Increasingly these days, business owners must grapple with not only delivering quality products and services for their clients but also with the responsibility to protect their businesses against an array of potential threats. From fundamental concerns like health and safety protocols to the intricacies of fire risk management and facility security, the checklist for safeguarding a business is extensive. And beyond conventional risks, digital connectivity introduces a whole new level of complexity with the need to protect critical assets like data and sensitive information for leaks and breaches.
Amidst such challenges, SHIELD Consultants have emerged as leaders in operational risk management in Malta and beyond, providing a comprehensive suite of services to guide businesses on safeguarding their operations effectively. Established in 2004 by former army officer John Schembri, SHIELD adopts business continuity management as its core approach to tackling operational risk.
“At SHIELD, we take a comprehensive approach to operational risk management, blending consultancy, training, and innovative technology to design solutions tailored for each business's unique needs. Our goal is to be right there with companies, whether they're just starting out or adjusting to new challenges, so that they have the peace of mind they need to focus on growing their business,” explains Mr Schembri.
He certainly has the CV to back up his expertise. After joining the Armed Forces of Malta in 1986, he then went on to further his training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK. Across his military career, he gained experience as a United Nations Military Observer and honed his skills as a hostage negotiator. From 1994 to 1999, he also formed part of the military attached to President Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, which he explains provided him with unique insights into public systems and institutions.
It’s through these diverse military foundations that the roots of SHIELD were planted and began to take shape. “After 18 years in the army, I felt the need for a change and began thinking about how to channel my extensive experience into a new career. That's when the concept of SHIELD came to me. The idea was to launch a security company that goes beyond merely providing on-location guards or operating like a CCTV company. Instead, I wanted our focus to specialise on security risk consultancy, shedding light on concerns that businesses might not even be aware of.”
From its humble beginnings as a one-man operation, SHIELD has grown into a 15-strong, multinational team of dedicated professionals. Over the years, the agency has overseen a diverse portfolio of projects, notably playing a pivotal role in safeguarding critical national infrastructure. From crafting comprehensive security protocols for power stations and museums to securing storage facilities, depos, and engaging with the energy, water sectors, and emergency response initiatives, SHIELD has evolved into a key player ensuring the resilience and safety of vital national assets.
Through the years, Mr Schembri and his team have observed the emergence of new concerns, ensuring they have had to remain committed to continuous training and evolution to provide adept guidance for clients. The heightened focus on Health and Safety in recent years has seen more businesses recognise their responsibilities to employees and customers.
Discussing SHIELD's client approach, Mr Schembri emphasises: “While we have expanded our competencies and services, our approach to clients has remained consistent from the start. We focus on building strong relationships with our clients. We listen to their concerns to fully understand their needs. Without this insight, we can't deliver what they require. We begin by conducting a thorough scoping session of the business and their operations, before presenting a proposal, agreeing on deliverables, and then implementing the plan accordingly.”
As SHIELD's expertise has grown, so has their client base, extending to regions like Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya, and Pakistan. Mr Schembri reflects, “It's incredibly rewarding to see how SHIELD's reputation has flourished in the industry. We look forward to building new relationships with international clients, so that as a trusted ally we can help them navigate complex risks.”
A key factor in SHIELD's success is its digital security solution, SHIELD Tools for Operational Risk Management, also known as STORM. STORM is a user-friendly suite of tools designed to enhance the risk management experience for professionals. It simplifies tasks such as audit trails, reporting, and offers a thoughtfully crafted Document Management System together with controlled permission features to ensure that information is accessible only to authorised users.
“Risk management tools are a means to an end, and for us at SHIELD, the end-goal is sustainable, business-friendly, and cost-effective operational risk management,” explains Mr Schembri. “We provide tools for various risk management and emergency response scenarios, tailoring them according to each business’s needs. We also provide flexibility with a system that is easily usable on all devices. This way, busy professionals who may be travelling can safeguard their operations no matter where they are.”
Based on his industry experience, he foresees automation becoming crucial in operational risk management. He highlights a growing emphasis on compliance and regulation solutions to help businesses stay updated on changing laws to avoid unnecessary penalties from regulators. Additionally, as fibre optic networks become the norm, they are introducing new security risks. SHIELD is actively working to assist businesses in managing these challenges, ensuring that businesses not only adapt to changes but secure their operations in a changing digital landscape.
“While many clients take a proactive approach to risk management, we unfortunately still encounter instances when businesses act too late. This can result not only in data loss but, in more severe cases, physical harm to people and damage to assets, causing significant expenses and reputational harm,” explains Mr Schembri. “That's why we urge business owners to seek guidance from professionals. Together, we can work with you to truly strengthen and safeguard your operations on all fronts, ensuring resilience against a wide range of threats that may come your way.”
