Company History
The 1970s – A Vision for Safer Events
Showsec was founded in 1978 by Mick Upton, whose experience in military service, close protection and entertainment security provided the foundations for the company. Before establishing Showsec, Mick worked with some of the world’s most famous artists, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and later served as Head of Security for Artistes Services Ltd.
A defining moment came following Mick’s involvement in the 1974 David Cassidy tour, where a fatal crowd crush at a London concert highlighted the importance of effective crowd management. Determined to help prevent similar tragedies, Mick dedicated his career to improving crowd safety standards. This commitment became the guiding principle upon which Showsec was built.
The 1980s – Building the Foundations
The 1980s saw Showsec establish itself as a specialist in crowd management and event security. In 1984, Gerry Slater joined the company, bringing extensive experience from international tours with artists including Led Zeppelin, The Osmonds and David Cassidy. Together, Mick and Gerry helped develop many of the operational practices and professional standards that would become synonymous with Showsec.
A major milestone came in 1985 when Showsec was selected to contribute to Live Aid, one of the most iconic live music events ever staged. The successful delivery of such a globally significant event cemented Showsec’s growing reputation and demonstrated its ability to operate at the highest level. During the decade, Showsec also supported major touring artists including Michael Jackson, further establishing its credentials within the live entertainment sector.
The 1990s – Growth and Industry Leadership
As the live events sector expanded, so too did Showsec. Throughout the 1990s the company delivered crowd management and security services for some of the UK’s largest events, festivals, sporting occasions and venues.
Notable deployments included Oasis at Knebworth in 1996, one of the most significant outdoor concerts in British music history, and the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, a nationally significant event watched by millions around the world. These operations demonstrated Showsec’s ability to manage complex, high-profile events safely and professionally.
The decade also saw Showsec strengthen its reputation in venue and festival operations, with involvement at leading arenas, football stadiums, racecourses and outdoor events across the UK and Europe. By the end of the 1990s, the company had become firmly established as one of the UK’s leading crowd management specialists.
During the decade, Showsec began delivering services at the Hammersmith Apollo (now the Eventim Apollo), marking the start of a partnership that has continued for more than three decades and remains one of the company’s longest-standing venue relationships.
The 2000s – Professionalisation and International Expansion
In 2000, Showsec became the first crowd management company to achieve the British Kitemark for football stewarding, reinforcing its commitment to training, quality and operational excellence. The company also expanded internationally through its partnership with The Security Company in the Netherlands, forming part of what became the International Crowd Management & Security Group (ICMS).
Showsec played an instrumental role in raising standards across the sector, helping establish the UK Crowd Management Association (UKCMA) in 2001 and contributing to the development of industry qualifications, training frameworks and national guidance.
A landmark achievement came in 2002 when Showsec supported the Manchester Commonwealth Games, demonstrating its capability to manage large-scale, multi-venue sporting events. The company also delivered services at internationally recognised events including the MTV Europe Music Awards from 2005 onwards.
The 2010s – Delivering at Scale
The 2010s saw Showsec further strengthen its position as a market leader, providing crowd management and event security services for many of the UK’s largest public events, festivals and sporting occasions.
The decade included major milestones such as BT London Live during the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Yorkshire in 2014, and the delivery of security and crowd management services for London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations from 2018 onwards.
Alongside these headline events, Showsec continued to support an extensive portfolio of festivals, arenas, stadiums, city-centre events and cultural venues, while investing heavily in management development, staff training and operational innovation. The company’s Management Development Programme, first piloted in 2008, became a cornerstone of leadership development within the organisation.
The 2020s – Continuous Development
Today, Showsec remains one of the UK’s leading crowd management and event security specialists, operating across the UK and internationally.
The decade has included some of the most significant deployments in modern British history, including the Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.
In 2023, Simon Battersby and Mark Logan were appointed Co-Chief Executive Officers, leading the business into its next chapter while maintaining the company’s long-standing commitment to safety, professionalism and customer service.
Most recently, Showsec has supported major events including Oasis at Heaton Park, international concert tours, and high-profile events across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The company continues to deliver services at leading festivals and sporting events including Parklife, Download Festival, Lost Village, Afterlife Abu Dhabi and the British Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Looking Ahead
While much has changed since 1978, the principle that inspired Mick Upton nearly five decades ago remains unchanged: creating safe, enjoyable environments where people can come together with confidence. From pioneering crowd safety practices to delivering some of the world’s most prestigious events, Showsec continues to build on its heritage while helping shape the future of crowd management and event security.