6 things to look for in a great security company

Your business is packed full of valuable information and assets that must be kept fully protected at all times of the night and day.

A security breach is a major threat to that safety and could end up costing you a huge amount of money, not to mention putting your invaluable team of staff in danger.

Hiring a professional security company to handle all of your security needs is the best way to prevent this from happening. Your business means everything, however, and with such a huge responsibility on their shoulders how do you go about finding the perfect firm to take on the role.

Finding security in Manchester can be a daunting endeavour, but fer not, we have been working in the industry for many decades and have put together this useful article to help you do just that, detailing some of the most important things to look for in a security company.

Experience

The longer that a security firm has been operational for, the more likely it is that their services will be highly professional and fine tuned to meeting the security requirements of their customers.

Of course, time in the industry is not the only thing that makes a good security firm but if a company has managed to maintain a good reputation amongst their clients after many years they must be doing something right.

You don’t need to worry about older firms being stuck in their ways either, as all SIA licenced security staff after required to undergo regular updated training to retain their licences. This ensures that they are capable of working with and utilising the latest and most effective security technologies.

At the end of the day, taking a chance on a new untried firm might work out, but there is a good chance it won’t, and it simply isn’t worth taking a risk with something as important as your company’s security.

SIA licenced

Only those with an official SIA licenced are allowed to perform private security guarding duties in the UK.

This should be the very first thing that you look for when hiring a security company and the SIA licence register is the perfect place to start that search.

SIA licenced professionals are required to undergo extensive training and pass a variety of modules on subjects such as conflict resolution and first aid before being granted their licence.

As well as an SIA licence, make sure to check the insurance details of your chosen firm and if they do not cover all the services that you require, it is time to look elsewhere.

Additional training

The best security firms will provide their staff with additional training outside of the minimum requirement for SIA licencing.

This may include learning how to utilise the CCTV and alarm systems that the firm also provides in the most effective way.

Specialisms and diversity

Just because a security company is great for one business, does not mean that it is the right choice for you. As we mentioned above, every single business has different security needs, and every security company has different areas in which they excel.

Not all companies offer the same services so look for one with the broadest range possible. Consider the specific security services that your business needs and look for a company that provides them all.

Do you need guard dogs, for example, or maybe door supervisors? Finding out that a security company does not provide the services you need after agreeing terms or approaching them is a complete waste of time for all involved, so work out what you need first, and begin to shortlist options from there.

Choose a local security company

When choosing a security company you will have the option of choosing either a local firm or one that operates nationwide.

There are advantages to both choices but we recommend picking a firm that has a local office at least, even if they also work elsewhere.

A large security firm will have all the resources and expertise needed to protect you, but a local company will know all the specific security threats faced by businesses in your area.

You are looking for a balance of local knowledge and extensive resources a major security company with local offices across the UK offers the best of both worlds.

Cost

Which going cheap is never advisable when choosing a security firm, there may be some firms that are simply out of your budget and provide relatively little at an exorbitant price.

The higher the price does not always equal a better quality of service so reputation and expertise should always be the first port of call, rather than the cost of services.

Keep an eye out for any additional fees that security firms may charge as well, such as the cost of equipment and uniforms.