ESM Operations Ltd

🏛️Day 9: Exploring Innovation at Aviva Studios (Factory International) 🏛️ On Thursday, the GEA Fellows visited Aviva Studios, home to Factory International, a cutting-edge cultural venue in Manchester known for its versatility in hosting a wide range of events. This visit offered the fellows a deep dive into the unique challenges and innovations behind managing a multipurpose, flexible space, especially as the WOMEX - Worldwide | Music | Expo 24 Festival was being hosted—a prestigious international music event celebrating global music and culture.   🔑Key Highlights: 🔹Fellows enjoyed a comprehensive tour of Aviva Studios, exploring areas dedicated to different event formats and learning about the venue’s ability to adapt to various types of productions. 🔹The session covered operational management, event planning, security, and health and safety operations, with a focus on the logistical strategies that allow the venue to transform its spaces for diverse events while ensuring a safe environment for all attendees. A special thank you to Abdul Nur (Head of Security) and AHMED FITURI (Security Manager) for their time and expertise in showing the fellows around the venue, sharing valuable insights into the security operations that support a seamless and safe experience. In preparation for tomorrow’s hands-on shadowing experience at WOMEX 24, fellows received a detailed briefing on working alongside event staff, including an overview of the specific roles they’ll observe. Thank you to the Aviva Studios team, Abdul, and Ahmed for an engaging and informative session that showcased how this versatile venue supports Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene. Today’s visit has equipped the fellows with essential knowledge on managing complex, adaptable event spaces. Stay tuned as the fellows gain hands-on experience in a live event environment tomorrow! #GEAFellowship #AvivaStudios #FactoryInternational #WOMEX24 #EventManagement #VenueOperations #Security #HealthAndSafety #CulturalSpaces #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

When you work for ESM Operations Ltd, you get automatic enrolment into our career development pathways. We believe we are the only company in the Kingdom that offers the Level 1 - Level 5 educational pathway across the 5 key operational areas: ✅ Crowd Management ✅ Control Room Operations ✅ Event Security ✅ Health & Safety ✅ Close Protection We have been developing our team through education, whilst ensuring they gain valuable operational experience across a variety of industry sectors that supports the classroom learning. These include: ✅ Stadiums & Arenas ✅ Conference & Exhibitions ✅ Concert & Festivals ✅ Major Sporting events We have made a big investment in uniform, making the ESM Operations Ltd public safety teams the most presentable & recognisable throughout the Kingdom and adapting to our customers requirements. If you are planning an event across the Middle East and want to know more about our services then get in contact. Info@esmoperations.com

⛸️Day 8: Venue Operations at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham⛸️ Today, the GEA Fellows visited the National Ice Centre & Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, known for its versatility in hosting a wide range of events. This visit was focused on preparing the fellows for an upcoming hands-on shadowing experience at the arena later in the program.   🔑Key Highlights: 🔹Sam Hodkin (Head of Security & Stewarding) provided an in-depth orientation to the venue, touring key areas such as the event floor, entry locations and back of house areas. This gave the fellows valuable insights into the layout and how different spaces are utilised for various event types. 🔹Michelle Humphreys (Event Manager) led an engaging session on the planning and preparation required for running large-scale events at Motorpoint Arena, from logistics to operational challenges. 🔹As part of their preparation for the shadowing session on October 30th, fellows were briefed on what to expect when working alongside operational staff, with an emphasis on crowd management, security protocols, and event logistics. 🔹To cap off the day, the fellows enjoyed the unique opportunity to skate at the National Ice Centre & Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, adding a fun and memorable element to their visit. A huge thank you to Sam Hodkin and Michelle Humphreys for their time and expertise, making today’s session insightful and enjoyable. This visit was an essential step in understanding the complexities of managing a versatile venue like Motorpoint Arena, setting the stage for a more hands-on experience next week. #GEAFellowship #MotorpointArena #NationalIceCentre #EventManagement #VenueOperations #CrowdManagement #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

