisations and attending industry conferences led to valuable collaborative opportunities.

Building relationships with other experts not only helped expand our reach but also enriched the training we provided. This sense of community reinforced our mission to enhance the skills and preparedness of security professionals everywhere.

Navigating Challenges

No entrepreneurial journey is without its hurdles. I faced challenges such as funding limitations and the complexities of scaling the business to reach a wider audience.

Yet, I saw each obstacle as an opportunity to learn and adjust. I identified key areas where marketing efforts needed focus and service delivery required enhancement. By remaining proactive and resilient, I found creative solutions that supported our growth.

Networking with other entrepreneurs provided practical insights on navigating these challenges. Their experiences inspired innovative strategies for overcoming financial issues and taking advantage of market demand.

Celebrating Success

Establishing this training company was not just a career shift; it was about transforming lives through education. Each completed course, positive review, and success story was a milestone worth celebrating.

As the company starts to develop, I often find myself reflecting on our journey. Seeing former participants excel in their roles as trained security officers was genuinely rewarding. Their successes fueled my passion and motivated me to strive for continual improvements.

Online training is a great way to add additional skills and qualifications to your CV

Looking Toward the Future

As I consider the future, I envision scaling the training company to reach a broader audience. Expanding our offerings to include specialised sessions on topics like crisis intervention and threat assessment could provide immense value in today's complex security landscape.

We are also looking to leverage technology to enhance learning experiences. Online courses and virtual training sessions will offer flexibility, allowing people to participate in valuable training while fitting it into their schedules, and in addition, we are also looking to introduce AI into the business to further enhance what we do.

We have also ventured out into the community and are currently developing a training package for schools to help guide our children through the many hurdles of early life.

Reflection on My Journey

Starting James Consulting was a bold leap into the unknown, but it has proven to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. The passion for providing effective training that empowers people and motivates me every day.

This journey has taught me that building a training company is not just about creating a business. It is about fostering a community of knowledgeable and skilled people, equipped to tackle challenges with confidence.

As the industry changes, our training programs will evolve as well, rooted in the belief that quality education is crucial for the success of security professionals. For anyone thinking of a similar leap, I encourage you to follow your passion. With hard work and dedication, you can make a meaningful difference in the world of security.

Together, we can transform security training and ensure that every officer has the necessary skills to do the job effectively.

If you are looking for a training provider to deliver a course, a quick google search will provide you with hundreds to choose from if you are looking for high-quality training delivered by tutors with real-life knowledge backed by a company that strives to provide you with not only the best service but to also give you a return on your investment you need to give us a call or drop us a message.