Showsec Signs Five-year Contract Renewal with SMG

Showsec have renewed their contract with venue management group and the UK’s biggest arena operator, SMG Europe.

The five-year deal will see Showsec supplying security and crowd management across eight SMG Europe sites, including; Manchester Arena, AECC, Metro Radio Arena, first direct Arena, Baths Hall, York Barbican, Bridgewater Hall and the recently opened Bonus Arena in Hull.

When SMG Europe opened the state-of the-art Hull Bonus Arena in August 2018, Showsec were on hand to provide security for up to 3,500 people. The renewal will also see Showsec delivering services to the new £333 million conference, exhibition and event venue, TECA, opening in Aberdeen in 2019.

Showsec’s dedication to developing the marketplace and continual focus on training played a key part in SMG’s decision to renew the contract. Showsec have been providing security services to SMG since the doors opened at the Manchester Arena in 1995.

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.’

Showsec Managing Director, Mark Harding, says: “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.

“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.”