Interview with Lenny Cunningham - Head of Operations, Midlands

Professional Security’s Presence and Coverage in Manchester

“Manchester is a key city for us,” says Lenny. “Following the integration of Elite Security in September, our portfolio has now grown from 60 to 140 venues.” This expansion strengthens Professional Security’s presence across the city, covering premium bars and restaurants like Tattu, Fenix, and Dirty Martini, as well as student nightlife venues, Northern Quarter hotspots, and competitive socialising destinations such as Lane7, Hollywood Bowl, and Superbowl.

On average, Lenny’s team now delivers over 1,200 hours of security coverage every week, rising to 2,000 hours during peak periods such as Christmas and major student events. “Our coverage is flexible,” he explains. “We adapt quickly to meet client needs across the city, seven days a week.”

Ensuring Consistency and Resilience

According to Lenny, it all comes down to leadership on the ground. “Our team is visible and hands-on. We spend most of the week out with clients and staff, offering support directly.”

That approach pays off. “We haven’t dropped a single shift in over a year,” he adds. “It’s thanks to careful planning and balanced deployments across mid-week and weekend shifts.”

Weekly briefings, tailored site inductions, and ongoing door supervisor training all help maintain standards. For high-demand venues like Dirty Martini, staff receive bespoke training to prepare for the specific environment. Backup teams are also in place to ensure full coverage, especially on weekends.

Navigating Manchester’s Security Challenges

Manchester’s diverse scene brings unique challenges. Quick service restaurants (QSR) account for around a third of the city’s operations and youth-led anti-social behaviour can sometimes create difficult situations.

“We’ve seen everything from large crowd surges to fireworks thrown through restaurant windows,” says Lenny. “In high-risk venues, we work with clients to implement one-in, one-out policies to maintain safety.”

Student events and weekend nightlife also create surges in demand, requiring rapid deployment, effective crowd control, and proactive incident management. Recruitment remains a focus too, with face-to-face interviews helping ensure reliability and suitability.

Maintaining High Standards and Client Trust

For Lenny, communication and consistency are what keep clients confident. “We use instant reporting and blue-light feeds connected to our Security Operations Centre, so incidents are managed in real-time.”

Exceptional staff performance is also recognised. “Door Supervisor Felix at Tattu recently received a £200 bonus for going above and beyond,” Lenny shares proudly. “We know exactly who is on the doors at every shift. Our staff aren’t faceless, we build relationships with them and our clients to ensure safety, professionalism and a positive guest experience.”

What Sets Professional Security Apart

“Experienced leadership, robust systems and a hands-on approach,” Lenny summarises. “That’s what keeps every venue safe and well-managed.”

From nightlife and premium dining to student venues and competitive socialising, Manchester clients trust Professional Security to deliver reliable, proactive security solutions every day.

Interview with Lenny Cunningham – Head of Operations, Midlands