A LEADING event security firm has met with Witham MP Priti Patel to discuss key issues affecting the industry.

Ms Patel had talks with head of operations Martin Jackson and Mike Jackson, managing director of McKenzie Arnold Group at their offices in Faulkbourne.

McKenzie Arnold are nationwide specialists in providing security, crowd management and stewarding for the events industry.

The three met on August 16 to discuss the key issues affecting the security business. 

One of the main issues that arose was local government contracts and the difficulties smaller businesses face in trying to win such work when up against companies deemed to be larger and more experienced, by virtue of the size of their turnover.

McKenzie Arnold is a leading light in the industry having been responsible for the security at major events such as the Notting Hill Carnival for nearly ten years and motor racing events at Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Snetterton.

They have also provided crowd management for Westfield Stratford City.

During their discussions, it was agreed more needs to be done to recognise the talent and capability available in smaller businesses to ensure they can compete fairly for government security contracts. 

Ms Patel said: “I will be looking into the process for tendering for governmental contracts relating to the events industry.

“McKenzie Arnold are first-class providers in the business of event security and it is only right that their extensive experience and skills should be recognised in the tender process.”

Mr Jackson said: “It was a great pleasure to have Priti here for a full discussion of the key issues affecting our business. 

“It was a very useful and productive conversation which demonstrated that she understands our sector and the difficulties we face.”