27/07/2025
As I am lay on a pier near Marmaris, Turkey 🇹🇷
I ponder at a few life/business questions.
When is the right time for a change, to finish up, re-brand or even fully retire?
A question that we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives, probably on a few occasions.
It is with a sad heart but also an excited one for what lies ahead, that we are announcing the draw down and company sale of Security drivers International and Security Drivers International Scotland.
Our founder and company owner John W English MSyI MIoD is retiring, (well maybe) and I am relaunching as something new.
I would like to take this time to praise and to recognise the distinguished work John has done over the years.
Security Drivers International Limited (SDI) was established in 1995 by John W. English, a former police officer who held various roles throughout his career, including traffic patrol officer, advanced driving instructor, fi****ms officer, and member of the Royalty and Dignitary Protection Group.
Initially, the business was positioned as a high-end corporate car service, catering to local businesses. Several former police officers from the Royalty Protection Drivers unit were recruited to manage the rapidly increasing workload. This involved collecting cash for payroll, safeguarding valuable jewellery and fine art purchased by clients from high-end London stores and delivering it safely to their residences.
Escorting fine art trucks from various European destinations presented a significant challenge. Additionally, utilising one of our armoured vehicles for two separate trips to Marbella within a ten-day period, covering a total distance exceeding 6,000 miles, posed further difficulties.
In 2000, Security Drivers.Com was incorporated, and the company underwent a name change to Security Drivers International Limited. A colleague subsequently established a business in Switzerland, further solidifying SDI’s position as a leading player in the transportation of high-value assets by road in high-performance vehicles.
The business underwent a significant transformation in 2010 with the acquisition of our first armoured Range Rover. This was followed by the purchase of another armoured Range Rover in 2012, and a brand-new armoured B6 Range Rover in 2015, all of which were required to provide specialised services to a high-end client. Our partnership continued until July 2025, when John English retired.
The sale of the company name and clientele is currently in progress with The Audere Group, a London-based holistic risk advisory company founded in 2014. The Audere Group combines intelligence and security services to assist clients in achieving their objectives.
We wish John all the best in the future and thank him for his excellent contribution to the Industry.
