Shergroup on the Sofa Podcast Interview with Titan’s Simon Henson
Simon Henson joins Shergroup Ltd CEO, Claire Sandbrook
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, host and Titan Investigations founder Simon Henson takes centre stage as a guest on the Shergroup on the Sofa podcast. The interview offers a rare, in-depth look into the realities of the UK’s private investigation sector, the challenges posed by a lack of formal licensing, and how Titan Investigations has grown into a nationwide operation with a reputation for professionalism, discretion and high standards.
With candid insights drawn from nearly two decades in policing and over a decade in private investigations, Henson’s conversation with the Shergroup host Claire Sandbrook is both informative and revealing—particularly for businesses, legal professionals and individuals seeking clarity on how investigative services operate in practice.
From Frontline Policing to Founder of Titan
Simon Henson’s journey into private investigation is rooted in a substantial policing career that began in 1997 with Nottinghamshire Police. Starting in uniform on frontline response, he quickly developed a passion for operational work, responding to emergency calls and engaging directly with the public.
However, it was his transition into covert surveillance that shaped the trajectory of his career. After successfully passing a rigorous selection process, Henson specialised in tackling serious organised crime—work that required advanced surveillance techniques and, at times, firearms training due to the inherent risks.
He later moved into counter-terrorism operations within the East Midlands, working on intelligence-led investigations that often extended across the UK. This national scope exposed him to high-priority operations and complex investigative environments.
It was during this period that Henson worked out of “Titan House”, a covert police unit. When the time came to establish his own company in 2014, the name “Titan” felt like a natural continuation of his professional identity.
“I didn’t want it to be Simon Henson Investigations,” he explained. “Titan represented the last seven years of my policing career—something I was proud of and passionate about.”
Building a Nationwide Investigation Firm
Since its founding, Titan Investigations has expanded significantly. The company now operates from ten offices across England, stretching from Truro in the South West to Manchester in the North West, providing comprehensive national coverage.
With a network of approximately 320 operatives, Titan has positioned itself as one of the UK’s leading private investigation agencies. This scale allows the company to handle a wide range of cases—from individual domestic matters to large-scale corporate investigations—while maintaining consistency in standards and delivery.
Henson’s focus has not only been on growth, but also on raising professional standards within an industry that remains largely unregulated.
The Licensing Gap in the UK PI Industry
One of the most striking themes in the interview is the absence of formal licensing for private investigators in the UK.
Unlike other sectors within the security industry, private investigation has yet to come under the regulatory oversight of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), despite discussions spanning more than two decades. While the introduction of GDPR in 2018 has imposed stricter requirements around data handling, it does not equate to a formal licensing framework.
As Henson points out, this creates a significant risk for clients.
“Anyone can set up a website, buy a camera and call themselves a private investigator,” he noted. “That’s why due diligence is so important.”
To mitigate this, Henson advises prospective clients to look for key indicators of professionalism:
- Membership in recognised bodies such as the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI) or the Association of British Investigators (ABI)
- Registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
- Appropriate insurance, including professional indemnity and public liability
- Transparent company background and verifiable experience
- Genuine client reviews and testimonials
These measures, while not mandatory, serve as essential safeguards in an otherwise unregulated market.
A Broad Spectrum of Investigative Services
During the podcast, Henson outlines a selection of Titan’s core services, highlighting the breadth and complexity of modern investigative work.
Surveillance remains the cornerstone of the industry, used in both private and corporate cases. Whether monitoring suspected misconduct or gathering evidence for legal proceedings, all surveillance operations are preceded by a “legitimate interest assessment” to ensure compliance with the law and proportionality.
Other key services include:
- Person tracing: Locating individuals for legal, financial or personal reasons
- Background checks: Tailored investigations into individuals or business partners
- GPS vehicle tracking: Conducted lawfully, often in corporate contexts
- Lie detection: Using advanced eye-tracking technology with reported accuracy rates of 86–88%
- Bug sweeping: Detecting covert listening devices in homes, offices or vehicles
- Penetration testing: Assessing physical security vulnerabilities in corporate environments
- Rural surveillance: Specialist covert observation in remote locations
- Counter-surveillance: Identifying whether individuals are being followed or monitored
This diversity reflects the evolving demands placed on private investigators, particularly as businesses and individuals face increasingly complex risks.
A Case That Stood Out
Among the many cases discussed, one corporate investigation stands out as a clear example of how evidence-led surveillance can resolve sensitive internal issues.
