Spy school for company bosses

Bosses are learning teamwork by spying in the street

Company bosses are being taught the secrets of the spy trade to help keep them one step ahead of the competition.

Executives are learning surveillance techniques at a spy school in Ringwood, Hampshire.

They are being taken out of their offices and sent out on the streets to tail a target for the day.

Former CID officer Roger Squires, who runs Eyeball Training, says a day spent undercover helps businessmen learn the value of teamwork.

Being spotted isn't important. What's important is not being spotted because they have been let down by a team member.

Roger Squires, Eyeball Training

Mr Squires, 52, who has 20 years of surveillance experience, said: "Our clients first get a briefing on team-building and how important it is in surveillance.

"They then decide the tactics they are going to use.

"Being spotted isn't important. What's important is not being spotted because they have been let down by a team member."

His students, normally in teams of eight, are sent out to follow one of his employees.

On the streets

They are told to come up with effective ways of passing information to each other and getting close to their target without being spotted.

Another employee - a "sweeper" - is also sent out onto the streets to make sure they keep out of trouble and do not worry passers-by.

But that is not to say everything always runs smoothly.

Mr Squires, who will take his team anywhere in the country, said: "If anything, people get so excited, so wrapped up in what they are doing, they forget about the normal things, like not walking in front of buses."