Established in 2010, Ambrey came into being because founders Chris Charnley and John Thompson wanted to create a security company that was more dynamic and creative than most traditional security firms, with a fresh approach that would put the client’s needs first.
Initially the company’s focus was on supporting clients in the high-risk environments in Africa. Then in 2011 the Arab Spring provided a strong environment for growth, where small and nimble companies such as Ambrey could react quickly and effectively in the highly volatile environment across the Middle East and north Africa. At the same time it was apparent that early market entrants to the counter-piracy security market were struggling to meet demand from the shipping sector for compliant armed-guard services off the coast of Somalia. The demand was so high that many early market entrants were unable to fulfil them, and service levels were being compromised in order to scale support operations quickly. Ambrey quickly responded to the client need for compliant, well-trained and reliable armed security guards on merchant vessels.
Our original mantra was that we didn’t want to be the biggest security provider, we wanted to be the best. So from the very beginning we have been relentlessly focused on compliance, standards and engagement with industry stakeholders, to ensure that we always provide the highest quality of service to our clients. However, due to the client referrals that have been a natural consequence of this commitment we have nonetheless experienced significant growth. In 2014 we debuted on the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 at number eight with an annual average growth of 175%. We are now the largest maritime security company in the world.
Despite our growth, the values that underpinned Ambrey in its earliest days are still at the heart of our company. In an industry that demands the highest levels of trust and integrity we aim to lead by example and have a number of principles that provide the guiding philosophy to how we do business.
We work hard to understand exactly what you’re trying to accomplish and how you want to go about it, so we can provide the most relevant and effective security solution – even if that means telling you something you don’t want to hear.
Our autonomy allows us to advise you with no agenda other than supporting and protecting your business, regardless of the popularity of our views or their effect on our fees.
If we had to make a choice, we would rather be the best in our industry than the biggest. We take pride in offering the highest standards of service, always prioritising confidentiality and treating your business with discretion.
We make an extraordinary effort to identify and recruit the very best person for every job, because it’s our people that make it possible for us to deliver the highest quality of service and maintain our strong reputation.
We always operate fairly, working with our clients in an open and straightforward way and never disparaging other companies.
While recognising that sometimes the conventional way might still be the best, we’re not afraid to explore new territory as we strive to find the best solutions for your security challenges.