Every year we look forward to a jam-packed Events season, and 2022 has proven our biggest yet. Kicking off in April the highly-anticipated Fury vs Whyte clash in front of 94,000 spectators at Wembley. The Frank Warren show was one for the history books for MAN Commercial, as we recorded our biggest ringside deployment ever with 225 event specialists on duty.

May and June saw our teams supporting at Ride London, the world’s greatest festival of cycling, as well as various high-profile music events including Capital’s Summertime Ball, Simply Red live in Westminster and several festivals.  A real highlight was the Queen’s jubilee in June; a team of over 160 MAN Commercial officers were in London for a week to support as a range of events and celebrations bought crowds of hundreds of thousands into the capital.  

July was big for sporting events, we had teams at boxing shows, The British Open golf in Scotland and 10 days at Edgbaston in Birmingham for the cricket. Soon after, it was time to get involved with the biggest sporting event ever to come to Birmingham, the 2022 Commonwealth games, which took us through to early August.

In September, we were called into action when the sad news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was announced. I was a great privilege for our team to support the SES Group over 11 days on this very special assignment and be part of history.

As we enter October, our events calendar is still looking busy, with boxing shows, the London Marathon and NFL at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

For more information on how MAN Commercial can support on an event you are organising, please contact us.

This week, the finalists have been announced for the prestigious Women In Security Awards 2022. Not only are MAN Commercial proud to be sponsoring this fantastic event, we are delighted to announce that our HR Director Traci McCallister has been shortlisted in the ‘Business Manager’ category.

As huge supporters of Women In Security, we loved having the opportunity to put some of our leading ladies forward for recognition, and to have Traci achieve finalist status is an amazing achievement. Traci was nominated for always leading by example, and never being afraid to get stuck in and make things happen!

Traci is a crucial part of the MAN Commercial journey. During the company’s phenomenal organic growth over the last 5 years, from £18m to £58m; Traci has underpinned this success with her focus on people and the processes. With an eye for detail and a passion for employees’ welfare, her hands-on approach has seen the successful transition from a small family business into a large business with family values.

Traci provides strong leadership and guidance to all levels; by living the company vision and values she has supported the growth of both the business and the individuals within it. Her empathy and genuine interest in people make her the ideal leader, listening to them and offering advice/solutions. She is immensely proud of the company USP – the personal touch. Traci ensures that employees’ are never just a number; despite over 1600 security officers working for MAN, every single person is guaranteed they can pick up the phone at any time and discuss their needs with someone who knows who they are, where they are and what they do. 

Traci and her team are looking forward to the Women in Security Awards evening in London in September, which will be a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the inspiring women in our industry who are doing exceptional work every day.

After being held remotely the last two years due to the pandemic, 29^th June saw the return of the  2022 British Security Awards, hosted by the British Security Industry Association, and the occasion was better than ever! Held at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square, the sell-out lunch and ceremony attracted representatives from across the industry.

MAN Commercial Protection were delighted to be in the running for three categories –

• Best Team – The Brewery / Cambridge Leisure
• Business of the Year
• Contribution to the Industry – Iain McCallister, CEO – WINNER!

The very special ‘Contribution to the Industry’ award celebrates individuals who have not only dedicated themselves to a career in security, but have shown outstanding leadership and flair, becoming industry ambassadors.

In being chosen as the 2022 winner, Iain has been recognised for his ambition, professionalism, enthusiasm, and experience within the industry, along with his inspirational leadership  and mentoring skills that have guided MAN Commercial Protection to a near £60m annual turnover with over 1500 employees nationwide. This year, Iain has been actively involved in working to change the perception of the security sector, collaborating with other industry leaders on projects and marketing initiatives to promote recognition for the work of security officers in keeping people, places and property professionally protected.

Iain McCallister, CEO, said: “This is a very special award and a massive achievement and career highlight for me. I have been in the security industry for over 30 years now and I believe that with hard work, passion and belief, great things are possible. I am hugely honoured to receive recognition for my contribution to the industry, thank you to the judges and the BSIA, and especially to all at MAN Commercial Protection.”

