Innovative system helps retail customers safely return

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Posted on 13.07.2020 by admin, Stadium

Two Coventry firms are at the front of the queue in helping retailers attract customers back to the town and city centres.

Stadium, which specialises in security, safety and traffic management, has teamed up with Flood Engineering to design and produce an innovative queuing system which will keep shoppers socially distanced as well as dry, and also allow retailers to double the number of people they have waiting to enter their stores.

The new system allows two parallel lines of people separated by an anti – bacterial perspex dividing wall, while a roof keeps them dry as they wait outside a store, business or venue.

The structure can either be temporarily surface mouthed or fixed more permanently to the floor using a patented locking system, and can vary in length to suit the requirements of the business/ event.

David McAtamney, founder of Stadium, said the new system was designed to help property owners ensure customer safety but also to protect the public from the elements.

He said: “The lockdown and partial re-opening has, by and large, coincided with some good summer weather but that will change and with social distancing here to stay for some considerable time, people’s appetite for queueing when the conditions are not so good, may start to wane.

“We have worked in stewarding and safety for 10 years, and we know that creating conditions that allow people to queue in safety and in a way which is very obvious for them, is best.

“As more normal conditions return and there are more pedestrians in towns and city centres, stores are going to have to be very organized to ensure the highest levels of safety, and people will only use those business which now have the best measures in place.”

The two companies have already conducted a demonstration in Coventry city centre which proved successful.

David added: “We have the contract for stewarding and safety in the city and have helped ensure that the city centre re-opened successfully, so it was the ideal time to showcase.

“We have had great feedback from retailers and the city centre authorities and hope to soon have the system in action for real.

“As well as helping retailers ensure that queuing is orderly and safe, it also offers great opportunities for branding and marketing, which would allow the businesses to offset their costs.”

At Stadium we provide Event Services, HVM Rental Solutions and Training. To discuss any of our services in more detail please call us on 024 7518 9999 or send us an email at info@wearestadium.com.

For more ways to get in touch head to our Contact page.

We are open and happy to help

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Posted on 18.03.2020 by admin, Stadium

Stadium remains open for business as normal despite the difficulties everyone is facing due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Covid-19 pandemic presents new challenges for many businesses but as a nation we must all support each other as much as possible throughout this time of uncertainty.

The health of our staff and their families remains our number one priority, however, as a business we are fortunate to remain open and continue to support our clients, both existing and new.

Stadium is in the best position to help your business as priorities turn to reducing conflict in our everyday lives, keeping people safe and the security of open and closed premises.

As a major supplier to the events industry we have more than 1,000 trained and experienced staff available to provide a range of high-quality services, including:

  • Stewarding and patrols
  • Hiring and installing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) barriers
  • Car park management
  • Queue management
  • Traffic management
  • Building security and access control
  • Transport and logistics (lorries & vans available)
  • Crowd fencing, traffic signs and cones

Our stewards are trained in crowd safety and the handling of crowd issues, the movement of people, dealing with incidents and emergencies, First Aid, searching, and customer service.

They are also trained to provide the highest standards of security when it comes to protecting businesses.

We would happy to discuss how we can help your business. Please contact us on 024 7518 9999, info@wearestadium.com or visit www.wearestadium.com for more information.

Keeping people safe – that’s what we do.

Coronavirus: Stadium measures 13 March 2020

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Posted on 13.03.2020 by admin, Stadium

Founder and Managing Director, David McAtamney for Stadium said: “We respect the Premier League and the EFL’s decision to defer all football matches until the weekend of April 3 due to coronavirus.

“We are closely monitoring the advice from the UK Government, Public Health England and the World Health Organisation to inform our response to the outbreak.

“The health and well-being of our staff and their families is of paramount importance to Stadium.

“We await future announcements from the Premier League and the EFL about when fans can return to attending matches.”

 

Stadium wins Best Security Company award

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Posted on 10.03.2020 by admin, Stadium

A Coventry security company is celebrating after scooping a prestigious national industry award for a highly successful 2019.

