WRITTEN EVIDENCE
SUBMITTED BY
JEFFREY CARR
[OS 13]
I would like to take this opportunity to write to
you with respect to present Home Affairs committee consideration
of G4S's security contract at the Olympic Games.
I think that the actions taken by our MP's has put
considerable pressure on the ability of G4S to continue as a successful
leading International business. On the basis of a media generated
frenzy the good name and reputation of one of the UK's most successful
multinational companies has been put in jeopardy.
From my knowledge of the security contract for the
Olympics, G4S were awarded a contract to supply the services of
2,000 security personnel by LOCOG. Late last year LOCOG decided
to increase the quantity to 10,000 and asked G4S to fulfil that
demand. Like most suppliers wishing to meet the customers expectation
G4S responded positively. This increase in demand has proved to
be extremely challenging for the selected contractor.
I would contend that it would be almost impossible
for any industry supplier to gear up to supply 8,000 security
personnel in a period of eight months.
The Home Affairs Committee appears to have adopted
an extremely aggressive approach to G4S and does not appear to
have considered the major role that LOCOG has played in creating
the reported failure of delivery. The reputation of G4S as a professional
supplier has taken a massive beating in the GLOBAL market.
The behaviour of our elected representatives in this
situation is, in my opinion, reprehensible. They seem to be more
interested in playing to the public gallery rather than taking
a mature and considered view of the performance and outcome of
the security provision for the Olympic Games.
Without the involvement of the Home Affairs Committee
the media focus would have moved onto their next national disaster.
The net result of this action is a major negative
impact on one of our most successful multinational brands. The
consequence of your actions could be to initiate a terminal decline
in the success of a company that has over the last 20 years become
one of the world's leading suppliers of security services. This
role will be taken with alacrity by competitors from Sweden, Spain
and the US. The success of Great Britain in Global Business will
be directly affected by the behaviour of the very people who have
been elected to lead us in today's difficult times.
The sort of high profile action taken would never
be considered by the elected representatives of many other countries
such as France who are aware of their broader responsibilities
to France, the people and their businesses.
Our successful Multinational Companies deliver tax
revenues and massive trickle down revenue streams for providers
of services and products in the UK.
It is the responsibility of our leaders to consider
the broader consequences of their actions.
Having visited the Olympic Park there would be no
reason for the casual observer to question the security being
delivered. WHY OH WHY have our elected representatives taken it
upon themselves to prejudge our capabilities to deliver a successful
GLOBAL event.
Success at the London Olympics will position G4S
to successfully bid for other major international sporting events
such as the World Cup and RIO Olympics.
They will get enough pressure from other international
suppliers of security services without having their own country's
elected representatives queuing up to publicly chastise their
Chief Executive.
I hope that the Home Affairs Committee will take
a more considered view of the total situation and the success
of the Games delivery before adding further fuel to the fire that
is destroying one of this country's major companies.
I have taken the liberty of copying this mail to
my Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister who has shown a
major commitment to promoting British Industry and Commerce during
this Olympic event.
August 2012
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