Security industry loses a great man

Michael ‘Mick' Burrows, operations director of Nottingham based, internationally operating security company Octavian Security, has sadly passed away aged 65.

A familiar and extremely popular face of Nottinghamshire's police, business and sporting communities, Mick spent much of his life in the county - raising his family, achieving rugby and cricket glories and working for 30 years in his successful police career from which he retired as Chief Superintendent.

Born and educated in Nottinghamshire Mick began his career with Nottinghamshire Police and went on to spend his formative years in the CID, rising to Detective Chief Inspector, head of the Regional Crime Squad's East Midlands office.

Transferring back into uniform in 1980, he specialised in public order and crowd management. He was then promoted to Chief Superintendent, head of uniform operations and was also appointed a member of the Chief Constable's Policy and Strategy group.

Upon retirement from the police, Mick founded a specialist outside broadcast security company, which was acquired by Octavian Security a few years after Mick retired as MD. Mick (as always) retained a level of involvement with the business and so began his formidable partnership with Sukhi Ghuman - then Octavian Security managing director, often travelling with Sukhi in setting up business in the Middle East and Europe.

Mick was so impressed with Sukhi's energy, drive and vision for Octavian Security that he came out of retirement to take a position as Operations Director with the business, playing a key role in the top management team through seven years of prolific growth and international expansion.

A fitting testament to the many achievements of this dynamic partnership is the company's 2009 ranking of 27th in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 table.

When not travelling the UK or overseas providing security consultancy, Mick could be found in Spain enjoying quality time with his wife Di or in Nottinghamshire with his sons, grandchildren and his brother John's family. Failing that, he could be found in his element as groundsman at Caythorpe Cricket Club with a glass of red wine in his hand.

Mick was a strong man in all senses of the word who really lived life and enjoyed looking after and bringing smiles to the faces of the ones he loved. He was without doubt a man who most people, lucky enough to have crossed his path, would have called their friend.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Di, sons Ian and Peter.

Mick also leaves behind many others for whom he fulfilled the role of a colleague, mentor and friend.

Sukhi Ghuman says of Mick:

"Nothing can express the sense of loss we felt when we learnt the sad new of Micks' sudden death - he was a tower of strength to us and our best friend.

"His experience has been invaluable to us and he will always be with us in spirit as we go on to achieve even greater things in life. Full of optimism, Mick was a genuine, optimistic and humble man and someone who I held in high esteem, both professionally and personally."