The Board Directors
Peter Harrison
Managing Director
Peter founded FGH Security at aged 19, to combat the poor treatment from security companies during his time studying at Lancaster University. What started as a little bit of money alongside his studies, and 60 employees by the end of his time at university, turned into FGH Security as it is known today.
Today his role is primarily strategic. He makes sure that the organisation continues to learn and grow, whilst upholding its values and serving its purpose of #KeepingPeopleSafe. Peter spends a lot of time within the industry and is a regular guest speaker at a range of events and is featured in the media regularly.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a BSc (Hons) in Management Science and is a qualified Crowd Manager and Counter Terrorism Risk
Manager.
Naturally, Peter has undertaken a lot of the roles within the organisation himself for different periods as it grew, so he has an in-depth understanding of compliance and regulatory matters. He has worked as a security manager at over 100 different events of up to 100,000 capacity in the UK and abroad.
Peter has served as a trustee for CancerCare since 2016 and has proudly served as a Royal Marine Commandos Reservist since 2008. His spare time is split between both family life and outdoor fitness. He regularly competes in running races and triathlons, and his mountaineering adventures have seen him climb some of the highest mountains across Europe and Africa, including Mont Blanc, Toubkal, and Hvannadalshnjúkur.
Ben Knott
Operations Director
With 6 years of experience in retail and software development, Ben joined our team in 2007 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2012, he was invited to join our Senior Leadership Team, and his exceptional skills and leadership qualities saw him appointed to the role of Operations Director in 2020.
At FGH Security, Ben is responsible for overseeing service delivery for our customers and employees. He is a hands-on leader, coaching and mentoring our team to ensure they are supported and providing the very best service possible.
A proactive member of the Security Institute (MSyl) and serving on multiple Security Industry Authority (SIA) Steering Groups, including the long-term strategy and redevelopment of the SIA Voluntary Approval Scheme in 2023, Ben enjoys contributing to the development of the Security Industry on a broad range of topics.
Ben is not only an experienced leader, but he is also a frequent contributor to the media and regularly supports students in the development of leadership and management practice and theory at Lancaster University Management School.
When Ben isn’t working to support our customers and team members, you can usually find him at Goodison Park, supporting his beloved Everton Football Club.
Jessica Spencer
Shared Services Director
Before joining FGH Security, Jess worked as a freelance Change Management consultant, partnering with SMEs to help them achieve meaningful business
transformation.
Jess first met Peter at Manchester Pride in 2012, and after working with FGH Security on several events over the following years, she became a familiar and trusted presence in the control room, supporting major events and festivals. In 2020, she joined FGH Security full-time as Project Manager, bringing her expertise in change management, standardisation, and project delivery.
In terms of best professional achievements, one moment that stands out in particular for Jess is when she was Security Manager of a 30,000-capacity concert space in Saudi Arabia for over 12 nights.
Her impact led to her promotion to Shared Services Director in 2021, where she has been instrumental in improving processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving
consistency across the Group.
Jess remains passionate about creating lasting change and helping the organisation work smarter and more effectively.
The Board Non-Executive Directors
Janet Whitworth
Non-Executive Director
Janet is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and also has a postgraduate certificate in the Psychology of Organisational Development and Change.
After 27 years working for DSS and DWP in various roles, Janet went on to be an Executive Director of HR and Organisational Development in the NHS. She did this role for 4 years before working at the University of Cumbria for 3 years as the Executive Director of HR and Change and 3 years as Chief Operating Officer.
Janet is a former member of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Janet is now a non-executive HR Director for FGH Security, which she does alongside being the managing director of her own company – Whitworth Consulting Ltd.
When she isn’t working, Janet is usually helping her farmer husband with the cows or riding her horse, James.
Richard Chappell
Non-Executive Director
Richard is our Non-executive Commercial Director here at FGH Security. After graduating with a degree in Retail Marketing from Manchester, he spent 10 years working in retail, during which he opened the first 65 Lidl stores in the UK. He then became the CEO of Carlisle Support Services for several years, before moving as CEO to TCFM.
Most recently, Richard owned 2020 Bayleaf Facilities Management before it’s sale in 2020, and has since focused his time on developing a plural career acting as NED and advisor to several businesses. Richard enjoys seeing talented teams develop, and helping businesses grow with step change relationships and growth into new services and sectors.
Mark Burtonwood
Non-Executive Director
Mark joined FGH Security following successful careers with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Over a 32 year career at GMP, he progressed to Operational Superintendent, overseeing Manchester City Centre and specialising in public order and firearms command. After his police service, Mark dedicated nearly 12 years to the SIA, ultimately serving as Deputy Director of Operations.
He holds an MA in Management and is recognised as a Chartered Security Professional. Additionally, Mark has been a Non-Executive Director with the National Security Inspectorate and, as a volunteer, provides strategic advice to various public safety initiatives. He remains actively engaged as an independent consultant in advancing safety and security both in the UK and globally.
Leadership Team Operations & Shared Services
Amy Stanley
Head of Events & Festivals
Amy joined FGH as a Business Administration Apprentice in 2013 after undertaking study at Lancaster & Morecambe College. In 2014, Amy started her journey in the Operations team, progressing to Security Manager at various events and festivals by 2018.
In 2019 Amy took a lead role in the event division, eventually progressing to Head of Events & Festivals in 2022.
Amy is currently studying for her MBA at Lancaster University.
Arran Perry
Regional Manager North
Arran joined FGH Security in 2016 as part of our Student Sponsorship Programme whilst studying for his BSc (Hons) Sports Business & Management degree at Manchester Metropolitan University.
After a three-year hiatus following his graduation, Arran returned to the company in 2021 as Regional Manager for the North.
Arran is currently studying for his MBA at Lancaster University.
Tom Sharman
Regional Manager South & ROI
Prior to joining FGH Security in 2016, Tom spent 10 years in hospitality, owning and managing pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. His first role at FGH was as a festival supervisor; he joined the management team in 2018 for regular events and became Operations Manager for the South of England in 2019.
Tom holds an LLB in Law, a BA in Criminology, and a Level 5 Crowd Management & Risk Analysis award. He is currently studying for his MBA.
John Bolton
Head of Finance
John joined FGH Security in summer 2018 through the Student Sponsorship scheme while studying BSc Accounting and Finance at Lancaster University. After graduating with first-class honours, he joined the Head Office team in July 2020, supporting the business through COVID.
He oversaw the transition to an in-house finance team and supported FGH’s growth, completing his CIMA and being promoted to Head of Finance in 2024. He now leads finance, reporting, and forecasting as the company plans for further expansion.
John is currently studying for his Executive MBA at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.