Sharing expertise for SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups

November 28, 2025
Sharing expertise for SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups

The founder of The Key Safe Company is set to share his expert advice with Coventry’s entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs, supporting a programme designed to help companies unlock their full growth potential.

Iain McCallister, CEO of Solihull-based security specialists MAN Commercial Protection Ltd, will be sharing his inspiring entrepreneurial story as part of the Coventry Investment Readiness Programme, which is currently recruiting for its next cohort.

The free online event is set to take place between 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Monday, December 1.

Supporting Coventry-based SMEs

The programme is said to support Coventry-based SMEs to understand access to finance, become investor ready and navigate the grants and funding opportunities available to Coventry businesses.

C&W Business Solutions, part of the CW Growth Hub Group, is delivering the Coventry Investment Readiness Programme – a UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, on behalf of Business Growth West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

McCallister reportedly began his career working as a doorman while pursuing a professional boxing career before setting up MAN Commercial in 1993.

The business now employs more than 1,500 people nationwide and operates across a range of sectors delivering security guarding, CCTV, concierge, event security – including for Oasis on their recent tour – and systems solutions.

With over 32 years’ industry experience, McCallister has built MAN Commercial into a top 20 UK security provider, driven by a commitment to outstanding customer service and a passion for developing talent within his team.

“The go-to security company”

Craig McVoy, CEO of Turnkey, who delivers part of the programme said: “Iain has an amazing story that shows how one man and a van can go from being a doorman to a £50m+ business employing over 1,500 people.

“He has combined his no-nonsense approach to business by being driven; creating a people business that is the go-to security company for the events and sports industry, serving the likes of Oasis, Tyson Fury and many, many festivals!

“Iain will talk about the growing pains of building a business, sharing lessons learnt along the way and how to accelerate growth by making the right decisions.

“This event is a must for all entrepreneurs looking to grow their business.”

A thought-provoking session for SMEs

Craig Humphrey, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said the event will unpack the pivotal moments in Iain’s outstanding career.

He said: “Iain will be discussing with SMEs the challenges and decisions that shaped the company’s evolution as well as offering valuable insights for founders and ambitious business leaders alike.

“It will be a really interesting, thought-provoking session which is sure to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“This programme is perfect for business people who are looking to scale, secure investment or strengthen their financial strategy and gain practical knowledge while hearing first-hand from a founder who has successfully grown a high-performing UK business.”

To register to attend the event, click here.

Read Next

Security Journal UK

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Apply
£99.99 for each year
No payment items has been selected yet