From Gurkha Roots to Global Vision
IDG Security was founded on a powerful legacy: the unwavering values and renowned professionalism of the Gurkha tradition. Since its inception in 2001, the company has adhered closely to the core principles that set Gurkhas apart: integrity, reliability, and a sense of duty – integrating these into every aspect of its operations. What began as a mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for retired Gurkhas soon became the foundation for an organisation that set the gold standard in security services.
We take great pride in being professional, reliable, and accountable – core traits rooted in the Gurkha legacy – and we apply those principles in every aspect of our work.
At the heart of IDG Security’s story is a blend of heritage and ambition. Inspired by the founder’s vision, IDG did more than honour the traditions of its Gurkha roots; it set out to prove that these values could become the cornerstone of a global enterprise. Over the years, IDG’s reach has expanded far beyond its origins, assembling a diverse and multicultural team that upholds the same commitment to excellence worldwide.
Today, IDG Security represents more than just a nod to a distinguished past. Its Gurkha heritage remains both a badge of honour and a living standard; a guide for how the company trains teams, serves clients, and meets complex security challenges with discipline and respect. As IDG continues its global journey, it remains focused on its original ideals, delivering security with professionalism and a deep sense of responsibility to people and organisations worldwide.
The motto “Hami Jasto Kohi Chhaina” truly embodies how IDG Security operates, both internally and externally. It reflects a sense of pride, distinctiveness, and unwavering commitment to excellence that is at the core of our company culture
Founding Vision
The Inspiration Behind IDG Security
Having grown up in India among Nepalis and Gurkhas, Iaan Douglas Gordon developed deep respect and affection for these communities. Later, as a Gurkha officer, Iaan witnessed firsthand the discipline, dedication, and cheerfulness of Gurkhas, recognising how these traits made them exceptionally reliable security officers. Upon leaving government service and seeing a gap in the industry where some employers were dissatisfied with former Gurkha security staff, Iaan resolved to establish a company that emulates the proven military model that allowed Gurkhas to achieve their full potential.
This model was rooted in five key principles:
- Recruitment (conducted in person, never outsourced)
- Respect (treating all employees respectfully and fairly)
- Recognition (honestly rewarding people for their work)
- Rigorous standards (eschewing corruption and upholding integrity)
- Reputation (upholding a personal commitment to integrity and professionalism, and expecting every Gurkha to honour that same standard). In line with this vision, Iaan chose to use his own initials ‘IDG’ for the company name, following the tradition in the Indian Army where units are sometimes named after their founders to signify a deep, personal investment in the unit’s reputation and legacy.
Together, these five principles form the foundation of IDG Security’s approach, ensuring that each team member can achieve their full potential and that the company’s reputation is built on both tradition and trust. With these pillars established, IDG set out to address a critical need in the security sector and shape a future defined by excellence and integrity.
Addressing Industry Needs
IDG Security was created to address a critical gap in the sector: a need for loyal, dependable security professionals who could be trusted with the most sensitive assignments. After 9/11, the security industry was flooded with new entrants, yet true reliability was hard to come by.
Recognising these challenges, Iaan set out to demonstrate that rigorous standards and strong values could not only restore trust in Gurkha personnel, but also deliver genuine value to both employees and clients. IDG Security’s approach ensures excellence is not just a promise, but a lived reality for every organisation it protects.
Early Challenges and Triumphs
At the outset, IDG Security’s business plan and pitches impressed many Gurkhas and potential clients. However, the company faced a ‘Catch-22’: without proving it could deliver a contract, no one would award one; and without a contract, it could not prove its capability.
The challenge was compounded after the attacks of September 11, 2001, which transformed the security industry and made reputation management both more complex and essential.
The breakthrough came in early 2003, when Kroll subcontracted IDG to provide Gurkhas for guarding contracts in Iraq. Positive feedback from this project led to an invitation from UNOPS staff to bid for UN security roles in Afghanistan. This initial success demonstrated the dependability of properly recruited and managed Gurkhas, unlocking additional growth for IDG Security.
Alongside opportunities came the persistent challenge of resisting corruption, a core commitment that remains central to IDG today.
Demand grew, but with it, the challenges of corruption also increased. Everywhere, not just in the developing world, it remains at all levels the biggest challenge to resist and is always the worst enemy of good security.
In Afghanistan, IDG’s understanding of regional languages, specifically the ability of many Gurkhas and Afghans to communicate in Urdu, facilitated cross-national coordination. As a result, the UN requested that IDG also employ Afghan guards mentored and coordinated by Gurkhas. This “dual-key” approach, combining local experts with internationally experienced Gurkhas, soon became a hallmark of IDG’s operational model and contributed to its multinational growth.
