Westminster prospers in a troubled world

Bodyguarding and anti-terrorist security and surveillance group Westminster is proving that a nastier world can mean good business.

The company, led by Prince Charles's former security chief Lt Col Malcolm Ross, said revenues grew by 69% in the first half of the year, putting it in line to treble profits this year.

The Aim-listed company has been making money taking on dangerous jobs like securing the Nagaa Hammadi dam in Egypt from terrorist attack.

It is aiming to grow with the recent acquisition of the undercover close protection outfit Longmoor made up of ex-Royal Military Police toughs like founder Chris Brice, a former personal bodyguard to ex-British Army chief Gen Sir Richard Dannatt and US General David Petraeus.

Westminster is also planning to cash in on demand for hi-tech surveillance. It has signed a contract to find secreted weapons in UK prisons via so-called Boss chairs offering "body orifice security solutions".

"Enquiry and order activity continues to be most encouraging," said Ross.

The group made a first-half loss of £672,000 on revenues of £2.3 million. Analysts expect £500,000 full-year profits on £9.5 million revenues.