Geoff Tate began work in the security industry in the late 60s following an engineering apprenticeship, installing and maintaining intruder alarm systems for Group 4 Securitas. He then managed Mono Alarms' Liverpool branch, becoming northwest regional manager when the firm merged with Granley Alarms, and subsequently utilized his technical background as the company's product manager. Geoff was technical director of Securicor Alarms, then worked as a consultant in the mid-90s before taking over as Chief Executive of SSAIB in 1999 after its founder, David Hinge, retired.