By Ceri, Co-Director – Castell Security LTD
If you’d asked me five years ago where I’d be now, I wouldn’t have predicted working as a Door Supervisor and Co-Director of a security company. Navigating considerable changes and challenges has brought me here, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I wouldn’t have done any of it had it been for my husband’s influence.
As International Women’s Day approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on my own journey so far in the security industry—a journey that is still very much in its early stages. I’m relatively new to this world, holding my first Door Supervisor licence, yet at the same time I’m also a director of a growing security company. Balancing those two roles has been one of the most challenging, intense, and rewarding experiences of my career to date.
The security industry isn’t one people usually imagine when they picture women-led businesses. It’s traditionally male-dominated, fast-paced, and demands confidence, resilience, and strong decision-making under pressure. Stepping into this environment as a woman—and as someone still learning the ropes operationally—has meant learning very quickly, sometimes the hard way.
Being New on the Door — With Extra Pressure
Starting out as a Door Supervisor is challenging for anyone. You’re learning how to read situations, manage conflict, communicate clearly under pressure, and keep people safe—all while staying calm and professional. When you add to that the knowledge that you’re also a company director, the pressure increases tenfold because the buck stops at you. There have been occasions while on duty at the door when incidents escalated and I found myself alone, without team support due to a malfunctioning radio or a colleague dealing with something else indoors. Although I felt the urge to run away and hide, I maintained composure and drew upon my confidence to manage the situation effectively.
Every shift isn’t just about doing the job well; it’s about representing the standards and values of Castell Security LTD. I’m constantly aware that how I conduct myself reflects directly on our company, our team, and our brand. There’s no hiding, no easing into the role quietly. I’ve had to absorb information fast, ask questions, listen carefully, and remain open to learning every single day.
Women in Security: Why Representation Matters
Being a woman in security—particularly in frontline roles—brings its own challenges, but also significant benefits. Women often bring strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a calm, measured approach to tense situations. In many environments, the presence of female Door Supervisors can help de-escalate incidents before they escalate at all.
Importantly though old school “doorman” is far from extinct; some might assume they’re a dying breed, but on a busy Saturday night there are moments when emotional intelligence and gentleness must take a back seat, and robust physical intervention becomes essential. That’s where my husband’s experience steps in, and it’s this contrast—brains and brawn—that truly defines our company’s strength and character.
Visibility it matters too. When other women see women on the door, in leadership roles, and running security companies, it challenges outdated assumptions about who belongs in this industry. International Women’s Day is about recognising that progress doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when women step into spaces they weren’t always encouraged to occupy.
Leading From the Front
At Castell Security LTD, we pride ourselves on being a hands-on company. We don’t just sit behind desks at the weekend; instead, we lead from the front by visiting staff at their venues to ensure that everything is running smoothly and everyone is happy. We are also unafraid to roll up our sleeves and work a shift, becoming part of the team. By being operational myself, I gain a genuine understanding of the realities our staff face during their shifts. This experience directly informs how we deploy our teams, how we support them, and how we communicate as a unit.
I set up Castell Security LTD with my husband, whose 30+ years of experience in the security industry, combined with his background as ex-military, has been instrumental in shaping how we operate. His depth of operational knowledge, discipline, and understanding of best practice has guided every decision we’ve made.
My contribution has come from a different—but equally vital—skillset. My background in marketing, web design, and graphic design allowed us to build Castell Security from the ground up with a clear identity, a strong visual presence, and a well-defined Unique Selling Point. From our branding to our messaging, every detail has been considered to ensure we stand out for the right reasons.
Reflection
Looking back, I feel an immense sense of pride in what we’ve achieved at Castell Security LTD. Becoming a director was never part of my life goal, but this unexpected journey has been full of growth, surprises, and genuine excitement for what lies ahead. It’s clear to me that hard work really does pay off—many of our clients came to us because of my husband’s solid reputation as a good doorman, and together we’ve built a team that is both strong and reliable. We’ve always delivered on our promises, and seeing the results of our collective effort fills me with gratitude and confidence for the future.
This International Women’s Day, I’m proud not just of how far I’ve come—but of what we’re building at Castell Security LTD, together.
Useful Links
Women in Business Wales Supporting Women in Wales | Business Wales
Women in Security WIIS UK
Castell Security 
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