The 18-year-old business owner aiming to improve anti-social behaviour, street safety and mental health support in Bognor Regis
Meet Maxwell Tingley, owner of new security business TitanGuard Operations. He is aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour, improve street safety and increase mental health support across Bognor Regis – all at the age of just 18.
TitanGuard Operations, which pre-launched in 2025, is currently in the process of becoming a fully operational security business. Its owner, Maxwell Tingley, is hoping to have a dedicated office space housing six members of staff by August 2027, with work to begin in January 2028.
At just 18, Maxwell has already completed front-line community work, developing a skillset to align with security operations.
“I was a volunteer police cadet for five years, based out of Chichester,” he said.
“I did a lot of community engagement work, and the number one problem I saw was that not enough is being done to support residents. Ever since then, that has stuck with me.”
Despite noticing issues in Chichester, Maxwell has chosen to set up shop in Bognor – a decision partly made on the back of the Bognor Regis Observer’s own coverage of safety in the town.
“I’m from Yapton,” Maxwell explained. “I wanted to target Bognor Regis specifically because of the article I read about the 600 women who came together along the seafront.
“It really hit home that people genuinely do not feel safe. With that being so close to home, it kickstarted my ambition to go into this business.”
He added that anti-social behaviour (ASB), reports of which have risen by 24% across Bognor and Littlehampton, is also a major concern.
“There are a lot of anti-social behaviour problems in Bognor, which I do understand are being addressed,” Maxwell said. “However, according to the data, there hasn’t been much of a decrease, and I’m quite interested in as to what’s going on.”
While security businesses are generally associated with private work, Maxwell says he hopes his operations can extend beyond contracts with organisations and venues and into the local community.
This would mean TitanGuard Operations officers not only monitoring sites and working at the doors of venues during the nighttime economy, but also being aware of issues in the streets.
“If I have people at a venue, generally they’ll be on the door asking for IDs and things,” Maxwell explained. “However, I would make sure that my officers are trained to not just look at the venue, but further around them. For them to be a bit aware of their surroundings.
“In my opinion, regardless of whether you’re security, police, etc., you have your licence to protect the public. So if you’re working at a venue but there’s something going on just round the corner, what’s the issue with going to support and see if someone’s okay?”
He added that he would like to take improvements to street safety even further, with the business potentially pursuing a contract with the council in future.
On the subject of street safety, the Observer also recently spoke with Kay Hutchings, Chichester and Arun’s new District Commander. She discussed her ambitions to crack down on ASB, alongside the importance of protecting women and girls from violent behaviour.
When asked his thoughts on CI Hutchings’ priorities, Maxwell responded: “I believe what the District Commander has said is 100% true. I would like to see if she can support security businesses within the local area to try and increase their opportunities, because it is an ongoing problem.
“Like I said, the data shows that there’s been no decrease at all, and I believe that with the support of this new District Commander, things should start to improve. However, it’s the time constraints as well as other aspects – funding and whatnot.”
Another issue the business owner flagged was a rise in mental health challenges, something he was alerted to by a report from BBC Devon highlighting a 59% increase among students.
Maxwell explained that, alongside security operations, he sees an opportunity to provide mental health support – particularly for victims of incidents across Bognor.
“I would like my company name to be recognised and have my officers mental health trained, so they can provide support on the spot,” he said. “Whether or not the victim wants that is completely up to them, but I’d like it to be known as a community-focused business.
“My ambition is that my officers are there to support people when they need it most, and that for me runs thick and thin.”
At just 18, Maxwell is already looking ahead to what his emerging business could do for the local community. Despite being as young as he is, he says he does not anticipate too many challenges, partly thanks to the support of his parents.
“My parents have been absolutely brilliant. They’ve supported me completely. We’re working on our garage being made into an office at the moment, so then I have my own space and can eventually employ people.”
He added that he believes his own sense of determination will stand him in good stead, hoping that fairness will transcend age.
“I’ve always been a very determined person, and have always delivered exactly what I’ve wanted to do, so I don’t really see many challenges when it comes to myself. I’m fully aware it will come with challenges – you know, an 18-year-old looking for security officers. However, I believe that if I’m fair with people, there shouldn’t be much of a problem.”
While TitanGuard Operations is yet to officially open for business, Maxwell is currently seeking further information on what Bognor residents want and need. People can fill out his questionnaire, linked here, to have their say on what the business could offer.
“Success would simply be the business making a name for itself,” Maxwell said. “I don’t want it to be on banners or anything big and bold – just to be known as a trusted business.”