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Event Security

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Name your sport and the chances are that, somewhere in the world, G4S is providing security at an event associated with it.

After all, the Group has been protecting major events – from sports competitions to political party conferences – for decades.

With the growing global interest in sport and entertainment, coupled with the need for increased security measures and crowd control at most large events, G4S has made a number of announcements in the UK in recent months which reflect its commitment to this vital sector of the security solutions market.

They include the acquisition of a leading company involved in stewarding at major events; the appointment of a former Commander in the Metropolitan Police as G4S Security Services’ international events director; G4S’ continuing sponsorship of Skandia Team GBR; the launch of G4S 4teen and the active support of a number of other sports-related activities.

G4S - Providing Security For Ascot Racecourse (UK)Special Events Security

The acquisition of leading UK stewarding company Special Events Security (SES), in January, highlights the many roles and responsibilities of the support teams employed at major events.

Until it acquired SES, the role of G4S at events was focused on manned security – functions that, in the UK, have required a licence from the Security Industry Association (SIA) since March 2006.

But the security team at an event venue is often outnumbered by stewards who perform duties such as the “meet and greet” role, crowd monitoring, safety and control responsibilities.

Expanding the scope of its events security capability by acquiring SES was a logical step for G4S and will require it to field teams of up to 600 or more for special events.

It will, says event security general manager Mark Grant, also move G4S into some new areas in the UK, such as pop concerts and other musical events.

Sporting occasions will continue to dominate the summer schedule, says Paul Bullen, G4S director of events. These include the annual Wimbledon tennis championship and the Open golf tournament, for both of which G4S has provided security for many years. And as well as horse racing at Royal Ascot and Epsom, including the world-famous Derby, there are also other high profile events like Henley Royal Regatta.

When the golf clubs and tennis racquets are put away for another year, the G4S team turns it attention to other major events, including political party conferences and trade shows.

International Events Director

Mick Messinger, a former Commander in the Metropolitan Police, has been appointed G4S international events director with special responsibility for developing business in respect to the London 2012 Olympics. G4S contributed to the security component of London’s winning bid.

His guidance will be particularly valuable in planning the security and stewarding arrangements for major and high-profile events.

During his time with the Metropolitan Police, Mick Messinger coordinated the multi-agency response to the July 2005 terrorist attacks on London and the counterterrorist response to the 11 September 2001 attacks.

He was also responsible for planning and commanding policing operations for the Millennium, the Golden Jubilee and VE Day 60th anniversary celebrations, as well as the funerals of Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother.

As well as the considerable experience he brings to G4S, his appointment will also strengthen the Group’s links with the police and key government agencies.
This page is an edited version of the article featured in the June 2007 edition of International.
Download the full article: application/pdf Sports support

Not simply security

Sporting bodies are rapidly becoming more commercial and there is great potential to learn quickly from a strong commercial mentor in the areas of human resources, training, sales, customer service and communications.

British Judo

Earlier this year, the British Judo Association and G4S announced their partnership under the British Olympic Association FTSE Partnership Initiative. During the ongoing partnership, G4S will provide skills transfer in support of British Judo as it develops as a world class, autonomous organisation.

Commenting on the partnership, Densign White, chairman of the British Judo Association, said, “We are very excited to establish this relationship with a vibrant and growing company like G4S. From the first meeting it was very apparent that we can benefit greatly from G4S’s experience and size, and we have already identified some specific work areas to explore.

East Grinstead Sports Club and the G4S Netball Centre

East Grinstead Sports Club has secured a three-year sponsorship deal with G4S involving the development of nine floodlit netball courts which will enable it to hold local, county and regional netball tournaments. It is hoped the “G4S Netball Centre” will eventually become a national venue for netball, where elite and grass roots players can participate.

G4S is providing not only financial support to the club but also some of its own staff with specific expertise in marketing, website design and financial skills to help this new development – another great example of business learning from sport and sport learning from business.

Speaking of this new partnership, Debbie McGrath, G4S Director of Communications, said, “This project is a very important part of an overall sports and community development programme being implemented by G4S around the world.”
G4S Security Services supporting the Austrian Masters Beach Volleyball Tournament.

G4S Security Services supporting the Austrian Masters Beach Volleyball Tournament.