Carlisle Support Services and CT Protect enhance security at ExCeL London

Aimed at enhancing overall preparedness for evolving risks, the training has been customised to meet the specific needs of ExCeL London’s security personnel, thereby improving their capability to swiftly assess and address vulnerabilities that may arise.

When incorporated with other security measures, behavioural detection can be a powerful tool, offering a systematic approach towards identifying and deterring individuals with hostile intentions.

One of the key highlights of the training programme is its strong emphasis on observation skills, situational awareness and effective interaction. The practical nature of the training has enabled staff members to practice real-life scenarios in order to further develop those skills by adopting the latest strategies used by law enforcement and counter-terrorism units.

Further, the programme emphasises the importance of collaboration and co-ordination among security personnel, event organisers and partners. Effective communication and co-ordination are critical for swift and efficient responses to security incidents. The training has fostered a sense of teamwork and unity among the security staff, in turn promoting a cohesive approach to safeguarding the event space and its attendees.

New industry standard 

ExCeL London aims to set a new industry standard with the successful implementation of this comprehensive security training programme. By investing in the professional development of security team members, the management team at the venue has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safety and security.

Such a demonstrably proactive approach not only enhances the overall security posture of the venue, but also reinforces its reputation as a safe and reliable location for world-leading events.

Henry Havis, head of security strategy and resilience at ExCeL London, commented: “The safety and security of everyone who visits our venue remains of the utmost importance. With circa four million visitors every year attending a wide variety of business and consumer-led events, as well as the new entertainment district, it’s vital that our team members are trained to the highest possible standards and can proactively address any potential issues.”

Havis added: “The support and training offered by Carlisle Support Services and CT Protect is crucial to this and underpins how we maintain a safe and secure environment at all times.”

Carlisle Support Services’ CEO Paul Evans stated: “As the venue’s security partner and having removed the use of subcontractors across our core operations, we’re extremely pleased to deliver bespoke training for ExCeL London’s team and reputable training partners in order to enhance staff capabilities and raise industry standards.”

Danielle Grant, director of organisational learning at CT Protect, affirmed: “We are delighted to work with the team at ExCeL London and Carlisle Support Services. Collaboration has been key to ensuring that the behaviour detection training is customised to ExCeL’s unique environment as one of the leading event spaces in the UK. Investing in Continuing Professional Development for security teams is essential to ensure that we have safer spaces and places across the UK. Certainly, ExCeL London has raised the bar in terms of standards when it comes to the security presence and operation at the venue.”

The successful completion of this programme marks a significant milestone in enhancing safety and security within the industry. ExCeL London’s proactive approach sets an admirable example for others to prioritise security training and uphold the highest standards of safety in an ever-changing threat landscape.

Expansion programme

Part of the ADNEC Group, ExCeL London first opened in November 2000 in an area of huge regeneration in London’s historic Royal Docks. More than 20 years later, it has become one of the UK’s largest and most successful event venues, hosting some 400 shows every year.

Events hosted at ExCeL generate around £4.5 billion in economic impact for London and support approximately 37,500 jobs throughout the events industry.

ExCeL has been privy to significant investment by the ADNEC Group in its facilities and is currently involved in a 25,000 m² expansion programme.