Stadium won the ‘Best Security Company’ award at the Event Production Awards, held in London in March.

The awards aim to recognise the very best suppliers to the major outdoor and live events industry.

Stadium was able to win the award thanks to its rapid progress in 2019 – including winning a contract to train senior safety officials in Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Stadium’s founder David McAtamney was delighted the firm won an award in such an important category.

He said: “Stadium had a fantastic 2019 – we hugely increased our stock and variety of hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, meaning we could appeal to far more customers than ever before.

“Some of the events we installed HVM at included the ICC Cricket World Cup, NFL matches in London, the Fever Tree Tennis Championships, and the Godiva Music Festival in Coventry.

“We also won the contract to provide a bespoke training programme to safety officials and police in Qatar ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and trained around 1,300 learners in the country in the last year alone.

“We were so pleased the Event Production Awards recognised our achievements by crowning us ‘Best Security Company’ at the ceremony.

“We’re continuing to make great strides this year – we are now accredited by training body Lantra to teach traffic management courses, have attracted more clients for our range of services, and our training programme in Qatar is continuing in earnest.

“I’d like to thank all the team at Stadium for their amazing work over 2019 – we could not have won this award without them.”

Stadium’s win in the Event Production Awards capped off a successful award season for the firm.

Stadium were finalists in two categories in the Midlands Business Awards 2020, for two categories in the Outstanding Security Performance Awards 2020, the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards 2019, and the Amazon Growing Business Awards 2019.

At Stadium we provide Event Services, HVM Rental Solutions and Training. To discuss any of our services in more detail please call us on 024 7518 9999 or send us an email at info@wearestadium.com.

For more ways to get in touch head to our Contact page.

Lantra accreditation for Stadium

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Posted on 03.03.2020 by admin, Stadium

Highways workers looking to qualify to work on the UK’s roads can now earn their stripes from a Coventry-based event management firm after it earned accreditation from a major industry body – Lantra.

Stadium has now been approved by Lantra, a major provider of training in a variety of land-based industries, to deliver important traffic management courses at any venue they choose.

The firm has been accredited to teach a course known as ‘Highways Sector Scheme 12D’, which ensures anyone who works on urban or rural roads, be they construction workers, highway inspectors or traffic management staff, are fully competent before they start work.

Completion of the course means a trainee becomes a Registered Traffic Management Operative (RTMO).

Jemma Baillie, HR and Training Manager at Stadium, said: “Being accredited by Lantra is a real boost for Stadium, as anyone wishing to qualify to work on UK roads in a number of roles will now be able to come to us to earn their qualification.

“Not only that, we will also be able to head out and deliver this course externally for those who aren’t able to come to Coventry easily.

“Lantra qualifications are developed by industry experts, who we have been working alongside to get our course ready to go.

“We are one of the best in the events industry when it comes to the training we provide, so being accredited by Lantra is another feather in our cap and enables us to meet even more of the needs of the events industry than we already do.

“We’re really looking forward to teaching our first cohort of trainees and getting them qualified as RTMOs.”

Stadium already provides training toward Level 2, 3 and 4 NVQs in Spectator Safety, SIA-accredited security courses, and in customer service.

It also provides bespoke training programmes to overseas clients, including Qatari security officials to prepare them for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and has also provided them to staff from the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation.

At Stadium we provide a wide range of event safety training courses. To discuss our options please call us on 024 7518 9999 or send us an email at info@wearestadium.com.

For more ways to get in touch head to our Contact page.

Anti-terror measures: proposed law change for all events

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Posted on 02.03.2020 by admin, Stadium

Following the government’s announcement of the creation of a new law to force event organisers to put anti-terror measures in place, security expert and Stadium founder David McAtamney says it’s about time for the industry to move forward.

“For many years, event organisers have got away with being able to opt-out of providing robust counter-terrorism measures for their attendees due to it not being enforced in law.

