One Year On: Remembering John Davies and His Legacy of Safety

It is a year today since we lost John Davies, the founder of our company and the person who gave it its heart. John was more than a trainer or consultant. He was a thoughtful person, an NHS professional, a martial artist, and above all, someone who believed that keeping people safe was one of the most important things any of us could do.

When John set up Basis Training more than thirty years ago, he was building on a lifetime of experience. From his military service to his work as an occupational therapist, he had seen first-hand how vulnerable people could be – and how much difference the right skills and mindset could make. He brought that knowledge into the world of personal safety training, and his standards, detail and care for others shaped everything that followed.

Those of us who worked with him still feel his presence every day. The way he prepared, the way he spoke about protecting others, the way he set the tone for what this work should mean – it’s still there, in our courses and in the values we try to live by.

A year on, the world feels even more unsettled. Violence and aggression are on the rise in healthcare, hospitality, and education. The frontline is becoming harder, not easier. John always believed safety was not an optional extra but a basic right. Looking around us now, it is clear he was right.

At BRS, we continue to carry forward his vision. Every time we train someone to de-escalate a conflict, or give them the confidence to handle aggression safely, we are continuing John’s work. His legacy lives on in the people who walk away from a shift feeling more secure, more respected, and more able to get home safe.

Nick Attard, our General Manager, reflects:

“John’s passion was never just about techniques or training – it was about people. He believed everyone deserved to feel safe, whether at work, in care, or out in the community. That vision is more important today than ever, and it’s what we continue to carry forward.”

We miss John greatly. But we are thankful every day for what he built and for the reminder he left us: that keeping people safe will always matter.