The Team

Ken Connor BEM was the longest serving operational soldier of the Special Air Service Regiment(23 yrs) and was involved in the creation and development of many of the departments and techniques for which the SAS are now world famous, including the Bodyguard Training Cell, the Counter-Terrorist Team and 14 Intelligence Company.

Ken served and trained with other Special Forces around the world and saw active service in four different theatres of war. A graduate of the US Ranger and airborne programmes, he has trained US personnel at the FBI Academy in the USA, in counter-terrorist and VIP protection techniques.

He also served with the British Commander-in-Chief's Mission to the Soviet Forces in East Germany, for which he was awarded the British Empire Medal.

Ken has worked extensively in the Middle East and was personally awarded by the King of Jordan. He is a renowned international expert on terrorism and anti-terrorist techniques, with many years commercial experience providing close protection to individuals and corporations. He has audited the Executive Protection Programmes of several of the Fortune 500 companies.

Steve Willbourne MVO spent 18 years in the Police Protection Department working extensively both at home and abroad affording protection to all members of the Royal Family in State, Official and private environments. He also looked after foreign Royal Families including Dutch, Norwegian and Spanish on their visits to the UK. Steve qualified as a national VIP CP Instructor and conducted numerous training courses in the UK and overseas.

Qualifications include D32/D33 Vocational Assessor and Police Advance Driver & Assessor. He has been advisor to UK Special Forces and instructed at all five of the Police National Firearms Centres, various Constabularies and foreign Police forces. In 2003 Steve became a Member of the Royal Victorian Order, for personal services to Her Majesty the Queen. Since leaving the Police, Steve has enjoyed consultancy with a well known American company, providing Close Protection services for their clients.

Jim Vakatalai MM Served 21 years with 22-SAS, during which he specialised in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist operations. He commanded an SAS Troop on active services and was Chief Instructor of the Counter Revolutionary Wing (CRW). Jim has extensive commercial experience of all facets of air, sea and land based security, working for numerous clients throughout the world. This includes training CP Operatives for Heads of State, Royalty and Corporations.

Tom Beardsley holds a 6th Dan Black Belt in Karate and is a former World Champion. He's been teaching martial arts and self defence to men, women and children for many years, including Armed Forces personnel. He has his own Martial Arts Centre and continues to train members of UK Special Forces in unarmed self-defence and CP techniques.

Fred 'Taff' Brown served a number of years with 22 SAS Regiment. During this time he saw active service in 4 different theatres of war and was both a sniper and assault leader in the SAS Counter-Terrorist team. He also served with 14 Intelligence Company on other counter-terrorist operations.

After leaving the SAS Fred has worked world-wide in the areas of Close Protection and Residential Security for a wide range of companies and individuals, including several Heads of State, Royal Families and senior members of foreign governments.

John Bayliss had a long and accomplished career in the British intelligence services, specialising in communication, technology and hi-tech surveillance. He is a world class expert in his field and extremely current. There are few to match his particular experience and expertise. Outside Government circles, only a relatively few benefit from his knowledge.