Carlisle Support Services Appointed Security Partner as Olympia Enters a New Era

Carlisle Support Services has secured a landmark security partnership with Olympia, one of London’s most iconic destinations, as the historic estate undergoes a £1.3 billion transformation into a world-class destination for culture, entertainment, hospitality and business.

Following a competitive tender process, Carlisle has been appointed to deliver integrated estate security services across Olympia, marking 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 will deliver an intelligence-led, people-focused security operation designed to protect the estate, support its evolving operations and create a safe, welcoming experience for everyone who visits, works or operates within the destination.

Simon Pratt, Managing Director of Security and Events South at Carlisle Support Services, said:

“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.

“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.”

Alyson Hodkinson, Estate Director at Olympia, commented:

“As Olympia enters an exciting new era, having the right security partner is fundamental to delivering the experience we want for our visitors, businesses and 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. 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.”

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 10 million once fully established.

Delivering security within such a dynamic environment requires an operation that is both resilient and adaptable. With established event spaces operating alongside newly opening destinations and continuing development, Carlisle’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 protect a destination; it should actively enhance the experience of those who use it. Carlisle’s teams will provide a highly visible, professional and reassuring presence, balancing robust security standards with the customer service expected of a world-class venue.

Alex Collins, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Carlisle Support Services, added:

“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.

“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.”

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

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