About us
The image of a Private Investigator has changed a lot in the past 20 years. It was in the early 1990's that our Managing Director retired from the Metropolitan Police with an exemplary record. He had been a detective attached to Specialist Operations at New Scotland Yard and was looking for new challenges.
Initially working for local solicitors taking statements and providing litigation support a small investigations company Harwood Associates was established in West Sussex.
As the corporate world led by the influence of the USA awakened to the benefits of employing a professional Investigator the business grew rapidly. The specialist skills learnt as a police detective were now very much in demand by the commercial world.
Conscious of the need from lawyers, corporations, multi-national companies and individuals for a skilled professional and effective Detective Agency the company evolved into Harwoods International Limited with offices in central London and Horsham, West Sussex.
Harwoods International Limited now have three directors. The managing director remains in situ but he now has the support of his two sons. All Directors hold SIA Licenses. Importantly the granting of these licenses indicate that positive vetting into the identity and character of the licensed individuals has taken place.
We work hard and play hard. We are conscientious in all aspects of our work and keep abreast of current legislation and regulations. We continue to subscribe to relevant forums and attend seminars and networking meetings to improve on our knowledge. Importantly we have many years of experience of working in the corporate and private sectors.
We are keen sportsmen, we can boast a former body building champion and a black belt Judo player who represents the county amongst our Directors achievements. Other sporting interests include sea kayaking and coastal swimming. The work of a private investigator can involve long hours and working in potentially volatile situations. Fitness plays an important part in our day to day work.
Our reputation as a company is such that some of the most world renowned corporate investigation companies call on us for assistance. Certainly we have our own client base including some household names who return time and time again to seek our help.
Code of Conduct
To conduct ourselves with honesty, Integrity and uphold the highest moral principles and avoid conduct detrimental to our profession.
To conduct all investigations within the bounds of legality, morality and professional ethics.
To guard our own professional reputation and that of our professional associates
Professional Bodies
One or other of our directors is a member of the following:
Institute of Professional Investigators
Ex-Police in Trade & Commerce
Federation of Small Businesses
Horsham Chamber of Commerce
Insurance & Licensing
As a company we maintain full insurance cover and ensure compliance with all legal requirements:
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Public Liability insurance
- Data Protection Authority Registration (Z9191203)
- Directors hold Security Industry Authority Licences. One of the main duties of the SIA is the compulsory licensing of individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry.