Introducing Kate Bright, Founder of UMBRA International, Secure Lifestyles for private clients
Kate Bright
Meet Kate, Founder of UMBRA International Group (UMBRA), a leading private client private office offering a range of bespoke protective and proactive security solutions.
Here she tells us about her business journey so far, her mission to make security accessible to all, how invaluable having a mentor (or two!) is and that, ultimately, your reputation in business is everything.
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“I Founded UMBRA after 15 years working for international families in family and private offices, managing their lives and those of their families. Working with these clients I saw how critical robust and relevant security was to their lives, so I embarked on SIA Close Protection training so I could understand and support this aspect of their lives. Seeing the need for this support and a gap in the market I set up my business, providing bespoke protective and proactive secure lifestyle solutions.”
UMBRA International
What impact has Covid-19 had on your business?
We are now living in a very different world to the one we were 3 months ago! I feel like I was one person, running one business until Friday 13th March and that I can look back categorically and say I have slightly morphed as a person in business and my personal life. The business has stood strong throughout despite having to go entirely online for the first few months of lockdown.
After university you had a career as a PA, what prompted the move to private security?
While I was working with increasingly wealthy and high profile clients, addressing their security needs in relation to their lifestyle was an essential part of the role. I increasingly noticed that the better the security solutions, the safer, happier, less anxious and more productive the clients. My first step was to understand what ‘good security’ looked like through my training, and once I saw how transformational this was and what was required to achieve it, the next logical step was to bring the service to my network.
What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt since setting up UMBRA?
Most people, if they put their mind to something that is missing in their lives or that they are passionate about could set a business up tomorrow. Growing a reputation takes time though. Growing revenue takes time. Patience is a necessary virtue and so is challenging yourself with what seem to be unrealistic goals to take yourself well outside of your comfort zone – building a business is not for the faint hearted. You will always end up further developed as a human whether things go ‘wrong’ or ‘right’. A business plan is basically guess work but so important to have as a map.
What does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like for you?
Creating a routine, particularly in the wake of Covid has always been natural to me as I am surrounded by many ex military and pro sporting friends and family members.
I start the day with mindfulness and exercise, this is the only way I’ve kept sane in the last 5 years and especially during lockdown.
Then the working day starts with internal meetings to see how the team are, this has been increasingly important in a virtual world. They know me well enough to often expect me fresh from the rower covered in sweat!
After checking in with the team I hit my inbox and focus on tackling my emails and then anything that has come in via the website – new business we have been asked to consult on, general enquiries or requests to speak.
I will normally speak to one or two clients to see how they are, this is the focus of my role as well as developing our Introducer network.
Before Covid it was a hectic breakfast, lunch, early networking drinks schedule both here and abroad, traveling regularly, and I have to say me nor my waistline is missing this!
Kate Bright - TEDx talk on Invisible Security in 2018
What tips would you give to someone looking to start their own business?
My goodness, DON’T DO IT! Just kidding. Surround yourself with good people. Those that give you advice because they care, without a vested interest.
Get not just one mentor, but many. Make them feel special, often. Keep them abreast of how you and your business is developing, this is what they want to see and will usually be enough reward for their time. Invite them to events or business moments you’re planning, it will make them feel very integral to your world, especially when you don’t have money to give as fees, or time to explain exactly where the business has developed since you last saw them. They will appreciate meeting others in your network too. Also – final tip – mentors can also be younger/less ‘experienced’ – some of my younger friends, colleagues and clients have taught so much about the modern world from a fresh eyed perspective.
What are your most valuable business resources?
The people around me, family who support, friends who care, my professional network who I admire, clients who I respect, team who I try and empower, suppliers who we collaborate with, and candidates who never fail to impress me with skills and perseverance..
Finally, reputation. This is everything.
Who are your typical clients?
UMBRA Clients are typically either high profile individuals or very wealthy private individuals and their families. We also work for and with a lot of financial services and legal entities that have private client divisions. Our clients come from all walks of life, and are from all corners of the globe. Some have inherited their wealth, others made it from scratch, and across all industries from Unicorn Founders to Multi Generational Dynastic families, Private Equity and Hedge Fund owners to household names in Sport, Media and Entertainment. No typical client, age group, nationality or industry makes for a good mix of mindsets.
