Mark Hamilton (managing director at G4S Events) and Tony Ball of Show and Event Security received their degrees during graduation ceremonies held at the Wycombe Swan Theatre between 5-9 September.
Hamilton and Ball sit on the Board of the International Centre for Crowd Management and Security Studies at Bucks New University, and received the honours for their close association with the university and the support they have provided in recent years.
Hamilton – who is also head of the International Centre – told SMT Online that receiving the honorary degree was “very special”‘.
He added: “It has been hugely encouraging to me to work with Bucks New University teaching staff as they place such great value on how the partnership between academia and industry benefits their students. The opportunity I continue to have in the development of students who leave university with the necessary knowledge to enter into, or develop, a worthwhile career is reward in itself, so to receive an honorary degree in recognition of my part is very special.”
Hamilton has worked in security, safety and crowd management worldwide for more than 38 years, taking charge of operations at events including Live 8 in London and Edinburgh. He Rock Steady Security in 1980 and saw it become the UK’s most successful security company before it was bought by G4S Events in 2008 (a company which presently employs more than 4,000 people).
Hamilton also leads the global product initiative for events across all G4S companies in over 110 countries, and is the managing director of G4S’ security personnel contract for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
On top of that, Hamilton’s a Board member and trustee with the European and USA Sections of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and a Review Group chairman working with the Health and Safety Executive to develop a revised ‘Event Safety Guide’ (the UK’s definitive guide on event planning and management).
MA in Leadership and Management
Both Hamilton and Tony Ball have completed an MA in Leadership and Management with Bucks New University. The latter’s association with this seat of learning includes lecturing on the university’s course for Crowd and Safety Management, as well as personally completing a Foundation Degree in the subject.
Ball – whose work in the security and crowd safety industry dates back almost 30 years – also sits on the policy board of the International Centre.
Commenting on this latest news, Ball told SMT Online that he’s “proud and honoured” to receive the honorary degree from Bucks New University.
He said: “It’s a great personal privilege to receive this award from the university. It emphasises the relationship between the university and the security sector. It also highlights the progress made over the last five years with the development of the current level of courses now available to people in the industry, greatly assisting them in the development of a career path.”
Ball founded Show and Event Security in 1998, driving the company forward to become a market leader in crowd management for outdoor events within two years.
The organisation has been involved in high profile events ranging from the V Festivals, Party in the Park and the Golden Jubilee celebrations through to this year’s Royal Wedding between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (during which Ball oversaw 1,400 staff).
He also helped co-ordinate the Bon Jovi Peace Concert in Moscow in 1989, the first major show by a western rock band in Russia, co-ordinated security at The Wall show in Berlin (which signifed the unification of East and West Germany) and was co-ordinator of security and stewarding at Princess Diana’s funeral.
Speaking about the awards, Professor Ruth Farwell – vice chancellor of Bucks New University – commented: “It’s with great pleasure that we bestow these honorary awards on Tony and Mark. Our awardees are chosen in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their fields, and because they are an inspiration to our graduating students. Once again, we are proud to be awarding a celebrated group of individuals this year.”
Honorary degrees for dedicated professionals
Bucks New University honorary degrees were also received by:
- Fern Britton: in recognition of her distinguished career as a television broadcaster and her charity work, particularly as a local resident
- Michael Langley: in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the success of the university’s aviation courses
- Steve Levine: in recognition of his outstanding business credentials, his strong influence on the university’s music degree programmes and the invaluable support he has given to the university in the past
- Tom Robinson: in recognition of his continued strong associations with the university and outstanding credentials as a broadcaster and musician
- Dr Hamadoun Toure: in recognition of his involvement in the development of two of the university’s master’s degree courses and his significant achievements on the international stage, particularly in the field of telecommunications
Looking towards the Masters
Honorary Masters degrees were also awarded. The following recipients are honoured:
- David Brown: in recognition of his time studying at the university and his continued interest in the graphics field (combining that interest with a very successful media career, both nationally and internationally)
- Noel Fielding: in recognition of his time studying at the university, his continued interest in the graphics field, patronage of many art organisations and international reputation as a comedian, DJ, comic actor and writer
- Lois Graessle: in recognition of her continued work in supporting refugees over the past 30 years
An honorary fellowship was bestowed upon Chander Vasdev in recognition of his business success and his support and links with the university, including membership of the University Council and its Audit Committee over recent years
An honorary professorship was bestowed upon Dr Ioan Vasile Abrudan in recognition of his professional and academic expertise within the field of forest management and conservation.
The status of Emeritus Professor was bestowed upon Professor David Brodie in recognition of his international research record and his work supervising research students within the university, as well as his charity work.
Further information on Buckinghamshire New University
Buckinghamshire New University is the only state-funded higher education institution in Buckinghamshire. It has enjoyed a long and successful history since it was founded in 1893.
The university offers an extensive portfolio of courses spanning the creative and cultural industries, the management and information management sectors and the public sector. It also offers services to industry (including contract research, consultancy and the opportunity to employ graduates).
The university’s High Wycombe Campus boasts a new state-of-the-art, award-winning building known as The Gateway which comprises a learning resource and technology centre, events hall, gym, sports science laboratory, dance, drama, music and video production studios, library and meeting rooms.