Alceon was developed in Africa, where we have specialist experience, but the lessons we have learned and methods we have designed are now being applied world wide. Knowing our people remains a foundation stone of what we do. Whether we are working with multi-component, international strategic bodies, operational formations or commerce, our teams are always formed from a combination of regional and international subject matter experts. This ensures that we have a deep and detailed understanding of the environment. Alceon’s expert personnel are drawn from governmental and non governmental organisations, uniformed and emergency services, education and the law. They all have significant practical experience in crisis planning, and mission management. These are longstanding relationships, founded in trust and respect.
Supporting this team of experts, there are two directors:
ERIC TYSON
After 32 years in uniform, including 10 combat tours, Eric completed his service working as a special advisor to the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force. Bringing together his long experience as a commander, planner and senior operations officer, he co-formed Alceon to give back some of the expertise he had developed in those environments. His background as the Commander of a staff training establishment, responsible for training large, cross-component headquarters prior to deployment, gives him invaluable insight on how to develop the collective processes that are needed to support good decision making.
ANGUS HENDERSON
Angus has a proven ability to analyse highly complex situations, distil critical information and create detailed and workable plans and programmes. He has a strong track record for spotting and developing potential in others and helping others to challenge their assumptions and view events from a fresh perspective. An expert in transnational and organised crime, he has worked as a consultant for UNODC, evaluating and writing programmes. This experience and his prior service in the British military, enables him to develop programmes that combine civilian, military and law enforcement work streams.
Qualities and Values
Our reputation is founded on a proven ability to create impact by enabling better, faster decisions. The quality of our products, and the standard of our delivery have been developed through extensive educational and operational research and continuous measurement of effectiveness. They are the very best available and they are what our clients deserve. The Alceon team brings specialist experience and technical skills, and we provide templates, tools and equipment as required, but at the end of the day, capability is embedded in and delivered by people. Understanding, empathy and enduring relationships are at the heart of true capacity building. Thus, our Company values are embedded in the principles of honesty, trust, integrity and respect. Our successes have been the result of lasting partnerships that are, by their very nature, totally inclusive. We care about the people we work with and we are proud to have stood beside them.
Tuko pamoja.
WHY A KINGFISHER?
In the book “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom”, T E Lawrence coined the phrase “The irrational tenth” referring to that 10% of a winning plan; “the business of generals” that requires imagination, flair and, by implication, a bit of daring. It is not a common skill and is hard to define. In Lawrence’s words, it is “as elusive as a kingfisher flashing across the pool” The other 90% of the effort, the vast majority, can be written down and taught. We give the staff the 90%, enabling them to give decision makers all they need for the “irrational tenth”. It is the the quality of the staff work that enables the decision maker. It requires rigour and precision in its design; understanding and skill in its implementation. We then support decision makers to find the last tenth. Discipline makes daring possible.
Alceon is an old English word for a kingfisher. It is derived from the Greek word halcyon which implies peace, tranquillity and prosperity. A great deal of folklore surrounds kingfishers. In many different cultures, worldwide, they are associated with good luck, but Alceon will not leave your results to chance.
In the contemporary operating environment, the relationship between the staff and the decision maker is a complex and critical one, with responsibilities on both sides. It is vital to achieving success at all levels and in all organisations. Despite its importance, it frequently fails. Alceon supports both the staff and the leadership, creating the synergy that is necessary for timely and effective decision making.
