Former servicemen Jason Hicks and David Tait have put their military experience to good use with the launch of their own risk management consultancy.
Jason and David have 45 years combined military and specialised governmental experience serving in hostile and challenging environments. Jason recently received the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for bravery and Leadership while working for NATO HQ in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2015. Now, the two have swapped battle fatigues for suits after spotting a niche in the market for tailored travel risk awareness and overseas risk management solutions.
Established early this year, Athena Risk provides essential advice for companies and personnel working in and travelling to developing and emerging markets. In August, the company moved to a flexible Regus office on Cloth Market, Newcastle and the business is going from strength to strength.
Jason comments: “Our extensive military background is a big aspect of what we’re about at Athena Risk. Having that first-hand experience of serving in hostile and challenging environments means we can apply a practical perspective risk management solutions to a range of businesses across multiple markets.
“We use our Regus office in Newcastle as our hub from which we plan and deliver Emirates Airline sponsored travel risk awareness workshops to businesses across the North East. We already have additional workshops pencilled in for other parts of the UK and our growth plans also include working in the USA and beyond.
“We’re delighted we made the move to launch our own business.”