
About AWI
Security experts with over 60 years’ combined experience, based in Ashington, Northumberland.
About us
Who we are
AWI was formed by highly trained ex-military personnel, private security professionals and health and safety experts, who saw a need for security delivered by experienced, SIA-licensed, qualified intelligence and security personnel at a reasonable cost.
We know the strengths, skills and experience of every member of our team, and we only use people we have trained ourselves. For each client we hand-pick the team and manage every stage of the work. From our base in Northumberland we work across the UK and around the world.

Our approach
How we work
Planning
Effective planning comes first: clear communication channels, defined responsibilities and expert risk assessment.
- Risk consulting and assessment
- Crisis planning
- Business intelligence
- Cost-saving solutions
Response
We select the right people and equipment, run the operation and keep you fully informed throughout.
- Close protection
- Asset protection
- Threat monitoring
Management
Using pre-agreed channels, we put a formal plan into action within minutes and liaise with the authorities when needed, keeping a low profile wherever possible.
- Crisis response
- Investigations
Our people
Meet the team
David Knox
Managing Director
After eight years’ active service with the Army, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Northern Ireland, David has provided consultancy to the private security industry in hostile environments and to UK businesses for almost ten years.
Chris Duncan
Operations Manager
Chris has over 15 years’ experience in the security industry. He oversees daily operations and manages the teams, making sure the highest standards of service, compliance and safety are maintained for clients across a broad range of sectors.
Joel Plumley
Operations Manager
Joel is one of our two Operations Managers.
Barry Holding
Health & Safety Manager
An ex-Royal Marine, Barry has spent several years in health and safety, giving him a unique insight into how security and HSE combine into one strategic approach.
Matt Arnold
Human Intelligence Manager
Also an ex-Royal Marine, Matt saw active service in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he played a vital role in surveillance and in gathering and using intelligence.
Judith Falla
Business Development Manager
Judith has 25 years’ experience as a business adviser in strategic consulting, business development and growth. She builds relationships with organisations looking for a world-class security supplier.
Steven Lynas
IT / Installations Manager
Steven has over 26 years’ experience as an IT professional, with expert knowledge of networking, wireless technology and fibre installations – so we can tailor security to your existing infrastructure.
What we stand for
Our values
Professionalism
Our staff are trained to a standard beyond what is required, and we still keep military values and training standards.
Integrity
Open dialogue and an honest approach with every client. We do the right thing at all times, especially when no one is watching.
Flexibility
Requirements can change at short notice, so we keep staff on standby to mobilise a project or reinforce a team.
Solution-orientated
We look for the most cost-effective solution to every task, informed by current trends and threats.
Relationship-focused
Every client matters to us, past and present, from short ad hoc tasks to long-term contracts.
Accredited
Accreditations & memberships



SIA Approved Contractor
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