Attending the awards with Iain and some of the Senior Management Team were representatives from our two nominated teams, who had already won their respective regional rounds to progress to the national finals. Abbass, Jones, Trevor and Michael were there to represent The Brewery security Team, and Anton was there on behalf of Cambridge Leisure. Huge congratulations to the teams for being national finalists, read more about why they were nominated here British Security Award Winners – Regional Presentations 2022 

What a day at the 2022 ACS Pacesetters Awards! The annual event held at Windsor racecourse is one we look forward to, being proud members of the SIA ACS scheme since its inception, and Pacesetters since 2018.

This year, our office Daniel Cooke from our Cambridge Leisure team was chosen as one of the 12 ‘Security Officers of Distinction’. With the winners selected from over 100 nominations, this aspirational accolade is given to officers who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference, add value for our clients and – most importantly – keep the public safe.

Dan is a worthy winner, who has performed outstandingly this past year. Dan’s site is very busy with frequent incidents, and Dan is a reliable and efficient leader with excellent interpersonal skills and an admirable passion for public safety.

Last year there was an unfortunate suicide attempt on site. Dan and his colleague took control whilst waiting for paramedic assistance by dispersing the public and erecting a cordon. Dan showed excellent intuition to ensure the safety of those around. Dan also played a vital role in an incident where a site regular suffered complications from a heart condition after drinking; thanks to Dan’s prior knowledge of the male, he was able to assist the emergency services in providing appropriate medical assistance more quickly.

Dan performed exceptionally when a fire broke out in a tenant’s unit; Dan immediately called 999 and gave the site address, and cleverly also used the What3Words app to give an exact square foot location which was of huge assistance to Cambridge Fire Service. Dan bravely stayed in position outside the unit until the firefighters gave the all clear to ensure no members of the public or residents of the nearby flats came close to the unit. The fire fighters praised Dan for his actions, saying how impressed they were with his site knowledge and quick actions.

Dan’s winning nomination was shared with the room, along with the 11 other impressive and inspirational winner’s stories. There are some truly exceptional officers in our industry who are doing phenomenal work each and every day and it was an honour to be there to celebrate this.

MAN Commercial also received our Pacesetters Company Award, which was collected by owners Iain and Traci McCallister, CEO and HR Director respectively.

Dan’s involvement in many of the year’s challenging incidents earned him an Employee of the Month award, and our client stated, “Dan it’s because of people like you who show compassion and professionalism that Landsec [client] feel reassured that we are keeping our communities safe.”

In April we announced that two of our teams had been named as regional winners for ‘Best Team’ in the preliminary rounds of the 2022 British Security Awards. The British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) annual awards celebrate security companies and personnel throughout the UK by recognising them for their commitment to keeping people, places and property professionally protected. Our teams were selected as the very best from a record number of entries – wow, what an achievement!

On 18^th May we invited Dan and Anton from Cambridge Leisure to attend a special presentation at our Head Office. Dan and Anton, representing the whole team, enjoyed their first visit to MAN HQ which included a tour, meeting the office team and lunch. The main event, however, was presenting them with their BSIA certificates, declaring them the ‘Best Team’ for the East of England region.

Dan said, “Anton and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit, especially our tour, always interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes. It was also great to be able to meet everyone that has taken MAN Commercial to where it is today, and of course receive the award for the team!”

Anton, one of the team’s supervisors, added, ““I have worked at Cambridge Leisure for over 8 years and to be recognised by the BSIA for the regional award for the best team is fantastic.  It is testament to the whole team here and we are focused on delivering a high standard not just to the visitors to site, but also the occupiers on site.  The award is great motivation for the team to continue the high standards that have been set and by working together we can only get stronger.  The security industry very often gets missed on recognition so to receive this award is really motivating.  We will continue to thrive to reach the standards that have been delivered!”

Congratulations Cambridge Leisure team, and fingers crossed for the national awards at the end of June!

On 24^th May, MAN Commercial CEO Iain McCallister and People & Communications Director Laura McCarthy travelled to Essex to visit our other regional winners, the team at The Brewery shopping complex in Romford, who are now proud owners of the title ‘BSA Best Team – London 2022’.

