Staying SECURE
“Event security is an industry in demand,” says Sam Hodkin, Area Manager – north/ west Yorkshire for Showsec International. “Terrorist attacks notably at the Bataclan Theatre and Manchester have pushed venue operators into reviewing their mitigation measures, thus an increase in security personnel deployed at live music venues.
“Many entrepreneurs are jumping on the back of this demand, setting up security business with little knowledge, qualifications and training.
“Venue security staff represent the venue they are contracted to. They welcome their customers, direct them to their seats and ensure the safety of customers, contractors and staff. Security staff are the point of contact for the venues’ customers and ultimately can ‘make or break’ that customer experience.”
For Hodkin and his team, they urge the benefit of investing in good quality security and crowd management; telling hospitality and event professionals that it will improve the customer experience. He adds: “Investing in good security will ensure a positive customer journey – efficient ingress and queue management to increase spend per head, excellent customer service skills aiding in the retention of customers, a proactive approach to crowd management to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the ticket holder.”
The CREAM OF THE CROP
Showsec has an impressive company history and reliable team – with more than 3,000 casual workers. They are SIA ACS certified and sit in the top 5 per cent of all ACS certified companies based on their annual score. The company invests significantly in training and development.
The flagship Management Development Programme has commenced its 13th intake. All operations managers complete this bespoke programme and are awarded with a level 4 diploma in Event Safety Management. The MDP has produced 12 Area Managers and a Regional Manager with the majority holding a level 6 degree in Event Safety Management.
Hodkin adds: “Showsec can ensure consistency and reliability. A regular team with venue and area knowledge, that can reach out to neighbouring areas in times of peak demand. A centralised staff booking department that services the business need 7-days a week, giving Showsec the ability to deploy at short notice.”
Wise WORDS
Hodkin dishes out sound advise for any hospitality or event professional looking to protect their venue and customers. He concludes: “Look into the experience of the company you are choosing – what venues do they currently look after, what level of staffing is available to service your venue; specifically at weekends when demand is higher. Are they SIA ACS approved? This is an industry recognised standard and encouraged to ensure best practice. What training have the staff been given and how will the supplier ensure that it will help the venue meet its obligations to their customers. What added value can the supplier provide? Training for venue staff? Event intelligence sharing?”
For more information on Showsec, visit www.showsec.co.uk or call 0116 204 3333.
