Carlisle Support Services appointed Security Partner at London’s Olympia

Following a competitive tender process, Carlisle Support Services has been appointed to deliver integrated estate security services across Olympia. The news marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth within London’s most prestigious and complex environments.

The partnership will see more than 120 security professionals deployed across the estate, including public realm security officers, Front of House teams, Control Room operatives and a dedicated on-site management structure.

Working as an extension of Olympia’s team, Carlisle Support Services’ dedicated personnel will deliver an intelligence-led and people-focused security operation specifically designed to protect the estate, support its evolving operations and create a safe and welcoming experience for everyone who visits, works in or operates at the destination.

Landmark achievement

Simon Pratt, managing director of security and events for London and the South at Carlisle Support Services, said: “Securing Olympia is a landmark achievement for Carlisle Support Services and a tremendous endorsement of our people, operational capability and experience in delivering security across complex and high-profile environments.”

Pratt continued: “Olympia is an extraordinary destination undergoing an equally extraordinary transformation. Our responsibility extends far beyond traditional security. We’re here to protect Olympia’s people and assets, support its operational ambitions and ensure that every visitor experiences a safe, welcoming and professionally managed environment. We are incredibly proud to be playing a part in Olympia’s next chapter of development.”

Alyson Hodkinson, estate director at Olympia, commented: “As Olympia enters an exciting new era, having the right security partner in place is absolutely fundamental to delivering the experience we want for our visitors, businesses and the wider community.”

Hodkinson explained: “We were looking for a partner that could demonstrate not only the operational expertise to manage a complex and evolving estate, but also a genuine understanding of customer experience and the importance of people. Carlisle Support Services impressed us with its experience, professionalism and commitment to delivering a security service that reflects Olympia’s ambitions.”

In conclusion, Hodkinson noted: “We look forward to building a strong partnership with Carlisle Support Services as we continue to establish Olympia as one of London’s leading cultural and entertainment destinations.”

Regeneration project

Olympia’s transformation represents one of the capital’s most significant regeneration projects, combining more than 140 years of heritage with an ambitious vision for the future. The redeveloped estate brings together world-class entertainment venues, premium hotels, a state-of-the-art office building, restaurants and 2.5 acres of public space, with annual footfall expected to reach approximately ten million once fully established.

Delivering security within such a dynamic environment requires an operation that’s both resilient and adaptable. With established event spaces operating alongside newly opening destinations and continuing development, Carlisle Support Service’s approach will combine strong operational governance, intelligence-led deployment and close collaboration with Olympia’s management team and wider operational partners.

Central to the partnership is the understanding that exceptional security should do more than merely protect a destination. It should also actively enhance the experience of those who use it. Carlisle Support Services’ teams will provide a highly visible, professional and reassuring presence, balancing robust security standards with the customer service expected of a world-class venue.

Iconic destination 

Alex Collins, director of strategic partnerships at Carlisle Support Services, informed Security Matters: “This is a hugely proud moment for Carlisle Support Services. Olympia is not simply another security contract. It’s an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the future of one of London’s most iconic destinations.”

Collins went on to state: “Our approach has always been about building genuine partnerships, understanding our clients’ ambitions and delivering services that go some way beyond traditional security guarding. Olympia represents everything we look for in a strategic partnership: ambition, complexity and a shared commitment to excellence.”

Collins concluded: “We are incredibly proud that Olympia has placed its trust in our people and we’re determined to deliver a security operation that matches the scale and ambition of this remarkable transformation.”

The appointment further strengthens Carlisle Support Services’ growing portfolio of prestigious London destinations, demonstrating its capability to deliver complex and large-scale security operations where public safety, customer experience and operational excellence must work seamlessly together.

As Olympia continues its transformation, Carlisle Support Services will play a key role in supporting a safe, welcoming and resilient environment, helping to ensure this internationally recognised landmark destination continues to thrive for generations to come.

*Further information is available online at www.carlislesupportservices.com and www.olympia.co.uk