Showforce has been granted a licence under the Supplier Recognition Scheme (SRS), which was launched following a deal between the Government, British Olympic Association and the International Olympic Committee. The first of its kind in Olympic history, the SRS formally recognises eligible suppliers for their roles in the successes of London 2012 and Showforce has been given the designation "supplier of event and technical crew (Ceremonies) to the London 2012 Games".
Throughout the course of the ceremonies, Showforce provided in excess of 530 crew members for various elements of production including build-up, breakdown and rehearsals as well as during the actual ceremonies. Members of the team set the 'Green and Pleasant Land' environment for the opening ceremony followed by the transition to the 'Industrial Revolution', which involved 12 tractor drivers collecting the sections of grass and wheat to stack and load onto trailers before being driven out of the stadium. This alone required rehearsals every weekend for three months.
In addition, the Showforce team uploaded and set some 6500+ props within the stadium; collected and removed costumes from site; removed grass and astroturf; contributed to the build of both the Paralympic rehearsal stage in Dagenham and the main stage with the Olympic stadium; drove the Pet Shop boys bikes and Morris Minor during the closing ceremony and were responsible for setting and striking Delboy and Rodney's Reliant Robin.
Ian Spendlove, chairman at Showforce said, "A total of 5,471 days were spent by Showforce on work for the Olympics; a truly monumental effort but one that undoubtedly proved to be a career highlight for many of the team. Being involved with such a landmark occasion, where the UK's events industry was showcased on the global stage, was extremely special and we take great pride in what was achieved.
"Underpinning this work with the official recognition under the SRS marks a milestone for Showforce and we are confident it will significantly raise our profile within the UK and internationally."
(Jim Evans)
