OCTOBER | SECTOR FOCUS
help streamline the invoice and
payment process with clients.
“Advances in CCTV are
improving abilities to monitor
large crowds in a more efficient
way, also front of house ticket
scanners and attendance
software has helped to increase
the speed customers can be
allowed into the venues which
reduces queue management
needs.”
Similar forward thinking has
been demonstrated by Stadium
Group’s managing director
David McAtamney who says
technology is something the
company invests in heavily,
with vehicle mitigation being a
current focus.
“Anywhere we engage with
large crowds we seek to protect
them as best we can, and vehicle
attacks sadly are a chosen
weapon we must address, and
we have solutions to do that.
This is a British innovation that
we are trying to encourage more
of in Europe. Because of our
history with terror, we are world
leaders in prevention, and I’m
looking to export our expertise
and equipment.”
In order to do this, the
three-year-old uncertainty of
Brexit is once again discussed.
“Along with most businesses,
the real fear is the indecision.
With no firm conclusions still,
we’re unable to plan ahead
and there’s a real uncertainty.
We’re no nearer and end
point, unless that’s a no deal.
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Clarification would help us make
decisions and strategies,” says
McAtamney.
Other technologies Stadium
is exploring is facial recognition.
“We currently also use high
definition CCTV, which is
particularly useful in our space.
There’s controversy over facial
recognition which has benefits
in certain situations, but there’s
concerns from the public. In my
view it shouldn’t be a worry if
you’re going about your normal
business. It’s a big thing that’s on
everyone’s radar. It is something
that as a democracy we must
consider. There’s a balance
between safeguarding life and
civil liberties. There’s a relentless
march forward in technology so
a robust discussion is needed.”
Meanwhile, the challenges
for security in many ways
remain static. “We face similar
challenges at mass events,
where there’s 60,000 plus
people. This involves getting
people parking where they want,
keeping people safe, and helping
vulnerable people. It’s good to
see better access for wheelchairs
at events and we often help with
this. I think that’s a massive plus
as inclusivity is vital.”