Norse provides security for high-profile South African dignitaries visit
May 2010

Norse subsidiary, EventGuard, recently provided security for the high-profile visit to Norwich of the South African High Commissioner to London, two South African First Ministers and celebrity Portsmouth and South Africa football captain Aaron Mokoena.

The visitors were in Norfolk to lend support to a visionary youth-football tournament initiative aimed at building ties between schools in Norfolk and South Africa.

Tight security was required throughout the day and the EventGuard team, led by General Manager Martin Leeder, took on the considerable responsibility for ensuring not only the safety of the high-level diplomats and football star throughout their visit, but also their swift and efficient transport between a number of locations around the City.

Following arrival at the Norse premises, the delegation was driven to a luncheon reception at Norfolk County Hall, hosted by County Council Chairperson, Sheliagh Gurney, before travelling back across the city to the High School staging the tournament.

With the School security always an issue, and traffic increased from visiting teams, regional football personnel and the considerable media presence, EventGuard worked in conjunction with the county constabulary and crime protection personnel to ensure security was always clearly evident without being intrusive.

EventGuard Managing Director Nigel Briggs, commented: “We were delighted to be involved with the tournament and honoured to be selected to provide the security for our South African friends throughout their visit to Norfolk.  This type of event requires sensitive security provision; something that, having worked in Royal Parks and at numerous prestigious events, is a core facet of EventGuard’s services.”