A Midlands-based events management and security firm which works across the world has won a major new contract on its doorstep.
Stadium, which specialises security, safety and traffic management, has successfully bid to provide security and stewarding in its home city of Coventry– taking in the UK City of Culture celebrations.
The firm, which is training safety and security staff for organisers of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar, in 2022 and handles a range of services for Premier League football clubs, will provide staff for events organised by Coventry City Council.
The contract will see specially-trained Stadium staff handle public safety and security for a range of events including the Godiva Festival which attracts in excess of 100,000 spectators over three days.
It will provide up too 250 fully trained and accredited staff for a range of events throughout the city.
Stadium founder David McAtamney said winning the contract when the city was set to be in the international spotlight was a major highlight in the company’s 10-year history.
He said: “We work internationally and across the UK on a variety of very exciting events and with some major clients particularly in the sporting and entertainment field, but to win the contract to work on events in our home city ranks amongst our proudest achievements.
“In recent years, the city has carved out a reputation for hosting major events, some of which were started here in Coventry, but I suspect they will be dwarfed by the programme for 2021 which will take on added significance as the country recovers from the Covid-19 crisis.
“While organisers always have customer safety and security as their number one priority, it will take on even greater significance as the events calendar begins to fill up once more.”
The start of the new contract coincided with the re-opening of non-essential retail as part of the easing Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, meaning Stadium staff were drafted into action on the very first day of operations.
David McAtamney added: “We have provided staff to ensure that the re-opening of the city centre was done in a safe, orderly and welcoming fashion.
“There were queues at some major stores, and, working alongside the in-house staff, we ensured that social distancing measures were adhered to, and that safe access was provided for everyone.
“This is a vital time for all city centres and we hope we can help Coventry and its retailers successfully re-open in a safe and friendly fashion.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle cabinet member for jobs and regeneration said, “I’m really pleased that Stadium, a thriving local company, has been awarded the contract to provide stewarding and security in the city. It’s a real boost and one that I hope will lead to new job opportunities for local people.
“Events play an important role in our city, helping us celebrate and showcase local talent and as we emerge out of lockdown they will be an important part of the future too.
“We look forward to working with Stadium and we look forward to the time we can celebrate all that’s good about Coventry.”
Stadium staff used on the contract will have a range of skills including Level 2 NVQ Spectator Safety and SIA accreditation.
Left to right Sukdeep Mander, David McAtamney and Chris Baker.