Showsec was founded in 1978 by Mick Upton, whose background in military service, close protection, and entertainment security helped shape the company’s early direction.

Following his experience working on major music tours, including the 1974 David Cassidy tour where a tragic crowd incident highlighted the importance of effective crowd management, Mick became committed to improving safety standards at live events. This commitment formed the foundation of Showsec and its focus on professional crowd management and event security.

In 1984, Mick Upton was joined by Gerry Slater, whose extensive experience delivering touring security for some of the world’s biggest artists, including Led Zeppelin and The Osmonds, brought further operational expertise to Showsec.

Together, they helped develop the professional standards, training, and crowd management practices that would establish Showsec as a leader in the event security industry.

A major milestone in Showsec’s early history came in 1985, when the company provided crowd management and security services for Live Aid, one of the most significant live music events ever staged.

Being trusted to support such a high-profile global event demonstrated Showsec’s growing reputation for professionalism and helped establish the company as a leading provider of crowd management and event security for major live events across the UK.

The 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games represented another landmark achievement in Showsec’s history. As part of one of the UK’s largest multi-sport events, Showsec delivered crowd management and security operations across a complex programme of venues and activities, demonstrating its ability to manage large-scale, high-profile events.

The successful delivery of the Games further strengthened Showsec’s reputation as a trusted partner for major national sporting events.

Since 2005, Showsec has provided crowd management and security consultancy services for the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs), supporting the event across multiple host cities throughout Europe.

Working on one of the music industry’s most prestigious international awards ceremonies has demonstrated Showsec’s ability to deliver high-profile, large-scale operations in diverse locations, supporting world-renowned artists, complex productions, and global audiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

The appointment of Simon Battersby and Mark Logan as Directors in 2007 marked an important step in Showsec’s continued growth and professionalisation.

Having progressed through the business and developed extensive operational and commercial expertise, their leadership helped drive further expansion, strengthen client relationships, and reinforce Showsec’s position as one of the UK’s leading crowd management and event security providers.

In 2008, Showsec launched the first cohort of its Management Development Programme (MDP), reflecting the company’s commitment to professional development and raising standards within the crowd management industry.

The programme created a structured pathway for operational staff to develop leadership, management and crowd safety expertise, helping to build the next generation of Showsec leaders and reinforcing the company’s reputation as a pioneer in workforce development.

In 2012, Showsec played a key role in delivering BT London Live, a series of official fan zones and live sites created to support the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors across central London, providing a showcase for Showsec’s expertise in managing large-scale public events, complex city-centre operations, and high-volume crowds during one of the UK’s most significant sporting occasions.

In 2014, Showsec delivered crowd management and security services for the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, one of the largest sporting events ever staged in the UK.

Supporting the race as it began on British soil required the coordination of thousands of staff across multiple locations and the safe management of vast roadside crowds, further demonstrating Showsec’s capability to deliver complex, large-scale operations of national and international significance.

Since 2018, Showsec has been a key delivery partner for the London New Year’s Eve Fireworks, one of the UK’s most iconic annual events.

The deployment requires extensive crowd management and security operations across central London, supporting tens of thousands of spectators and helping to ensure the safe delivery of a world-renowned celebration watched by millions around the globe.

In 2022, Showsec played a significant role in the delivery of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, one of the largest and most complex public events in modern British history.

Supporting the safe management of vast crowds, dignitaries, and visitors in London, the operation showcased Showsec’s capability to deliver crowd management and security services for events of national importance, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for major ceremonial and public occasions.

In 2023, Showsec supported the delivery of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, one of the most significant ceremonial events in recent British history.

Building on its experience at other major national occasions, Showsec helped manage public safety and crowd operations for the event, demonstrating its ability to contribute to complex, high-profile deployments of national and international importance.

In 2025, Showsec was selected to provide crowd management and event security services for Oasis Live ’25 at Heaton Park, one of the most anticipated concert series in UK music history.

Delivering security for a reunion event of this scale demonstrated Showsec’s continued position at the forefront of the live events industry, managing significant audiences and complex operations while helping to ensure a safe and memorable experience for thousands of fans.