A former soldier in the British Army and a former Aide to members of the British Royal family at Kensington Palace, London, Alex Bomberg has been involved with the world of commercial security and intelligence since leaving the forces in 1997.
In 2002, he founded International Intelligence Limited and, in 2008, split the activities of International Intelligence into a group structure with Intelligent (UK Holdings) Limited as the management part of that structure.
Alex has been a major contributor to several TV News broadcasts, appearing on the BBC (TV and Radio), Sky News, Channel 4 News in the UK and on CNN, CBS, Global News & CTV in North and South America.
Alex has also written, contributed or been interviewed for articles in the national and international press, having appeared in most prominent international news publications. Further, Alex has also taken part in TV Documentaries for the BBC and Discovery Channel and has written articles for specialist trade publications such as the Law Gazette, Legal Week Global and the Institute of Directors Magazine.
We put Alex under the Stroud Times’ microscope
When are you at your happiest?
I’m happiest when I am with friends and family, eating and talking. These moments and memories you cannot buy.
What has been the scariest moment in your life?
Working in Haiti as a bodyguard – the most dangerous country in the world.
Things can go wrong very fast in countries like Haiti, no matter what plans you have in place. There are so many moving parts to providing high-threat security and you really need to be on your toes!
What has been your biggest disappointment?
My biggest disappointment is not having been a better father to my two daughters – I did not take enough time with them when they were young. You can’t buy time and it’s the only thing that is in our own control.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Port Wine and Sculpture in equal measure! Each brings such joy to me and helps me relax. Sculpture in particular as its view in your mind’s eye changes depending on your own mood and the light.
Who is the most famous person on your phone?
I am very protective of my friends and clients; however, I can say that I have several Royals and some pop stars.
What is your favourite smell?
Oud – I love the smell of this Middle Eastern scent. I own numerous bottles of Oud, each slightly different.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
This would have to be Hugh Grant. A marvellous actor and orator and a very cool guy.
What do you like most about the Stroud area?
The open fields. When I was a Parish Councillor for Eastington (for seven years) I fought really hard to save every single green space we have. Stroud is a unique place with a beautiful soul, and I fear that it will sadly be all lost. The fact is that not everyone can live here and if we go down that route, the reason for people to want to be here will change.
What would you improve about Stroud?
The District Council needs to have more vision and a long-term plan—not the Local Plan that they have already voted against and now has no backbone, but a 20—and 50-year plan that they can be proud of and respect.
What is your ideal weekend?
My ideal weekend would be a long romantic walk followed by a lovely meal, washed down by a glass of port of two – and of course a cuddle.
I’m also a sucker for rare teas, so the peace and quiet of an intimate space with a rare Pu’er would be blissful for me.
What is on your bucket list?
My bucket list most definitely includes writing a book or two. I really enjoy writing these days and have been lucky to have articles on security and risk published in some world-leading journals. It’s about time that I expand on these writings.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
The most important this is have learnt in life is to understand the limit of your own desires. For years I chased the money, but I have seen what money does to people and it can often be quite vile. You need to understand what is enough and what is important.
What book and song would you take with you if stranded on an uninhabited island?
“The Pracademic’s Handbook” by Garry Bergin & Paul Kellett. – Two top gentlemen and legends of the security industry, both of whom I respect very much and are lucky to count as dear friends.
“Over the Rainbow” by Eva Cassidy – this song evokes a lot of emotion within me, a real classic.
