Olive Group UK Ltd Reviews 91

I attended the ECFR 3/ FREC 3 Nov course and I could not fault it.
I've been on several first aid courses and more trauma based from BCD to Team Med. Some have felt like death by PowerPoint and others have felt like a tick box exercise with that feeling of read the book, answer the questions, here's your certificate and now go be a jedi knight.

The pace was spot on. The instructors Rob and Paul with their teaching methods and expanding on topics with their personal experiences keeps the course fresh and engaging, aswell as plenty of brew breaks to digest all the information given and be ready for the next task.

From the start it was made clear by the instructors that their doors were always open, even after the day had ended they were more than happy to sit down with us until late into the night and share their wealth of knowledge and help guide towards the next steps in our future careers. That invitation remains even after you walk out of those doors.

I walked in with an empty A4 notebook, well over half was filled with notes when I left.

I'll be going back for future courses and I would recommend anyone looking for a training provider to pursue CP or Med to train here. They're a good bunch of blokes and they want to see you succeed and excel, you cant really ask for much more than that.

My CP course with Olive Group was the hardest thing I've ever done. That's why I left feeling so immensely proud of myself, and fundamentally changed as a person

I first did my 5-day ECFR3 course in order to qualify for the CP course. Rob McCutcheon is an incredible instructor: patient, funny, and brimming with real-world anecdotes from his own illustrious career that bring the theory to life

Then when it came to the CP course, I can truly, honestly, hand-on-heart say I've never experienced anything like it. Paul is a phenomenal, intuitive, instinctive instructor, who works from day dot to get the best out of you in ways you don't even realise until weeks later

Everything about the course is next-level intensive, demanding the stamina, fortitude and self-confidence required of a CPO in the real world. This course will bring to light whether you have what it takes—this is absolutely not a guaranteed qualification just because you've paid for it

As I said to Paul in my debrief, well into adulthood at 31 I thought I was probably past having 'character-forming' experiences. This course proved me wrong. Over those 18 days (not to mention the preceding 5 for my ECFR3) I discovered what I was made of; I proved to myself that I was indeed who I'd *hoped* I was going into the course. And for that I can't thank Paul enough, as well as for this invaluable springboard into a new career whose direction right now lies unknown to me. I'm incredibly excited for my prospects, especially given that I've qualified with such a prestigious, credentialed company

Thank you Rob, and thank you especially to Paul for teaching me things about myself I didn't even know I had within me. See you on the circuit!

This was my first experience of close protection and the knowledge and understanding I have after this course is incredible.

This course can be intensive at times but the final exercise was challenging but realistic that evolved due to our performance and decision making which was great for learning and gaining confidence in our newly taught abilities.

I would like to give a specific mention about paul our instructor. He was full of help and guidance and using his valible knowledge and experience made the course. He was always there to aid and guide even if it was early hours of the morning.

I feel like if your looking to start a career in Close protection then do this course.

After completing the Close Protection Course with Olive Group UK / Constellis I can say that it has exceeded every expectation. The training was delivered by highly experienced staff who brought real-world knowledge and kept the entire course focused, professional, and practical.

The teaching pace was spot-on, the scenarios were as realistic as possible, and standards were at the highest standard throughout with constant motivation to be better.

What really stood out for me was the instructors' patience and ability to take his time no matter what time of day, to clearly explain and demonstrate any theory or practical work we have already covered. The teaching, support, guidance and mentorship were exceptional from start to finish.

I've left the course confident, feeling like I have a strong foundation prepared for the industry. Certainly a 5 star for this course, with the reputation of Olive group / Constellis behind the provider and the staff quality you couldn't ask for a stronger start.

Highly recommend for anyone serious about getting into the industry.

One of the best courses I have completed if not the best course enjoyed every day and loved the challenges faced on this course and how real the challenges were made I would highly recommend this course

From start to finish, my experience with Olive Group UK and Constellis has been nothing short of outstanding. In an industry where professionalism, reliability, and integrity truly matter.

What impressed me most:

Unmatched Professional Standards
Every interaction demonstrated a deep commitment to quality and precision. Their staff are knowledgeable, well-trained, and consistently go the extra mile. It’s clear both companies invest heavily in excellence.

Clear Communication & Genuine Care.
Communication was always transparent and supportive. They don’t just provide a service, they build trust.

World-Class Training & Expertise
Olive Group UK’s training programs are exceptional: well-structured, engaging, and delivered by Paul Furlong, who truly knows his stuff. Constellis’ global expertise complements this perfectly, creating a sense of confidence from the skills taught on the course.

Dependability You Can Count On
Every promise was delivered. Every expectation met, and often exceeded. In a field where consistency is everything, Olive Group UK and Constellis stand out as genuine leaders.

A Company Culture That Inspires Confidence
Both organisations demonstrate professionalism from top to bottom. You can feel their commitment to safety, ethical operations, and continuous improvement in everything they do.

If you’re looking for a company you can trust, whether for training, security, or operational support, look no further. Olive Group UK and Constellis are the gold standard. Their dedication, expertise, and integrity make them a clear choice for anyone seeking excellence.