What’s your vision for UMBRA?
I would like to grow the business without losing its values of ‘family focus, transparency, value and collaboration’. We are looking to raise capital or bring on a co-partner with a vested interest and who shares the passion and excitement for the growth plan. This feels punchy post pandemic, but we have a solid plan, and initially will look to our immediate network and some longer term clients who have already expressed an interest. I want to leave behind something positive for the world, and impact the lives of those who think security is just for the few – making the industry accessible will be our biggest achievement.
This will allow us to do even more of the work that I am passionate about and allow for increased headcount and overseas expansion. At the right time I would love to devote more focus on our UMBRA Academy - the philanthropic and double bottom line / ‘profit for purpose’ activities UMBRA spearheads to make security accessible to all. I would love to raise more funds for protection for those in severe domestic abuse situations or for wider recruitment and apprenticeship schemes to remove barriers to entry into the industry, increasing its diversity and inclusion. We were doing really well with our partnerships within sport to bring ex athletes into security – particularly in the world of rugby with Harlequins Women, Saracens RFU and the Welsh Rugby Players Union, and with the future of sport very much impacted on every level post Covid it would be amazing if our reach was able to help those suffering in this area too. I have always believed that business can learn so much from sport, and that recycling ex pro sporting talent into security is such an interesting angle, so I’m committed to picking that up when I can.
How do you see the relationship between security and technology evolving?
Secure tech is having a huge positive impact on our client base, particularly the generations who are used to managing their lives remotely, and even more so in the wake of a pandemic which has lead to the need for us to rely on technology more than ever. The ability to protect has become multidimensional, from the physical through to the cyber and digital.
Tell us more about ‘invisible security’
Invisible Security initially was my way of referring to the diverse and inclusive values that UMBRA was founded on, my own experiences of using female Operatives, blendable discreet teams, and a methodology which was not visible or overt. It now has a much broader context when applied in terms of the methods that need to be deployed to keep the modern Private Client ‘safe’ and living their best Secure Lifestyle.
I introduced the concept of Invisible Security in my TedX talk in 2018:
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in business? If so, how have you dealt with this?
I have never felt challenged specifically because of my gender, if anything instead of ‘in spite’ of being a woman, it is possibly because am a woman that I have managed to bring a different angle to my particular industry. I have always been super collaborative, and my friendship and colleague networks extend far and deep, so any challenges I have experienced in not understanding or knowing where to turn have been limited as I have normally worked out who and where to turn to for high level support when I have had any struggles.
What do you feel are the differences between the way you run your personal and your business finances?
I am an ‘in the moment’ person. Even when I purchased a property and set up my business I wasn’t initially focused on my own future. But, having a business and as it grows, I imagine in the same way as having a child does, it makes you think about the future more. As a result of running my business I was able to start paying into a pension pot, which makes me very proud. I now run both my business and personal finance with the use of spreadsheets and trackers, and adopting making my accounting digital has really helped to streamline my understanding of where the business, and my own personal finances are in a snapshot at any given moment, which is super helpful.
Describe your relationship with money and personal finance?
I work with incredibly wealthy clients and experience first hand the issues that money and exposure can bring, as well as the freedom to make choices. Yes it gives you security and helps you plan for the future but it doesn’t take all your problems away, in fact over a certain level there are complexities and concerns about the future that increase as a result.
For me, I see money as freedom to a certain extent. Being able to spend money on my friends and family makes me feel incredibly grateful; I enjoy planning experiences rather than physical gifts, or giving thoughtful gifts and special memories rather than specifically items, however high the value. I am also a closet bargain hunter and enjoy the democracy that the internet has brought to being able to compare contrast as I do with most purchases or money decisions, however large or small.
I have developed quite rigid budget structures in my life which I think comes from having my own business and seeing how important they are to safeguard yourself. It is important to me to stay informed about changes to financial issues; I find Martins Moneysaving Tips an easy and accessible way to do this.
What does financial independence mean to you?
Being able to support those around me through good times and tough. Knowing that I have a secure future ahead of me, and that I have good advice to lean on, and that I can learn from mistakes.
How do you define wealth?
Being able to enjoy your financial independence, and knowing you are future proofed with your finances, security and overall health and wellbeing. The Wealth of Health can never be underestimated.