Evolution of the Mission
From a Singular Mission to Global Diversity
IDG Security’s original mission of providing employment for retired Gurkhas has grown into something far broader. While rooted in a tradition of loyalty and service, the vision for IDG evolved into a truly global and multicultural company. By welcoming personnel from diverse backgrounds, IDG has cultivated a workforce and client base reflecting the international environments it serves.
Core Values and Living the Motto
At IDG Security, the motto is more than a statement of identity; it is a guiding principle that informs every action, every day. Shaped by the Gurkha legacy, this commitment to professionalism, reliability, and accountability forms the backbone of the company’s reputation, setting a high bar across the global security industry.
Celebrating and maintaining Gurkha heritage remains central to IDG’s identity, serving as the foundation upon which the company was built and continues to thrive. As IDG grows into a more diverse workforce, values including discipline, loyalty, integrity, and courage remain woven into every aspect of its culture.
- Professionalism is instilled at every stage of an employee’s journey. From day one, team members are introduced to rigorous standards, learning that their actions reflect not just on themselves but on a proud legacy. Training emphasises more than technical skill; it reinforces discipline, respect, and attention to detail; cornerstones of the Gurkha spirit, ensuring consistency and excellence worldwide.
- Reliability stands at the heart of IDG’s client and partner relationships. Security depends on trust, and IDG honours that trust with unwavering dependability and swift action. This sense of duty unites multicultural teams, providing steadfast support on every assignment, in every environment.
- Accountability is embedded in both policy and everyday practice. IDG stands behind its promises, embraces responsibility for outcomes, and acts with transparency. Open communication and proactive problem-solving, foster confidence among clients, partners, and employees.
- Loyalty drives a steadfast commitment to both clients and colleagues, forging bonds built on mutual respect and shared purpose.
- Integrity means always acting honestly and ethically, upholding the trust placed in IDG by all stakeholders.
- Courage, inherited from the Gurkha tradition, empowers the team to face challenges head-on and respond with resolve in any circumstance.
Gurkha-inspired values are not simply preserved at IDG Security; they are actively practiced every day. These principles inform recruitment, training, and client dialogue, ensuring the legacy continues to shape IDG’s contemporary identity. Living the motto is not merely a goal; it is the reality expected and exemplified by every member of the organisation, in every assignment, worldwide
Ultimately, preserving this heritage is not about limiting who we are; it’s about ensuring that as we evolve, we don’t lose sight of what makes IDG unique. It’s a way to honour the past, inspire the present, and lead the future with a sense of pride, purpose, and unity.
Commitment Beyond Security
At IDG Security, support for employees extends far beyond the workplace. Committed to the well-being of both team members and their families, the company offers comprehensive insurance that includes life insurance and medical evacuation, ensuring peace of mind for all. In circumstances where insurance limits have been reached, IDG does not hesitate to step in, providing direct financial support to families in the event of an employee’s passing.
Well-being at IDG is not merely a policy; it is a core value that defines the organisation. IDG believes that true security begins from within, by ensuring employees feel genuinely supported, respected, and cared for. That’s why IDG provides competitive, equal pay and celebrates cultural diversity, offering bonuses during important festivals such as Dashain and Eid.
We don’t just support our people, we stand with their families too. Because when we say we care, we mean it, at every level, and in every moment that matters.”
The commitment to holistic care extends further: IDG offers paid maternity, adoption, and compassionate leave, together with a dedicated welfare contact for every team member. Mental health support, financial literacy initiatives, and team-building events all contribute to a supportive and cohesive work environment.
This level of responsibility and care goes above and beyond industry standards, reflecting a genuine commitment to the well-being of every team member and their loved ones.
A Legacy with a Future
The Message to Clients and Partners
IDG Security stands on a foundation built with integrity, loyalty, and purpose. Its heritage is more than history; it is a living standard guiding current operations. From its roots to its global presence, IDG has stayed true to one mission: delivering security with respect, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility.
We’re not just proud of where we’ve come from – we’re focused on where we’re going. As the world changes, IDG commitment remains the same: to be a trusted partner who listens, adapts, and delivers with consistency and care. Working with IDG means joining a legacy of excellence and helping shape its future.”
Conclusion
IDG Security’s journey began with a simple vision drawn from the Gurkha spirit – commitment to service, professionalism, and honour. As it has expanded across the globe, the company continues to embody the values that inspired its founding. The company’s legacy is not only a tribute to its distinguished past but an active guide for its present and future, solidifying IDG’s role as a trusted security partner worldwide.
Discover how partnering with IDG can elevate your organisation’s future. Connect with the team today to begin building a legacy of excellence together.
