Back to the Beginning: Who is behind Titan?
The Story Behind Titan – Inside the Latest Episode of Titan PI TV
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, viewers were invited to step behind the curtain and discover the origins, ethos and growth of one of the UK’s leading private investigation firms: Titan Private Investigation Limited. Hosted by Managing Director Simon Henson, the episode—aptly titled “Back to the Beginning: Who Is Behind Titan?”—provided a compelling, personal and insightful look at the man behind the brand and the remarkable journey that has shaped Titan into the national operation it is today.
A National Presence Rooted in Derby
Simon opened the episode by situating viewers within Titan’s national footprint. While the company is headquartered in Derby, its operational reach extends across the country, with ten offices strategically positioned from Truro in the South West to Manchester in the North West. These locations support Titan’s extensive caseload and form the backbone of a nationwide surveillance and investigations network.
This national coverage, Simon explained, reflects both the demand for Titan’s services and the company’s commitment to delivering professional, reliable investigative support to clients across England and Wales. Whether dealing with corporate investigations, surveillance deployments, or sensitive personal cases, Titan’s operational structure ensures rapid response and specialist capability in every region they serve.
Who Is Behind Titan? The Man at the Helm
For long-time viewers and clients, Simon Henson has been a familiar face. Over the last three years, he has presented an impressive 243 (148 videos and 94 shorts) episodes of Titan PI TV, appearing every Friday to discuss industry developments, investigative techniques, legal updates, and behind-the-scenes insights.
But as Simon readily acknowledged, many viewers may know the brand better than they know the man who created it. This episode set out to change that.
A Distinguished Policing Career
Before founding Titan, Simon dedicated 17 years of exemplary service to UK policing. His career was not only varied but highly specialised—experience that has directly informed Titan’s operational standards and training programmes.
His policing career included:
- Four years in uniform, gaining frontline experience and developing an understanding of community policing.
- Six years investigating serious organised crime, during which he rose to the rank of Sergeant and managed surveillance teams tackling high-risk criminal networks.
- Seven years in Counter Terrorism, serving as an ATS Detective Sergeant and leading teams tasked with gathering evidence and intelligence relating to terrorist threats within the UK.
This extensive background in covert operations, surveillance management, risk assessment and intelligence work would later form the foundation upon which Titan was built.
A Career Break That Changed Everything
In 2014, Simon made the decision to take a career break from the police. Like many officers, he had long anticipated completing his full 30 years of service. However, the policing landscape was changing dramatically.
Austerity measures, pension reforms, pay restructuring and a freeze on promotions created an environment in which returning to the force no longer felt viable or rewarding. With limited opportunities available and the profession at a crossroads, Simon chose a new direction—one that would ultimately reshape the investigative industry.
It was in this period of uncertainty that Titan Private Investigation Limited was born.
A Decade of Growth
Titan has now enjoyed 12 years of steady, strategic growth. From the early days of a single office, the business has expanded into a national organisation supported by:
- Ten offices across the UK
- 340 professional surveillance operatives
- Multiple specialist departments
- A respected and industry-leading training academy
This growth has not been fuelled by aggressive expansion but by consistent delivery, reputation building, and investment in people.
The Turning Point: The Birth of Titan’s Training Academy
By 2017, Titan’s growth brought its own challenges. Demand for surveillance operatives was outstripping supply, and external training providers were failing to meet the standards Simon expected.
Titan needed skilled, reliable operatives—professionals Simon would trust to uphold the firm’s reputation. Yet the courses available in the UK were, in his words, “not good enough.”
The training being produced lacked operational realism, robustness and quality. Titan knew it could do better.
And so, in 2017, Titan’s Training Division was established.
A Training Programme Built on Real Experience
Titan’s surveillance training programme is built on the operational backgrounds of its instructors. The training team consists of four highly qualified trainers, who collectively hold 107 years of policing and surveillance experience. This expertise is passed directly to students during the organisation’s respected RQF Level 4 Surveillance Course.
Significantly, Titan’s courses are not limited to those with military or policing backgrounds. In fact, Simon highlighted the diverse range of individuals who have successfully completed the programme, including:
- Military veterans
- Veterinary nurses
- Couriers
- Bankers experiencing career burnout
This diversity reflects both the accessibility of Titan’s programme and the broad skill sets that can be applied within the surveillance industry.
A Course Designed to Produce Professionals—Not Just Passengers
Unlike many training providers, Titan does not operate conveyor-belt style courses. Quality, not quantity, is the priority.
Each course is strictly limited to 9–12 students, ensuring personalised instruction, practical engagement, and meaningful development. The structure includes:
- Five intensive days of hands-on training
- Assessment based on performance—not attendance
- Instruction delivered in partnership with the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI)
- The option to complete the officially accredited RQF Level 4 qualification, awarded by Skills for Justice
Upon successful completion, students may apply for IPI membership and—crucially—gain access to Titan’s highly sought-after Grow Student Aftercare Programme.
Aftercare That Sets Titan Apart
Titan’s aftercare offering is what truly distinguishes it from other training providers.
Every successful student is added to the Titan Operational Resourcing Group, an active professional network consisting of:
- Titan’s 340 surveillance operatives
- 340+ independent sole traders and limited companies
- A continuous stream of live operational jobs
This environment enables new operatives to:
- Gain practical experience
- Build confidence and skill
- Receive regular work opportunities
- Be nurtured and developed by the Titan team
According to Simon, “There is no reason why you cannot be busy, working, being developed and earning at the same time.” For many, the resourcing group becomes the gateway to a sustainable career in private investigation and surveillance.
Training Opportunities for 2026
Looking ahead, Simon encouraged viewers to consider whether 2026 might be the year they embark on an entirely new career path. Titan runs four RQF Level 4 surveillance courses each year, scheduled for:
- February
- May
- September
- November
With the May course already nearing full capacity, prospective students were advised to act quickly. A 50% deposit secures a place, with the main course fee at £1,200 + VAT. For those wishing to obtain the official RQF Level 4 accreditation, an additional £420 covers the Skills for Justice awarding body fees.
Full course details, dates and availability can be found on Titan’s official website under the training section: https://www.titaninvestigations.co.uk/private-investigator-training/
A Personal Touch Amid Professional Excellence
Despite the scale of Titan’s operation, Simon remains personally involved in the training programme. In this episode, he humorously noted his late arrival to the current training course due to the school run—an everyday reminder that even in high-stakes professions, real life continues.
This blend of professionalism, authenticity and approachability has become a hallmark of Titan PI TV and a key reason the channel has built a loyal and growing audience over its near 250‑episode run.
Another Episode Wrapped Up
As the episode drew to a close, Simon delivered his usual sign-off—encouraging viewers to give the video a thumbs up, subscribe for future content and tune in next Friday for the next instalment of Titan PI TV.
With every episode shedding light on an industry often misunderstood or misrepresented, Titan PI TV continues to provide valuable insight, expert knowledge and a transparent window into the realities of private investigation work in the UK.
What’s Next on Titan PI TV?
Titan PI TV continues to grow steadily, with over 3,300 subscribers and counting—a testament to the appetite for straight-talking guidance in a complex field. If you found Simon Simon’s insights useful, subscribe to the channel to catch future episodes. New content drops every Friday at 3:00 pm, offering grounded advice for investigators, agency owners, and professionals who work with them.
Thank you for reading, watching, or listening to this week’s blog post on Titan PI TV. For more expert advice and behind-the-scenes insights, subscribe to Titan PI TV on YouTube or download the Titan PI TV podcast wherever you get your podcasts. If you found this information helpful, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of private investigations. Until next time, stay safe and keep learning!
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