Planning an event in London, from a high-profile corporate conference to a major music festival, comes with a unique set of security challenges. In a city of millions, ensuring the safety of your guests, assets, and venue requires more than just a few security guards—it demands a strategic, professional, and often technology-driven approach.
Choosing the right event security company in London is the single most critical decision you’ll make for your operational success. The best firms offer not just licensed personnel, but comprehensive risk assessments, crowd management expertise, and seamless integration with venue staff.
To help you navigate the highly competitive London market, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 event security companies known for their professionalism, cutting-edge technology, and proven track record in the capital.
Key Considerations When Choosing Event Security
Before diving into the list, keep these critical factors in mind, as they form the criteria for a top-tier security partner:
- Licence Approval : All staff must be fully licensed and vetted. This is the minimum standard.
- Crowd Management Expertise: Proven ability to manage large crowds, control flow, and prevent overcrowding.
- Customised Planning: They should conduct a comprehensive risk assessment specific to your venue and event type.
- Technology Integration: Use of modern tools like real-time incident reporting, advanced CCTV monitoring, and access control systems.
- Reputation and Client Portfolio: A history of successfully securing similar, high-profile London events.
The Top 10 Event Security Companies in London
Here is our curated list of the security firms that consistently set the benchmark for event safety in London:
1. Security Guards London Limited
Security Guards London Limited is a leading provider of professional security personnel across the business, residential, and event sectors in the capital. They offer tailored solutions including static guarding, close protection, mobile patrols, and event security, backed by a 24/7 support line. The firm is known for its highly trained, customer-focused staff and rapid deployment capabilities for both long-term and short-notice security needs.
- Event Focus: Corporate conferences, high-value asset protection, technology-integrated security.
- Strength: Integration of smart technology, nationwide coverage, and risk intelligence.
2. G4S / Allied Universal
As one of the world’s largest security providers, G4S (now part of Allied Universal) handles large-scale, complex security needs. In London, their resources are unparalleled, providing everything from manned guarding for critical infrastructure to secure events.
- Event Focus: Major entertainment venues, large-scale sporting events, critical sites.
Strength: Depth of resources, global expertise, and rapid mobilisation of specialist teams.
FGH Security is widely celebrated in the UK’s entertainment and events sector, having earned multiple industry awards. They have a massive presence in festivals, concerts, and stadium events, making them crowd management specialists.
- Event Focus: Festivals, concerts, public gatherings, and stadiums.
- Strength: Leading experts in crowd management and control, highly awarded firm.
Securitas offers a highly customised security service based on their “six protective services” model. Their London operation focuses on combining on-site guarding, mobile patrols, and remote video monitoring, often managed from their central command centre.
- Event Focus: Transport hubs, corporate, and logistics-heavy events requiring integrated services.
- Strength: Technology-led protective services and a global operating standard.
Known for securing complex environments, Wilson James is a specialist in aviation, logistics, and infrastructure, but their expertise translates perfectly to large, challenging event sites. They use data-driven platforms to optimise guard deployment.
- Event Focus: Large venues, infrastructure projects, and corporate events requiring audit-driven compliance.
- Strength: Specialised in complex environments, data-driven security planning.
With a legacy dating back to 1859, Corps Security is a trusted firm known for its veteran-led personnel and high standards. They operate as a certified Social Enterprise, combining military-grade discipline with exceptional customer service.
- Event Focus: High-security roles, corporate receptions, and events where customer-facing professionalism is key.
- Strength: Military-grade professionalism, social enterprise values, and high-level customer service.
Nexo represents the modern, tech-driven approach, blending SIA-licensed manpower with advanced surveillance and analytics. They provide comprehensive planning for various event types, from concerts to private parties.
- Event Focus: Private parties, corporate events, retail environments.
- Strength: Integrated guarding with smart technology, real-time incident reporting, and modern approach.
SmartSec excels in providing premium, high-end corporate and concierge security. Their unique selling point is their image, with officers receiving customer-experience training and operating in tailored uniforms—ideal for luxury and corporate events.
- Event Focus: Premium corporate events, luxury brand launches, high-end venues.
- Strength: High service presentation, concierge-level customer focus, and discreet operation.
A well-regarded, London-based security company with a focus on delivering high-end security services. They have a proven track record with prestigious luxury brands, indicating a high level of discretion and professionalism.
- Event Focus: Luxury events, VIP dinners, award ceremonies, and bespoke private gatherings.
- Strength: Bespoke solutions, extensive experience with luxury clients, and highly trained staff.
Positioning themselves as one of London’s leading event security service providers, Kingfisher SEC is known for delivering bespoke solutions for all event sizes, from small gatherings to large festivals, with a focus on being responsive and competitively priced.
- Event Focus: Festivals, exhibitions, and diverse events requiring flexible, high-quality service.
- Strength: Competitive pricing model, SIA-approved guards with constant training, and high responsiveness.
The Cost of Safety: Understanding Event Security Pricing
While a definitive price is only possible through a quote specific to your event, here is a general breakdown of London security guard costs:
| Service Type | Estimated Hourly Rate (Per Guard) | Notes |
| Standard Event Security | £20 – £30 | Includes crowd control, access checks. Varies by event size. |
| High-Risk / Specialist | £35 – £50+ | Includes close protection, armed services, or specialist equipment (e.g., K9 units). |
| Corporate/Concierge | £25 – £40 | Highly presentable, customer service trained staff for front-of-house roles. |
Key takeaway on pricing: Do not compromise on quality for a cheaper rate. In London, a lower price often means less experienced staff and fewer integrated resources, significantly increasing your event’s risk profile.
London’s dynamic event scene requires a security partner that is as adaptable, professional, and sophisticated as the city itself. The companies listed above offer a range of specialisations, from managing tens of thousands at a festival to discreetly protecting high-profile figures at a private gala.
Your choice should align with your event’s size, risk level, and required aesthetic. Always start with a detailed consultation and a mandatory, event-specific risk assessment. By partnering with a leading London firm, you secure not just your event, but your peace of mind.