Nick Aldworth, Director of Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Risk, Carlisle Support Services provides insight into the evolving security landscape following the implementation of Martyn’s Law.

Although there is still work to do in holding the Home Office to account for the delivery of Martyn’s Law, it no longer consumes my life in the way that it once did.

It will always be the one professional thing of which I’m most proud, but it’s time to move on.

Martyn’s Law left a huge hole in my life, and a lot of my purpose disappeared after Royal Assent.

That is until my boss, Paul Evans, said ‘why don’t you build me a consultancy inside Carlisle Support Services.

Never one to pass on a challenge, I got to work and today I’m delighted to tell the world that we are ready to go.

High-impact security services

We’ve built a specialist team composed of a select group of subject matter experts.

This approach marks a strategic evolution in Carlisle’s commitment to delivering bespoke, high-impact security services across a range of sectors.

This team of seasoned professionals has a collective expertise spanning law enforcement, counter-terrorism, risk management, and corporate security.

Their deep knowledge and hands-on experience empower Carlisle to expand its current service lines, with strategic insight and tailored solutions that address complex security challenges.

Bridging the gap between planning and execution

One of the most significant benefits of this new consultancy is its ability to bridge the gap between strategic planning and operational execution.

Clients often face evolving threats – from cyber vulnerabilities to physical breaches – that require, agile and experienced thinking.

Carlisle’s experts provide comprehensive risk assessments, threat modelling, and mitigation strategies that are both proactive and pragmatic.

This ensures that security measures are not only robust but also aligned with the client’s business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Aligned to credible and experienced systems’ providers, as well as our own experience in delivering human security solutions, we are able to provide operational outcomes alongside strategic recommendations.

Crafted solutions

Unlike traditional security services that rely on one-size-fits-all approaches, Carlisle’s consultancy is built around customisation.

Whether it’s an arena wanting to understand if they are getting value for money from their security provider, a building developer wanting to understand how their proposal will reduce crime and disorder or an entertainment venue wanting a search screening solution, the consultancy crafts solutions that reflect the unique risk profile and operational dynamics of each client.

This tailored approach enhances effectiveness and fosters long-term partnerships based on trust and performance.

Carlisle’s industry-beating 99% client retention rate speaks to our desire to not be the ‘report and walk away’ consultancy.

Integrating AI-powered screening systems

The consultancy also serves as a catalyst for innovation within Carlisle Support Services.

By embedding subject matter experts into the core of its operations, Carlisle is better positioned to pilot new technologies, refine training programs, and elevate service standards.

From integrating AI-powered screening systems to developing scenario-based preparedness simulations, the consultancy will drive continuous improvement that benefits both clients and frontline staff.

Empowering clients through education

Security is not just about response – it’s about awareness.

Carlisle’s consultancy places strong emphasis on client education, offering workshops, briefings, and strategic guidance that empower organisations to make informed decisions.

This proactive engagement helps clients build internal resilience, understand emerging threats and foster a culture of vigilance across their teams.

Delivering clarity and confidence

The versatility of the consultancy model means it can scale across industries – from healthcare and education to events and infrastructure.

Its compact size ensures agility, while its depth of expertise guarantees impact.

For clients navigating regulatory changes, reputational risks, or high-stakes environments, Carlisle’s consultancy offers a trusted partner capable of delivering clarity and confidence.

In a world where security threats are increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable, Carlisle Support Services’ new consultancy stands out as a beacon of strategic foresight and operational excellence.

By leveraging the power of expert insight within a nimble framework, Carlisle is not just responding to the future of security – it’s shaping it.

Meet the team

I wanted to work with the best people I could find and didn’t have to look much further than a list of people I’d met in the past. Alongside me, our key contributors are:

Steve Grainger: Events specialist, and former head of security at Wimbledon. Steve brings insight into what makes a safe and secure event.

Sarah Dever: An experienced and versatile counter-terrorism security advisor with significant experience in making the built environment secure from a range of threats.

Russ Phillips: Probably the most experienced and widely respected expert in hostile vehicle mitigation strategies and tactics. Russ’s extensive experience in this field keeps hundreds of thousands of people safe in the UK, every year.

Michael White: With decades of risk and contract assurance, Mike supports customers in ensuring they get value for money out of their security contracts.

Allan Gregory: A former Assistant Chief Constable in British Transport Police, Allan supports our rail customers by ensuring they have the best strategic security advice we are able to provide.

Ilker Dervish: Formerly the chair of the national CCTV User Group, Ilker’s lifetime of experience in the field of CCTV operations and governance, means that our clients can build security surveillance capabilities in the knowledge that they are effective and legally compliant.

Lewis Loveless: Lewis brings a critical eye to security systems and processes through penetration testing, exercising, and policy and procedure reviews. His unique ‘live-feed’ testing model can be integrated into critical incident simulations.

A snapshot of progress

We’ve already been trusted to deliver an impressive range of projects including:

• Security review of a major exhibitions’ venue
• Security review of two music arenas
• Provision of intelligence monitoring to a high-risk music festival
• Review of event delivery at major sporting venue
• Critical incident simulation at NHS trust
• Rapid security review of an industrial manufacturer attacked by pro-Palestinian protestors
• CCTV and control room review at UK arts centre
• ANPR installation at transport depot
• Environmental visual assessments for planning applications

But, there is so much more to do and so much to build for the future. Watch this space for what comes next.