Titan was instructed by a construction company to investigate a senior director whose expenses had shifted from train travel to mileage claims. Initially, the task was straightforward: verify whether the claimed travel was legitimate.
Using lawful vehicle tracking, investigators quickly discovered that the company car was rarely used for business purposes. Instead, it was consistently located at golf clubs and gyms during working hours.
This intelligence led to a longer-term surveillance operation, conducted one day per week over nine months. The findings were conclusive—the director was not performing his role.
The outcome was significant. The individual ultimately resigned, and the company avoided the ongoing cost of a six-figure salary tied to non-performance.
For Henson, the case underscores the importance of measured, lawful investigation.
“We have to be careful not to be overly intrusive,” he explained. “Once we have enough evidence, we stop. It’s about getting the balance right.”
The Impact of Workplace Misconduct
The discussion also touches on the broader implications of issues such as absenteeism and misconduct within organisations.
Unchecked behaviour, Henson warns, can have a corrosive effect on workplace culture.
“If one person is seen to get away with it, it spreads,” he said. “It can affect morale and productivity across the entire workforce.”
This insight is particularly relevant for HR professionals and business leaders, many of whom rely on investigative services to navigate complex employment disputes while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
International Reach with Controlled Standards
While the majority of Titan’s work is UK-based, the company has undertaken assignments across the globe, including in Dubai, India, Kenya, Singapore, the Philippines and Egypt.
Henson emphasises that for surveillance operations, Titan deploys its own trusted teams rather than outsourcing.
“With surveillance, our standards are very high,” he said. “We prefer to send our own operatives to ensure consistency.”
For non-surveillance tasks, Titan may collaborate with vetted professionals through networks such as the IPI, ABI or Business Network International (BNI).
This hybrid approach enables the company to maintain quality control while extending its reach internationally.
Training the Next Generation of Investigators
A key part of Titan’s mission is to professionalise the industry through training.
Recognising a gap in accessible, high-quality surveillance training, the company developed its own five-day course, accredited at RQF Level 4—equivalent to a qualification just above A-level standard.
The course combines theoretical learning with practical assessment, providing participants with real-world experience and a clear understanding of their capabilities.
An online version was later introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, offering a more flexible learning option. However, Henson is clear about the benefits of in-person training.
“The five-day course is hands down the best route if you want a career in surveillance,” he said. “It’s a steep learning curve, but you leave knowing exactly where you stand.”
Titan actively recruits from its training programmes, seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds, including younger entrants and those with language skills that support international work.
Interestingly, Henson notes that effective surveillance operatives often defy stereotypes.
“The typical profile is someone in their 40s or 50s,” he said. “But we’ve had people in their late 60s who are brilliant—people you’d never suspect.”
Titan PI TV: Educating and Engaging the Public
The episode also highlights the success of Titan PI TV, Henson’s YouTube channel, which has grown steadily since its launch.
Publishing new episodes every Friday at 3pm, the channel now boasts nearly 200 episodes and a growing subscriber base. Initially created to answer frequently asked client questions, the content has evolved to include service explanations, industry insights and more engaging, discussion-driven topics.
The aim is simple: to demystify private investigation and provide transparency in an often misunderstood field.
A Partnership with Purpose
The collaboration between Titan Investigations and Shergroup reflects a shared commitment to supporting legal professionals, businesses and individuals dealing with complex enforcement and investigative challenges.
From tracing debtors to uncovering evidence in disputed cases, the overlap between enforcement and investigation is clear—and increasingly important in a globalised, fast-moving business environment.
As the Shergroup host notes, modern cases often extend beyond UK borders, requiring coordinated international efforts and specialist expertise.
Looking Ahead
While Henson hints at future ambitions—including the possibility of writing a book about his experiences—his immediate focus remains on continuing to raise standards within the industry.
In a sector where regulation is still absent, companies like Titan play a crucial role in setting benchmarks for professionalism, ethics and accountability.
This latest Titan PI TV episode offers more than just an interview—it provides a valuable window into the realities of investigative work, the challenges facing the industry, and the people working to improve it.
For viewers, clients and aspiring investigators alike, it is a compelling reminder that behind every case lies a careful balance of skill, legality and integrity.
What’s Next on Titan PI TV?
Titan PI TV continues to grow steadily, with over 3,440 subscribers and counting—a testament to the appetite for straight-talking guidance in a complex field. If you found 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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