You’re asking about references. Almost everyone who calls me for the first time asks about them sooner or later – and it’s the right question. In our profession, though, the answer is not what you might expect, and it’s worth explaining why.
Which references we publish, and why only these
A review is an assessment written by a client; a reference tells you whom we have worked for. In our profession, most engagements stay out of the public eye, and that is as it should be. That is why our website shows only selected references, not a complete list of clients and assignments.
We publish references only from people and organisations who have expressly agreed to it, and they always relate to public events: concerts, festivals, sports matches, balls or public appearances. There, we were in full view of everyone present. Our presence was therefore no secret, and making it public reveals nothing new.
We never mention private assignments: protecting families, trips, business negotiations or where a client lives. Merely linking a name to a security service can be sensitive in itself. And even with a public reference, we do not disclose routes, security arrangements or any other confidential details.
So a public reference and discretion are not mutually exclusive. Two things decide it: the client’s consent and the fact that the event was public. You’ll find an overview in the Clients section.
So how can you vet us?
Alongside the public references, it makes sense to check the following as well. Some of it is in public registers; the rest we will show you proof of when we meet:
- The Commercial Register. Bodyguard Group s.r.o.®, company ID (IČO) 07608853, file no. C 303957, registered with the Municipal Court in Prague. You can find the entry, the statutory representatives and the registered office in the public register within a minute.
- Licence. In the Czech Republic, guarding property and people, as well as private detective services, are regulated trades. Without the licence, nobody may legally provide them. You can check this in the Trade Licensing Register.
- Liability insurance. Ask about the level of cover and its scope. A reputable agency will tell you the figure and back it up with proof.
- The actual people. Exactly who will be at your side. Not “our team”, but the name, experience and languages of the person who will take on your assignment.
- Further references on request. Beyond the public overview, we can provide further references individually, provided the client concerned agrees and the nature of the assignment allows it.
What clients ask most often
Over the years the same questions keep coming up, so it’s worth answering them up front.
“Will the people around me be able to tell I have protection?” Not if you don’t want them to. Most of our work consists of movements, planning and advance site visits – things that happen before you arrive anywhere. We use a visible escort where it is meant to deter, not everywhere.
“How many people do I need?” More often than not, preparation matters more than numbers. One well-prepared person can achieve more than three who turn up blind. At the first consultation I’ll tell you plainly if I think you need fewer than you expected.
“What if something happens abroad?” That is why we ask about the route, dates and programme before we promise anything. Without them, neither the transfer nor a fallback option can be sensibly planned.
“How quickly can you start?” For urgent situations we have a round-the-clock line. For a standard assignment, though, it’s only fair to say that the sooner you get in touch, the better the job we can do. Protection arranged a day ahead is always weaker than protection arranged a week ahead.
What I consider a genuine reference
The best calling card for our work is the one nobody talks about. The client leaves as planned, nothing happens and nobody remembers us. That is hard to build marketing on, but it is exactly what people buy from us.
The second calling card is repeat business. Most of our work today comes from two sources – returning clients and the recommendations they pass on. For a service nobody enjoys buying, and one that costs money, I see that as an important sign of trust.
If you would like to see what our work looks like from the inside, we have written up case studies – anonymised, with no names, dates or routes, but with a specific account of what we dealt with and how.
Before you hire us
I recommend just one thing: arrange a personal consultation and ask direct questions. About the people, about the insurance, about what happens if the plan goes wrong. The answers will tell you more than any review – with us or anywhere else.
The consultation carries no obligation and is confidential. If it turns out that you don’t need protection, I’ll tell you so.
