How long have you lived in Spain and how long is your business established?

[Gerry] I've had an apartment for 4 years but moved here permanently 2 years ago. When I arrived in Spain  I was only here a week before I flew to other foreign assignments, where I have been working  on and off as a Close Protection Officer (Bodyguard) for the past two years looking after "high profile clients".  I've now decided it's time to start my own business in Marbella and established Executive Security Services now called Costa Safety. For most people living on the coast it is generally a safe environment, however there are criminal elements operating here and do target individuals and businesses with often serious consequences. Services include:

a) Close Protection - Close Protection is all about guarding people, with operators keping their clients safe from the unwanted attentions of anyone be it from terrorists, criminals or just someone intent on causing trouble. Whether it is in Bejing or Barcelona much of the work involves threat assessment and planning. Teams can deploy to protect people from high risk threats during business trips overseas to lesser dangers at sporting events, book signings and low risk situations such as shopping expeditions of 'high net worth' individuals and their families. Being threatened or having a member of the family under threat can be a life changing event and also very stressful. The aim is to allow individuals to go about their daily life feeling safer and more secure.

b) Surveillance - Covert intelligence gathering has been with us for many years, originally developed by the military and adopted not only by police and governments but high level commercial agencies as a means of evidence gathering for specified tasking. It's quite common nowadays in the commercial field where companies can suffer serious financial loss and where it is not always appropriate to confront the suspected person until sufficient evidence has been gathered.

c) Property Protection - Your home/business is a major investment and I am sometimes surprised at how little attention is given to protecting it from being broken into. Measures put in place should contain several layers of defence with some "measures" that make it almost impossible for any "thief"/intruder to operate in the environment. Recomendations can incorporate the latest technology and/or site security which represents a tiny fraction of the cost of the property but could save you thousands of pounds.

Note:  If you have any concerns with regards to any aspect involving personal safety and/or security drop me a line on costasafety@hotmail.com or visit www.costasafety.com

Why did you choose Marbella?

[Gerry] Well, I really stumbled across it! I came here on a golfing holiday with friends and liked the climate and way of life so much I bought an apartment here. I like the diversity of the region and decided that I would like to put roots down here.

Tell us your greatest business or personal accomplishment?

[Gerry] I suppose it has to be surviving some of the "hostile environments" I've been in over the past years.

Why would you recommend the Costa del Sol for business and Lifestyle?

[Gerry] Well, the Jury's out on the business side of things as I'm just starting out but the climate and culture make it a great place to live and I have no plans to change it.

If you could change one thing about Spain, what would it be?

[Gerry] I would like to change more than one thing but if  I'm pushed it is the corruption which appears to be endemic within the the Town Halls. oops ..sorry

Describe yourself in 3 words.

a) determined b) hardworking c) trustworthy

What is your favourite Restaurant in Marbella?

[Gerry] I don't really have one but there are a few I like in  "casco antiguo".

What is the last film you saw at the Cinema or DVD?

[Gerry] Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire....I took the family..honest!

What advice would you give to someone moving to Spain?

[Gerry] Make sure you have enough money for 'worst case scenario'....things never go to plan....do they!

Name one other business you would recommend on the Costa Del Sol and why?

[Gerry] It has to be www.inSpain.tv . If you want to buy a property this is the place to go.They are very helpful and professional. www.inSpain.tv  is one of the fastest growing property web sites in Spain. It has over 16,000 properties for sale and to rent throughout Spain and its Islands. www.inSpain.tv  gets thousands of people looking for property in Spain every month.  I understand also that he does a great monthly deal for Real Estate Agencies who wish to advertise on their site. You can contact them at Sales@inSpain.tv.  Tel: 0044 207 060 0602.