Highly recommended — worthy of more than five stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

By far the most intensive course I have ever done. The days were long, and there was a lot to get through, especially as 'home learning'. I had no idea what to expect when I enrolled, but I didn't expect the amount of knowledge and detail to be in it that there was. My main takeaways are that Paul is extremely knowledgeable in CP, and his enthusiasm shows massively. The days are long, but it is delivered in a modular way which let's you see how it all comes together in stages.

I was part of a small group, which helped as we all got on and helped each other well through the course. Paul couldn't help anymore than he did though. Happy to to things through, even late at night or the early hours of the morning. Can't fault his overall dedication to the learners.

I've looked at other courses in the past and they haven't come close to the content that this course. Can't recommend Paul and Olive Group highly enough. They set the bar high and make it difficult for other courses to compete. It also helps hugely that Paul, and Steve, have a lot of operational exposure. With Olive being an operational CP company, that helps everything to be up to date with legislation and current best practice on the course.

Good mixture of theory and practical, and the level of realism is of the scale

If you are thinking of booking a close protection course, then look no further.

The 1st 8 days is based on Door Supervision, you get a lot taught on these days from physical intervention, the law on use of force as well as a few online exams which need to be completed and passed for you to go forward on the course. I won't delve too much onto the DS side. Because the review is based on the CP course and what a course.

From day 1, you are hammered with a lot of information, but all relevant information becomes more apparent further on in the course. It seems a lot of class room work but when you break it down it's not that much, there is a lot of practicals to do and a lot of assessments, something which Paul holds no apologies for, it's part of the course and all must be completed and past.

When you do practicals, everything is done in real live time, IE in busy city centres, the drive there and back is all tactical (don't worry, you are covered).

From day 9-14, you're taught everything you need to know about the life of a CPO. No stone is left unturned. From there, you are on your 4 day final ex. This is where you get to plan your own CP mission (as a team) and get to put all your taught into action. It's a very, very good part of the course and fully immersive. You do get a massive sense of achievement once you've completed this phase of the course.

They be prepared too -
long days/nights sleep deprivation, which again the DS do NOT apologise for, if you think your working hard work harder. You are assessed from the day Paul meets you. Trust me, he holds no punches.

Paul the the training director and DS (directive staff) I've known Paul since our military days, but that held no bias at all, if anything it put me under more pressure, because I know how high is standards are. We got to meet Steve later on in the course again a gleaming bloke and between them share real life experiences and have a lot of years of experience between them in the CP world from Hostile to UK work.

Me personally I went on this course with some basic knowledge on IT, but what I encountered was alien too me, but I was with a great team in Stephen and Rob, who helped me a lot on Power point, Google maps and other platforms. If you don't know who the little yellow man is on Google Maps, GET TO KNOW HIM AND FAST. I'll let Paul tell the story on his next course, I have no doubt he will.

Paul the the training director and DS (directive staff) I've known since our military days, but that held no bias at all, if anything it put me under more pressure, because I know how high is standards are.

All in all the course is a fantastic course and a real sence of achievement once you pass it, but be warned if you don't put the graft in and work as a team player you won't pass.

Lastly, enjoy it, have a laugh, and don't forget your assessed from day 1.

Cheers to Paul and Steve (DS) for a great 18 days, and to my course mates Rob and Stephen for a lot of laughs and memories

Little yellow man OUT

I’ve just completed the Level 3 Highfield Close Protection course with Olive Group, and I can honestly say it was one of the most realistic and professionally delivered training experiences I’ve ever had.

Our instructor, Paul, brought an incredible level of real-world experience and authenticity to every part of the course. His background and first-hand knowledge of high-threat environments really shone through — from the practical exercises to the tactical decision-making scenarios, everything was grounded in realism.

Paul didn’t just teach from a textbook — he shared insights from actual operational experience, which made the training far more engaging and relevant. His ability to break down complex situations and explain how they play out in real life gave us a much deeper understanding of what it truly means to work in close protection.

The course itself was intense, well-structured, and highly practical, with a perfect balance of classroom learning and field application. Every day felt like stepping into a real-world task — from convoy drills and threat assessments to live security operations.

If you’re serious about a career in the security industry and want training that prepares you for the realities of the job, Olive Group — and especially Paul — are absolutely top-tier. I’d highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to take their professional standards to the next level.

I have never experienced anything like this before.
The course is intense and so full of information, but is structured in a way that will allow you the student to rest, absorb and understand before you move to the next section/module. Personally I struggle with the IT ( PowerPoints/ animation etc) so I would seriously recommend refreshing or up skilling your computer skills prior to the course. There are some long days and nights intentionally to replicate the reality of the job. And everything on the course IS there for a reason. Paul doesn’t mince his words and delivers a concise mind blowing amount of knowledge from personal experience and following the criteria required to not just pass but to excel. The course pushed me, and to complete it with a very good result has left me with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Paul has remained in touch and has continued to support long after completion.
I have and will continue to recommend Olive training.
On a personal note;
a massive thank you to everyone at Olive training and the Tunnel for a life changing experience.
AAA++++

A big thank you to Paul F (and Steve) for a very well-delivered course.
Paul's real-world experience, patience and professionalism made the training very informative and enjoyable.
I would highly recommend Olive Group's training courses to individuals new to the Close Protection industry (and also to those renewing their CP and Medic qualifications).

