OUR BLOG

For high-net-worth families, home isn’t just a property - it’s a sanctuary. Yet today’s risks extend far beyond simple break-ins. Homes are targeted for their value, their visibility, and increasingly their occupants. And with many HNW families balancing multiple residences, frequent travel, public profiles and busy routines, safeguarding a home requires more than alarms or cameras. This is where residential security  becomes a strategic investment - a protective layer that

When your Principal travels, your responsibility extends far beyond flights and hotel bookings. You’re managing not just their itinerary — but their privacy, their comfort, and often, their personal safety. Every journey introduces new variables: unfamiliar drivers, exposed public spaces, unpredictable schedules. For high-profile individuals, even a short domestic trip can carry hidden risks. This guide is designed to help Executive Assistants and PAs manage their client’s tr

As a Personal or Executive Assistant, your role extends far beyond scheduling and logistics. You’re the gatekeeper — responsible for your Principal’s time, privacy, and, increasingly, their safety. When the need arises to hire close protection , it can feel like unfamiliar territory. The stakes are high. Choose well, and your Principal continues life uninterrupted. Choose poorly, and their security, comfort, or reputation may be compromised. The truth is, effective protection

When arranging private security for a principal, most family offices and PAs assume that a signed contract equals peace of mind. But in practice, many private security contracts fall short of the standards a high-net-worth client should expect. Clauses are vague. Training is assumed. Accountability is left open to interpretation. And when something does go wrong, that lack of precision becomes a problem. At VIS Protection, we’ve reviewed countless contracts written by agencie

For most families, the idea of having a bodyguard sounds excessive. But for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) households, the question isn’t about luxury - it’s about living freely without risk . Today, the lines between public and private life are blurred. Families share moments online, move between multiple homes, and travel frequently. Each of these adds visibility - and with it, vulnerability. If you manage or represent a private household - as a PA, es

When arranging Close Protection in Ireland , it’s easy to assume that a licence is a licence — that anyone calling themselves a bodyguard must have been through the same rigorous training. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. For PAs, family office managers and advisers tasked with sourcing security, this detail matters. Choosing the wrong operative can mean hiring someone legally permitted to guard a door, but not trained to protect a person. So, what’s the difference

When most people imagine private security, they picture a bodyguard glued to their side - tall, imposing, and impossible to ignore. It’s the classic Hollywood image: someone walking a step behind, eyes scanning the room, making their presence felt. For some, that setup works. But for many high-net-worth individuals, families, and executives, the thought of a bodyguard shadowing every movement feels intrusive. It disrupts normal life, alters how others interact with you, and c

Many people confuse private security with security guards, but the two services are very different. The right choice depends on the risks you face and the lifestyle you want to protect. Private security  is bespoke and discreet - built around individuals, families and businesses with specific risk profiles. Security guards  provide standardised, visible deterrence for premises, events and day-to-day safety. This guide explains the difference, when to use each, and how VIS op

Personal security isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity.  Whether you’re a high-profile executive, public figure, or someone who values privacy, having a professional bodyguard is about more than protection. It’s about peace of mind. At VIS Protection, we often get asked a straightforward question: “How much does it cost to hire a private bodyguard?”  The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs vary depending on risk, location, and the level of cover required. But that doesn’t mea

Ireland has become a hub for high-net-worth families, global executives, and public figures who value its stability and lifestyle. But with rising visibility comes rising risk. Questions around armed security in Ireland are becoming more common, often fuelled by reports of high-profile robberies across Europe. It’s understandable that more people than ever are researching this topic. In countries like the US, armed bodyguards are almost expected. But Ireland is different - le

London is a city of contrasts: world-class business centres sit beside historic estates, luxury boutiques line the same streets as crowded tourist hotspots, and private members’ clubs host high-profile gatherings every night of the week. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), the city is both a stage and a risk environment. While residences can be fortified and events carefully curated, the real exposure often lies in between: moving from home to office, from dinner t

Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals live in a world where wealth brings opportunity, but also exposure. Security is not optional — it’s a...

When you’re constantly in the spotlight, your security team  isn't just an accessory - they become part of your daily rhythm, your inner circle, and, in many cases, your peace of mind. But just because someone looks the part doesn’t mean they’re fit to protect a high-profile life. In fact, the wrong hire can do more harm than good. The cost of poor judgement You don't have to look far to find examples of celebrity security  gone wrong. Leaked addresses, photos taken inside ho

As someone who’s spent decades in both military service and private security, I’m often asked: What is the purpose of private security?  The answer is simple - if you’re thinking about it, you likely already need it. Security isn’t about paranoia. It’s about preparation. And if something were to go wrong, would you wish you’d done something sooner? Why Is Personal Security Necessary? The moment your success becomes visible (through wealth, status, or online presence) you also

Absolutely. In fact, the best security doesn’t draw attention - it prevents it. If you’re hosting, attending, or managing a high-profile event, you don’t want security to become part of the spectacle. You want to stay focused on the moment, while someone else quietly handles what’s happening at the margins. At VIS Protection, we provide protective surveillance and event security that blends into the background. We’re often on site before the client arrives, long after they

The prices of hiring a private bodyguard vary depending on: Threat level  (low-profile vs active threat) Duration  (daily, overnight, long-term) Location  (London, Dublin, rural estates, international travel) Experience required  (solo operative vs team, language skills, armed forces background) Type of protection  (visible presence or covert surveillance) You won’t find our rates on a one-size-fits-all sheet because your life doesn’t fit into a box. But to give you a benchm

Because they want professionals who’ve operated under real pressure - and know how to respond when it counts. Across Ireland, more HNW individuals are choosing former military Close Protection because the stakes are rising:  • High-value homes in visible locations  • Frequent international travel with minimal planning windows  • Children in elite schools with predictable routines  • Public exposure through business, social media, or family ties At VIS Protection, we support c

Yes. And it’s far more common than you might think. Whether you're a high-profile individual, a personal assistant managing someone else's safety, or part of a family office handling risk exposure - hiring a bodyguard in the UK is completely legal , provided they are SIA licensed. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates all Close Protection services across the UK. Anyone providing bodyguard services must hold an active SIA Close Protection licence. Without it, they’re

For individuals with public visibility or private wealth, exposure doesn’t begin when they arrive - it starts the moment they leave the house. Whether travelling between boardrooms, properties, or appearances, the risk isn’t always obvious. But it’s there. That’s why more clients are turning to bodyguard chauffeurs - professionals trained to protect while they drive. At VIS, we’re seeing increased demand for private security drivers  who can deliver both safe transport and re

In Dublin’s most exclusive neighbourhoods and boardrooms, a quiet trend is taking hold. Ireland’s high-net-worth individuals, celebrities and business leaders are increasingly turning to private security firms staffed by former military and Garda professionals. The reason is simple: when discretion, precision, and proven experience matter, only elite protection will do. Why military-grade protection stands apart Choosing a private security provider isn’t just about presence