G4S, the world’s largest security firm has revealed a 7.5% rise in first quarter revenue growth. The company has cited a thriving resources sector across developing markets and a contract to protect punters at the Olympic Games in London as reasons for growth.

The figure was up from 4.5 per cent in its last quarter and in line with expectations. Shares in the firm – the world's second largest private employer behind Wal-Mart – rose 3 per cent to 275.2p. A representative from G4S said: "based on recent contract awards, outsourcing trends and the group's bid pipeline, the organic growth rate is expected to continue to improve during 2012."

The contract for the Olympic games will see G4S as the official security provider for the 2012 Games, supplying 10,000 personnel for the event in a contract worth £200m to the company and will earn G4S £150m of revenue in 2012.