🏟️Day 7: Private Tour of Anfield Stadium🏟️ Today, the GEA Fellows had the privilege of visiting one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world, Liverpool Football Club - Anfield Stadium. This exclusive tour provided the fellows with an amazing opportunity to explore the operations and management of a world-class venue.  🔑Key Highlights: 🔹The private tour took the fellows behind the scenes of Anfield, giving them insight into the operational logistics required to host large-scale events, from football matches to concerts. 🔹Match day logistics were explored in detail, highlighting key processes like ticketing, access control, and security protocols, all of which play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful event. 🔹The day also prepared the fellows for their upcoming stadium comparison project, where they will analyse different venue operations and assess best practices in event management. A big thank you to the Anfield team for the incredible experience today! The visit provided invaluable insights that will undoubtedly enhance the fellows' understanding of managing high-profile venues. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey! #GEAFellowship #AnfieldStadium #LiverpoolFC #EventManagement #CrowdSafety #VenueOperations #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

👮Day 6: Event Security Planning and Readiness with Greater Manchester Police👮 Yesterday, the GEA Fellows had the privilege of learning from Detective Inspector Tony Hanlon from Greater Manchester Police (GMP). This session provided an in-depth look at the critical role law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety and security of high-profile events such as concerts, sports matches, and public gatherings.   🔑Key Highlights: 🔹Spectator Operations and Safety Measures: Fellows gained a comprehensive understanding of the planning and operational measures necessary to ensure the safety of spectators at large events. 🔹Threat Assessments for UK Venues: GMP provided a detailed overview of the processes involved in conducting threat assessments for UK venues, helping fellows understand how potential risks to security are identified and evaluated. 🔹Command Structure: The session explored the command structures used during large events, emphasising the importance of coordination between law enforcement and event organisers. 🔹Practical Tabletop Exercise: To apply their learning, the fellows participated in a practical tabletop exercise simulating a real-world event scenario. This allowed them to work through the planning, threat assessment, and response processes, gaining hands-on experience in event security management. A huge thank you to Detective Inspector Tony Hanlon for providing such a valuable insight and to Aimee Scott for her readiness practical session on event safety and security. Stay tuned for more updates as the program progresses! #GEAFellowship #EventSafety #LawEnforcement #GreaterManchesterPolice #EventSecurity #ThreatAssessment #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

🏟️Day 5: Behind the Scenes at Salford Community Stadium🏟️ Today, the GEA Fellows had the incredible opportunity to explore the operational and safety aspects of Salford Community Stadium as part of the GEA Fellowship Program. 🔑Key Highlights: 🔹Scott Buckley provided a detailed account of the licenses required for a venue to operate, ensuring all legal and safety standards are met. 🔹A comprehensive tour of the stadium, providing the fellows with a detailed look at how entry management, security, and ticketing operations are handled during major events. 🔹A series of practical scenarios where fellows experienced first-hand how the venue operates during high-capacity events, focusing on crowd management and safety. 🔹Fellows were treated to a mocktail masterclass by Heathcote&Co, giving them insight into alternative beverage options for venue hospitality. A special thank you to: Scott Buckley, Deputy Safety Manager, for providing an in-depth look into the venue’s safety protocols. Sonia Eaves, Stadium Manager, for walking the fellows through the operational challenges and day-to-day management of the stadium. Stuart Hodgson, General Manager of Heathcote & Co, for showcasing the catering and hospitality aspects that play a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience. This experience has given the fellows a rich understanding of how large sporting and entertainment venues are managed, with a focus on both safety and customer satisfaction. Looking forward to more exciting learning opportunities as the program continues! #GEAFellowship #SalfordCommunityStadium #EventSafety #VenueManagement #HealthAndSafety #CrowdManagement #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

🎵Day 4: A Visit to the Historic Albert Hall🎵 The GEA Fellows had the privilege of visiting the iconic @Albert Hall in Manchester, a stunning Grade II listed venue known for hosting world-class music events. This day was all about understanding the operational and logistical challenges of managing a live event in a heritage building. 🔑Key Highlights: Fellows were welcomed by Samuel Litten, General Manager, and Elliot Starkings, FGH Security Manager at Albert Hall, who provided valuable insights into the planning, preparation, and security involved in running large-scale live events at this historic venue. After discussing the venue's operations, the fellows had the fantastic opportunity to attend the sold-out live event featuring Caravan Palace, experiencing first-hand how the team’s preparation comes to life during a major music performance. The tour showcased the behind-the-scenes operations, from venue preparations to security logistics, giving the fellows a glimpse into how a historic venue adapts to modern event management. A huge thank you to both Samuel Litten and Elliot Starkings and the Albert Hall team for such an insightful and engaging experience today! Stay tuned for more exciting updates! #GEAFellowship #AlbertHall #EventManagement #HistoricVenues #HealthAndSafety #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

