Essex-based security firm Wilson James has been contracted to provide cover for the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.
As more than 4,500 participants descend on the West Midlands, the Westcliff-on-Sea company will look after security for the cycling – track and para track events.
It will also protect the athletes’ accommodation in London.
More than 70 nations and British territories from around the world will compete in 19 sports and eight para disciplines at 15 different venues.
The games take place between July 28 and August 8 with an expected one million spectators and a global audience of 1.5bn.
Wilson James will deploy more than 200 security personnel across these locations, while providing CCTV equipment and installation services across the full Birmingham 2022 events footprint.
Having previously been contracted to work at events such as the AELTC Championship (Wimbledon) 2022 and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the company has a wealth of experience in events of this stature.
Chris Sisson, Business Development Director (Security) for Wilson James, said: “The expertise needed to provide a safe and secure environment for all who spectate and compete in these magnificent games means that we have been working on the mobilisation of this project for many months – and now we find ourselves in the final few weeks before it all starts, which we are incredibly excited about.
“Above all, we are looking forward to spectators and athletes enjoying a truly remarkable sporting spectacle.”
Nick Knight, Birmingham 2022 Director of Security, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Wilson James as an Official Security Services Provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“I know their knowledge and experience in the delivery of major high profile sporting events will prove invaluable, when helping Birmingham 2022 showcase a safe, secure and spectacular edition of the games to the world.”
Darren Hall, Chief Operating Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “We are proud to partner with Wilson James as they are appointed as an Official Security Services Provider for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The skill and expertise they bring on board will be critical in supporting the safety of our London venues during Games time, ensuring thousands of spectators enjoy the captivating and safe atmosphere, present at every edition of the Commonwealth Games.”
Go to www.wilsonjames.co.uk
Wilson James has been a security provider for 30 years.
Its security division provides guarding for locations that demand the highest levels of security across a range of industry sectors. Includes provision of security guards, front of house staff, consultancy and personal protection services, amongst others.
THE GAMES
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022, will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to put the city, region and its people on the global stage.
The Games is already proving to be a catalyst for transformation across the West Midlands, attracting new investment and funding, creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people and new opportunities for local businesses, as well as accelerating projects that will ensure the region is ready to host a fantastic sports and cultural celebration.
Birmingham 2022 will be the Games for everyone, bringing people together from across the city and the region, to provide a warm welcome to millions of visitors during the summer of 2022.
The Commonwealth Games, often referred to as the Friendly Games, is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations.
The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, has taken place every four years since then.
The Commonwealth Games were known as the British Empire Games from 1930 to 1950, the British Empire and Commonwealth Games from 1954 to 1966, and British Commonwealth Games from 1970 to 1974.
Athletes with a disability are included as full members of their national teams, making the Commonwealth Games the first fully inclusive international multi-sport event.
In 2018, the Games became the first global multi-sport event to feature an equal number of men’s and women’s medal events.