Showsec Marks 30 Years Of Success With Its Management Development Programme
Over the past three decades, the MDP has served as a cornerstone for professional development, with more than 175 managers having successfully completed the programme. Notably, 43 female participants have graduated from the MDP, subsequently securing key positions as Area Managers, Ops Executives, and Supervisors within the organisation. Showsec currently boasts a workforce of 93 full‑time members at its Headquarters, complemented by an additional 50 dedicated casual workers and over 4,500 SIA and Stewards throughout the UK. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in the growing number of female SIA Supervisors, with 200 out of the 1000 total supervisors, showcasing an industry‑leading rate of progression.
The company is embarking on a full overhaul of their training from Stewards to Area Managers with a robust career framework using a blended style of face‑to‑face, online and workshops. Starting in April 2024, Showsec will roll out a series of short learning webinars aimed at developing essential soft skills. The company has also collaborated with numerous apprenticeship suppliers to provide additional career development opportunities for both head office and operational roles.
Voices From Previous MDP Graduates
Floyd Green‑Junior, Area Manager
Floyd, who started as a steward in 2015, sha Jane Wilkinson, Operations Supervisor:
Jane, with her first shift as a Steward in 1999, expressed, “The MDP taught me the vast scope of crowd management. Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025, I anticipate good teamwork on big events, helping workers progress, and exploring opportunities with new clients.”
Miriam Phillip, Operational Supervisor
Miriam, who joined Showsec in 2018 as a Steward, highlighted, “The MDP was the basis for my career development. I'm eager to start the second year of the MDP, gain more experience at large festivals, and build connections with operational teams.”
Megan Johnson, Operational Supervisor
Megan joined Showsec in 2016 and is currently on the MDP, shared, “The MDP has improved my management techniques, helping me become a better operations supervisor. I look forward to stepping up as an operations executive in 2024 and exploring new opportunities.”
Collaborative Success
Minal Karia, the programme lead at De Montfort University, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “The collaborative relationship with Showsec and De Montfort University has been paramount to the success of the Crowd Management programme. The industry‑leading programme has empowered students with academic knowledge and practical tools to address real‑life challenges within their sector.”
As Showsec looks back on 30 years of the MDP, the company remains committed to shaping the future of event security and fostering the growth of its talented workforce. red, “The MDP has been instrumental in my career growth. Networking and building relationships outside my area led to my promotion to Area Manager. I’m looking forward to the full completion of MDP (level 6) in 2024 and contributing to the growth of Showsec.”
Tom Bailey, Regional Manager
Tom, reflecting on his MDP experience in 2011, emphasised, “The MDP was the foundation of my career, and the knowledge gained still guides my actions today. In 2024 and beyond, I aim to contribute to the company's development and continue my PhD research in Crowd Psychology and Behaviour.
