21st May 2024
Managing large numbers of people to prevent stampedes or bottlenecks; handling disorderly conduct, fights, or disturbances among attendees; ensuring only authorised individuals enter restricted areas; protecting attendees’ items from pickpockets; providing first aid; organising emergency evacuations – the list of responsibilities for an event security firm is endless.
That is why choosing the right company is a strategic decision that can determine the success or failure of a show or presentation.
The major problem is that, at first glance, these companies may all seem the same. However, the truth is that there are significant differences in terms of experience, team qualifications, and safety approaches.
Before hiring an event security firm, it is crucial to evaluate five criteria: experience, reputation, certifications, costs, and location.
Experience is precious in event security management. After all, the pressure on the staff increases proportionally with the size of the audience. The larger the crowd, the greater the potential for incidents and challenges to the security team.
More experienced companies will know how to handle troublemakers and quickly identify the vulnerabilities of the event space and its participants. The more experienced a company is, the faster it can identify and anticipate potential problems.
Once you have assessed the company’s experience, it’s time to check its reputation. Years of experience are worthless if accompanied by failures, brutality, or poor relationships with clients.
To evaluate the company’s reputation, check online reviews and seek feedback from previous clients. Additionally, inquire about the client retention rate. Companies that provide good service are often rehired by the same clients repeatedly.
Furthermore, ask participants if they enjoyed themselves and felt safe. After all, the goal of hiring an event security firm is to ensure that the audience feels secure and welcomed. The staff should be professional, courteous, and efficient, contributing to a positive image of the gathering.
Training is essential in any activity, and in the case of event security, it is a requirement that should never be neglected. The best way to evaluate the quality of the training received by the staff is by asking about their accreditations.
Accreditations ensure that a security firm adheres to industry standards and best practices. Organisations such as the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the UK set rigorous standards for training, conduct, and operational procedures.
The accreditation process often involves compliance with local, national, and international laws and regulations. This ensures that the firm operates within the legal framework, reducing the risk of legal issues arising during or after the event.
When considering costs, it’s essential to strike a balance between ensuring safety and managing expenses effectively. After all, safety is paramount, and cutting corners on security can have serious consequences. However, overpaying doesn’t necessarily equate to better service.
The rule of thumb here is to prefer bespoke quotations over fixed rates and pay only for what you need. When a company offers a customised quote, you can be assured that the firm will conduct a thorough assessment of your event, including the venue, expected attendance, and specific risks, to provide an accurate and fair estimate. That’s why you should avoid companies that offer one-size-fits-all pricing.
Discuss potential discounts if you can agree on other services the firm offers that you might need, such as security consulting, risk assessments, or ongoing contracts. Some companies may offer bundled services at a reduced rate, which can include event management, surveillance, and emergency response planning.
It’s also important to consider that the event security firm has its own costs. Obtaining accreditations, for example, is a laborious process, and therefore, it’s natural for these companies to charge more for their services compared to companies without proper training.
The security firm must have in-depth knowledge of the area where the event is taking place. Local businesses are often familiar with popular venues, local authorities, and emergency services, enabling them to coordinate more effectively and respond swiftly to any issues. If your event is in Cambridge, for example, you would be best off hiring a company such as ours for your Cambridge event security.
Moreover, hiring a local business can significantly reduce travel and accommodation expenses for security personnel. Furthermore, local companies often offer more competitive pricing compared to larger national firms, which might charge a premium for covering areas outside their usual range.
Once you have done your due diligence, you will find out that Stage Security is East Anglia’s best event security firm.
Stage Security’s specialisation in East Anglia means we have a deep understanding of the region’s unique challenges and logistical considerations. Our proximity allows for more frequent site visits and assessments, ensuring thorough planning and preparation.
We have 23 years of experience providing security services to our clients, with an enviable retention rate.
We prioritise rigorous vetting and comprehensive training for all our staff. Licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), our team undergoes extensive in-house training to ensure they operate with efficiency and politeness, upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
Reach out to discuss your event’s specific needs and requirements.
What our clients say about us
As a leading regional 24/7 security provider, we ensure every member of our team is fully SIA-licensed, highly trained, and prepared to deliver the highest standards of protection. Our commitment to robust quality processes ensures our clients benefit from consistent, reliable, and professional service at all times.
