In this special series, we are interviewing members of our club, so that you can get to know each other a bit better.Today we talk with Nigel Wright about his life and work in the region.
Nigel has lived on the French Riviera for nearly twenty years. And he is currently working as a protection officer at Hunter Protection.
What brought you to the French Riviera? How long have you been here?
I fell in love with a French student in the United Kingdom when I was in College. We lived together in the UK for five years before moving to Cannes. We have now lived here for over 19 years and we love it.
Why did you decide to start your business?
I started my business because I trained in the UK as a close protection officer (bodyguard). As well as advanced driving and first aid (including paediatric care).
Once I gained the qualifications and was registered in the UK. I then studied here in France focusing in those areas. And to qualify for my license of ‘Agent de Protection Rapproché’. Now, I am licensed to work in both countries.
I saw a need to provide security service. Especially for English-speaking clients who share the same culture and understanding of the British standards. To that end, I work with a high-end London security firm called ‘Hunter Protection’.
What does your company do?
Hunter Protection was started to help former military service people find a rewarding career after their time serving. Security is often a natural progression for soldiers looking at an industry with a career path that enhances and develops their already exceptional talents.
Hunter Protection employs trusted security advisers for clients such as royal families, heads of state, diplomats, fortune 100 CEO’s, high net worth individuals and their families. Employees are able to handle even the most unprecedented and difficult situations efficiently and discreetly.
Our ‘Property’ and ‘Street Security Ambassador’ services have been protecting establishments such as homes, estates, embassies, royal palaces, hotels, offices and yachts for decades.
Our ‘Residential Security Teams’ are carefully selected, highly trained and adept at dealing with every type of interaction and every type of security threat to help guarantee the safe and comfortable atmosphere of any family setting.
What makes your business stand out?
The reason this business exists is to raise the industry standard by providing protection and security for the world’s ‘rarest’ people, property and possessions. We believe that “rare” requires extraordinary talent that is supported holistically with security intelligence, military standard processes and qualified supervision. Our operator’s emotional intelligence is also highly valued and supported by additional communication and behaviour training.
Do you have any special offers for Business Club members?
Hunter’s founder and CEO, Karen Connell is recognised globally for her communication and behaviour training and counts fortune 50 companies and The British Army as her clients. Karen could provide some of her most popular workshops at discounted rates (or for donations to local charities) to Business Club members and this might include:
– How your behaviour is impacting your personal safety
– Improving communication with work, team, family members and clients
– Dating online and spotting potential stalkers
Why did you decide to become a member of Business Club Côte d’Azur? What do you like most about it?
I strongly believe that “people buy people”, and that as human beings we are hard-wired to seek genuine connections.
The idea that I get to meet entrepreneurs from every sector of life is so exciting. We exchange ideas, give each other energy and are part of a community that is passionate about building all our businesses. The Côte d’Azur is such a special place, it is vibrant, the business opportunities are immense, and the people are great.
I love the dynamics and I appreciate all the work that goes into organising such events. Also, their way of communicating with club members; they are professional, helpful and passionate about helping others.
Fun facts about Nigel Wright!
What is your favourite French wine?
Whispering Angel from the Château d’Esclans in the Var. If you go visit the Château, ask for Christian, the tour is great fun. In that area, there are so many wineries to visit; another favorite is Chateau de Berne, stop off for lunch at Chez Bruno in Lorgues on the way.
What is your favourite spot on the Côte d’Azur?
There are so many nice places; honestly. I enjoy riding my motorbike to many of them, it’s actually more about the journey than the destination. Riding around the Gorges du Verdon is breathtaking or the route Napoleon from Golfe-Juan all the way up to Grenoble.
What French word do you find very difficult to pronounce?
It’s easy for me to say now that I’m fluent but I struggled to pronounce “eggs” and “eyes” because they always sounded the same. They say laughter is the best medicine; I found that very true when training in First aid here in France, I asked the victim if they could squeeze my hand or open their eggs.
What is your favourite French expression?
“Il n’y a pas de problème, il n’y a que des solutions” means “There is no problem, there are only solutions”. But I prefer what John Lennon said: “There are no problems, only solutions.”
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