Managing Director Gareth comes from a military background, leading into the security industry. Gareth progressed into roles such as a security supervisor, operations manager and Close Protection Officer (CPO). Gareth gained a vast amount of experience over the years working in different roles and climates. Having completed task’s on numerous high-risk deployments including celebrity security and asset protection, Gareth decided to adapt his career path into the world of dog handling.
Head Office Team
Gareth Howlett
Managing Director / Founder
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Having qualified back in 2010 with awarding body NASDU. Gareth and General Purpose Dutch Herder Jumbo have been a unified team ever since. Previously, Gareth has worked for a specialist dog handling company before H&A Protection Services. More recently, Gareth has specialised in drug and pyrotechnic detection with fully accredited DD Rocky.
From this growth and wealth of experience, H&A Protection Services LTD has recently expanded into new premises with a core office team based in Ormskirk. Gareth’s vision and determination to ensure staff welfare, correct procedures and only the best quality service will keep H&A on the right path.
Helen Hogsflesh
Compliance Manager
Helen Hogsflesh brings a wealth of experience in administration and accounting to her role at H&A. Her previous tenure as a landlady at various pubs in Lancashire honed her skills in managing operations efficiently. Helen’s strong-willed and punctual demeanor ensures that both the office and operational teams stay on track. Since 2023, she has taken on the pivotal position of compliance manager, spearheading all compliance-related matters. With her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to upholding regulations, Helen excels as the head of compliance, ensuring the company’s adherence to industry standards.
Wendy Howlett
HR & Screening Manager
Wendy joined H&A Protection Services in January 2022. Wendy is an integral part of the team at H&A ass she heads up all Screening and Vetting for existing and new applicants to the business. Wendy has over 20 years in management working with both small and large teams in the hospitality industry and the Care sector.
Wendy now works alongside her youngest son Gareth on a day-to-day basis helping him to push forward and grow the family business.
Jayne Hogsflesh
Administration & Accounts Manager
Jayne Hogsflesh has recently become a valuable addition to our team at H&A Protection Services, assuming the role of Administration and Accounts Manager. With the company’s rapid growth, Jayne works closely with her sister Helen in overseeing the day-to-day operations. Drawing upon her extensive background in administration, Jayne’s experience spans several years as a registered pediatric nurse in the NHS. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make her an indispensable asset in managing the administrative and financial aspects of our business.
Manned Guarding - Operations Team
Trevor Howlett
Guarding Operations Supervisor
(Greater Manchester Area)
Trevor Howlett brings over two decades of invaluable security industry experience to H&A Protection Services. As the Greater Manchester Area Supervisor, he oversees and ensures the highest standards of security across the region. Trevor’s journey began as a dedicated door supervisor, and his commitment to the field has only grown stronger. Today, he proudly supports his son’s venture, H&A Protection, as they strive to redefine security solutions. With Trevor’s wealth of knowledge and expertise, clients in Greater Manchester can trust in the exceptional service and unwavering dedication that defines H&A Protection Services.
Andrew Jenkins
Guarding Operations Supervisor
(Mobile Patrols & Key holding)
Andrew Jenkins, our esteemed Mobile Patrol & Key Holding Area Supervisor at H&A Protection Services, brings a wealth of experience to our team. Having dedicated the last three years to our organization, Andy has proven his versatility by transitioning from the dynamic world of festival and events management to spearheading our day-to-day static guarding team. His commitment, adaptability, and leadership skills ensure that our mobile patrol and key holding services are executed with precision, guaranteeing the safety and security of our clients and their assets.
Thomas Robertson (Tambo)
Guarding Operations Supervisor
(Lancashire Area)
Thomas Robertson, fondly known as “Tambo,” serves as our Lancashire Area Supervisor at H&A Protection Services. With a background as a qualified close protection officer and extensive experience in the events industry, Tambo brings a unique blend of skills and knowledge to his role. Having spent many years in the events sector, his expertise is now channeled into overseeing all guarding operations in Lancashire. His vast management experience and deep understanding of security operations make him an invaluable leader, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our clients throughout the region.
Festival & Events - Operations Team
Emily Fitton
Head of Festival & Events
Emily Fitton is an accomplished professional with expertise in crowd management, level 4 spectator safety, safeguarding, and security management. With a solid foundation in training, she holds certificates to deliver door supervision courses. Emily’s remarkable career spans over six years in live event management, where she has successfully orchestrated numerous memorable experiences.
