Allan Costley

I served for 21 years in the British Army, predominantly in intelligence and bomb disposal roles culminating in 2011 with Command of the UK Material and Personnel Exploitation unit in Afghanistan. In this role I was responsible for the questioning of all prisoners taken by UK Forces, as well as the exploitation of all recovered insurgent materiel. Additionally, I served as the intelligence lead for the UK’s initial deployment to Helmand Province in 2006, in multiple tours of southern Iraq, as well as additional deployments to the wider Gulf region and Horn of Africa.

In the commercial world, I was a co-founder of the Torchlight Group, which provided intelligence, exploitation, and criminal justice capability for both the public and private sectors. Working predominantly in conflict affected states, the business grew from start up to £10M turnover in 4 years. In 2015, when I left the group, it was one of the top 50 fastest growing businesses in the UK. I now act as an independent consultant in the intelligence and information exploitation areas, providing coaching and mentoring support to senior leaders.

I hold a Masters Degree in International Security and a second Masters in Defence Studies. I am a member of both the Institute of Explosive Engineers and the City and Guilds of London Institute.

• Associate Lecturer