Company History

Showsec has been at the forefront of crowd management and event security since its founding in 1978.

Showsec was founded by Mick Upton, drawing on his experience as a special operative. By applying this knowledge to close protection, Mick created Showsec’s first client base of high-profile clients and internationally renowned artists, delivering support services for the Beatles during their first international tour.

Following involvement in security operations at the David Cassidy concert, where a crowd crush occurred, Mick established a lifelong commitment to advancing crowd safety standards, becoming the founding principle for Showsec.

In 1984, Mick was joined by Gerry Slater. Gerry’s extensive experience delivering touring security operations for some of the world’s most notable artists, including Led Zeppelin and the Osmonds, further bolstered Showsec’s expertise in operational knowledge. Together, they helped develop the industry-leading practices in crowd management and event security procedures.

From its early years, Showsec has been trusted to deliver high-quality crowd management and security services at the UK’s most high-profile events, namely Live Aid in 1985, Michael Jackson in 1988, Oasis at Knebworth in 1996 and the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.

Today, under the leadership of co-Chief Executive Officers Mark Logan and Simon Battersby, Showsec has continued its dedication to upholding safety, professionalism and operational excellence by ensuring events are safe and enjoyable for all attendees.

Showsec’s recent deployments have included Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral in 2022, King Charles III’s subsequent coronation in 2023, Travis Scott in Delhi and Oasis at Heaton Park in 2025.

Showsec also maintains a strong ongoing presence at UK and international festivals and sporting events such as Parklife, Download, Lost Village, Afterlife in Abu Dhabi and the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.