Bryan Lightbody MSyl & ADI is a former Metropolitan Police Royalty and Specialist Protection close protection operative and driver, as well as a close protection trainer. With over two decades of experience, he was actively involved in mobile (SEG) and close protection (RaSP) operations while also serving as an instructor on Special Escort Group courses and National Protection Officer courses as a Subject Matter Expert (SME). His tenure with the UK Security Service and the Metropolitan Police spanned from 1986 to 2017.

From December 2018 to 2024, Bryan took on the role of Security and Logistics Manager and primary Personal Protection Operative (PPO) duties for two members of the UK Royal family. In this capacity, he successfully integrated protective security operations into their daily lives, working in collaboration with other household staff and law enforcement stakeholders. Bryan's responsibilities encompassed managing various activities, including travel arrangements, public events, daily family routines, private appointments, sporting events, and state events.  He was frequently required to operate overseas.

Bryan possesses strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills, and is dedicated to active listening and ongoing personal development. His approach emphasises best practice, but also believing there is always room for innovation and improvement. Bryan is committed to teamwork and client focus, understanding that effective communication, rapport, and empathy play crucial roles in his responsibilities as a PPO, team leader, or security driver. Currently, Bryan is supporting existing protective operations as a Close Protection Operative (CPO), PPO, specialist security driver, and sometimes team leader working with an UHNW family across three countries.

Bryan holds an SIA license for CP operations and is a qualified DVSA Approved Driving Instructor, enabling him to conduct commercial driver training at all levels. It was during his time as an advanced car and motorcycle instructor at the police driving school, Hendon, he qualified as a commercial driving instructor.

Beyond Bryan's career in personal security, he is a published author of historical non-fiction as well as fiction. He has extensive experience guiding battlefield tours on the WW1 Western Front, serving as a royal history tour guide in the UK, and has also led tours in the D-Day area of operations in Normandy, France. These tours have been conducted for small groups using coach transfers or by leading motorcycle groups. Bryan also spent time living in the Somme region of France as a settled resident.

Between March 2017 and June 2022 he was the proprietor of Orchard Farm B&B on the Somme in France, spending the first two years guiding and hosting guests, conducting tours tailor made to each client's requests. 

In addition to his guiding roles, Bryan has a specialism in military history and motorsport, publishing works with Pen & Sword books, 'Motorsport's Military Heroes'. For the past 18 years, he has authored historical fiction and has transitioned into non-fiction writing. Bryan also engages as a public speaker, focusing on military and motorsport history, the evolution of royalty protection in the UK, the Whitechapel Murders (Jack the Ripper), and the role of research in enhancing the authenticity of fictional narratives.  He is a member of the Goodwood Road Racing Club. 

Bryan looks forward to discussing potential opportunities where his extensive experience can contribute to the success of your security operations. Please feel free to reach out for a further conversation.  Bryan's commitment is to excellence and personalised service makes him a premier choice for discerning clients.  

As a result of his passion for all things driven by petrol, he also owns a unique collection of vehicles available for use in film & TV production or promotional photography.