Close protection
Covert and Overt Close Protection Across the UK and Europe
Blackmere Group provides discreet, risk-led close protection for high-net-worth individuals, private clients and families across the United Kingdom and selected European locations. Each engagement is shaped around the client's profile, movements, preferences and assessed exposure.
Overview
Personalised close protection
Close protection is not a uniform service. A principal moving between meetings in central London has different exposure from a family attending a private event or a client spending part of the year abroad. We begin by understanding those specifics before proposing anything.
The aim is to identify and remove friction early — routes, timings, entrances, waiting areas — so that intervention is rarely needed at all. Presence, profile and team size are agreed with you rather than imposed.
Profile
Covert or overt protection
Covert close protection provides a low-profile protective presence. Operatives maintain appropriate visual awareness and proximity while minimising disruption to the client's routine, movements and public profile.
Overt close protection provides a clearly visible security presence. This approach may be appropriate when deterrence, reassurance or a dedicated visible protection team is required.
The appropriate approach is determined by the client's circumstances, preferences, environment and assessed level of risk. Some assignments may require a combination of covert and overt measures.
Coverage
UK and European deployment
Blackmere Group is based in London and operates across the United Kingdom and selected European locations. We do not maintain permanent offices outside London; instead we draw on a network of experienced operatives across London, the South Coast of England, the North of England, the wider UK and selected European locations.
That structure means cover can follow the client rather than stopping at a city boundary, with planning agreed in advance for each location.
Selection
Selecting the appropriate operative
Blackmere Group draws on a network of experienced protection professionals from military and non-military backgrounds, including individuals with experience within the UKSF framework.
Operatives are selected according to the client's circumstances, environment, profile and protection requirements—not solely according to their previous career.
What it includes
The elements of a close protection arrangement
Threat and risk assessment
A structured look at your profile, routines, public visibility and the locations you use regularly, at home and abroad.
Individual and family protection
Cover arranged for a principal alone or extended to partners, children and household staff.
Personal escort
Discreet accompaniment on foot and in vehicles, positioned to fit the setting rather than dominate it.
Secure movement
Route planning, timing and arrival arrangements that reduce predictability and exposure.
Event and venue cover
Advance checks on venues, entrances and exits before you arrive, with cover during the engagement.
UK and European travel
Cover for airport movements, transfers and journeys across the UK and selected European locations.
How it works
Confidential consultation and how an engagement is arranged
- 01
Confidential enquiry
You outline your situation privately and we agree whether a conversation is worthwhile.
- 02
Threat and risk assessment
We examine profile, routine, locations and travel to identify where genuine exposure sits.
- 03
Plan, profile and team
You receive a clear scope: covert or overt approach, personnel, hours and movement planning.
- 04
Delivery and review
Cover begins and is reviewed as circumstances change, with adjustments discussed openly.
Frequently asked
Close protection questions
Covert close protection keeps the protective presence low-profile so the client's routine and public profile are disturbed as little as possible. Overt close protection provides a clearly visible security presence where deterrence or reassurance is required. Some assignments combine both.
Confidential enquiry
Discuss your requirements in confidence
Send a short outline of your situation. We will reply privately to arrange a conversation.