Unique Interviews – Paul Harbord, Managing Director of Steadfast Security

Q1 – How did you end up building a career in security?

You could say ‘Security’ is in my blood. From my family’s military and professional histories to my current role and future ambitions too – I’ve always been around situations of making safe and secure, so it has been a genuinely natural progression for me to get to where I am today. 

It started when I was only 10 years old. My Dad would take me out on site patrols, occasionally, we’d come across unauthorised people on site, generally youths breaking into schools. My Dad would jump out of our vehicle and lock me in while he took chase. You could say, security has been instilled into me from a young age.

From then at 16, I went and followed in my Dad’s footsteps and joined The Light Dragoons which amalgamated from his regiment the 15th/19th. I was probably thrown into the deep end when I joined as I was flown out to Iraq after my 18th birthday on Op Telic 6. Security in hostile environments was imperative, you couldn’t switch off otherwise your and your comrade’s lives would be in danger. I completed 2 tours of Afghanistan before leaving to pursue a career in the family business, The Steadfast Security Group.

At Steadfast I spent time as a frontline operator, guarding customer sites as a Security Guard and conducting Mobile Patrols. From there, I moved into the Control Room to manage the roster and Security Operator. Following this, I was promoted to Operations Manager and then Security Director, with responsibility to oversee the organisation’s security department and maintain policies to assure the safety of property, assets, and people. 

I’m incredibly proud to have now taken up the role of Managing Director of The Steadfast Security Group, which I’m very proud to be doing, alongside the support of my Dad, and Founder, Michael, and business partner Dave Watson.

Q2 – Who or what inspires you?

In short, my Dad. If you go back to where the Steadfast Security Group story started, at the very beginning it was my Dad, Michael who responded to a need, and turned it into the organisation we have today. Employing nearly 150 people, and keeping countless sites, teams and families safe – his ambition is a real driving factor for me and continuing his dedication in my own way, through the Group. 

Before the original foundation of the Group, my Dad worked to protect the premises of a friend of an old Army comrade, following a failure from a previous supplier and the customer was out of ideas following a string of criminal incidents and activities on his site. Fresh out the Army, My Dad stepped up and within the first 12 hours of his shift, he had successfully deterred two intruders and apprehended a third that was ultimately arrested. The client couldn’t believe what my Dad had achieved in 12 hours, what a fully functional security company couldn’t do in 3 months! The client branded my Dad the ‘Standfast Soldier’ and awarded him a contract to protect his 3 other sites. From there, Standfast Security was born which later amalgamated into The Steadfast Security Group

In 1997, with help from his brothers he formed Steadfast Security Systems, which are now a nationwide operator providing security systems, fire and electrical installations and servicing. From there, in 2006, he went into business with Dave Watson to form Steadfast Secure Storage, which provides Secure Storage and Haulage to businesses across the North East. The 3 businesses now form The Steadfast Security Group as it stands today and are still employing trusted and reliable veterans to this day.

Going from leaving the Army to building a multimillion-pound organisation is an inspirational as it gets for me!

What advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into the security business?

The Security industry is notoriously challenging, in many different ways. Sadly, it doesn’t have the greatest reputation to some, but this is not a true reflection of the professionals working within it. If anyone is interested in getting into the security business, my advice is to be thorough and do your research. Not every organisation is as professional as we are, and sadly it’s those that reflect badly on others doing the work well. 

From a business perspective, I say always trust and follow your gut instinct. If a new contract or deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do your due diligence on new business and always, ALWAYS request references for new staff coming into your business.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite and probably most rewarding part of the job is seeing our team succeed. If we secure a contract or capture a break-in or unauthorised person on site; or even receive good feedback from a client, I’ll praise the whole team – we succeed together. We are a very close team, but being able to high five people, or generally celebrate and praise the team following a new success is incredible. 

Ultimately when that happens, we know someone is safe or a site is secure – and that is what we are all about, providing peace of mind. 

What has been your most memorable business moment thus far?

I would say, reaching the position of Managing Director has been my most memorable moment to date. I’ve always envisaged managing The Steadfast Security Group from a young age and to finally do that is an incredible achievement. Doing so alongside my Dad and Dave is even more rewarding too, being supported by the people who started it all and my mentors. 

What are your favourite magazines?

Professional Security Magazine, Entrepreneur and CEO and Unique Magazines content (of course!).

What’s the future hold for Paul Harbord and steadfast security?

As the new MD and with a legacy to continue, I certainly don’t have any intention to sit on my laurels! I’ve set some big company goals this year and I intend on achieving and completing each one. My teams are fully aware of what needs to be done, not only do I speak about them weekly, but they are also typed up in large font, printed out on A3, laminated, and nailed to wall above each workstation – I’m a big believer is being open and communicating clearly – so whatever form it takes, I know our teams all know what we are trying to achieve and we are all working together to get there.