I recently completed the Close Protection course with instructors Paul and Steve, and I can honestly say it was one of the most professional, engaging, and rewarding training experiences I’ve ever had.

From day one, Paul set the tone with his professionalism, expertise and genuine passion for the industry. His wealth of real-world operational experience shone through in every lesson, blending theory with practical scenarios that truly brought the subject to life. Paul didn’t just teach us how to perform the role of a CPO, he instilled the mindset, discipline, and confidence required to excel in the industry.

The course was immersive, intense and both physically and mentally challenging, but always delivered in a way that pushed us to bring out our best. Paul and Steve created an environment where no question was too small, and where every student felt supported and encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. Their attention to detail and ability to tailor feedback to each individual was second to none.

What stood out most was their ability to balance professionalism with approachability. They demanded high standards, but they also inspired us to meet those standards by leading from the front. Every exercise, from threat assessments to live drills, was conducted with precision, realism, and purpose.

I left the course not only with a recognised qualification but with practical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to work in the CP industry. Paul and Steve are phenomenal instructors, and I would recommend Olive Group to anyone looking for providers.

Thank you Paul & Steve.

Max Vierling

Great course we'll delivered by Rob. Thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience.

If you’re looking to do your CP course, this is the provider you should do it with.

My brother and I have been DS for 6 years and CP was the natural progression. We spent a long time researching providers and all reviews and conversations with other CPO’s pointed to Olive Group being the best option.

This is not a simple course. Paul and Steve push you hard, the hours are very long and it’s incredibly mentally challenging. The pay off however, is huge. The amount of invaluable information, guidance provided and real world scenarios they allow you to experience cannot be understated. Furthermore, the reputation of Olive Group within the industry is unbeatable, increasing the chance of getting work.

The equipment, course content, and the calibre of the instructors is all of the highest quality. I am genuinely proud to hold an Olive Group CP qualification.

On a personal level, I’d like to thank both Paul and Steve for being fantastic mentors, showing constant and unlimited support, including staying up to the early hours of the morning to assist all on the course and answering phone calls at midnight when I had a question.

I have no hesitation at all in recommending this course with this provider and will suggest Paul at Olive Group as a first port of call for anyone looking to do their CP or their HECPO.

Thank you again and I looking forward to popping in to see you Paul in the future.

Scott Vierling

I recently did my CP course, First Responders and HECPO with Olive group. I really enjoyed the courses as they rolled into one course putting everything I have learned into practice with final ex been as real life as physically/mentally possible. The instructors where great Rob,Paul and Steve there knowledge goes far beyond what is expected with a 36 years combined experience in cp and 15+ in medical field. I honestly cannot big this course and the guys up in words that I actually came down to help out with the final ex just for extra CPD. Worth the money and time as I walked away with the qualifications and more importantly the knowledge to set me up in the CP World.

The CP Top Up course was run really well. Paul has a wealth of knowledge and makes the course enjoyable, whilst ensuring you learn everything that is required for both the assessments and to take forward with you in the realms of CP. I would highly recommend both Paul and Olive Group for training courses in the future.

I attended last weeks L2 Close protection top up course with Olive group, some people say you can’t teach an old dog New Tricks , well they are wrong , I really enjoyed this course , made easier by the way it was instructed , really did learn a few new tricks, overall a well instructed course , I would recommend anyone seeking a course to give Olive Group a go. 👍

This course is ran to a highly professional level with Paul and Steve making the experience not only realistic but a great place to learn and develop. Having served in the military for 23 years the course was demanding and a pleasure to be part of.

Conducting the Close Protection Officers course with olive group was a great learning experience and it was a honour to be part of a great course with highly talented instructors with years of experience in the CP world and on operations.

Thank you Paul for a great course and for the support shown on the course to all the students. Highly recommend in all respects.

I've used these guys for a CP Top-up course and the Level 3 ECFR course this year. Robs real world experience combined with his relaxed teaching style during the ECFR course made for a very enjoyable and informative week. On the CP Top up course, Pauls approachable nature, obvious passion for subject and his depth of knowledge meant that there were plenty of opportunities to learn. The atmosphere of both courses was friendly whilst maintaining professionalism, just how I like it. If I could give 6 stars, I would.

The training which you get from Olive for all the courses will be as close to real life situations as you could get all tutors Paul, Steve and Rob will go out of their way to help you. They make the training equal to everybody. It's mentally challenging but they will guide and help you all the way through staying up till early hours for guidance. I'd advise anyone to do their training here as this was although one of the hardest things I've ever done but the most rewarding and enjoyable. Paul, Steve and Rob absolute legends.