John Downie

 John Downie, director and head of operations, has had a distinguished background in the British Armed Forces, operating all over the world. As a former Senior Non-Commissioned Officer within the British Military, he has extensive experience leading specialist operations, managing recruits and training to a very high standard.

Since leaving the military, John has been enveloped within the private security sector.

 He has operated as a close protection operative for many ultra-high net worth individuals and celebrities, as well as covering diplomatic security operations.

John is also a qualified trainer and assessor of new delegates looking to work within close protection and surveillance, or many other roles within the industry. Many of John’s top 3rd delegates are now part of our Pretorian team.

 John is dedicated to helping veterans and the enlisted armed forces. The majority of our team are either serving or ex-armed forces personnel, as well as close protection operatives who have worked alongside John through the years. The team are trained in warfare but most importantly welfare, which we bring to you.

  • SIA CP Licence

  • DBS Enhanced

  • FREC 4

  • Hostile environment instructor

  • Surveillance / counter surveillance & reconnaissance

  • Defensive & Evasive driving

  • Weapons and tactics instructor

  • Behavioural detection trained

  • Counter explosive ordinance instructor

Alex Abrey

With 10 years of experience running hospitality venues across London and Hampshire, director Alex Abrey felt something was missing in venue security: genuine customer care. To bridge that gap, he launched PRWSG in Winchester with a strict focus on patron & staff welfare.

Alex remains completely hands-on; he currently runs Ed's venue in Winchester and regularly works the door alongside John and the Pretorian team.

Edward Spice

 Edward Spice, director, has spent 20 years running bars and restaurants, alongside his wife Becs in Surrey and Hampshire. Fed up of poor security companies contracted to secure his own venues Ed, on meeting John, at his venue in Winchester suggested setting up our own security company.

Ed has covered all areas of hospitality and brings the ethic behind great service and standards to Pretorian.