Month: July 2021

An officer of Gallowglass Security on duty at Genpact 24h Melting Point Challenge

Gallowglass Security at Tower Bridge for Genpact 24 Hour Melting Point Challenge

Written by Stuart Rae on July 24, 2021. Posted in Articles.

It’s refreshing to see the long overdue and welcome return of creative and innovative event professionals; applying their expertise in producing and managing a unique and imaginative event, that showcases both cutting edge green technology and promotes climate change awareness.

Nowhere was this more evident than at Tower Bridge in London on Wednesday, with the launch of the Genpact 24 Hour Melting Point Challenge in advance of the return to London, for the first time since 2016, of the Formula E Heineken® London E-Prix, taking place on the streets of Battersea on the 24/25 th July.

Responsibility for producing an event of this profile and significance were leading and renowned event industry professionals, John Farquhar Smith of the FLUX Creative and Health and Safety expert Nick Love.

The Genpact 24 Hour Melting Point Challenge involved placing a three-ton ice replica of the Envision Virgin Racing Formula E car alongside the team’s race car at the Tower Bridge in Potters Field Park.

The challenge itself allowed for members of the public to engage in and embrace the race against climate change by predicting the percentage of total ice melt of the ice sculpted vehicle within a 24-hour period whilst exposed to the elements and other environmental factors. Each prediction from the public generated revenue itself for the Arctic Ice Project.

In turn this experiential promotion was the perfect precursor to the Formula E Heineken® London E-Prix this weekend. This was the brainchild of FIA President Jean Todt and Spanish businessman, Formula E Chairman Alejandro Agag in 2011, and its aims were simple, to bring together pioneering companies committed to accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.

What is unique about this race series, is that all racing vehicles are electronic and that the races take place on City streets. Whilst involved in a wide range of sustainability initiatives, what really stands out is that the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is the only sport certified as net zero carbon since it came into existence.

The Managing Partner of Gallowglass Security Partners LLP, Giles Turnbull says:

“I worked with both John and Nick for more years than I care to mention and know them both as friends and the seasoned professionals that they are.

We were thrilled to be instructed by John to provide the necessary security guarding support for asset protection and crowd management duties, for an event with its own distinct character, coupled with the gravitas of its message.

We pride ourselves on deploying security teams that understand the key messaging involved at all events, in addition to their core duties, so that they mirror and reflect the values and tone of the organisers and stakeholders.

With all that in mind I would like to express my thanks and convey my gratitude to the guards on the ground for doing a superb job, I must however, make mention of Rebecca Ryan, for an outstanding contribution to this high profile assignment.”

A security officer of Gallowglass Security on duty at Kew Gardens.

19 July 2021 – Freedom Day

Written by Anna on July 13, 2021. Posted in Articles.

The appointment of the new Health Secretary Javid on the 26^th June, signalled a positive change in the mood music for the events and hospitality industry, which was confirmed by yesterdays announcement that stage 4 of the lock down road map will proceed as scheduled. The key changes that effect the events and hospitality industry can be summarised as follows:

Nightclubs can open
Pubs and restaurants no longer table-service only
No limits on guests at weddings and funerals
No limits on people attending concerts, theatres or sports events
No restrictions on communal worship

Despite the caveats and qualifications that came with Prime Minister Johnsons announcement yesterday, and with the sword of Damocles hanging over this vital industry with the proliferation of the transmission of the Delta variant, this is still welcome news.

Gallowglass Security would be delighted to assist you as a security provider in any capacity required. We are skilful, adept and highly experienced in providing security for all manner of events ranging from product promotions, FTSE 100 corporate GM’s , corporate hospitality, private parties , weddings, film shoots through to outdoor concerts and cultural festivals.

We can provide well led, dynamic and highly trained security personnel at very short notice if your lead in times are short, and are available to support you and clients from all our service sectors 24/7, 365 days of the year.

Our Covid experience provides an extra layer of comfort for all buyers of security services. During the pandemic we have provided security for the Greater London Authority (and still do) as well as other London Boroughs at Hotels accommodating rough sleepers.

Consequently we have formulated our own Covid awareness training, and have delivered this in face to face tool box training to all guards in a customer facing role. The author of our innovative and highly effective Covid safety measures is a graduate teacher who holds the coveted NEBOSH diploma and is also qualified by BSI as a lead auditor in the ISO 45001 (occupational health & safety) standard.

As control measures are expected, though not mandated by the government, we are uniquely equipped to enforce any control measures you are minded to implement, or are required to if such measures feature as license requirements.

So if you need security, please call us 02073267840 or contact us on dutyops@galsec.co.uk

Officers of Gallowglass Security on duty at the protest against the Police Sentencing and Crime Bill.

A Summer of Discontent ?

Written by Stuart Rae on July 7, 2021. Posted in Articles.

We live in fascinating yet turbulent, and highly unpredictable times. The convulsions in society, largely brought about by Brexit and the Covid pandemic, and aided and abetted by social media, have brought about seismic change and the polarising of attitudes that has challenged, and some would say shattered traditional divisions and loyalties.

We see this discontent play out in increasingly trenchant public protest in London and throughout the UK. This ranges from from disenchanted Brexit Remainers, Extinction Rebellion on climate change, BLM and their charge of systemic racism and the need for reparations to atone for slavery, the anti-lockdown and vax movement challenging government Covid policy, through to open government advocates with their desire to see the freeing of Julian Assange.

It was a great privilege therefore, to be invited by Steve Kennedy, a dedicated and committed criminal defence lawyer; to provide security support to him, his team of volunteers and speakers to speak, unimpeded, at Parliament Square in London against the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill.

Opponents of this Bill argue passionately that if this Bill enters the statute book, then cherished notions of the right to protest, and in turn free speech, will be curtailed, and without this vital pressure valve, disorder could take a far more dangerous and virulent turn. One thing is certain, 2021 will not replicate 1967’s Summer of Love, and we foresee turmoil ahead.

As an organisation it is not our position to take a view on these profoundly important societal issues. Our only priority is to discharge our security obligations, to the very highest professional and ethical standards, to protect those who put their trust in us.

A Gallowglass Security officer on duty at the Wimbledon screening in Brown Hart Gardens in Mayfair.

Gallowglass Support for Wimbledon Screenings

Written by Stuart Rae on July 5, 2021. Posted in Articles.

After the long bleak Covid winter, the Wimbledon Championships resumes its rightful place at the heart of the British summer’s sporting calendar with the hosting by All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon London of the world’s premier Grand Slam tennis tournament; and the only Grand Slam tournament played on grass.

The Wimbledon Championships are a quintessentially English affair, steeped in timeless tradition and gentility. The gentle atmosphere though belies the ferocious competition amongst the players for the kudos of being named Wimbledon Champion. Notwithstanding tradition, the competition evolves with 2021 seeing the final end to “manic Monday “with the middle Sunday being open to play on account of advances in grass technology and maintenance.

For those who don’t have the time or a ticket to go to Wimbledon, there are opportunities in London to enjoy the tennis on the big screen and the magical atmosphere it evokes; and this is not confined to Henman Hill or Murray Mount or could it be renamed Raducanu Rump following her stellar progress through the tournament as a wild card entrant?

We’re delighted at Gallowglass to provide low key security support for the live streaming of Wimbledon at Belgravia’s Halkin Arcade and Mayfair’s Brown Hart Gardens. At these elegant locations there is an opportunity to relax in the deck chairs with the essential glass of Pimm’s and punnet of strawberries, and enjoy the competition and the unique Wimbledon atmosphere.