What is the best financial decision you have ever made?
Buying my home during the last financial crisis and paying off all my debts before making saving plans.
What did you learn about finance and money when you were growing up?
Relatively little. I went to a girls school and back then you had to take electives in things like business studies and economics as late as when you were 16 or 17. Fortunately, I don’t think this is the case now with my old school and they are very forward thinking about empowering women through financial education. I was lucky as my father grew his own business while I was young so I could witness good practise first hand, but it always seemed quite alien to me in relation to real life. His business was in the engineering world and I was definitely more creative with a love for music and languages which remains a passion. On reflection I don’t think I really budgeted or planned for the future until I hit University and the reality of a Student Loan and bills to pay meant I immediately got 3 part time jobs and paid my way through it. For me, it was a case of fitting study around making money, not the other way round, often burning the candle at both ends as a result – but a good learning curve for life.
What are your top financial business tips?
Get good advice about your specific situation, we can’t compare ourselves to our friends, colleagues or neighbours when your background or situation will likely differ enormously. In business GET GOOD ADVISORY AROUND YOU. Particularly as you start to grow. Attention to the detail at the start will pay dividends along the way.
And while you’re growing your business work out what you want to have in the ‘future future’ – ie the one which feels alien now – the one where you’ve got a slightly dodgy back and you might or might not want to live where 20 somethings are partying. Think about a time when you might not want to have to keep working so you can take time to travel or be with family, and not leaving those things until it is too late. My father is 85 and still working and advising, so I have the best and worst role model as I fear I shall not be able to sit on my hands very easily, and am really enjoying developing a Board career alongside my business, which I think is something that will keep me busy well into a time when most people would probably think about putting their feet up. These are really important things to think about as you grow a business, and don’t let anyone create your vision for you as only you know the future you want to create.
Who is your role model?
My entire close and extended family are those I looked to growing up as incredible examples of achievement - I admire people who have made their own way, I really enjoy working around entrepreneurs as although that label will never sit well with me, I am fascinated as to what drives people to have an idea and see it through to global recognition. In that same vein I watched Becoming by Michelle Obama recently. I am not one for getting emotional very easily, and am not too proud to say that on every level this woman is jaw droppingly inspiring to me. I would love to see her become the first female President of the United States. What she does for young people is something that I would love to be able to leave behind – to inspire others to rise up, come together and do great things gives me chills.
What inspires or motivates you?
Being able to make a difference. The thought that I will leave something behind, however small. Of course, I am also hugely commercially driven, and anyone who sets up a business would probably say that there are a few greater pleasures in life, than when your business revenues are on an upward trajectory particularly where it arises through rewarding work with clients in need of help.
I have a real issue with never resting on my laurels so actually the fear of ‘lack’ or ‘not having’ keeps me going. Me and my 3 siblings were raised to be very independent, all paying off student loans to get to university. Knowing that my family are proud of me is another key factor. Being able to know that both my Grannies would have been SO proud of what me and my siblings have achieved gives me a lot of pride. I feel a great sense of responsibility to my 3 nieces, nephew, godchildren and other young people in my life; I want to be an example to them because they certainly will need to help create and nurture an ever complex world in the future.
If you could invite 3 artists to dinner, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
With my musical background I’m going straight for music – it would have to be Elvis, Madonna and Mick Jagger. We would do it in Abbey Road Studios and we would do a singalong between each course, record it and sell it for a charitable cause.
Website and social network links:
website | Instagram | twitter | Linkedin
Recommended READING and LISTENING?
I’m really bad at making time for reading, its something I’m really trying to put back into my life, and life hacks like audio books while I work out is helping. I LOVE The Good, The Bad and the Rugby podcast for light hearted humour, Made by Mummas as although not a mother find it really useful to hear how brilliant women deal with the juggles of life, relationships and work.
I have a ton of books to get through, mostly stuff to help me reframe work situations but I think my favourite recent book was by Helena Morrisey “A Good Time to be a Girl”. She talks about how to help bring more women to the boardroom through hard metrics of business performance rather than being a crusade. I like real life stories like that. A client has been sending me books with Arabic links throughout lockdown as he knows I really want to learn the language, so I’m part way through a plethora of literature from various parts of the Middle East, North Africa and GCC countries.