Affordable private investigators you can trust

Optimum Consultants provides professional private investigation and background screening services for individuals and businesses. Our core services include background checks, corporate investigations, covert surveillance, missing persons investigations, gambling fraud enquiries, infidelity investigations, lie detector testing and bug sweeping.

We are based in Essex and London and regularly work across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and the wider M25 region. For suitable cases we can also support clients across the rest of the UK and in selected overseas locations.

Yes. It is legal to hire a private investigator in the UK as long as all work is carried out within UK law and in line with data protection and privacy regulations. Optimum Consultants only uses lawful, proportionate methods so that any evidence gathered can be relied on with confidence.

We handle a wide range of domestic and corporate cases. Typical instructions include pre employment background checks, internal theft and fraud, gambling fraud and casino scam protection, cheating partner and infidelity investigations, missing persons tracing, insider threats, bug sweeping, and lie detector testing for workplace or personal matters.

Our investigations are planned so that evidence is gathered in a structured, legally compliant way. Many clients use our reports and supporting material to assist with HR hearings, civil disputes, regulatory enquiries and, where appropriate, criminal proceedings, although the final decision on admissibility always rests with the court or tribunal.

Costs depend on the type of service, the number of investigators required, the hours involved and any travel or specialist tools that are needed. After a free initial consultation we outline a clear, itemised proposal so you know exactly what is included before you decide to go ahead.

In many cases we can begin work shortly after the initial consultation, once the scope, objectives and budget have been agreed and any necessary consents are in place. For urgent matters, such as active fraud or time sensitive surveillance, we will always explain what can realistically be achieved in the timeframe available.

Confidentiality is central to how we work. Client information and case details are stored securely, shared only on a need to know basis, and discussed discreetly so that your identity and the purpose of the investigation remain protected at all times.

Yes. We support private clients with personal issues such as infidelity, missing persons and relationship background checks, and we work with companies, law firms, insurers and other organisations on corporate investigations, employee screening and fraud prevention.

You can contact us by phone or email, or complete the enquiry form on our website. A senior investigator will review your situation, explain the options available and recommend a discreet, proportionate plan tailored to your needs and budget.