BSIA Head of Marking and Communications was also in attendance for the special presentation, where he gave the team their certificates, badges and a letter of commendation from Mike Reddington, BSIA CEO. We were delighted that almost the whole security team were able to attend, along with The Brewery Centre Management Team.
Centre Manager Tom Stobbart, said of the teams’ achievements over the past 12 months, “The Brewery is very fortunate to have the most dedicated security team. I feel to simply state that they go above and beyond their remit is not only an understatement but does not do them justice. The team members are continually beaten and berated by the public but never shy away from their responsibilities, reduce the level of customer service or indeed cower from helping anyone in need. This not only shows their exemplary character as people but also how fortunate we all are to call them colleagues.”

Speaking on behalf of their team, Security Managers Wasim and Abbass said, “Winning an award is always a special and a proud moment, being commended for our hard work, dedication and loyalty is a morale booster. We don’t set out to win awards but it’s an affirmation of your hard work, it’s always nice to know your work is appreciated. The team always appreciates the support received from MAN Commercial Protection Ltd when dealing with serious incidents.”

The Brewery team have long been on our radar as being exceptional role models. Following their involvement in several life-threating incidents on site, MAN Commercial have awarded the whole team with our Outstanding Act badges.

People and Communications Director Laura McCarthy said, “The Brewery team were chosen for Outstanding Act recognition after an outstanding 12 months during which the team have received praise for their handling of exceptional and out-of-the-ordinary events, such as being first response to a tragic suicide on site, preventing anti-social behaviour, thefts and assaults, and Kossi’s courage when he intervened to save a life following a suicide attempt in the multi-story car park. This team stand out from their peers not just for the volume of challenging incidents they deal with, but the way in which they tackle and resolve them, and their general approach and attitude to their roles. It is an honour to meet them all today and pass on gratitude and commendation from MAN Commercial. We are extremely lucky to have these officers on board.”

Roll on the 2022 British Security Awards to see if either of these extraordinary teams will be taking home a trophy!

“If there is no passion, there is no point!”

MAN Commercial have featured on a podcast for the first time, thank you to Amy Stephenson of The Human CEO for inviting our CEO Iain McCallister to take part!

This episode features Iain talking all things MAN, and sharing his thoughts on building a successful business – trust, honesty, passion and integrity are essential!

A really enjoyable listen, click the link below to access:

https://lnkd.in/eyjMP5kv

On 23rd April 2022, a 225-strong MAN team controlled proceedings at the long-awaited and much-hyped Fury v Whyte clash at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium. This was a personal achievement for us as we recorded our biggest ringside deployment ever! 

Billed as a fight of a generation, this was the largest outdoor sporting event Europe has ever seen, with 94,000 spectators! 

Such an occasion called for the very best leadership from the top, with our CEO Iain McCallister using his vast experience to take charge on the night! With assured assistance from Control Room Manager Scott Broadway and fellow trusted Events Supervisors, Iain led the team on what was a busy but enjoyable and adrenaline-fuelled occasion. “Some of us from MAN were there from 10am in the morning for safety briefings and final checks,” said Iain, “With the crowd all through the doors by 3pm it was then our job to protect the dressing rooms, the boxer’s walks to the ring and the ring itself.”

MAN Commercial enjoy a long-standing partnership with promoter Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions as preferred ringside security supplier at their shows. Our involvement with this occasion actually started earlier in the week, when our specialist teams were in place to accompany and protect Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte at the televised pre-fight public workouts, press conference, and weigh-ins in the days building up to fight night.

Live on BT Sport Box Office, this unmissable sporting event attracted millions of viewers around the world, all of whom would have been able to spot our team looking smart in their red uniforms, keeping a watchful eye on proceedings. 

An exceptional job was done by all, and we are proud to have received a large amount of excellent feedback from both our client and spectators, on their professionalism and expertise.

On 21st April 2022, the regional winners of the Security Personnel Awards at the British Security Awards were announced. After a record number of entries, over 50 officers and teams from across the UK were recognised for their commitment to keeping people, places and property safe over the last year.

We are delighted that two of our exceptional Security Teams have been named as regional winners in the ‘Best Team’ category for their respective areas!

