Security is essential for events of all shapes and sizes. It’s more than just someone ‘standing at the door’ - the right provider is integral to your events success and safety. In this blog, we’ll explain what you should look for, what to avoid, and what questions to ask when choosing a security provider for your event.

What to look for in a security provider

Licensing & Accreditation

As a minimum, any security company you work with should be providing guards who are licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This is a legal requirement for various roles such as security officer, door supervisor or close protection operative. All Alpha Crew security guards are not only SIA licensed, but also vetted to British Standard BS 7858 and have undergone a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This ensures all employees have had extensive background checks so you can have the highest level of trust and reliability for your event. There are additional qualifications that security guards can attain, which we are able to provide for our clients upon request.

Training & Expertise

It is important that the company you choose to work with, prioritise the ongoing professional development of their team. This ensures you are hiring security guards who have specialist knowledge and experience in the area required. At Alpha Crew, the training and development of all of our guards and event crew is of top priority.

Professionalism & Presentation

Like your team or event crew, you want to make sure your security guards look the part, professional, and represent your brand or client well. First impressions matter - you want to choose a team who are punctual and have appropriate attire and demeanour. Make sure they are aligned with your brand in attitude and look.

Adaptability & Fit

A good security team will be able to adjust to the tone, size and nature of your event. For example, providing discreet presence at a high-level conference, vs active crowd management at a festival. At Alpha Crew we pride ourselves on our adaptability, and on delivering bespoke security solutions to our clients no matter the job.

Red flags to avoid

Vague Pricing

Security providers who have vague or shifting pricing structures, may be a red flag. A lack of clarity and indirectness will often correlate with a lack of professionalism on the job.

Poor Communication

Delayed responses or unclear contracts can set the tone before the job has even started. It’s likely this attitude will worsen under high pressure situations and is definitely something you want to avoid in order to pull off a safe and successful event.

Lack of Proof

Sadly, it’s easy for any company to just say they have certain accreditations or insurance, you need to make sure you can confirm these statements. Always check public liability and employer’s liability cover, and make sure they have the accreditation that they claim to. This will prevent you from being at risk should anything go wrong during your event.

Key questions to ask when vetting a provider

What training do your security staff receive?

Can you provide proof of insurance and licences?

Have you worked on events like mine before?

What’s your protocol in emergencies?

How do you brief and debrief your team before/after events?
Who will be my point of contact throughout the process?

Can you adapt your team’s appearance or tone to suit my event?

Match the security team to the event type

Festivals

Festival security teams need experience with large crowds, intoxication management, and working with other agencies. They should be prepared to be working outside in various weather conditions, and have a solid understanding of emergency protocols.

Corporate Events

Corporate security teams should be able to work discreetly and professionally. They need a polished presence and good front-of-house skills.

Film and TV

When working on TV or film sets, security guards should have a good sense of on-set etiquette and professionalism. They should be prepared to sign NDAs and practice confidentiality at all times.

Private Parties / Product Launches

At smaller private events and launches, security guards should have experience with guest list management and conflict de-escalation. Guards should also be able to familiarise themselves efficiently with the venue and location of the event.

Alpha Crew Security Services

Why clients trust us

Alpha Crew have been providing security services for over a decade. As an event crew provider, we have a wealth of experience in the industry and have worked jobs of every type and size imaginable.

Recently we provided our security services at Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, supporting Bloomberg Media with access control during the festival. Over four days, our security managed secure entry into the VIP interview space, making sure everything ran smoothly, safely, and to the high standards that we are all about.

Our security teams are fully licensed, DBS-checked, and receive specialist training in First Aid, crowd control, and more. We work collaboratively with clients and crew, integrating seamlessly into the wider event operation to keep things running smoothly and safely. Our flexible approach means we match the right people to each job - whether that’s a polished front-of-house presence for a corporate event or robust crowd management at a busy festival.

When choosing a security provider, remember the essentials: proper licensing, professionalism, adaptability, and the right fit for your event type. Take your time during the vetting process - the right provider will be happy to answer questions and demonstrate their value.

If you’re looking for a security solution tailored to your event, we’d love to hear from you.