☂️Day 3: Shadowing at Co-op Live Arena – WWE Event Despite the rainy Manchester evening, the GEA Fellows had an action-packed and insightful day at Co-op Live Arena, where they shadowed operational staff during a WWE event. This hands-on experience gave the fellows an in-depth look at the complexities of managing live events in real time. 🔑 Key Highlights: 🔹Fellows were paired with Co-op Live’s operational team and tasked with shadowing staff responsible for crowd management, security, and venue operations. 🔹The evening began with a walk through the "Last Mile" and the attending the pre-event briefing, where fellows witnessed the meticulous planning that goes into managing event ingress. 🔹As the rain poured down, the fellows experienced first-hand how operational teams adapt to challenges while ensuring smooth ingress and safety for all attendees. 🔹Later in the night, fellows were deployed to monitor the egress process, gaining valuable insights into managing large crowds and problem-solving in real time. A huge thanks to Dan Humphreys and the Co-op Live team for providing an exceptional learning experience despite the wet weather! The fellowship continues tomorrow with more exciting learning opportunities ahead. Stay tuned! #GEAFellowship #CoopLive #WWEEvent #RainyManchester #CrowdManagement #HealthAndSafety #EventOperations #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

🌟Day 2: Etihad Campus Familiarisation Day The Fellowship Program, in collaboration with Takamol Holding and the General Entertainment Authority - GEA, continued today with an immersive experience at Co-op Live Arena and the Manchester City Football Club Etihad Stadium in Manchester. The fellows had the incredible opportunity to familiarise themselves with the largest indoor arena in Europe and gain insights into venue operations. 🔑Key Highlights: 🔹The day started with a detailed walkthrough of the Etihad Stadium, giving fellows a behind-the-scenes look at the operational and safety considerations of this world-class venue. From the last-mile logistics to back-of-house areas like the famous glass players' tunnel, the fellows saw it all! 🔹In the afternoon, the fellows visited Co-op Live Arena where Dan Humphreys (Coop Live Senior Security Manager) provided an in-depth overview of the venue’s operations, health and safety measures, and preparations for managing large-scale live events. 🔹The fellows were also briefed on their work shadowing experience for WWE event, providing a first-hand look at crowd management and operational strategies. A big thank you to John O'Neill, Dan Humphreys, and the incredible teams at Etihad and Co-op Live for making this day an unforgettable learning experience! Stay tuned as the fellows gear up for Day 3, where they’ll be shadowing operational staff during a live WWE event! #GEAFellowship #Manchester #EventManagement #CoopLive #EtihadStadium #WWEEvent #HealthAndSafety #TakamolHolding #GEA #ProfessionalDevelopment

🌎 Day 1: Welcome to Manchester! We’re thrilled to officially kick off the General Entertainment Authority - GEA Fellowship Site Visit Program in Manchester! The Site Visit was made possible by Takamol Holding and the General Entertainment Authority - GEA. Today, the fellows on a Health Safety and Operations program arrived and began their exciting journey with a comprehensive briefing session. Manchester, a city known for its rich event history and vibrant culture, is the perfect setting for this unique learning experience. Today’s focus was on setting the stage for the three weeks ahead: 🔑Key Highlights: 🔹A warm welcome and orientation to Manchester  🔹Overview of the Fellowship Program's exciting schedule and expectations for the upcoming venue visits. 🔹Introduction to the team and insights into how the city will be a crucial part of the learning experience. 🔹Fellows also had the opportunity to explore central Manchester and immerse themselves in the local culture. Special thanks to John O'Neill, Aimee Scott, Chris Cameron, Dominique Smith, and Lee Armstrong for their time and for welcoming the fellows. This marks the beginning of an incredible journey for our fellows, as they deepen their knowledge in health, safety, and operations through immersive, real-world experiences. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative journey! #GEAFellowship #Manchester #HealthAndSafety #Operations #LearningExperience #EventSafety #ProfessionalDevelopment