“While there have been strong laws enforcing a high standard of health and safety at public events for a very long time, measures to combat terrorism have largely been left to organisers themselves.

“Even though plenty of events do spend money on measures such as hostile vehicle mitigation barriers (HVM), many do not, usually citing excessive costs.

“Choosing whether or not to put these measures in place can genuinely make the difference between life and death for those who attend these events. Attendees expect to be kept safe by those organising the event.

“So I welcome this announcement from Security Minister James Brokenshire that, at long last, a law will be put in place to ensure event organisers are doing enough to prevent these horrific incidents like we’ve seen recently in Germany, and most infamously at the Manchester Arena.

“These measures can be varied, including the deployment of temporary HVM, giving advanced training to security staff, and forming and executing incident response plans.

“For example, when Stadium helps plan an event, we meticulously assess things like where crowds are most likely to gather before, during and after an event, and where vehicles are most likely to be able to access an event space.

“We then advise organisers on what type of HVM barriers they will need, where to deploy them, and whether the barriers should allow vehicles through.

“I would like to see the law empower licensing committees within local authorities to be able to refuse licences to event organisers who have not demonstrated they are providing measures to prevent terror attacks.

“I genuinely think that if organisers claim they cannot afford to provide effective counter-terrorism measures, they should not be hosting events at all.

“Although it may make certain organisers have to rethink their business strategy, this law should not reduce the number of large public events being held – the industry is doing extremely well at the moment due to consumers’ appetites for ‘experiences’, so I doubt this will cause event companies to lose money.

“Stadium would be very willing to contribute to the planned consultation around the law in the spring – I think it’s crucial we have our say due to our extensive expertise in the security and anti-terror industry.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the government and making sure the new law protects people as much as possible.”

To find out more about the upcoming changes read the official government statement announcing their plans for the new law.

Contact Stadium for Event Safety Solutions

If you need HVM rental solutions for your event or crowded spaces speak to our friendly experts. We will discuss a bespoke package to suit your requirements.

Call us on 024 7518 9999 or send us an email at info@wearestadium.com.

For more ways to get in touch head to our Contact page.

Stadium hits fundraising anniversary target

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Posted on 16.01.2020 by admin, Stadium

A Coventry security firm which aimed to raise money for ten different charities during its tenth anniversary in 2019 has achieved its ambitious fundraising target.

Stadium’s staff have raised more than £10,000 for the charities after taking part in more than 30 fundraising events throughout the year.

The firm’s appeal was launched in February 2019 with its male staff braving a charity spray tan.

Further events during the year included staff conquering the Three Peaks Challenge, abseiling down the side of Coventry Cathedral, a 5km ‘Pretty Muddy’ obstacle course, and flying across the Ricoh Arena on a zipwire.

The money will be shared between Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, Coventry & Warwickshire Mind, Emmaus, Macmillan Cancer Support, Myton Hospices, The Forest Hermitage, YoungMinds and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

Maria Holmes-Keeling, marketing manager at Stadium who organised the appeal, said every member of the Stadium staff had contributed to the fundraising efforts.

“Our staff have worked so hard to contribute to this fundraising appeal, so we’re really pleased to have met our fundraising pledge,” she said.

“The charities we’ve raised money for all had personal connections to our staff, which meant everyone had strong incentives to raise as much as they possibly could for the appeal.

“We really threw ourselves into the charity events – many of our male staff members braved their first ever spray tans, and we were so relieved to complete tough physical events like the Three Peaks Challenge.

“Raising all this money is a fitting way to have marked our tenth anniversary, and we’re so glad to have supported these ten local and national charities which all do such great work.”

Stadium’s tenth anniversary was notable for other reasons besides raising more than £10,000 for its charities.

The firm scooped a Midlands Business Award for ‘Innovation of the Year’, expanded its international connections and has trained 1,300 senior safety officials in Qatar ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

It also rebranded from its old name of ‘StadiumTM’ to ‘Stadium’, and launched a new website reflecting the name change in the summer.

