How does a tactical advisor in law enforcement become a security consultant, involved in reimagining risk management? We sat down with Olly Rutt to learn more about his unique background and how the power of diverse thinking is solving complex security challenges.

A journey from blue lights to boardrooms 

Olly’s career in law enforcement was diverse and challenging. He spent his first three years in uniformed policing roles before moving to the firearms unit. For over a decade, he served as an armed police officer, eventually advancing to become a tactical adviser.

This role placed him at the heart of planning security for major events like political conferences in Brighton, the Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations and Pride, which typically drew up to half a million attendees.

“These events required a deep understanding of risk assessment and management,” Olly explains. “We had to balance the need for strong security with maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. It’s all about strategically placing resources to maximise safety without creating an atmosphere of fear”.

The seed of change

As Olly’s career progressed, he began to feel constrained by the rigid structures of police work and that he needed a change. “The police talk about doing things differently, but the implementation is often hindered by a lack of cognitive diversity. Everyone has the same training, so you get predictable solutions. If you ask why something is done a certain way, the response is often ‘That’s how we’ve always done it.’ This approach stifles innovation and new ideas.”

This desire for a more dynamic and creative environment led Olly to The Keyholding Company and its newly formed consultancy division – TKC Consult. Here, he found an opportunity to leverage his extensive experience in a team that is actively seeking to disrupt the traditional security industry rather than toe the line.

A new chapter begins

Olly’s transition from law enforcement to the private sector brought unique challenges and opportunities. “In the corporate world, there’s much more diversity of thought. It’s been a learning curve, but it’s also incredibly refreshing.”

Led by Chartered Security Professional, Rachel Webb, TKC Consult’s scientific methodology and commitment to fresh thinking aligned perfectly with Olly’s vision for modern risk management, offering him the creative environment he had been seeking.

“Understanding a client’s risk appetite plays a central role,” Olly notes. “We’re not here to block business growth. Indeed, it’s the opposite—our goal is enabling companies to take calculated risks and thrive.”

A data-driven, people-powered approach 

Olly’s approach seamlessly combines TKC Consult’s cutting-edge Risk Management Tool with his deep-rooted expertise, offering clients the best of both worlds. The software allows for rapid risk assessments across large property portfolios. “We can do in hours what used to take days,” Olly notes, emphasising the tool’s transformative impact, “and the data-driven, visual dashboards make it easy for anyone to understand their security posture, not just experts.”

While technology drives efficiency, it’s TKC Consult’s human-centric approach that turns data into actionable strategies. Olly’s background in law enforcement gives him a unique ability to engage with clients on a personal level, ensuring that the sophisticated analytics produced by the software are translated into practical, real-world solutions.

We’re not just applying cookie-cutter solutions. We’re really digging into each client’s unique needs and crafting bespoke strategies.

Olly Rutt

This adaptability serves him well in the field of risk consultancy. Whether discussing security concerns with C-suite executives or front-line staff, Olly tailors his communication style to ensure that his message resonates. “In the police, you might be talking to a member of the royal family one day and a homeless person the next,” Olly says, reflecting on the importance of adaptability. “You need to be able to build rapport quickly and get to the heart of the issue, regardless of who you’re speaking to.”

This blend of technology and human insight empowers clients to make smarter, faster decisions about resource allocation—potentially reducing costs while enhancing overall security. The ability to quickly model different threat scenarios adds a layer of flexibility that traditional methods can’t match.

Olly’s vision

Looking to the future, Olly is excited about the potential for further innovation in risk management. He sees the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence as the next frontier, allowing for even more precise and proactive security strategies.

Olly’s ultimate goal is to change the perception of security within organisations. “We want to move away from security being seen as a cost centre or a necessary evil,” he explains. “With the right approach, security can be a business enabler, allowing companies to pursue opportunities they might otherwise avoid due to perceived risks.”

For Olly, the most rewarding aspect of his new role is helping clients solve real problems. “In the police, I wanted to help people. That drive hasn’t changed,” he reflects. “Now, I’m helping in a different way, but it’s just as important.”

Risk management with a difference

Risk management with a difference

If you want to work with a team of forward-thinking risk experts to transform your security outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

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