Sven Rolfes and Sven Hansen have successfully managed their own companies for years and have built up impressive networks and expertise. But now they have decided to join forces – a merger that is a real game changer in event safety. “Our customers will benefit enormously from the increased efficiency and expanded range of services. By joining forces, we are able to respond to their needs even faster, more flexibly and more individually,” emphasizes Hansen.

How it all began: The path to cooperation

The path to this cooperation was by no means a sure-fire success. In fact, it was Sven Rolfes’ perseverance that laid the foundation. After we had “rocked” several projects successfully, such as Digital X, an answer to a problem crystallized for Sven Rolfes: “For me, it was always a big question as to how the company would continue and who could take it over one day. With Sven, I knew that I not only had a partner, but also the security of knowing that everything was in good hands and had a sustainable future.”

“I was very surprised when the phone rang one day and Sven put the idea to me – to be honest, at a really inappropriate moment for me,” Hansen recalls and continues: “I was in the middle of a transition.” But Sven Rolfes did not let up, and this perseverance paid off. It led to initial conversations and a growing understanding of each other.

The decision to work together was not only motivated by business considerations. Both Svens came to appreciate each other very much, based on successfully implemented projects together and intensive discussions that followed. “Sometimes we simply understand each other without words, and the trust I have in Sven is priceless,” says Rolfes. And Hansen adds: “I am looking forward to the future together and the many opportunities that lie ahead of us. It gives me a new perspective and a lot of energy.”

Their synergy was also evident at the Concorso d’Eleganza on Lake Como. Here, Hansen took over the implementation on site after Rolfes had done the preparatory work and proved that their collaboration works perfectly not only in the office but also on site. “It was impressive to see how well we worked together and the momentum we were able to develop,” says Hansen.

However, the biggest project to date is EURO 2024, in which both partners were heavily involved: After two years of intensive planning and preparation, 38vierzig took on the role of the management team responsible for event safety as well as health & safety coordination with 30 coordinators at all ten venues. “The EURO is the largest single order we have ever had at 38vierzig. We were responsible for safety in stadiums and numerous events surrounding the tournament,” explains Rolfes. Meanwhile, Hansen and his team from Event Safety Consult developed the concept in the area of coordinative occupational safety for the VIP areas on behalf of Hospitality Experience Service GmbH. “This project shows impressively how well we work together and what major tasks we can shoulder,” adds Hansen.

Real added value for customers

Customers on both sides benefit enormously from the pooling of their strengths. The combination of different approaches and skills opens up completely new possibilities. And Sven Rolfes makes one thing clear: “We don’t just want to be the company that people call for big productions. On the contrary, it is important to us to support our customers as a full-service partner. With a modular range of services that can be adapted in both breadth and depth to specific project requirements and budgets, we cover the entire spectrum of event safety support. Even if we don’t have to be on site in person for some projects or only a brief consultation is required, our system and our expertise help every event holder,” says Rolfes.

And Hansen adds: “Our customers now have access to a broader range of modular and adaptive services and continue to have a single point of contact who independently and autonomously coordinates the safety-relevant aspects in their interests. Behind this is a cross-functional team of experts. We are closer to the project, closer to our customers and therefore we all work more sustainably, more effectively, faster and even more efficiently.”

This power and flexibility goes hand in hand with the aspect of redundancy and reliability, which is guaranteed by our collaboration. “With a total team of over 100 specialists and permanent partners, in which key positions such as specialist planners with extensive expertise, a project-independent technical controlling department and a very strong project management team are staffed several times over, we offer a level of redundancy that no one else on the market can match,” emphasizes Rolfes. This means that a qualified team is always available, even in the event of staff shortages, and the new structures make it possible to react more quickly and manage several challenging productions at the same time.

The international strength and expertise of ESC and 38vierzig also represent a considerable advantage. “We are in top shape in the USA, North East Asia, Southern Europe and other markets. Our customers benefit from our extensive international experience,” adds Hansen.

Even before their official partnership, Sven Rolfes, Sven Hansen and their teams worked together as one well-coordinated team. Their successful collaboration on projects such as trade fair appearances at BAUMA 22, the Paris Motor Show, Digital X 23/24, the Concorso d’Eleganza on Lake Como, BMW Motorrad Days 24 and EURO 2024 shows how much they have already grown together.

And one thing holds true: the partnership is a logical continuation of a proven cooperation and the customers of both companies will benefit from the complementary skills, the expanded scope of services, redundant structures and the tried and tested team.

“The bundling of our strengths and mutual inspiration have taken us to a new level. This will also inspire our customers,” summarizes Rolfes. And Hansen adds: “We are now ready to make lasting changes to the industry by optimizing standards and impressing our customers with excellent service.”