Working in risk analysis

Iain graduated from Birmingham University with a Geography degree and went on to study for an MA in War Studies at King’s, graduating in 2001. At that time, Iain’s main interests lay in security as well as political analysis. Whilst studying at King’s, Iain also carried out a six month internship at the International Centre for Security Analysis the consultancy research arm of the Department of War Studies at King's College London.

AKE (Andrew Kain Enterprises) was founded in 1991 by Andrew Kain (ex-SAS) at a time when the private security sector was dominated by 3 or 4 key players. AKE dealt with security in a wider context, taking into account cultural issues and offering more tailored information to fit a company’s requirements.

AKE employees were originally ex-forces personnel. There were 14/15 employees when Iain joined, employee numbers have now reached around 60.

In 1994/1995 untrained journalists in Bosnia were getting injured, this led to high insurance costs for the companies involved. AKE put together a one week course for journalists covering the principals of the security environment they were in. This was called Hostile Environment Training. This form of course has now become standard for the industry, but first originated at AKE.

Such courses reduce costs to companies. AKE has been providing training to personnel working in oil and telecoms, as well as staff from various governments.

AKE also acts as an insurance broker; this is of particular benefit to smaller companies. Larger insurance firms generalise risk and often perceive risk to be higher than it actually is. AKE examines the specific risk to that company and can therefore offer a more competitive rate, especially for smaller firms and those using AKE for training their staff.

AKE have offices in London, Hereford, Washington D.C., Baghdad and Sydney. The company relies on all sources of global information in their research: the Factiva database, the internet, as well as AKE staff and contacts in different countries around the world.

Beginning with 3 or 4 major players in the early nineties, the private security industry has now grown extensively. Growth mushroomed with 9/11, Afghanistan and now Iraq. As a result of the Iraq war, there have been a huge number of private military companies coming into the arena; with many not offering any proper structure. A natural hierarchy of companies has started to take form with the more established companies at the top employing the more experienced personnel.

Intelligence work, business and political risk consultancy are areas in the private security sector that are open to graduates. Opportunities are also available in due diligence work and forensic accountancy.

• Control Risks Group (CRG). Over twenty five years old, well established and offers good standard information.
• World Markets Research Centre (WMRC), now part of Global Insight. Less tailored information, more article-based.
• Kroll. A subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.. Business risk and due diligence.
• The Risk Advisory Group Deals with business intelligence.
• Janusian Security Risk Management Ltd formed as a subsidiary to The Risk Advisory Group. Security and business risk management in Iraq.
• ArmorGroup. Deals with security consultancy and physical security.
• Olive Security. Two years old. Deals largely with security consultancy.
• It is also worth noting that RUSI (Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies) offer voluntary internships. Contact them directly.

Research to ensure whether a company is credible or not. The private security industry is not regulated; there is no ombudsman. This situation should change in the next few years as accreditation is brought in.

In the last one and a half years there has been an increase in the number of CVs AKE has been receiving. However, the industry as a whole is now expected to slow down. With so many CVs to look through, employers have to be won over in the first few lines of a CV. A CV should include a brief profile and be tailored to the job being applied for.

Some experience in the commercial sector (e.g. oil sector) or government is preferred. It is important to get the right balance of practical and academic experience. The personal qualities needed to obtain a job in this industry include being personable and quick on their toes. Extra languages and experience of working/travelling in other countries would also be of great benefit to an application.

In respect of an analyst role, it would be of huge benefit to have a regional specialism (e.g. at firms such as CRG).

There are normally no citizenship requirements in order to apply for a position in this industry. However, this does depend on individual company corporate structures.