This was in order to give the brand more focus and show that Stadium also leases hostile vehicle mitigation barriers to clients and provides safety training around the world.

David McAtamney, founder and managing director of Stadium, added: “This has been a fantastic year for Stadium.

“We have provided training to clients around the world, grown our team and raised a wonderful amount of money for charities that mean so much to our staff.

“We have come a long way since our foundation in 2009, and we are looking forward to continuing our success in 2020 and beyond.”

Maria wins Employee of the Year award 2019

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Posted on 23.12.2019 by admin, Stadium

Stadium’s marketing manager who oversaw the firm’s rebrand and enabled it to raise more than £10,000 for ten different charities has been named its Employee of the Year.

Maria Holmes-Keeling, who joined Stadium in November 2018, won the accolade after an incredibly busy 2019 for the company.

Due to Stadium celebrating its tenth anniversary at the start of the year, Maria was tasked with co-ordinating a large fundraising campaign to raise £10,000 for various charities.

On top of that, Stadium changed its name from ‘StadiumTM’ in the middle of the year, which required a comprehensive rebranding exercise that Maria led on.

Lorraine Baillie, HR Director at Stadium, praised Maria for how much she has done for the firm in such a short amount of time.

“Maria took charge of our marketing at a very busy time for us, so she needed to hit the ground running,” she said.

“Organising our successful rebrand and bringing the whole team along with it takes real skill and hard work, and Maria managed it without breaking a sweat. Without her, I honestly think we may have struggled to do it.

“And her commitment to our charity fundraising this year has been tremendous. We’ve had so many events all throughout 2019 to mark our tenth anniversary, and each one has been fantastic thanks to her organisation.

“She is a wonderful asset to Stadium and she fully deserves to be named Employee of the Year. We love having her around and we can’t wait to see what she’ll bring to Stadium in 2020.”

Maria said: “I am honoured to be recognised as ‘Employee of the Year’. I was given the opportunity to manage some great projects throughout 2019 and I have enjoyed every minute.

“It’s been a very busy year with the rebrand and tenth anniversary in addition to establishing a consistent marketing presence for Stadium, but I thrive on a challenge and am thankful that Stadium put their faith in me. I am looking forward to 2020 and beyond.”

Winners of 10th anniversary raffle announced

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Posted on 22.11.2019 by admin, Stadium

END OF YEAR RAFFLE

WINNERS

1st PRIZE – 2 corporate hospitality tickets to Anfield, Liverpool FC v Southampton on 1st Feb 2020 – donated by Stadium

– BLUE 85 AD141549

2nd PRIZE – 4 tickets to WASPS v Northampton Saints on 5th Jan 2020, Ricoh Arena – donated by Wright Hassall

– BROWN 455 AD151718

3rd PRIZE – Family ticket to Coventry Rugby Green King Championship home game in 2019/20 season – donated by Coventry Rugby Club

– BROWN 121 AD151724

4th PRIZE – 2 tickets to Coventry City FC home game in 2019/20 season & 2 scarves – donated by CCFC & Club Shop

– BLUE 6 AD141549

5th PRIZE – Hair & Beauty pamper hamper – donated by AJ’s Hairdressing Suppliers

– BROWN 266 AD151718

6th PRIZE – Xmas Food Hamper – donated by Stadium

– BLUE 434 AD141561

7th PRIZE – 2 x 25 shot experiences at Honesberie shooting ground Southam – donated by Honesberie Shooting School

– BROWN 50 AD151718

8th PRIZE – Glorious Gansta track suit size S – donated by Footasylum

– BLUE 48 AD141549

9th PRIZE – KWD jacket size M – donated by Footasylum

– BROWN 344 AD151724

10th PRIZE – KWD zip sweater with hood size XS – donated by Footasylum

– BLUE 454 AD141561

11th PRIZE – KWD padded jacket age 14-15 yrs – donated by Footasylum

– BLUE 93 AD141549

12th PRIZE – Bottle of Champagne – donated by Maria Holmes-Keeling

– BROWN 270 AD151724

13th PRIZE – Box of Chocolates – donated by Steve McCabe

– BLUE 86 AD141549

 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED US.

