top of page
Close protection

Discreet Executive Close Protection in the UK & Ireland

Trusted close protection services delivered by former military and police professionals - safeguarding HNW individuals, families and public figures with discretion and precision.

45+ Years of Combined Industry Experience

Former Military & Police Close Protection Specialists

SIA Licensed Close Protection Operatives (CPO'S)

Bespoke Personal Security Solutions Across the UK & Ireland

VIS: A Leading UK Close Protection Firm

At VIS Protection, we provide discreet, high-standard close protection services for high-net-worth individuals, executives, families and public figures across the UK and Ireland. Every operative is a former military or police professional, trained to deliver quiet, proactive security that supports your lifestyle rather than disrupts it.

Whether you require a personal bodyguard for daily movements, international travel, events or residential protection, our close protection teams operate with planning, precision and complete confidentiality.

Opening Car Door

What are close protection services?

Close protection services (sometimes called executive protection) involve safeguarding individuals who face elevated personal risk due to their wealth, status, profession or public visibility. Effective protection is more than a physical presence - it includes planning, intelligence, advance work, risk assessment and discreet day-to-day security management.

At VIS Protection, our close protection services are delivered exclusively by former military and police professionals who understand how to identify risks early and operate without attracting attention.

Close Protection Officer for celebrities, politicians and royalty from former military close protection company

What does a close protection service include?

Image of business professionals who would benefit from closeprotecion services in London and across the UK
  • Personal security detail

  • Threat and risk assessments

  • Travel and movement planning

  • Protective surveillance

  • Secure transport

  • Residential protection

  • Event security management

  • Digital exposure review (optional advisory)

High Value Security Escort.jpg

Professional close protection services tailored to your needs - delivered with discretion and precision.

Who needs close protection services?

Close protection services are essential for individuals who may be intentionally targeted or unintentionally exposed due to their visibility, routine or assets.

 

Our clients typically include:

  • High-net-worth individuals and families

  • Professional athletes

  • Public figures, entertainers and influencers

  • Diplomats and political figures

  • Executives travelling for business

  • Individuals facing credible threats or unwanted attention

VIS Protection’s operatives have protected Premiership footballers, UHNW families, diplomats and members of the British Royal Family - always quietly, professionally and with complete discretion.

Bodyguard 2.jpg

What is the difference between a close protection officer and a bodyguard?

A traditional bodyguard provides a visible protective presence.
A close protection officer (CPO) delivers far more - combining physical protection with planning, risk management, surveillance awareness, advance work and coordination with other protective measures.

At VIS Protection, all CPOs are former military or police personnel trained to the highest SIA standards, capable of managing complex security requirements in the UK and worldwide.

Is executive protection the same as close protection?

Both terms describe specialist personal security for individuals at risk. “Executive protection” is used more often in corporate environments, while “close protection” is the standard UK term. At VIS, the principles are the same - proactive planning, discreet operation and tailored protection for clients with varied lifestyles and risk profiles.

Man with Suit

How close protection services work at VIS Protection

Our approach is built around proactive planning rather than reactive response. Every assignment follows a structured process:

 

1. Risk & lifestyle assessment

We review your routine, exposure, movements and property to understand real vulnerabilities - not assumed ones.

 

2. Advance planning

Routes, venues and travel are assessed before you arrive, ensuring seamless, low-profile protection.

3. Operational deployment

Your close protection officer blends into your day, maintaining awareness while remaining unobtrusive.

4. Continuous monitoring

We watch for changes in routine, online exposure or environmental risk, adjusting your security dynamically.

Modern Glasshouse Exterior

Close protection support for PAs, estate managers and private offices

Managing the schedule, movements and wellbeing of a high-profile principal often means making security decisions on their behalf. At VIS Protection, we work directly with PAs, estate managers, private family offices and executive teams to ensure protection is seamless, discreet and easy to integrate into daily operations.

How we support client representatives

  • Clear, fast communication

Your CPO provides real-time updates, route confirmations and logistics checks without overwhelming your workflow.

  • Advance planning for movements and events

We conduct venue checks, travel planning, route risk assessments and arrival/departure coordination so you can focus on the principal’s schedule.

