About
Advice informed by operational experience.
Sterling Risk Group is a founder-led security and risk advisory company. Our advice comes from extensive practical experience, not theory alone.
Founder and Director
Stephen Smith
Over 26 years and more than 48 countries, Stephen has led protective operations where the stakes were high and the margin for error was small. That experience now shapes how Sterling Risk Group plans for private clients, families and organisations.
His career began with 12 years as a Commando-trained Royal Engineer, completing the All Arms Commando Course and earning the Green Beret, with service in explosive ordnance disposal units and on operational deployments. He went on to lead security operations for a diplomatic mission in a high-threat environment.
Most recently, as Global Security & Risk Manager for an ultra-high-net-worth family office, he ran executive protection, residential security and travel security across multiple international residences and jurisdictions, coordinating private aviation, yacht crews, motorcades, household staff and executive assistants.
Clients know who is responsible for their requirements and deal with him directly, rather than being passed between departments.
Our client work is covered by strict confidentiality agreements. References are available to vetted enquirers on request.
Experience
Where that experience was gained.
Global Security & Risk Manager, UHNW family office
Executive protection, residential security and travel security for a family across multiple international residences and jurisdictions. Threat and travel risk assessments, protective intelligence, contingency planning, and secure movements by private aircraft, yacht and motorcade.
Crisis response and humanitarian extraction
Crisis response and extraction work in an active conflict zone, coordinating secure movements and adapting plans as intelligence and threat conditions changed.
Residential security team leader, London
Led residential security for members of a Middle Eastern royal household in London: security personnel, access control, daily planning and close liaison with staff, drivers and venues.
International motorsport operations
Logistics and operational coordination within international motorsport, across multiple global venues and to tight timescales.
Post-conflict stabilisation
Managed high-risk post-conflict stabilisation operations, leading teams through planning, reconnaissance and operational risk management.
Senior team leader, diplomatic security
Led security operations for a diplomatic mission’s personnel and facilities in a high-threat environment: threat assessments, secure movements, contingency planning and coordination with host nation and partner forces.
Security and logistics, supply chain in Asia
Security, logistics and operational coordination for a major commercial supply-chain project: round-the-clock operations across multiple provinces, secure transport, and port and export operations.
Commando-trained Royal Engineer
Twelve years’ military service. All Arms Commando Course (Green Beret), service with commando engineering and explosive ordnance disposal units, operational deployments and leadership appointments.
Qualifications
- SIA-licensed Close Protection Operative
- Level 3 Certificate in Close Protection
- Hostile Environment Close Protection (HECP)
- Executive Close Protection
- Qualsafe Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (FREC 3)
- Advanced Protective Driving
- Blue Light Driving
- Military Driving Instructor
- Level 3 NVQ, Search for and Disposal of Munitions (Royal School of Military Engineering)
- ACT Awareness
Our approach
What makes us different.
Security should not be measured by the number of officers deployed or the presence of a uniform. It should be measured by whether the arrangements fit the risks, whether the people are capable and whether you receive genuine professional value.
Operational experience
A practical understanding of how security arrangements work under real conditions.
Personal accountability
One accountable lead, with direct professional engagement throughout.
Intelligence-led decisions
Planning informed by relevant information and a credible understanding of risk.
Discretion and confidentiality
Sensitive information is protected, privacy is respected and professional boundaries are kept.
Tailored solutions
No single standard model. Different people, properties and environments need different arrangements.
Quality over volume
We compete on professional standards and long-term relationships, not the lowest hourly rate.
Engagement
How an engagement works.
A clear sequence that avoids unnecessary staffing or equipment and gives a firm basis for responsibilities, costs and delivery.
- 01
Consultation
We understand your situation, concerns, existing arrangements and priorities.
- 02
Assessment
Where appropriate, a chargeable assessment identifies vulnerabilities and the scope of work required.
- 03
Proposal
Written findings, recommended measures, responsibilities, deliverables and commercial terms.
- 04
Implementation
We help introduce agreed improvements, develop procedures or organise suitable resources.
- 05
Oversight
Where contracted, continued advice, periodic reporting and reassessment as circumstances change.
Operating model
Flexible, responsive and properly resourced.
Direct consultancy
Assessment, planning, reporting and advisory work delivered by Stephen Smith, supported by qualified specialists where required.
Managed operational services
Where personnel are needed, a managed-service proposal for experienced close protection, residential security or other specialists, with oversight defined in your contract.
Strategic partnerships
Where a requirement needs local licensing or in-country resources, we work with suitably qualified and compliant partners.
Preparation today.
Protection always.
Tell us about your requirements in confidence. You will speak directly with the person responsible for your arrangements.