As a local security company, we take pride in offering a personalised approach backed by industry-leading standards. We work closely with each client to understand their needs, ensuring our solutions are tailored, effective, and delivered with care.
Our reliability, integrity, and meticulous planning make us one of the region’s most trusted security providers, being well-equipped to meet your requirements and safeguard your business and assets.
"Stage took the time to understand our business requirements and plans for growth. It was clear that they were the best security provider to partner with our business as we looked to expand in the UK and region of Suffolk. The services Stage has delivered to our business since the start of 2022 have helped ensure our site, staff and property is always protected."
— Sheng Li, FDS Corporation
"We have used Stage security since the beginning of 2022 and have found them to be personable and responsive to our questions and needs regarding a broad range of events. Offering appropriate security personnel to suit each event is key to us, and the team at Stage have always delivered."
— Jonathan Senior, Wherstead Park
"We have been working with Stage Security for a few years now and have always found their service to be very reliable and professional. We would certainly recommend them to other clients."
— Josie Stone, Beyond the Box Student
"The guys were amazing! Super friendly, fully capable, and highly visual. They took onboard our specific instructions, and we're nice to all that attended. Everyone at the event was very complimentary of the guys. I've recommended stage to several people based on this experience already."
— Councillor Ruman Muhith, Ipswich Borough Council
"We are very pleased with the level of service provided and look forward to continuing our partnership with them moving forward."
— Elmstead Place, Yugo
"Stage Security has been an invaluable partner in safeguarding our Ipswich office. Their professionalism and prompt response times consistently reassure us and allow us to focus on our core operations. Since partnering with Stage, we’ve seen a marked improvement in service quality and reliability. We confidently recommend them as a trusted, first-choice security provider."
— Birketts LLP
"I wanted to pass on a compliment for the security team working at the Regent on the 27th Feb: Another amazing security team- Allen, Kelly and Keira. They were proactive at the start helping to hand out wristbands to customers and putting smiles on people’s faces. Great customer service!"
— House Manager, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"Thank you to your two guys who were patrolling Christchurch Park today. They were very friendly and approachable. They took time to speak to the young people who were enjoying being in the park. As a parent it is very reassuring that they are in the park, and if there is any problems people know that they can approach them and they are there to help!"
— Lisa Cooper
"May I take this opportunity to say thank you, it has been a pleasure dealing with you and the company. Also, we all wanted to pass on our personal thanks to David who was such a nice person and he did such a good job giving us such peace of mind (and a much needed break every night after such long days!)."
— Katrina Robertson, Whitton Parish
"Kieran was the best front-of-house SIA security staff member we have worked with for years. He was attentive in what was going on, helpful and approachable with the customers. The little jobs I often have to remind staff to do just happened without prompt, he wasn't in a rush to leave for his later job, and he wasn't constantly on his phone in front of the customers."
— Shaun Whymark, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"I would like to thank Adam Howes and his team for their work and support at Suffolk Pride 2019. They brought their professional expertise and clear understanding of our needs to our event. They understood and delivered our objectives for the day in a proficient and skilled manner whilst carrying out their role."
— Suffolk Pride
"Thank you and to your team so much for Wednesday. You really were superstars and I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support. From the word 'go' you were all so professional and just got on doing what you do best."
— Sarah Shinnie, Suffolk District Council
"A very big thank you to you and your staff for a successful event (Stowmarket Christmas Fayre) that was held yesterday (28th Nov 2021). Your staff were exemplary, actively engaging with members of the public, reinforcing the road closure and also alerting myself and other Town Council staff to potential issues of concern. Thank you once again."
— Michael Marriott, Stowmarket Town Council
"I wanted to say a big thank you and well done to the security who worked here last night, especially Steph and Karl. We had a first aid incident which involved a lady fainting. Steph was very quickly on the scene and took a lot of control of what was happening."
— Mark Wright, Operations Manager, The Apex
"I wanted to write to say how brilliant your two security guards were at the school ball. They were the best we have had. They were friendly and professional, worked the whole time and were very observant with regards to the behaviour of our students; they were proactive about stepping in when required."
— Mrs Isobel Tyndale-Brown, Woodbridge School
"We held a music festival at our Holiday Park for over 3000 people, guests and owners. Hiring Stage Security was a simple process, from start to finish with professional care and regular communication throughout the whole preparation time before the event."
— Kelly Evans, The Orchards Holiday Village
