Victor Ubogu, former England rugby union player and Brand Ambassador for STM Group shares some insights into his life in sport, events and security.
Prior to becoming a professional rugby player, how were you involved in security?
I was Sales Director of Cobrawatch Ltd, a specialist provider of guards to the retail sector from 1991-1994 where I more than doubled the turnover during my tenure. The HR Manger reported directly to me and I was responsible for obtaining the ISO 9000 accreditation for the company.
Are there any key security procedures/scenarios you regularly come across in your work at VU Ltd?
As owner and Founder of VU Ltd, a sports, travel & events hospitality business, I am responsible for ensuring the health and Safety of all our guests and staff at live events put on by third parties as well as at events exclusively run by us. For example, conducting risk analysis at our Cyclothon event at Brands Hatch, our exclusive VU Clubhouse at Twickenham; we have to ensure adequate procedures are in place that meet current Health & Safety Law.
Can you tell us more about your role at STM Group (UK) Ltd?
As Brand Ambassador, my role covers the following:
My appointed role allows me to venture back into the security industry, inputting my skills, knowledge and experiences into another established company. Working with STM Group will create various opportunities for both myself and the company and I’m excited to see how we will collaborate and work together.
How will your knowledge and experience be applied to STM Group (UK) Ltd?
With over 25 years experience in the hospitality and events sector where I was one of the Founders of Shoeless Joe’s Sports Bar & Grill, as Founder of VU Ltd I have good exposure and access to the events industry players.
My global profile from the world of sport – having gained 24 caps for England Rugby playing in the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups as well as winning several trophies with Bath Rugby – will be used to increase the exposure of the STM brand. My charitable endeavours, in particular, the Legends of Rugby in aid of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Centre, which will be in its 27th year in February 2022, gives me good exposure to the music industry and this can be used as a conduit to expand into the concerts, festivals and artist protection sectors.
The business knowledge, experience, contact list and high profile gained from the above will be used to spearhead STM’s push into the events sector.
How important is it to encourage Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across industries such as security?
STM Group does a significant amount of work involving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, something that I am passionate about and am excited to tap back into, promoting EDI both within my particular role and beyond.
The world is diverse by nature. As most places now comprise of people from several cultures, with many races and genders living in the same cities and towns, it is of vital importance to encourage Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at all levels and types of industry; this leads to a better work environment and corporate culture which inevitably increases productivity.
Looking specifically at the security industry, this holds a predominately male background, yet as we step into the future the power of diversity is shining through. STM Group does a variety of work involving women’s equality and empowerment, including a Voice of Women internal working group initiative – something I am eager to get involved with and learn more about.
To find out more, visit: http://vultd.co.uk/ and www.stmsecurity.com