Alex Bomberg, Chairman of Intelligent (UK Holdings) Limited and international security specialist, has issued a warning about the growing security challenges facing Gloucestershire businesses and communities amid escalating global conflicts.
Born and raised in Stroud, Bomberg has a deep personal connection to Gloucestershire and extensive experience in security, risk management, and counter-terrorism. He has advised on incidents ranging from high-profile robberies involving football stars to emerging AI threats such as Deepfakes.
“In today’s age of asymmetric warfare, the battlefield is all around us,” Bomberg said. “There will be influence operations running on both sides, AI Deepfakes will play their part, and we can expect increased terrorist activity. While Gloucestershire is far from Iran and the conflicts unfolding in the Middle East, local businesses and communities are not immune to cyberattacks or other forms of indirect threat.”
Bomberg emphasized his personal connection to the region: “I am very much a Stroudie and most certainly have Gloucestershire in my heart. I served in the Gloucestershire Regiment as a young man, and I am proud to be a resident of both Stroud and Dubai, owning businesses in the UK, UAE, and Europe.”
Highlighting the county’s preparedness, he said: “Gloucestershire has some prime targets, but those locations have solid, mature security that would be hard to penetrate. The short answer is yes, there is a risk, but it is more likely to be cyber-attack led on critical infrastructure than ‘boots on the ground’ sabotage or terrorism. That said, we must remain vigilant and aware of the changing security landscape.”
On protecting vulnerable sites, Bomberg warned: “Soft targets—such as schools, hospitals, and tourist attractions—must be prioritised. Even the most basic security measures—staff awareness, CCTV, controlled access—can greatly reduce the likelihood of an attack. If a potential attacker sees that a location is not easy to penetrate, they are likely to move on.”
Referring to his experience in advising on high-profile incidents, Bomberg noted: “I am often asked for my opinion on incidents ranging from football stars being robbed to the latest AI threats, including Deepfakes. These events show just how quickly threats can emerge, and how important it is to be prepared locally.”
Bomberg also highlighted the importance of recent legislation: “The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, often called Martyn’s Law or the Protect Duty, requires public venues to take practical steps to prepare for terrorism. For smaller venues, this includes staff awareness training and basic emergency procedures. Larger venues are required to carry out formal risk assessments, implement security plans, and maintain monitoring measures such as bag checks, CCTV, and controlled entry points. Lessons from Manchester must never be forgotten.”
Key sites impacted by the Protect Duty include concert venues, arenas, stadiums, theatres, shopping centres, nightclubs, and other locations where large numbers of people gather.
“Security should not depend on luck,” Bomberg concluded. “It is a shared responsibility to improve preparedness, reduce vulnerabilities, and protect the public. Gloucestershire must stay vigilant in a world where threats are evolving rapidly.”
