Boat show beginnings – 10 YEARS OF SPEARFISH

Spearfish started business in April 2009, initially specialising in maritime security with a particular focus on super yachts. But the days of attending the Monaco Yacht Show are all but over for the company and today its maritime work consists of onboard training courses, and surveys and hardening plans for specialist units in high risk areas.  Spearfish is also involved in other nautical work such as marine investigations and providing expert witness services to past hijacks.

From its modest beginnings, Spearfish has grown consistently and now conducts the majority of its work outside the maritime sector. The company’s team now stands at over 30 people across the globe, from Environment Awareness Trainers to Regional Security Advisors, primarily delivering risk advisory and consultancy services to businesses operating in high risk environments.

In the last year a subsidiary, Spearfish West Africa, has opened in Abuja, Nigeria, with a team of 10 while a Spearfish South Asia office in New Delhi, India is set to open in the near future. The company aims to expand its global footprint further with other partnerships and subsidiaries.

At the UK head office in Winchester, Hampshire, the team continues to develop, exploring new ways to support clients efficiently while ensuring their duty of care to them remains a top priority. Global Analyst, Andy Munro, has been developing the company’s Overwatch platform, while Mat Schraeder, Head of Training and Partnerships, has rebuilt the Spearfish training program over the past 6 months, making it more flexible and easier to tailor to clients’ needs. Lisa Ifould, Finance Manager, will gain her ACCA accountancy qualifications in the near term while Senior Security Advisor, Darren Kelly, has been increasing company relationships with project managers and client teams, both overseas and in the UK.

The Board of Directors remains a huge asset for Spearfish, with Chairman Lord West of Spithead, and Non-Executive Directors John Smith and Grant White supporting the company’s ongoing growth and development.