New Chairperson Elected at the UKCMA

The United Kingdom Crowd Management Association (UKCMA), has announced the new elected Chairperson replacing Mark Harding, who is standing down from the position after ten years.

Eric Stuart (QPM), Director of Gentian Events, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the UKCMA.

During Mark’s tenure as Chairperson, the organisation has worked collectively to enhance the safety of millions of attendees at events annually. Over 40 of the highest professional performers within the industry form the UKCMA, and their efforts are completely voluntary.

Deliberating progressive views and developing standards, the UKCMA provides a forum for members to address the emerging challenges facing the sector and offers a voice for crowd management professionals. With cuts to public sectors, terrorism and ever tightening budgets, the challenges for keeping crowds safe have escalated year on year and the fight for public safety is continuously evolving.

UKCMA highlights over the past decade include the creation of National Occupational Standards and the subsequent event industry qualifications. Mark Harding was also seconded to the SIA Strategic Advisory Group, which demonstrates recognition and representation within the industry. A proponent of the work the SIA undertakes, Mark will continue to work alongside the SIA on projects which will contribute to the constant evolution of industry solutions, and event security and crowd management services.

As the new Chairperson of the UKCMA was announced, Mark Harding comments: “It has been an honour chairing the UKCMA throughout a decade of hard work: receiving SIA recognition has been ground-breaking for the industry.

“The commercial acumen and industry knowledge of the membership provides a solid platform for the new Chairperson to take the Association to the next stage of development”.

Further changes have also been announced. Steve Blake of Storm4Events will join Tony Ball of SES Group (Show and Event) as a second Vice Chairperson, both of whom will support Eric Stuart. The increase and commitment of the UKCMA as a voluntary association acknowledges the increasing levels of work in what are challenging times for the events industry.

Anne Marie Chebib, who remains in post as Secretary of the UKCMA, made the following statement: “The Association sends immense thanks to Mark Harding for his tireless efforts over many years, and the support he continues to show in an ambassadorial role to ensure continuity for the organisation.

“We are also extremely excited to welcome Eric Stuart into role as the new Chairperson and the creation of a new Vice Chairperson role to support.

The future is very bright at the UKCMA. We look forward to continuing improvement for all members and stakeholders”.