A WGC bodyguard, who’s minded some of the world’s most famous faces, has set up his own personal security business.

HE’S hung out with some of the world’s wealthiest and most beautiful people, and even appeared on the front of The Sun alongside Cheryl Cole.

But after 25 years on the frontline protecting the rich and famous, bodyguard Stephen Cooper is stepping out of the limelight – to manage his own security firm.

Coopersec Security Services has been set up by Stephen and wife Alison, from their home in WGC.

Launched as a limited company just two weeks ago, Stephen has spent the last two years building up the business, to a point he already has 500 operatives (bodyguards) working under the Coopersec banner, with hubs in London and Merseyside.

“I’ve been in security for 25 years, and it just seemed a natural progression,” said Stephen on his new venture. “I can now direct from the centre.

“It’s taken two years to build up the reputation, and now it’s a case of going out on our own and offering our services to companies and the public at large.”

Coopersec offers a range of security services including manned guarding, static guards, mobile patrols, dog units, bodyguards, surveillance and high value transportation.

It’s the kind of work that can carry a lot of perks, but is clearly not without its risks.

But with a quarter of a century worth of experience behind him, Stephen knows the secret to a good security operative.

“You’ve got to be able to talk – 95 per cent of our job is being able to talk to people,” Stephen said.

“You have to be able to read different situations, and there’s an element where you need to be able to handle yourself, but most of it is being nice to people and dealing with a situation in the best and safest possible way.

“Manners cost nothing.”

Coopersec is affiliated to a number of training centres, and is happy to provide anyone interested in a career in security with details of their nearest course.