Safe as houses: Why discrete security speaks volumes

As a chartered security professional, Kate Bright operates largely behind-the-scenes. A leading light in personal protection – and founder of bespoke security concierge UMBRA International – Kate and her team’s approach to keeping clients “holistically safe” is all about the logistics. Recruitment, advisory and project management services are discretely rolled out from the Mayfair HQ in Berkeley Square and satellite offices around the world, ahead of time, in the background.

Because security is not really an all-guns-blazing business. Yes, there can be airlifts from embassies (occasionally) and festival arrivals by chopper (“that’s the fun stuff”), but you’re more likely to find Kate discussing the latest drone technology or dealing with staff vetting than donning a headpiece.

An advocate – and coiner of – the ‘Secure Lifestyle’ movement, Kate’s brand of security is proactive not reactive. “Secure Lifestyle is my proudest gift to the sector,” she reflects. “It speaks to the fact that security affects everyone but that feeling safe means different things to different people.”

To Kate and the UMBRA team, it means meticulously assessing and minimising everyday risk, however innocuous seeming. “For many of our clients who live nomadic lifestyles, feeling safe starts at home,” she explains. “No matter how frequently they travel, they want to feel secure in their familiar surroundings, whether that’s in Knightsbridge or the Swiss Alps; a long-term residence or a short-term stay. We try to deliver that sense of security seamlessly.”

Many of our Domus Stay homeowners and guests live similarly – moving between residences, travelling for work or searching for a trusted place to land. It’s a world where peace of mind is priceless and discretion essential, observes Kate.

From under-the-radar surveillance and state-of-the-art security systems to assembling trusted, fully screened personnel, the measures deployed are essentially invisible – and entirely bespoke. “Our clients are always involved in the conversation,” Kate insists. “We’re not going to tell them how to feel safe. Instead, we’ll come and have a chat about what they need, then we can tailor our recommendations and service accordingly,” she says. “A lot of that peace of mind in the home starts with going to have a look, making sure they have the proper foundations in place that can be built on.”

Covering every potential chink in the security armour, UMBRA also lays the foundations for secure living beyond the front door. “Risk assessment is a scary word,” Kate admits. “So is security. That’s why we’ve created a four-pillar framework to show that there’s more to it than bodyguards. Alongside the physical aspects, it’s also about considering the digital, reputational and emotional implications.”

An approachable ambassador for a much misunderstood and closed-off industry, Kate is characteristically calm, capable and radiates a quiet confidence. Nothing seems to phase her, an unflappableness honed over a career as an executive assistant and chief of staff. Being methodical and meticulously organised have always been part of her day job, she explains. Working with private and family offices for 15 years prior to founding UMBRA, she’s well-versed in running every aspect of high-net-worth individual’s lives – and, to date, has managed a collective net worth of over £50 billion.

The close-knit Berkeley Square team is similarly cool under pressure, ticking boxes in terms of brawn, too (read: ex-military and law enforcement operatives). But with UMBRA, Kate is flexing more than muscle (incidentally, though, she is SIA close protection trained, should the need arise). “I realised that a diverse team with diverse skills is the best way to counter the risks posed by modern life,” she notes.

In essence, UMBRA is the service Kate wishes she’d had access to when she was on the other side of the desk – and it’s why the team works side by side with clients to build a personalised game plan that evolves with their lives. It’s a behind-the-scenes diligence that mirrors the way Domus Stay curates its services: always in step with how people really want to live. “Essentially, we’re a security private office that brings confidence to those who might otherwise feel a bit overwhelmed by the sector,” she says. “We make it simple for them to invest in their secure lifestyle.”

London home visits often kickstart the process, although Kate travels far and wide to meet clients on their turf. “I always say, we’ll sit down to discuss your needs over a cup of matcha – we’re not going to come in all heavy handed, airlift and all. Although, that can be arranged,” she smiles. “Security isn’t only about Plan A, but about Plan D, E and F. It certainly doesn’t stop being interesting.”

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Thinking about your own secure lifestyle in London or during a stay? We strive to make the short stay experience seamless – and secure. Discretion and trust are core to creating services and spaces where homeowners and guests feel truly at ease – from thorough background checks to meticulous inventory reports and home maintenance. Discover more about listing and staying with us.