SMG Europe, which operates arenas in the UK, Poland and Germany, has rekindled its relationship with Ticketmaster following a spell spent with CTS Eventim
news
Showsec renews with SMG Europe
Showsec will continue to provide security and crowd management services to eight UK SMG venues, including the new Bonus Arena in Hull
By Jon Chapple on 07 Jan 2019
Showsec has handled security for Manchester Arena since 1995
image © Karin Albinsson
Showsec has renewed its contract with the UK’s leading arena operator, SMG Europe, for a further five years.
The deal – which follows on from a previous five-year contract signed in February 2013 – will see Showsec providing security and crowd management services across eight SMG-run sites, including Manchester Arena (21,000-cap.), Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (8,500-cap.), Metro Radio Arena (11,000-cap.), First Direct Arena (13,500-cap.), Baths Hall (1,024-cap.), York Barbican (1,900-cap.), Bridgewater Hall (2,341-cap.) and the recently opened Bonus Arena (3,500-cap.) in Hull.
Showsec will also look after the Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA), a new £333 million conference, exhibition and event venue opening in Scotland next year.
The companies’ relationship dates back to 1995, when SMG was contracted to provide security for the then-new Manchester Arena. Both SMG and Showsec were singled out for praise by Lord Kerslake for their respective roles in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017.
“We’re delighted to renew our contract with SMG, a company Showsec has grown up with”
John Sharkey, executive VP of SMG’s European operations, comments: “The security and crowd management dynamic is forever changing, and Showsec’s ability to manage to stay ahead of the curve with its training and recruitment programmes is part of our decision to continue with our long relationship.
“I’m reassured that these venues and their visitors are in the very best hands.”
“We’re delighted to renew our contract with SMG, a company Showsec has grown up with, and to continue refining and delivering a contemporary customer service across the SMG portfolio,” adds Showsec managing director Mark Harding.
“The Bonus Arena is an exciting new element in the equation, bringing the biggest performances to Hull on the back of its hugely successful year as city of culture. We are equally as excited for TECA’s opening, too.”
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.
