A physical security product for use at temporary events in case of vehicle-based attacks has been recognised as the ‘Innovation of the Year’ at national event industry awards.
Made by the vehicle defence product firm Townscape Products and installed by its partner Eventmen, the product, called the CT Sentry Block, enables counter-terror blocks to be installed on a temporary basis to protect events like Christmas markets. The CT Sentry Blocks, pictured in use in central Birmingham, are 2.2 tonne concrete blocks, placed at 1200mm apart to allow pedestrians to pass through, which are daisy-chained together with steel linkages. The system can be deployed with just one hour required for each 25 metres that the product covers. It has already been used to protect events in the UK including Jalsa Salana, a Muslim festival.
Jonathan Goss, managing director at Townscape Products said: “We are delighted to accept this award alongside Eventmen which works closely with us to facilitate the installation of our CT Sentry Block products. In the current climate, perimeter security is a vital consideration for event organisers. Previously, there was nothing available on the market that was specifically designed to protect temporary events – so it was important that we innovated quickly to tackle the increased threat vehicle attacks pose.
“We’re proud of the product and it’s fantastic to see it recognised in this way. Our primary concern is safety and security – and our CT Sentry Block is designed to help improve security and help provide peace of mind for anyone attending temporary events.”
The award came from the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) trade body’s awards, this year in November in Bath. Among the speakers at the event was the former Hertfordshire policewoman Jill McCracken, now Tournament Safety and Security Director at the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), responsible for delivering the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Women’s World Cup in England in 2017, and the ICC World Cup in 2019, also in England and Wales.
