Company News
See what we've been up to recently!
Introducing FREC 3 Training!
Recently, we delivered one of our first FREC 3 courses at our head office alongside Broadside Training, bringing together members of our management, supervisory, and response teams for several days of intensive training.
Standing for First Response Emergency Care (FREC) , the course focused on emergency response skills, patient care, and handling real-life medical incidents, giving attendees valuable practical knowledge that could prove vital while on duty. We’re pleased to say that every member of the team completed the course successfully and passed with flying colours.
Although we all hope these skills are rarely needed during day-to-day operations, having trained staff who can respond quickly, calmly, and confidently in a medical emergency is incredibly important and reflects our ongoing commitment to public safety.
It was great to see so many members of the team getting involved, supporting one another, and embracing the challenge throughout the course.
Vespasian Turns 20!
2026 is a year of celebration surrounding the 20th anniversary of the founding the company. This year sees a raft of projects to celebrate the milestone, not least that of an all-staff summer fun day on the 21st June. (See page 3 for details!)
Reaching this milestone has offered a moment not only to celebrate, but to reflect on the journey that began in 2006.
It represents two decades of collaboration, growth, and hard work. Every individual who has been part of Vespasian, past and present, has played a role in shaping what the company is today. From early foundations to recent successes, each and every contribution has mattered.
We are incredibly grateful to the 6,000+ team members who have contributed their time, energy, and expertise over the years. It is this collective effort that has enabled Vespasian to evolve and continue delivering value to our clients and community.
International Women's Day
We recently took the opportunity to speak with some of the incredible women within Vespasian to hear what inspired them to pursue careers in security, and to reflect on their experiences along the way.
For Jade, who joined the team in 2025 as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach and now works across licensed venues and festivals, representation plays a vital role:
“I think women have a lot to contribute to the industry. Having a strong female presence can put other women at ease. I think it’s important that if they were to be in any trouble, they have that representation.”
Her perspective highlights the importance of visibility and reassurance, something that benefits both colleagues and the public alike.
Sharon, a radio controller who has been with the company for over a decade, reflects on how far the industry has come, while acknowledging the challenges that still exist:
“When I started over 35 years ago, security was a man’s world. I had to prove myself five times over to get the same positions as male colleagues. Even now, sometimes I’m the only woman in the control room. But it’s about turning up and showing them we know what we’re doing.”
Our Newest Director
We’ve got some exciting news to share… Jim is officially our newest Company Director!
If you’ve been around Vespasian over the years, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Jim Jenkins, whether that’s at events, down at Goodwood, or out on the doors. After 12 years with the company, he’s become a huge part of the business and someone many of our customers and teams know well.
From his first days, Jim has helped the company grow into what it is today. His experience and dedication have made a real difference behind the scenes and out front alike, so this next step couldn’t be more deserved.
We’re really excited to welcome him into his new role alongside Simon and Ollie as part of the Company Director team, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead.
Massive congratulations, Jim!
MD's Marathon for the Rowan's Hospice
A huge congratulations to Managing Director, Ollie, who successfully completed the London Marathon and raised an incredible £4,699 (including Gift Aid) for the fantastic Rowans Hospice.
He crossed the finish line after months of training and support from friends, family, colleagues, and the wider industry.
Reflecting on the day, Ollie said:
“Thank you to everyone who came out to support me and the other 58,999 people running (or trying to run). You simply don’t know how much it helps to see a face in the crowd that is there for you.”
He also passes on his deepest thanks to everyone who donated so generously across the teams at Vespasian Security and Broadside Training.
.jpeg)
Vespasian Brings in £4.1 Million in Wages into Portsmouth
The figures are in for the last financial year (April 2025- March 2026) and Vespasian are proud to have brought in over £4.1 million pounds of wages into the Portsmouth area over the year.
Vespasian’s Managing Director, Ollie Gardiner said; “Each and every year, we work hard to deliver meaningful and sustainable employment for Portsmouth people. We are known across the country for being a proud Pompey company and so seeing these figures is proof that Pompey people are making a big impression on the national security industry.
Managing Director Ollie went onto say, “We are setting our sights even higher for next year, with new clients coming to Vespasian, broadening the opportunities for team members to earn in a flexible way, that can often fit around their life commitments. I can’t wait for this time next year to see how much more we can bring into the city.”
'Highly Commended' - Security and Fire Excellence Awards
We’re excited to share that we were Highly Commended at this year’s Security and Fire Excellence Awards on Park Lane, London. Our Student Recruitment Campaign secured second place in the Marketing Campaign of the Year category, an achievement that highlights the impact of our work in engaging new talent.
By meeting students face-to-face at Freshers’ Fairs, our team has helped position the security sector as a dynamic and rewarding career option. Their efforts have introduced hundreds of young people to an industry they may not have previously considered, opening the door to new opportunities and a future pipeline of skilled professionals.
This recognition reflects the dedication and creativity of everyone involved and we’re proud to see our commitment to innovative recruitment celebrated on a national stage.
Vespasian Skydive
On the 11th of June 2022, 4 Vespasian team members jumped 10,000 feet in aid of Portsmouth Hospitals Charity!
The fundraiser accumulated a total of £2,125, all of which goes directly to the trust, working to support the NHS, patients and their families.
When asked about why they were participating in the jump, one team member explained, “My family has used the NHS services in Portsmouth for a range of things and if I can give back to those who helped us, or those who rely on the services full time, I will.”
The team set out to raise even more than last year at the Great South Run, and smashed their target by over £400!
Vespasian onboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth
Boxing has always been a huge part of the Royal Navy’s history, with the first Naval Championships being held in Portsmouth in 1911.
As the sport holds such significance to both Portsmouth and the Armed Forces, it was an honour for Vespasian to attend the Royal Navy v Army/RAF Boxing event on HMS Queen Elizabeth.
We were thrilled to watch the personnel showcase their skills in the ring (and the dancefloor afterwards), and were privileged to be allowed onboard such a prestigious aircraft carrier.
Vespasian at Portsmouth's Remembrance Service
Vespasian were honoured to provide security at Portsmouth’s Remembrance Sunday service last year.
With teams of Stewards, Security Guards and Door Supervisors providing crowd management, the service was able to commemorate Armistice Day, with thousands gathered to pay their respects.
Parades of both serving and veteran military personnel walked throughout the Portsmouth Guildhall, followed by a wreath laying ceremony and two minutes silence.
The service ran smoothly, with no interruptions , and both Vespasian and our staff were privileged to be a part of the event.
Vespasian are finalists at the Security and Fire Awards 2021
Vespasian were thrilled to announce we had been shortlisted for the Security and Fire Excellence Awards 2021 , for our delivery of Operation Transmission earning us a nomination for the Security Training Initiative of the Year.
The nomination was for the training of the staff supporting and delivering Operation Transmission, a high-profile, essential city project designed to safely mitigate against traffic flow issues that could cause major disruption or significant changes to border check procedures arising as a result of the UK leaving the EU at the end of the Transition period after Brexit.
Vespasian had to not only recruit staff and provide appropriate training but needed to ensure that they all had the relevant knowledge and skills to effectively manage and operate a 24-hour triage system at four Portsmouth locations to manage freight coming into the city and heading for the EU.
Being a finalist at such prestigious awards is an achievement in itself, and Vespasian congratulate all winners announced on the night.
