STRATEGIES FOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Expert Investigations Ltd is a commercial & corporate risk management and security investigation agency specialising in the bespoke investigation of theft, fraud, business risk management and consultancy.

David Kearns, Managing Director makes the following observations

"We have always held a diverse client list but due to the current financial times we are seeing an increase in requirements for our services. There is now a need identified not only by CEO's, but other Board Members, for the range of the services which we supply.

CEOs are looking into the level of theft from their organisations, which may amount to simple removal of items from RDCs, or removal of products or raw materials, even if those materials are scrap value. In addition they are looking into the theft of time which often decreases the full profit margin of a product or service being achieved. There are concerns over theft or copying of Intellectual Property issues and IT concerns and general security of buildings, property and individuals.

What is clearly apparent is that the credit crunch is causing not only an increase of internal thefts by staff but also the increase of crimes committed against an organisation from the typical outside ‘criminal', as they see the need for opportunity in purchases made in the ‘grey markets', by individuals who previously have not sought this avenue as a purchaser.

The CEO is also well aware of the business strategy issues and the potential loss of market position with information being ‘sought or stolen via various means' and with the financial position as it currently stands then no organisation can risk losing that vital edge over a competitor. Competitors who are looking at often more ingenious ways of gathering information.

Our clients are taking the full advantage of our services in order to secure their business as best as possible and this will incur some expenditure. That is expenditure which could have substantial effects on the business and organisation." /P>

With a substantial team of former specialised Police Detectives, a team of military Special Forces Officers and civilian Risk Managers, Expert Investigations will bring the whole field of specialism to the Boardroom.

Typical services include conventional and technical surveillance methods as well computer forensics and counter measures, such as de-bugging. Physical risk assessments are carried out at premises on behalf of protection of product and individuals. The company are supplying Security Managers on long term contracts as well as short term specific requirements. The added value with this concept is that clients can bring in skills required or reduce current outgoings on internal Managers and teams as they outsource and reduce expenditure.

All of these allow the Board to be as proactive as they require when the specific need arises but having the ability to combine the services for the bespoke requirement. Is this all really new for the CEO?

David Kearns continues "Services and resources such as ours have been used for a range of requirements over the years and certain CEOs have used services as both proactive and reactive. Now we are seeing more CEOs utilise these services but with a slightly different view or slant on the use. The proactive use is to prevent these issues arising or to ensure that if they are currently occurring then systems are put in place to halt them. It is a situation now whereby every consideration must be made to ensure the well being of an organisation and for the CEO to steer a stable course through uncertain and, for some, unchartered waters." /P>

Expert Investigations use its services across the vast range of industries and service from specialised manufacturing, legal, waste, bespoke service providers and clients with a few employees to several thousand.

The gathering of evidence or intelligence can position the client strongly whether it be concerning a theft, business acquisition, knowing the movements of individuals, products or intangible items or securing the organisation. Expert Investigations can work with a current internal investigation and security team or totally independent of it.

Kearns goes on "It is vital to understand an organisation, measure their risk, advise on strategy and assist with implementation, whether within the UK or across the world. Organisations may consider reducing their own internal costs for security and investigations and outsource to a full specialist team to reduce overheads as well as increasing the CEO's capability. In addition there is the added advantage of bringing in our services in order to support internal investigations. This is most beneficial when profit protection units and internal audit have no internal operational investigative capability." /P>

So what are the legal implications and geographically how far can such investigations go?

With a wealth of Police and commercial experience behind him David Kearns comments, "All investigations are fully lawful and we will examine the legalities of any country in which we work and often that specific foreign legislation may encourage the need for enquiries to be conducted from outside the UK. Properly gathered and secured evidence will be able to be introduced into any legal forum in any country.

The abilities of our company allow us to work across the world in all types of investigation and Risk Management roles and this is particularly evident with our Close Protection service when we are travelling through different countries with very different threat levels to the UK. Consideration also has to be given when we are moving a sensitive product or information around the world in a secure manner. These issues will combine the threat assessment with surveillance or anti surveillance operations and technical facilities and counter measures. "

For more information about managing and investigating your risk, contact Expert Investigations for a confidential discussion on 0800 169 4368 or visit www.expert-investigations.co.uk