PSSA Newsletter - September 2019

NEWS  |  ISSUE 24 September 2019 – 14 – Newsletter sponsor: www.highwaycare.com Stadium hires former Police Chief Inspector A former police officer with 30 years’ experience has now joined a world-leading events and security firm based in Coventry. Kerry Blakeman, a former Chief Inspector withWest Midlands Police, now heads up the operations team at Stadium after being headhunted by the firm. His extensive experience of policing football matches across theWest Midlands made him a great fit for Stadium, which provides security services to a quarter of all Premier League clubs, including Champions League winners Liverpool. “Joining Stadiumwas a natural transition for me after my 30 years with the police,”he said. “The firm’s whole ethos and its respect for its staff made it a very attractive prospect. “Keeping people safe was what I had done for a long time so I couldn’t have joined a better company and am looking forward to driving forward its already impressive growth.” Kerry manages the new operations team at Stadium, consisting of Jade Ogle, who has four years’experience in operations management, and MarkWatkins, who also has extensive experience as football match day Commander at Aston Villa and Birmingham City during his time as an Inspector withWest Midlands Police. The team organises road closures in advance of large events, such as football matches or major music concerts, and makes sure enough staff are at the event to ensure crowds remain safe throughout its duration. Some of the first events the team has overseen include the Fever Tree Championships tennis tournament at Queens, Bon Jovi’s concert at Anfield, and fixtures at Lord’s Cricket Ground for the Cricket World Cup. David McAtamney, founder of Stadium, said:“Kerry’s long and distinguished career withWest Midlands Police made him the perfect person to lead our operations team. “I’m confident Kerry, along with Mark and Jade, will enable hundreds of thousands of fans to safely enjoy the matches or concerts they attend without issue. “Stadium prides itself on keeping people safe, and the great experience of our operations teammeans we are well-placed to do that.” Eagle expand sales team with appointment of Ian Jones Eagle Automation Systems Ltd welcome Ian Jones, who joins the sales team from Heras, following sustained growth throughout both the UK and Export markets. “Eagle are delighted to welcome Ian to the team. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help us achieve our strategy of development and growth.” said Dave Ashby, Managing Director. With 16 years’ High Security and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation experience, Ian’s journey started with the Stock Exchange upgrade in London as a rookie Contracts Manager for 10-days straight, what better induction to the world of contracting and security! Courtesy of Elkosta (as it was in 2003), Ian soon engaged with a range of sectors where security was becoming increasingly important to UK and overseas organisation. “It took me a year to realise I was better suited to selling the solution, I think the MD concurred” said Ian. Elkosta andWego became Gunnebo who also owned Mayor Turnstiles and CSI. “This widened my knowledge base with a range of Front of House speed lanes, security airlock and ballistic security solutions. My Engineering and Technical background serves me well when working with Consultants, Architects, Contractors and end users also with an eye for commercial consideration.” Ian moved to Broughton Controls in 2011 which then became Heras, where he fulfilled an everchanging role in sales culminating in the task of Strategic Account Manager. Ian concludes: “My move to Eagle is driven by an ambition to re-engage with High Security & HVM solution consultancy and play a key role in their ongoing growth through innovation and customer service. I already feel part of the close-knit team, enjoying the hands-on ethos and fast pace to decision making required to meet the needs of a competitive market.” Movers & Shakers From Left: Mark Watkins, Kerry Blakeman, and Jade Ogle Eagle expand sales teamwith appointment of Ian Jones