  • Coordination with household or estate staff

Our operatives integrate with existing teams, ensuring that residential, travel and family arrangements remain smooth and disruption-free.

  • Support for international travel

We manage secure airport transfers, itinerary assessments, hotel security considerations and overseas liaison when required.

  • Confidentiality as standard

Every operative is trained to protect sensitive information, business activity and private family matters without question.

Why this matters for PAs and estate managers

Close protection shouldn’t create more work - it should remove pressure from the people who support the principal every day. Our role is to stay ahead of risk, keep movements efficient and protect the principal’s time, privacy and peace of mind.

Why choose VIS Protection for close protection services?

  • Veteran-owned and led by former British Military personnel with 46+ years of combined experience.

  • All operatives are former military or police professionals, fully SIA-licensed and vetted.

  • Trusted by UHNW clients, diplomats, embassies and members of the British Royal Family.

  • Discreet, lifestyle-focused protection tailored to high-net-worth individuals and families.

  • Recognised under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award).

SIA licensed employees logo
Armed Forces Covenant logo with lion and flag
private bodyguard for an international diplomat. Travelling in a private car_edited.jpg

We protect people, not just property - and we do it quietly, professionally and without disruption.

What does a close protection officer do?

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Close Protection Officer

A close protection officer does far more than provide a physical presence. Their role is to plan ahead, prevent risk and maintain constant situational awareness. At VIS Protection, our SIA-licensed former military and police operatives deliver discreet, proactive close protection - supporting clients at home, in transit and during public or private events without disrupting their routine.

Personal Security & Close Protection Detail

Our close protection officers provide 24/7 personal security, ensuring your safety at all times, whether you are at home, at work, or on the move.

Our travel security services include advance planning, secure transportation, and real-time monitoring to protect you during both domestic and international trips.

Our team manages all aspects of event security, from entry control to crowd management, our officers ensure the safety of all attendees at high-profile gatherings.

We conduct comprehensive risk and threat assessments to identify potential dangers and develop strategic plans to mitigate these risks effectively.

We offer security chauffeur services with highly trained drivers and equipped vehicles to ensure your safe and efficient travel.

We provide robust residential security solutions, including on-site security personnel and advanced surveillance systems to protect your home and family.

 

Multiple cameras on stands

Our track record:

 

Protection for Premier League footballers, diplomats & members of the Royal Family.

 

45 + years of combined operational experience.

 

Trusted by PAs & estate managers across London & Ireland.

What Our Happy Clients Say

Our Locations

VIS Protection proudly offers discreet private security in London and Ireland,  as well as throughout the UK. Our elite close protection officers at VIS ensure the highest level of safety and discretion for clients in every region. Whether you require bespoke security in Dublin, Belfast, or elsewhere, our experienced operatives are committed to delivering unparalleled protection.


Learn more about our professional close protection services across Ireland and close protection services in Northern Ireland

Close Protection Services in London

London is one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic cities, but its status as a global hub for business, politics, and entertainment can also make it a hotspot for security risks. High-profile individuals such as CEOs, celebrities, diplomats, footballers, and other prominent figures are often at increased risk in a bustling city like London.


Close protection services provide an essential layer of security for those who face threats, whether from opportunistic criminals, stalkers, or more organised threats. On a personal level, close protection ensures clients can go about their daily lives with confidence and discretion, whether attending events, travelling, or simply moving around the city.

 

For businesses, close protection can safeguard executives, staff, and key stakeholders during high-profile meetings, conferences, or other corporate engagements. With the support of highly trained operatives, close protection ensures that clients remain secure, enabling them to focus on their personal or professional priorities without compromise.

Close protection in London for high net worth families by ex military bodyguards

Close protection services across the UK & Ireland

VIS provide close protection services to our select clientele all over the UK including Ireland  and Northern Ireland as well as Central and Greater LondonEssex and the rest of the Home Counties, BirminghamManchester, Cheshire, Dublin and Belfast.

Modern Living Space

Your safety should never feel like a compromise

If you require discreet, professional close protection services, our former military specialists will design a security solution that fits your lifestyle - not the other way around.

Contact VIS Protection for a confidential consultation

Frequently asked questions

bottom of page