TenIntelligence: Protecting businesses from fraud with expertise and integrity
When Neil Miller founded TenIntelligence in December 2012, he had a clear vision: to create a fraud prevention and investigations company built on ethical practices that prioritises trust and integrity. Having worked in the corporate fraud and investigation sector for over 25 years, Neil became frustrated with the number of unethical practices in the industry, particularly following the infamous phone hacking scandals. He wanted to provide corporate clients with a transparent, reliable service that upheld the highest standards. Today, TenIntelligence has grown into a leading advisory consultancy, offering services in fraud prevention, background checks, data protection, cyber security and digital forensics in both the UK and the UAE.
Starting a fraud prevention and investigations company
Neil’s journey began with a desire to leave behind the long commutes to London and spend more time with his family. Recognising a gap in the market for ethical investigation services, he established TenIntelligence from the ground up. Initially, the company focused on fraud prevention and investigations for corporate clients. However, it quickly became evident that there was significant demand for background checks—on employees, joint ventures, and investments, which then became a cornerstone of their services for several years.
As their reputation grew, so did their scope. In 2015, TenIntelligence expanded internationally, opening an office in Dubai to address brand protection issues that clients were facing such as counterfeit goods. This move allowed them to better serve their Middle Eastern clients by working “boots on the ground”. This presence in the UAE is what makes them different to their competitors alongside having a diverse multi-lingual team. Over the years, the team’s expertise has broadened, adapting to the needs of a fast-evolving world—most notably with the introduction of The Data Protection Act in 2018 and the establishment of a fully serviced digital in the UK where they support investigations by identifying digital evidence on devices, such as laptops and phones.
The role of technology and ethics
As the world becomes increasingly digital, so too does the nature of fraud. TenIntelligence has observed the rise of artificial intelligence in criminal activities, with fraudsters leveraging technology to automate phishing emails and create convincing scams. While AI can be a powerful tool for prevention and investigation, TenIntelligence stresses the importance of human oversight. “AI helps us gather information more efficiently,” explains Neil, “but it can’t access everything or verify data beyond paywalls. Having experienced professionals double-check results is crucial.”
“What many businesses don’t know is that 2-5% of revenue is lost to fraud each year” Neil explained. This is why TenIntelligence is rolling out an anti-fraud assessment tool for their to help them understand their fraud risk across their organisation and identify their exposure to internal and external fraud that they may not have been aware of.
13 years at Capital Space
When Neil first established TenIntelligence, he sought a professional workspace that offered flexibility and convenience. In December 2012, he moved into Churchill Square Business Centre as he explained: “Having a rolling monthly licence allowed us to come out of the contract or move offices if we ever wanted, and that was very appealing”.
This contract has since allowed TenIntelligence to move across several units within Kings Hill to accommodate their growth, with the business upscaling into four different units before Covid-19, before downsizing again to accommodate more people working from home during the pandemic. Since then, they have moved into one of the largest unit sizes available and he explained that if they were to grow again they would invest in another unit in the same building.
The flexibility of Capital Space’s offerings has allowed Neil’s team to adjust their workspace to meet evolving needs, and he explained that: “The team at Capital Space makes transitions effortless, and the support we’ve received over the years has been exceptional.”
Neil values the sense of community at Kings Hill. Over the years, he’s enjoyed meeting other businesses within the centre. He also praises the Capital Space team for their efficiency, noting how the reception staff are helpful and the maintenance staff are amazing; ensuring the facilities are always clean.
Importance of creating a strong company culture
Creating a strong work culture can be difficult, however, Neil has created an environment in which each member of the Team feels like an equal and has the opportunity to grow personally as well as within the business. To do this Neil has created several initiatives:
- Ten% time – This initiative was created so that each member of staff can take up to 10% of their time to work on themselves and develop new skills such as learning a new language.
- Future pathway – This programme was developed to create opportunities for team members. By being open and transparent about future goals, Neil can help members of the team reach them.
Through these initiatives their staff can progress in the direction they want: for example, one member of staff started as a data analyst, but through the programme, they have worked their way to leading digital forensics.
Looking ahead
As TenIntelligence looks to the future, its mission remains the same: to protect people from financial and reputational harm. Neil’s focus is on expanding their anti-fraud initiatives, developing innovative tools, and reaching a wider audience with their preventative approach. Internally, the company continues to champion equality and transparency, with initiatives like its “Ten% time” and the “future pathways” programme.
Top tips for SMEs
Drawing on his experience, Neil offers these insights for other businesses:
- Create an open culture: Transparency and equality within the workplace fosters trust and improves morale as it ensures every team member feels valued and heard.
- Trust your team: Micromanaging stifles creativity and growth. Instead, invest in training and provide clear guidance, so that you can give your team the freedom to excel.
Neil’s journey with TenIntelligence exemplifies how passion, ethics, and a focus on people can drive success. At Capital Space, we’re proud to support businesses like TenIntelligence, providing the flexible, supportive environments they need to thrive.
If you are a SME looking for a flexible, serviced workspace, get in touch.