Cambridge Leisure, Cambridge 

The Brewery, Romford 

The Security team of 8 at Cambridge Leisure are nothing short of exceptional, and are frequently praised by our client, tenants, members of the public and the emergency services. The team were put forward for recognition by MAN Commercial Protection after an outstanding 12 months. They are confident first-aiders, and are able to assist in a wide-range of challenging and dangerous situations that occur on site. These have included handling suicide attempts, medical emergencies, anti-social behaviour, fires, accidents and more.

Cambridge Leisure is busy complex, and welcomes high numbers of visitors daily. The location and amenities can attract anti-social behaviour, vandalism and thefts. It also means lots of maintenance issues, tenant concerns, and being the first responders to issues such as power cuts or flooding. The team are responsible for attending all incidents promptly, professionally and correctly, and safeguarding the public while ensuring minimum disruption to the centre and tenant operations. The team are often praised for enthusiastically doing more than is needed, with our client Stewart Belcher– General Manager of the site – saying,

“The team are always happy to go the extra mile with support to myself, cleaning team, occupiers and client even with tasks that would not normally be part of their day-to-day duties.”

Our Cambridge Leisure team are excellent role models to others in our company; they never hesitate to do exactly what is required of them, get involved where needed, and always maintain professional standards and communication.

The Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford have a Security Team of 14, and regularly receive more positive feedback, praise and thanks than anywhere else. Over the past year, the the team have received recognition for their handling of exceptional and out-of-the-ordinary events, such as being first response to a tragic suicide on site, dealing with anti-social behaviour and assaults, preventing thefts, and intervening to save a life following a suicide attempt in the multi-story car park.

This team stand out from their peers not just for the volume of challenging incidents they deal with, but the way in which they tackle and resolve them, and their general approach and attitude to their roles. These officers consistently act in the interest of public safety and welfare and to protect our client’s interests.

When MAN Commercial Director Gerhard Van Deventer was asked to sum up his team’s star quality his answer says it all, “All I can say is this – if I owned a shopping centre then this is the team that I would like to have onboard to protect and manage my security and health and safety, as well as ensuring a safe and friendly shopping environment for my shoppers and the public.”

Regional winners will go head-to-head to be named national champions at the British Security Awards 2022, which will be held on 29th June at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square. Good luck teams!

The heart of our business is our people, and we are delighted to announce that we have launched a new employee recognition scheme here at MAN Commercial Protection.

Having run our popular Employee of the Month scheme for over 10 years, we fully recognise the value in celebrating the achievements of our Officers and awarding fantastic work.

There are some examples of excellent performance however that are truly superb, and after receiving more and more reports of our teams doing amazing things, the Outstanding Act Award was born!

We have created a custom-made gold plated badge that is personalised with the Officers’ name; this Outstanding Act badge is to be worn with pride and signifies someone who has shown their skills in an unusual and difficult situation, often with life-saving results.

Read about our first winners here

Spring has sprung at MAN Commercial, and after some prestigious contract wins, we are powering our way through some exciting new site mobilisations this month.

 

April will see the start of new contracts worth £2,000,000 a year. 

 

We will begin a new contract with an existing Managing Agent client, looking after various nationwide retail and entertainment parks, including locations in Leeds and Kent.  With over 25 new team members due to join us via TUPE, representatives from our HR team will be out and about this month to welcome everyone aboard! Our Operational team will also be busy, setting up everything on site from equipment and uniform to Assignment Instruction and Health and Safety policies.

 

We are also partnering up with a new client, and will be providing fully licensed concierge, reception and security personnel for prestigious locations nationwide, including office blocks, retail and residential spaces. Again, there will be opportunity for many more Officers to join us on TUPE transfer, and we look forward to adding to our ever-growing workforce.

Also with a 1st of April start is a new location for an existing client in the Automotive sector; we will take over security provisions at a site in Derbyshire. 

We also have newly-confirmed contracts starting up in May, including a multi-site mobilisation for a new customer in the Northamptonshire area. 

The Events scene is gearing up for an extremely busy year; we have teams out working this month at Cheltenham festival, boxing shows and weekly at Coventry City FC. 

Additionally, preparations are already underway to supply teams the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in June, as well as various sporting and music events, including high-profile televised boxing shows.