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Rapid Mobilisation During a National Emergency

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the UK film and television industry to a standstill, Location Secure was presented with an opportunity to support one of the country's most important public health initiatives.
Following a recommendation from an industry supplier, our Managing Director, Dominic, attended a meeting with senior representatives leading the national COVID-19 testing programme. During the meeting, he explained how the professionalism, adaptability, and logistical expertise of film and television crews made them ideally suited to supporting a fast-moving national operation. Recognising the potential of our workforce, we were challenged to mobilise an entire operational team within just 48 hours.

The Challenge

The first testing facility was scheduled to open in Guildford, with training commencing on Wednesday and the site becoming operational on Thursday. In less than two days, Location Secure was tasked with recruiting, coordinating, and deploying approximately 150 personnel to support the launch.
The operation required far more than security alone. Staff were needed across security, traffic management, PPE distribution, testing operations, and site support, all while working within rapidly changing government guidance during an unprecedented national emergency.

Our Solution

Drawing on our extensive network within the film and television industry, Location Secure successfully recruited experienced professionals from a wide range of production disciplines. Their ability to work in fast-paced environments, adapt quickly, and operate under pressure made them exceptionally well suited to the demands of the testing programme.
Following the successful launch of the first site, our role expanded significantly. During the programme, Location Secure deployed over 400 personnel across 15 testing locations, providing a range of operational support services to help deliver one of the UK's largest public health initiatives. Our responsibilities continued to grow as we were selected to provide specialist mobile testing teams, including dedicated units supporting testing operations within HM Prison Service establishments across the country.
One of our proudest achievements came when our Managing Director was personally asked to oversee the recruitment and mobilisation of highly skilled professionals to support the Government's commitment that everyone should be able to access a COVID-19 test within 30 minutes of where they lived.
Working alongside Serco and Deloitte, our teams assisted with site assessments, operational planning, recruitment, mobilisation, and the rapid establishment of new walk-in testing facilities. From the initial site visit through to an operational testing centre, locations were routinely delivered within three days. Within just three months, 14 walk-in testing centres had been successfully established and brought into operation.

The Results

Location Secure successfully demonstrated its ability to mobilise, scale, and deliver under extraordinary circumstances. Key achievements included:
Mobilising 150 personnel within 48 hours for the first testing site.
Expanding operations to 400+ personnel across 15 locations.
Supporting security, traffic management, PPE operations, testing facilities, and mobile testing units.
Delivering specialist testing teams for HM Prison Service facilities.
Assisting in the delivery of 14 walk-in testing centres within three months.
Supporting the Government's national COVID-19 testing programme alongside Serco and Deloitte.

The Outcome

The COVID-19 testing programme demonstrated Location Secure's ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver large-scale operational solutions under intense pressure. What began as a request to support a single testing site quickly evolved into a nationwide operation, showcasing our ability to recruit, train, and manage hundreds of personnel within extremely challenging times. The success of the programme was built on the same principles that continue to define Location Secure today—professionalism, flexibility, strong leadership, and the ability to respond quickly when our clients need us most. Whether supporting major film productions, national sporting events, or critical public infrastructure, we remain committed to delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that make a real difference.
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