Andy is the former Head of Security with Virgin Atlantic, where he was responsible for all aspects of the airline's security programme, including intelligence, threat assessment and security incident management. During his time with the company, Andy managed many dynamic and high-profile security events and was instrumental in implementing the company's Security Management System (SeMS), which was a UK first with the CAA/DfT. Prior to joining Virgin Atlantic, he was the UK Security Manager and Lead Threat Assessor with DHL International.

Andy has an extensive law enforcement and intelligence background, with previous service with UK Customs, British Transport Police, the Strategic and Specialist Intelligence Branch of the National Criminal Intelligence Service, and the National Drugs Intelligence Service of the Czech Republic. Andy has been commended by the Metropolitan Police for demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and providing an exceptional level of service during a period of heightened threat against civil aviation interests. He has also received an award from the US Drug Enforcement Administration for 'Outstanding contributions to drug law enforcement'.  

Andy is now the Principal of Blackwell Security Consulting, which specialises in threat and risk management, resilience, transport and travel security, and the development and implementation of Security Management Systems (SeMS). He is a member of the Advisory Council of International Security Expo, the Advisory Panel of Crisis Response Journal, and a member of the Institute of Professional Policing, Intelligence and Security, Buckingham New University.  Andy is a Registered Independent Security Consultant with the Association of Security Consultants, a certificated member of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, a full member of the Emergency Planning Society, and an individual member of the International Professional Security Association.  He works closely with regulators, government agencies and law enforcement agencies in the UK and overseas whilst also providing a wide range of security advisory services to commercial concerns globally.

Andy is also a co-director of 3DAssurance an independent advisory company specialising in management systems for providing assurance that corporate risks are under control. Formed by Blackwell Security Consulting (www.blackwell-security.co.uk), and SeMSnet, 3DAssurance provides ready-made and tailored solutions to corporate challenges in areas such as security, risk, quality, and safety assurance.  We work with you to bring pragmatic solutions to real-life business issues. Our team combines years of practical experience implementing risk management and assurance systems with deep analytical and strategic design expertise. We ensure the sustainability of our solutions by embedding them with mentoring and training in the principles and practices, supporting continuous improvement activities where appropriate. 

Andy regularly speaks at national and international conferences and co-authored Clever Security, Clever Business with fellow ASC member John Wood.  https://tinyurl.com/CleverSecurityCleverBusiness published 30th October 2023