Security and Resilience (S&R) Briefing – Tuesday 28th February 2012

The first Security and Resilience Briefing (SRB) was held at our offices in Waterloo on 28th February 2012.

The briefing was chaired by Chris Phillips, MEI’s Security and Resilience Associate and was attended by twelve delegates representing various SME’s in the S&R sector and the Metropolitan Police.  Sadly, Steve Revell, from Rapiscan was unable to join us as a speaker but Paul Donlevey, from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office gave us a fascinating insight into Project Argus Major Events.

The briefing began with a period of introductions.  Everyone around the table was given the opportunity to promote themselves and their business.  This was followed by an introduction to MEI given by Piers Lawson, the Client Relationship Director, which included a brief on the Major Event Network and the reasons behind the launch of the S&RBriefings.  He expounded the value of the MEI website and guided the attendees towards the Forecast of Events and the Suppliers Directory.  Piers also explained that the real purpose behind these briefings was to pass on procurement and bid opportunities associated with primarily Glasgow 2014 and the major events in Brazil in 2014 and 2016 but also major events taking place in UK, Russia and Qatar over the next 10 years.  He explained that there were no security related opportunities connected to the major events in Brazil in the pipeline at this time but that they would start to come to light later in the year.

Paul Donlevey then spoke about his work at NaCTSO and in particular his leadership and application of the ARGUS programme with particular reference to Major Events.  With the enhancement of some video film he demonstrated the responsibilities and activities of NaCTSO in relation to major events with specific application in the lead-up to London 2012.  This was a revealing presentation and made us all consider the massive security challenge that an event such as the Olympics presents to the police.

The afternoon came to a close after a brief discussion leading on from Paul’s presentation and some other issues presented by both Chris Phillips and Dennis Mills, CEO of MEI.  Piers Lawson then brought the briefing to a close with a reminder of the next meeting being held in Olympia at CT Expo (see www.counterterrorexpo.com) on Wednesday 25^th April.

MEI is a media partner of CT Expo.  This relationship gives us the opportunity to offer discounted conference access and stand purchase.  Should you wish to make use of this discount please use the discount code CTX20 on your application form (see website).  Individual delegate access is FREE and you should apply on-line at www.counterterroexpo.com/meireg.  However, please indicate that you were made aware of CT Expo by MEI in the appropriate box.

MEI In Scotland

With so many exciting major events due to take place in Scotland throughout this decade, MEI has been busy behind the scenes growing its network of vital Scottish contacts.

Dialogue has been opened up with Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, BusinessClub Scotland and the Edinburgh and Glasgow Chambers of Commerce to discuss the optimum way forward for our existing and new members.

One of the most important recent developments has been the launch of the Glasgow Business Portal, listing upcoming contracts for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.  As well as current opportunities, you can also see what contracts have now closed and already been awarded.  Check the portal link now to see if any there are any contracts you should be bidding for!  Opportunities are updated on a regular basis so it is worth coming back to. www.glasgow.gov.uk/businessportal

In addition to Glasgow 2014, the following Scotland-based events present further business opportunities:

2014          Ryder Cup, 26 to 28 September, Gleneagles

                 

                         Homecoming Scotland, all year, countrywide

2015          World Artistic Gymnastic Championships, Glasgow Hydro Arena

     

                   World Orienteering Championships, August, Inverness

Hot off the Press: The British Olympic Association has just announced its support for Glasgow’s bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, further boosting Glasgow’s reputation as a serious contender on the international sporting stage.

New Focus Group within our Major Events Network – Security and Resilience

As part of our plan to further the benefits of our membership network and provide a broader offer to the wider MEI community, we have launched a Security and Resilience (S&R) Group which will meet bi-monthly.  The group will be chaired by Chris Phillips, formerly the Head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) who calls upon over 30 years of experience as a police officer, including event commander for major sporting events and concerts at Twickenham Stadium and Wimbledon. 

The first of these bi-monthly meetings will take place in our offices in Waterloo on Tuesday 28^th February from 4 to 6.30pm and we would very much like to see you here.  The aim of this group is to provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses, working in the S&R sector, to meet with the aim of building contacts, gaining industry knowledge and creating business opportunity.  We will be inviting experienced ‘players’ from the sector to speak at these briefings and hope to hold outside meetings at CT Expo in April and the Police Command and Control Centre later in the year.

Please contact mporto@majoreventsint.com or telephone +44 (0) 7432 725635 to attend.