A TOP-LEVEL security consultant who was heavily involved in one of most high-profile murder cases of the 20th Century is to offer his expertise to a Droitwich firm.

Bill Croft, an ex-Home Office chief inspector, has agreed to join the board of directors at Train 4 Security to advise on future trends within the industry and maximise potential business opportunities.

Mr Croft was head of crime prevention for West Midlands Police, where his most well-known case was that of Suzy Lamplugh, the 25-year-old estate agent who went missing in 1986, and whose body has never been found.

He now runs his own successful consultancy business, where his clients include The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Merry Hill Shopping Centre.

His appointment at Train 4 Security comes at a time when training and qualifications have been identified as an integral part of the new licensing process, which requires every person employed in the security industry to be qualified.

"We are delighted to be working with someone of Bill's calibre," said Phil Ruggiero, managing director of Train 4 Security.

"This is an exciting time within the security sector, with new rules and regulations being introduced, and an estimated 500,000 security staff requiring training.

"Hopefully, with Bill on board we will be in a position of potential expansion over the next few years, and with his help and expertise we are confident we will benefit from the positive changes taking place in our industry."

Train 4 Security has an annual turnover of £250,000 and operates throughout Europe.

"The company is in a very strong growth position," said Mr Croft.

"With my assistance and the joint experience of its owners in identifying potential within the industry, we are aiming at enhancing the company's reputation and development.

"As an NVQ assessor and external verifier, I will also be working with the training team and developing systems and for assessment."

and verification the company undertakes."