LeMieux
Key Stats
Unified video security + access control in a single platform
Smartphone-based entry via Bluetooth credentials
Centralised management from anywhere via web or mobile
Designed to scale across future warehouse expansion
Background
Founded in 2006, LeMieux has grown into a globally recognised brand for premium equestrian equipment and lifestyle products — combining technical innovation with style and professional-grade quality. Today, the business supports elite riders across eventing, show jumping, and dressage, alongside a fast-growing global customer base.
LeMieux operates a multi-channel distribution model, selling through its own e-commerce platform and a network of brick-and-mortar stockists. At the heart of that operation is the company’s headquarters in Hampshire, England — a dual-purpose site that houses both corporate offices and a high-volume distribution centre responsible for global fulfillment.
In 2022, Shaun Loughlin joined LeMieux as Director of Digital and Technology, overseeing the organisation’s technology ecosystem. After joining the executive team in 2024, Shaun’s remit expanded to include oversight of the company’s physical security strategy — at a time when operational scale and compliance requirements were rising quickly.
Challenges
As LeMieux’s footprint expanded, its legacy security infrastructure struggled to keep pace with the realities of a fast-moving logistics environment. The existing camera system provided basic visibility, but it lacked the intelligence and operational simplicity needed to support a high-volume distribution centre. At the same time, the site relied on a manual “lock and key” approach to access control — creating ongoing administrative work and introducing avoidable security risk whenever keys were lost, copied, or retained.
The urgency to modernise increased when LeMieux began pursuing Bonded Warehouse status — a strategic financial initiative that would allow the business to store goods manufactured in Europe and defer import duties until products were sold or re-exported. For a high-volume brand, this represented a meaningful cost-saving opportunity, but it also introduced clear requirements from customs authorities.
To support bonded operations, organisations must meet stringent security expectations — such as 24/7 video surveillance and digital access control with reliable oversight and auditability.
As Shaun put it: “The business had reached a level of scale that required a more sophisticated security system.” With that in mind, the team began evaluating modern platforms that could strengthen security, reduce operational friction, and align with how LeMieux already ran its broader technology stack.
Solutions
The catalyst for the transition came with the opening of LeMieux’s new corporate headquarters. Rather than transporting legacy hardware into a new facility, Shaun saw a rare “greenfield” opportunity: deploy a modern security foundation from day one — built for operational scale and compliance support.
By selecting Verkada’s cloud-managed platform, LeMieux unified video security and access control into a single, intuitive interface — giving teams centralised oversight across the warehouse, offices, and perimeter.
Video Security
LeMieux deployed a suite of internal and external cameras to support consistent coverage across key areas of the site, including the warehouse floor, entry points within corporate offices, and the external perimeter. This strengthened day-to-day visibility while also supporting the continuous monitoring requirements expected for bonded warehouse operations.
Access Control
LeMieux replaced physical locks with mobile access control, shifting away from manual key management. Employees now use smartphone-based credentials, including Bluetooth unlock functionality, to enter authorised areas — reducing the administrative burden of issuing, replacing, and managing physical keys or fobs.
Scheduled Access and After-Hours Security
To reduce reliance on manual lock-up procedures, the team configured schedules to secure the site automatically overnight — supporting consistent after-hours control while still enabling the right teams to operate when required.
Centralised Management, Anywhere
With the platform managed through a browser or mobile app, administrators can respond in real time — whether reviewing door activity, checking live video, or investigating an incident. This approach also matched LeMieux’s broader architectural direction.
For Shaun, the decision was about more than upgrading security hardware — it was about aligning with the business’s cloud-first model: “We’re a cloud-based business. We have almost no on-premise setup. Verkada’s cloud-based solution was a motivating factor for our switch.”
Partnership with Net-Ctrl
To support a smooth rollout, Verkada introduced LeMieux to its partner, Net-Ctrl, to help translate high-level security goals into a practical deployment plan for the Hampshire site.
Mark Power, Business Development Manager at Net-Ctrl, conducted on-site assessments and provided guidance on hardware selection to maximise security coverage. Net-Ctrl also managed the integration of Verkada access control with Assa Abloy wireless locks on critical doors across the facility.
With Net-Ctrl’s technical support, Shaun and his team were able to transition from legacy infrastructure to a fully operational, integrated Verkada system efficiently—without overburdening internal teams during a period of organisational growth.
The Benefits
Since deployment, Verkada’s integrated ecosystem has supported measurable operational improvements in day-to-day security management. For Shaun, the impact is clear:
“Verkada has helped us reduce workloads, improve security, and increase efficiency.”
Reduced administrative overhead and smoother day-to-day operations
Moving from physical keys to mobile access has eliminated much of the friction that comes with manual key management. Employees can enter using smartphone-based credentials, while administrators can manage access centrally — without the recurring burden of issuing replacements or worrying about lost or unreturned keys.
Faster, more reliable investigations
With video security and access control available in one place, LeMieux has improved how quickly teams can respond when something happens on site. Instead of piecing together information across disconnected systems, the security team can locate relevant footage, understand what occurred, and take action quickly — helping create a safer, more accountable environment across both the warehouse and office.
Scalable foundation for future growth
As LeMieux continues to expand, Verkada provides a plug-and-play model that can grow with the business. New cameras and access-controlled doors can be added without new servers or complex infrastructure changes, and the platform continues improving over time through automatic updates — supporting a long-term security strategy rather than a one-time refresh.
Looking Ahead
LeMieux expects its partnership with Verkada to scale alongside the business. With plans to open more high-capacity warehouses in the near future, Shaun intends to standardise on Verkada’s integrated platform as expansion continues.
The team is also exploring advanced capabilities to further streamline operations—such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to improve logistics workflows and visitor management. By recognising authorised vehicles and known guests, the team can increase visibility and receive earlier awareness of arrivals—supporting smoother site operations and stronger perimeter oversight.
For Shaun, the transition to Verkada delivered immediate stability—while also creating long-term flexibility: “Verkada delivered the exact functionality that was required at the time that we purchased it, but it also gives us scope to expand as the needs of the business grow, too.”