Leading the future of security in a high-risk world

Ben Howard, CEO, Orbis Protect

---

In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, businesses, governments and communities are asking the same urgent question: how do we keep people, property and assets safe in an increasingly high-risk environment?

 

For Orbis Protect, the answer lies in combining innovation with experience, and technology with people. Recognised by Business Reporter’s prestigious Best of British Award, this UK-based security provider has built a reputation as one of the sector’s most forward-thinking players – trusted by clients throughout the UK and Europe.

 

From protection to peace of mind

 

At its heart, Orbis Protect’s mission is simple yet vital: to protect what’s valuable. That means providing security and deterrence to a wide variety of customer assets to prevent theft, anti-social behaviour and harm. Solutions are deployed in a wide variety of settings including vacant property, large scale national infrastructure projects, construction sites and retail spaces.

 

But unlike traditional providers who rely on one-size-fits-all methods, Orbis takes a solution-led approach. “The risks facing any site are constantly changing,” explains CEO Ben Howard. “Our job is to provide bespoke solutions that adapt as those risks evolve.”

 

This customer-first philosophy has positioned Orbis as more than a security contractor. It is a strategic partner, working alongside organisations to anticipate threats before they materialise.

 

The power of integration

 

What makes Orbis stand out in a crowded market is its ability to deliver truly integrated security solutions, offering a seamless blend of physical barriers, advanced technology and expert personnel all supported by market leading monitoring capabilities:

• Perimeter protection. Through its specialist teams, Orbis provides robust perimeter fencing, hoarding, barriers and security screening. Its systems are modular, durable and uniquely recognised as the UK’s first carbon-net-zero fencing and hoarding products.
• Technology. At the centre of Orbis’s innovation are its solar-powered CCTV towers, the “brains of the site”. These modular units integrate intelligent surveillance, alarms and access control, while delivering industry-leading uptime even in off-grid environments.
• People. Technology is supported by on-the-ground expertise. Teams of ex-British military and Security Industry Authority (SIA) trained professionals can provide around-the-clock rapid response – delivering a cost-effective, high-impact alternative to traditional manned guarding.
  
• Monitoring. All activity is closely monitored by the Orbis Action Centre, a BS5979 Cat II accredited facility providing 24/7/365 monitoring, AI-enabled threat detection and direct access to police and emergency services for rapid escalation.

This four-layered approach ensures that no matter the challenge, clients benefit from a comprehensive, adaptable security strategy.

 

AI that thinks like a security officer

 

Artificial intelligence has long been part of the modern-day security industry, but Orbis Protect has advanced this intelligence to the next level.

 

While many providers rely on software that can distinguish between a human and an animal, Orbis AI goes further by applying dynamic risk scoring and context awareness. For example, Orbis AI can differentiate between higher and lower risk events based on parameters developed with the customer such as actions, behaviour or time of day. The system then instantly escalates the risk and triggers a pre-agreed or live response – such as a voice warning through a loudspeaker or dispatching a response team.

 

“It’s about moving from reactive to proactive,” says Ben Howard. “Orbis AI empowers clients to take control by tailoring the security and monitoring solution to the risks of their site, not just passively receiving alerts.”

 

Sustainable security

 

As ESG commitments rise to the top of boardroom agendas, Orbis Protect is proving that robust security and sustainability can go hand in hand.

 

Its solar-powered CCTV towers reduce reliance on diesel generators or fuel cells, while Orbis Group subsidiary Panthera’s carbon net-zero fencing systems give construction and infrastructure clients a greener alternative to traditional hoarding.

 

For businesses under increasing pressure to meet environmental goals, working with Orbis means securing assets without compromising sustainability.

 

Nationwide reach across sectors

 

Orbis’s reach is as impressive as its technology. From wind farms in remote Scotland to vacant office blocks in London, the company has delivered solutions in almost every conceivable setting. Its flexibility allows it to scale services up or down depending on budget, risk and project stage – making high-level security accessible to both major infrastructure projects and smaller businesses.

 

“We provide bespoke solutions to businesses of all sizes, across a wide range of sectors and locations,” says Ben Howard, “helping each client address their unique challenges and protect what matters most to them.”

 

People at the core

 

Behind Orbis’s technology and infrastructure lies its greatest asset: its people. Over 90 per cent of services are delivered in-house, giving clients confidence in both quality and accountability.

 

The company has invested heavily in developing talent through the Orbis Academy, which accelerates career progression and skills development. The result? More than half of all recent vacancies have been filled internally, a rare achievement in the security industry.

 

At the same time, Orbis has expanded its expertise through strategic acquisitions. Since 2020, six new businesses have joined the group, broadening capabilities across new verticals and geographies, enhancing technology and strengthening ESG credentials.

 

By blending internal growth with acquired expertise, Orbis has created a workforce that is both highly skilled and deeply invested in the company’s long-term mission.

 

Raising the bar for the industry

 

What truly sets Orbis Protect apart is its commitment to raising standards across the entire security sector. It provides services to over 150,000 customer sites and protects around 100,000 lone workers across the UK, 24/7/365.

 

Orbis’s solutions are designed to be dynamic, modular and future-proof, scaling seamlessly alongside the customer’s needs. From its ESG achievements to its cutting-edge AI, Orbis is proving that security can be smarter, greener and more effective.

 

Looking ahead

 

With risks evolving faster than ever, businesses and organisations are under pressure to secure assets, protect employees and demonstrate resilience. For Orbis Protect, this is not just a challenge – it’s an opportunity.

 

By combining innovation with integrity, the company is redefining what modern security looks like. And in doing so, it is not only protecting people and property – it is leading the future of the industry itself.

 

As Ben Howard says, “Security isn’t just about alarms and cameras. It’s about trust, adaptability and giving our customers peace of mind in a world where that’s hard to come by. That’s what Orbis Protect stands for and is pivotal to our success.”

---

Discover the future of security at orbisprotect.com