Her commitment to ensuring safety, security, and a seamless spectator experience makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Emily’s wealth of qualifications and hands-on experience make her an exceptional choice for managing any event with finesse and precision.
Dave Brady
Festival & Events Supervisor
Dave has climbed the ranks from his initial role as a door supervisor, demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise at every step. His journey through the company saw him excel as a Door supervisor before earning a well-deserved promotion to Festival & Event Supervisor earlier this year.
Boasting over a decade of experience in the security industry, coupled with 16 years of invaluable experience as a publican across the country, Dave brings a unique blend of insight and expertise to his role.
Stephanie Thomas
Festival & Events Supervisor
Stephanie Thomas began her journey with H&A Protection Services as a steward, where her dedication and drive quickly stood out. After earning her SIA Door Supervisor license, she showcased exceptional leadership skills, leading to her promotion to Festival and Event Supervisor in early 2024.
With two degrees from John Moores University, Stephanie initially pursued a different career path but has found her passion in the security and events industry. She is now preparing to advance her expertise by starting a new chapter in Crowd Management and Spectator Safety, solidifying her commitment to professional growth in this dynamic field.
Jude Bilsborough
Festival & Events Supervisor
Jude Billsborough has been an integral part of H&A Protection Services for the past three years, steadily advancing within the company through dedication and hard work. Currently serving as a Security Supervisor in the Festival & Events Team, Jude has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to excellence.
This year, Jude stepped up as the Build & Break Supervisor for the high-profile BBC Radio 2 event, showcasing exceptional organizational skills and the ability to lead under pressure.
Canine Detection Team
Derren Fitton
Detection Lead Handler
Since joining H&A Protection Services in 2016, Derren Fitton has been an invaluable member of the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from her previous roles as an Event Manager, Security Supervisor, and Detection Dog Handler. Well-known and highly respected in the detection dog community, Derren is recognized as a key asset to any team she joins.
We are proud to have Derren as one of our Detection Lead Handler, a role that allows her expertise to shine while further developing her career. She is passionate about her work and finds great joy in deploying her two exceptional dogs, Max and Washington, across various venues and clients, delivering outstanding results every time.
Holly Vawser
Detection Lead Handler
Holly Vawser has been a valued member of H&A Protection Services for the past two years, serving as a highly skilled Detection Handler with qualifications in multiple disciplines. Holding accreditations with NASDU in Explosive Detection, Passive and Proactive Drug Detection, and Pyrotechnic Detection, Holly’s expertise sets her apart in the security industry.
As a Lead Handler, Holly has played a pivotal role at one of our high-profile football club contracts, ensuring a safe and secure environment for players, staff, and fans. Additionally, she has been instrumental in maintaining a drug-free zone at one of our partnered medical facilities, showcasing her commitment to excellence and precision in every deployment.
ROCKY
Detection Dog (DD) Rocky is big in stature and personality but is also a massive softy! Fully trained to find narcotics and pyrotechnics, Rocky is one of the leading detection dogs in our Lancashire-based company. His favourite type of searches are busy crowds entering venues where he can find numerous illegal substances which means LOTS of rewards and praises from his handler Gareth.
MAX
Springador “Mad Max” definitely lives up to his name! He is known throughout the detection dog world as one of the best noses going and is as determined as handler Derren when it comes to confirming the possession of illegal and illicit substances.With numerous pyrotechnic, Class A and possession with intent to supply finds. Both Derren and Max’s hard work in continuation training and development they are a must-have canine partnership to any team.
WASHINGTON
Or Squashy Washy as he’s known is a small chocolate springador but often gets mistaken for a puppy labrador. He might be small but he’s definitely got a big attitude! Washy is one of our dedicated explosive detection dogs (EDD) who gets deployed to various clients nationwide with handler Derren. Washington comes from a highly-rated NASDU trainer in Wales who has also trained Washy’s brother and sister into fully trained explosive detection dogs too.
SHANKLY
Shankly is a white and liver springer spaniel drugs and pyrotechnic detection dog for handler Terry. Both Terry and Shankly have excelled in their first year in the industry with their professionalism and hard work to gain knowledge and experience by working all over the country in different venue including football stadiums, music concerts and nightclubs. H&A Protection Services believe Shankly will become a legend in his own right, like his namesake.
Company Accreditations and Memberships
We take great pride in our official Accreditations and Memberships. To be rewarded with each one both the company and our staff have undergone intensive training, audits and inspections to ensure that we comply with the requirements set out by each institution.
