Adrian Kirkbride (Kirky) spent ten years serving in the British Army before starting his own security business in 2018.

Maryport-based, AJ-Security provides a range of security services for businesses, residential properties, and local and national events. Over the past four years, the business has grown significantly and now employs a team of 32 staff.

AJ-Security also offers qualifications through its sister company AJ Training Academy, also located in Maryport, with fully funded security courses available for unemployed individuals aged 18 or over, who are interested to working in the Security Industry. Currently, security businesses are seeking additional staff as at the last count, the country was 40,000 short pre Covid 19.

The decision to start the business came after a tragic incident when a boxer from Maryport, and member of both Nemesis Boxing Club and Maryport ABC, was fatally wounded in a knife attack.

William ‘Wilter’ Richardson was murdered in August 2017.

Since then, Adrian has campaigned to keep William’s memory alive by renaming his boxing club to ‘Wilter’s Gym’ and launching AJ Security with the aim of protecting people from violence.

With strong values and a clear mission, AJ-Security grew quickly gaining contracts for local residential and commercial clients.

Reflecting on how his time in the Army prepared him for running a business, Adrian notes the “putting in lots of hours, discipline, dedication and determination” as three of the main factors for excellent customer service. Adrian’s time served also feeds into his management style as he aims to inspire the same military-like camaraderie and close working relationships within his own team: “It’s like one big family… you get more from your staff if they are happy and gaining from time and tested experiences.”

Cumbria Business Growth Hub worked with Adrian while he was growing the business providing guidance and support.

“I reached out to Cumbria Business Growth Hub in the hope of being advised further on my application for accreditation. Lesley Robinson got back to me in no time at all and provided Shirley’s details.

Listening to and working with Shirley was so easy and calming with what she offered and how she advised me on things that were at the time, way, way over my head. I would definitely recommend Shirley and the Cumbria Business Growth Hub any day of the week.”

AJ-Security’s achievements to date include landing contracts with organisers of national festivals and keeping the business going during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the company diversified into covid marshalling. Considering the future of the business Adrian says:

“My plans, aims and directions for AJ-Security are to continue delivering security services in my immediate areas of operations and slowly spread the business’s wings further afield in Cumbria until eventually we can comfortably reassure and protect clients outside but close to Cumbria.

My sister company AJ Training Academy, also in Maryport provide SIA security courses on a monthly basis and because we can source funding for those unfortunately unemployed to attend these courses, I always plan to recruit from suitable, capable and dependable attendees should they wish to complete the application process.

Reassuring clients while helping the unfortunate improve their wellbeing & lifestyle..”

You can visit AJ Security’s website here and AJ Training Academy’s website here.

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