SEPTEMBER | SECTOR FOCUS
SHOWSEC ON SUCCESS
Q&A: Alan Wallace, ShowSec security
How has the landscape for security
changed and what new threats are posed?
The threat of terrorism to live events
has been brought into sharp focus in
recent years, following the 2015 Paris
attacks and more recent incidents such as
the Manchester bombing. These attacks
really brought home the importance of
security and adaptation.
Violence against security workers is
another issue which has been on the rise
recently. Occupational health surveys
have revealed increasing occurrences of
incidents of this nature.
Are organisers cutting corners on
security, and what are the risks?
In a word – no. Organisers are
recognising the importance of security
now more than ever, and doing whatever
it takes to reduce risk. Cutting corners
is not something anyone in the industry
wants in the current climate.
What new legislation, certification or
regulation is affecting the sector?
HMRC guidelines have had an impact
on the events security world. Companies
like ShowSec have to be careful how they
balance the needs of workers and clients.
Another issue is the number of
companies that are leaving the industry
as their SIA (Security Industry Authority)
licenses expire. In many cases they are
not being replaced by newer companies to
fill the vacancy, and so some parts of the
industry are on the decline.
How can people discern quality when
looking for companies?
A SIA license is an important sign of
quality – organisers should make sure
the security company they work with is
SIA registered. References from other
organisers can provide a barometer
for what companies will provide high-
quality security services. The history of
a company goes a long way to providing
quality assurance.
SECURITY
Access highlights some of the world’s foremost security
concerns
WORLD OF RISKS
Michiel Middendorf, the general manager of The World Forum – the biggest
convention centre in The Hague, the Netherlands says: “It is very important
that everyone in the event industry openly and honestly discusses such
subjects as terrorist threats and security breaches. We must bring the subject
to the table and regularly align our practices on how to diminish various risks
– without being naive about our ability to reduce all risks to zero.”
“It is it not just event organisers that have to understand the relevance
of security, but also everyone working at the event location. Threats can be
limited by having attentive staff members who are trained and know what to
do in the case of an emergency.”
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