We are often asked “How would you describe what it is that OnPar does”, our short and simple response is “We are a boutique security consulting firm that provides white glove service”. That begs the follow-up question, “What does that actually mean and how does that benefit my organization”, which is a very good question and one that is answered below!
There is a school of thought by some that contracting a smaller (boutique) security consulting firm, rather than one of the bigger ones, brings a certain amount of potential “risk”, we argue that it means the exact opposite. The common definition of “White Glove Service” is that it is a premium service that offers an extra level of care and attention to detail, we believe that is what a true professional boutique security consulting firm can bring to their clients, along with these additional benefits:
- Personalized Attention: Boutique security consulting firms tend to have a smaller client base, allowing them to offer more tailored and focused services. You’re more likely to get the attention of top-level experts who will work closely with your organization to understand its unique needs, risks, and security goals.
- Expertise and Specialization: Many boutique firms specialize in niche areas of security, such as cybersecurity, physical security, threat intelligence, risk management, or compliance. This allows them to provide in-depth knowledge and expertise in the specific areas that are most relevant to your business. The consultants are often highly experienced and come from diverse professional backgrounds.
- Flexibility and Agility: Boutique firms are typically more agile than larger firms, meaning they can quickly adapt to changes in your organization’s needs or shifts in the security landscape. They can also provide more flexible engagement models, whether you need a one-time assessment, ongoing support, or a tailored security strategy.
- Cost Efficiency: While larger firms may have overhead costs that get passed down to the client, boutique firms often offer more competitive rates. Because they don’t have the same level of bureaucracy or extensive infrastructure, they can deliver quality services without inflated costs. Smaller firms may also allow for more cost-effective solutions that better align with your budget.
- Focus on Innovation: Smaller consulting firms may place a strong emphasis on staying ahead of emerging security trends and adopting new technologies. This focus on innovation can help you stay proactive against evolving threats, from cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to physical security measures.
- Hands-on Service: In boutique firms, you often work directly with senior consultants who bring years of practical experience. This ensures that the advice and strategies provided are grounded in real-world application rather than theory. You can also benefit from a more hands-on approach where consultants are directly involved in executing plans.
- Strong Relationships and Trust: The smaller scale and personalized approach of boutique firms foster closer, long-term relationships. Clients often work with the same team over time, building trust and a deeper understanding of the organization’s culture and security posture. This continuity can be invaluable when managing evolving threats.
- Comprehensive and Strategic Approach: Boutique firms often offer a more strategic approach rather than just technical solutions. They are able to assess your overall security posture, integrate various security disciplines, and provide a cohesive strategy to mitigate risks. This can include aligning security efforts with operational goals to ensure that security measures support, rather than hinder, business operations.
- Better Communication: Communication is often more direct and streamlined in boutique firms. There’s less bureaucracy and fewer intermediaries between you and the security consultants, leading to clearer, faster, and more effective communication. This is especially important when security challenges require timely intervention.
In addition to offering a more personalized, expert-driven, and cost-effective approach to securing our clients operations, OnPar also has a deep pool of trusted senior security consultants across Canada and several key partner firms (yes, we sometimes compete against each other but maintain a collegial relationship that includes supporting each other when needed), an example is our Partner Firm Ridgeback Security Inc. providing outstanding service in the Maritimes!
We believe that by being a boutique style security consulting firm that can focus on agility, innovation, and long-term relationships we can help our clients address both current and emerging threats more efficiently and effectively. That is why our key purpose is to “Provide actionable, results-driven advice and deliverables so organizations can operationalize safeguards of their business assets using realistic security solutions and strategic resourcing.” We do this by delivering a white glove service with tailored customized reports specific to the needs of our clients.