In 2019, we pledge to raise £10,000 for 10 different charities to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

 

Festive season safety provided by Stadium

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Posted on 07.11.2019 by admin, Stadium

Festive events around the country will be made a lot safer for everyone thanks to a world-leading security firm based in Coventry.

While the general public enjoys events such as Christmas markets, outdoor choirs, pantomimes, light switch-ons and football matches, staff from Stadium will be on hand to make sure the festive celebrations go smoothly.

Stadium will be deploying hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) barriers, designed to repel vehicle-ramming attacks, at seasonal events around the country.

Car parks at large retail shopping centres in the North West will be manned by Stadium’s staff, who will help manage traffic and crowds in each outlet’s car park.

Its staff will also steward Christmas pantomimes, and manage traffic at a Christmas lights switch-ons.

And Stadium will continue to provide its security services at 20 high-profile football matches over Christmas and the new year, including at the home games of European champions Liverpool FC.

Security provided by Stadium before, during and after matches includes deployment of HVM barriers, traffic management, car park management, coach parking management, stewards, and security staff who are accredited by regulatory body, the SIA.

Stadium’s MD and founder David McAtamney said: “With the festive period coming up, it is crucially important that everyone who heads out to have a good time with friends and family is safe and secure.

“We will be deploying our temporary HVM barriers at carol concerts and Christmas markets, which will make sure the crowds at each event will be protected from a vehicle-ramming attack.

“Shoppers looking to purchase gifts for their loved ones at shopping centres will have a smooth experience thanks to our staff making sure the stores’ car parks are managed effectively.

“And football fans will continue to be kept safe while cheering on their teams thanks to our extensive experience in stewarding football matches built over the last 10 years.”

Stadium’s aim is to ensure people are safe while they celebrate the festive period, and its staff are most happy to do their work behind the scenes.

“We’re most proud of our job when people don’t notice us at all,” David added.

“We’ve done everything correctly if the public has a safe and stress-free time when celebrating this festive season.”

New operations team for Stadium

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Posted on 08.07.2019 by admin, Stadium

A former police officer with 30 years’ experience has now joined a world-leading events and security firm based in Coventry.

Kerry Blakeman, a former Chief Inspector with West Midlands Police, now heads up the operations team at Stadium after being headhunted by the firm.

His extensive experience of policing football matches across the West Midlands made him a great fit for Stadium, which provides security services to a quarter of all Premier League clubs, including Champions League winners Liverpool.

“Joining Stadium was a natural transition for me after my 30 years with the police,” he said.

“The firm’s whole ethos and its respect for its staff made it a very attractive prospect.

“Keeping people safe was what I had done for a long time so I couldn’t have joined a better company and am looking forward to driving forward its already impressive growth.”

Kerry manages the new operations team at Stadium, consisting of Jade Ogle, who has four years’ experience in operations management, and Mark Watkins, who also has extensive experience as football match day Commander at Aston Villa and Birmingham City during his time as an Inspector with West Midlands Police.

The team organises road closures in advance of large events, such as football matches or major music concerts, and makes sure enough staff are at the event to ensure crowds remain safe throughout its duration.

Some of the first events the team has overseen include the Fever Tree Championships tennis tournament at Queens, Bon Jovi’s concert at Anfield, and fixtures at Lord’s Cricket Ground for the Cricket World Cup.

David McAtamney, founder of Stadium, said: “Kerry’s long and distinguished career with West Midlands Police made him the perfect person to lead our operations team.

“I’m confident Kerry, along with Mark and Jade, will enable hundreds of thousands of fans to safely enjoy the matches or concerts they attend without issue.

“Stadium prides itself on keeping people safe, and the great experience of our operations team means we are well-placed to do that.”