Crowdguard, the market-leading event safety and security specialist, is to take the company’s model for tailored, quality assured event protection installations to the USA with the establishment of Crowdguard US.
Crowdguard has garnered an enviable reputation for providing an end-to-end service for event organisers, venues and those responsible for public realm environments in the UK, combining threat, vulnerability and risk assessments (TVRA) with tailored solutions and quality assured installation practices. The UK already has much stricter requirements and industry practice for event security than the US and, as the British events industry prepares for the increased compliance requirements anticipated as part of the forthcoming UK Protect Duty legislation, Crowdguard US aims to bring a safety-focused approach to the US, protecting people and events with robust solutions and improved consistency.
Operations director, Deborah Ainscough explains: “We are expanding into the US market because we see an opportunity to implement the best practice approach we have pioneered in the UK in the states. Crowdguard US can make a real difference to both the US events industry and to how effectively people stay safe in a variety of settings, including pedestrianised areas, outdoor dining, events and venues.
“Our understanding of vulnerability to terror threats and security breaches, and our ability to mitigate risk means that we deliver an added-value approach for customers, working collaboratively to understand their practical and commercial needs, alongside their safety and security requirements so that we can tailor our solution around their event and/or location.
Crowdguard US will be headed by Herb Ubbens, CPP, PSP, M.A. and James DeMeo, M.S; both experts in outdoor event risk assessment and security. Both professionals are US based and understand the US safety and security landscape. Ubbens is Board Certified in Security Management (CPP) and Physical Security (PSP) and is a SAFETY Act DHS Assessor in BPATS (Best Practices for Anti-Terrorism Security) and the Sector Chief of Commercial Facilities for InfraGard of Eastern NC, while DeMeo holds professional memberships with both ASIS International and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security-NCS4.
Deborah Ainscough will also take a hands-on role in developing the US business and working with clients in the US. She will join Ubbens and De Meo to attend the 2022 SIA GovSummit in Washington DC in May, a conference that focuses emerging policy trends, the technology needs of the government and changes in the risk environment.
Herb Ubbens comments: “There are a lot of companies in the US offering event protection and hostile vehicle mitigation solutions, but the process of installing these solutions is much more heavily regulated in the UK. Being able to roll out that best practice in the USA will be a gamechanger.
“By bringing the expertise and processes established by Crowdguard in the UK to the US market, we can give event organisers and venue owners confidence in their supply chain. With Crowdguard’s record in the UK, we are able to offer accountability for end-to-end delivery for US customers, with proven HVM products, installation expertise and service protocols.”
Amongst the market leading solutions that Crowdguard US will offer is ATG Surface Guard, an award-winning HVM system and the company’s flagship product. Surface Guard has been tested to the IWA 14 standard and is proven to stop a 5500lb vehicle travelling at a speed of 30mph and a 15870lb vehicle travelling at 20mph. Supplied in single units, the surface-mounted, modular system can be installed across a single roadway within as little as 40 minutes by Crowdguard’s experienced technicians.
James DeMeo continues: “Today’s ever evolving threat continuum presents numerous challenges for event organisers. Whether they are enjoying outdoor events, or attending stadiums and venues, people want to feel safe and should come to expect 21st-century enhanced safety and security measures.
“Crowdguard has the proven safety technology and expertise to revolutionise the entire special events ecosystem and I am excited to be part of the new venture in the US and the positive change it can achieve.”
Crowdguard will take the same approach to due diligence and quality management in the USA as it does in the UK, focusing on deploying the right solution and installing it to ‘as tested’ standards. The company’s service will centre on understanding risk and threat, advising customers on the most appropriate solution to meet the needs of their event and its attendees and quality assured deployment.
Deborah Ainscough adds: “Safety and security are fundamental to protecting the most important asset for any venue or event: customers. That’s why Crowdguard US will focus on the same principles as our successful UK company: understanding the risks, deploying a suitable solution and installing and maintaining those market-leading products to the highest standards.
“With Herb and James at the helm of Crowdguard US, we have the right experience and in-depth understanding of risk, combined with our experience of UK installation standards to achieve those goals and I am very excited about what we can deliver in the USA.”
