Carlisle Support Services Wins Landmark Security Contract for Olympia

According to Security Journal UK, Carlisle Support Services has entered into a landmark security agreement with Olympia, among London’s most recognizable landmarks, while the historic property undergoes a £1.3 billion redevelopment to become a premier global hub for culture, entertainment, hospitality and business.

The appointment follows a competitive tender process and marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth within London’s most prestigious and complex environments. Over 120 security experts will be stationed across the site, covering public areas, frontline teams, control room staff, and a dedicated management team on site.

Winning the contract through a competitive tender process underscores Carlisle’s growing reputation in the capital, where the company has steadily built a portfolio of high-profile security operations across prestigious and complex environments. This deal matters because it signals Olympia’s commitment to security during its £1.3 billion transformation of a historic London estate. The security operation has to protect a £1.3 billion investment while ensuring the visitors, workers and businesses that pass through the venue experience it as safe and welcoming.

Intelligence-Led Operations Across a Complex Estate

As an integrated part of Olympia’s workforce, Carlisle will provide a security service grounded in intelligence and centered on people, aimed at safeguarding the property, assisting its changing operations and guaranteeing a secure, hospitable environment for all visitors, employees and businesses operating there.

The deployment spans multiple layers of security. Public area security officers will patrol outside spaces, frontline teams will oversee entry points and visitor movement, control room staff will monitor systems continuously, and a dedicated management team will oversee the entire operation. This layered approach reflects the complexity of securing a venue that remains open and active throughout its transformation.

Delivering security within such a dynamic environment requires an operation that is both resilient and adaptable. Given that existing event venues function side by side with newly launched sites and ongoing construction, Carlisle’s strategy will integrate robust operational oversight, intelligence-driven deployment and tight coordination with Olympia’s leadership and broader operational collaborators. The intelligence-led element means security decisions will be driven by data and threat assessment rather than static patrols alone, allowing resources to shift as the estate changes.

“Securing Olympia is a landmark achievement for Carlisle and a tremendous endorsement of our people, operational capability and experience in delivering security across complex, high-profile environments,” said Simon Pratt, Managing Director of Security and Events South at Carlisle Support Services. “Olympia is an extraordinary destination undergoing an equally extraordinary transformation. Our responsibility extends far beyond traditional security. We are here to protect its people and assets, support its operational ambitions and ensure every visitor experiences a safe, welcoming and professionally managed environment. We are incredibly proud to play a part in Olympia’s next chapter.”

Managing Director

Balancing Protection with Hospitality

At the heart of the collaboration lies the belief that outstanding security must go beyond mere protection of a venue; it ought to positively improve the experience for its users. Carlisle’s teams will offer a strong, professional, and reassuring security presence, meeting strict safety standards while delivering the service expected at top-tier venues.

Alyson Hodkinson, Estate Director at Olympia, commented that as the estate enters an exciting new era, having the right security partner is fundamental to delivering the experience wanted for visitors, businesses and the wider community. “We were looking for a partner that could demonstrate not only the operational expertise to manage a complex, evolving estate, but also a genuine understanding of customer experience and the importance of people,” she said. “Carlisle impressed us with its experience, professionalism and commitment to delivering a security service that reflects Olympia’s ambitions. We look forward to building a strong partnership with Carlisle as we continue to establish Olympia as one of London’s leading cultural and entertainment destinations.”

“This is a hugely proud moment for Carlisle. Olympia is not simply another security contract; it is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the future of one of London’s most iconic destinations,” said Alex Collins, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Carlisle Support Services. “Our approach has always been about building genuine partnerships, understanding our clients’ ambitions and delivering services that go beyond traditional guarding. Olympia represents everything we look for in a strategic partnership: ambition, complexity and a shared commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud that Olympia has placed its trust in our people, and we are determined to deliver a security operation that matches the scale and ambition of this remarkable transformation.”

A Test for London’s Premier Destinations

This appointment bolsters Carlisle’s expanding collection of high-profile London locations, highlighting its ability to manage intricate, large-scale security projects in which public safety, guest satisfaction and operational quality must function in perfect harmony. The scale of the deployment—more than 120 professionals—reflects the challenge of securing a destination that combines historic architecture with modern entertainment and business facilities, all while remaining open and accessible to the public throughout the transformation.

As Olympia undergoes changes, Carlisle will help maintain a safe, welcoming, and resilient environment, ensuring this globally recognized venue remains successful for future generations. The £1.3 billion investment signals that Olympia is positioning itself as a leading cultural and entertainment destination, and the security infrastructure now in place will be central to that ambition as new venues open and the estate evolves.

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