Security services in London typically range between £16 and £25 per hour, depending on whether services are aligned with London Living Wage or National Minimum Wage structures, as well as the type of service, risk level, location within London, and contract length.
For businesses requiring 24/7 on-site security, monthly spend often falls between £26,000 and £28,000, based on continuous coverage and shift structure.
Final quotation is tailored following a site assessment and service requirements.
Businesses researching security guard charges in London often compare hourly rates, monthly estimates, and sector-specific contract terms before making a decision.
Security guard fee structure in London varies depending on sector, risk level, and contract structure. The ranges below reflect typical London market estimates for SIA-licensed security personnel.
London security rates are generally higher than the UK national average due to operating expenses, demand levels, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Service Type | Typical Hourly Range | Suitable For |
Corporate Security | £18–£25 | Offices, reception areas, commercial buildings |
Construction Site Security | £17–£20 | Active sites, high-risk environments |
Retail Security | £17–£20 | Loss prevention, store protection |
Event Security | £17–£20 | Short-term events, crowd management |
Mobile Security Patrols | £16–£20 | Scheduled site inspections |
Final fee structure depends on shift patterns, number of guards required, and the complexity of the assignment.
For full-time, continuous coverage by one guard position operating 24/7, Businesses should expect estimated monthly budget between:
£26,000 – £28,000 per month
This reflects statutory wage requirements and full operational coverage rather than a basic hourly multiplication.
A corporate office requiring reception-based 24/7 protection typically falls within the same £26,000 – £28,000 monthly range, depending on:
Higher presentation standards and compliance expectations may influence final quotation.
Construction sites often require higher vigilance, out-of-hours monitoring, and additional reporting responsibilities.
For 24/7 construction security, businesses should anticipate:
£26,000 – £28,000 per month
where site risk, equipment value, and location increase operational requirements.
These figures are indicative market ranges only. Final pricing should always be confirmed following a site assessment and service review.
Corporate security in London typically falls within the £18–£25 per hour range for standard SIA-licensed officers, depending on site requirements and shift patterns.
Corporate security remains one of the most common requirements for commercial premises.
Corporate environments often require a higher level of presentation, access control management, visitor screening, and incident reporting. These responsibilities influence overall fee structure compared to basic site guarding.
Long-term corporate contracts usually allow more stable commercial terms than short-term deployments.
Intraguard supports commercial and corporate sites across London with SIA-licensed security cover structured around site risk, hours, and operational requirements.
Security pricing is rarely fixed. Several operational and regulatory factors determine final spending.
Key Factors Include:
Each site is assessed individually to determine appropriate coverage levels.
When budgeting for security services, it is important to account for potential additional charges beyond base hourly rates.
These may include:
Clear fee structures and transparent communication help businesses avoid unexpected costs.
Security pricing varies depending on the type of premises being protected. Below is a general overview of how charges may differ across sectors.
Corporate Offices
Typically £18–£25 per hourSuitable for reception security, access control management, and front-of-house coverage.
Construction Sites
Typically £17–£20 per hourHigher-risk environments often require enhanced monitoring and night coverage.
Retail Premises
Typically £17–£20 per hourLoss prevention and customer-facing security roles.
Logistics & Warehousing
Typically £18–£25 per hourInventory protection and perimeter monitoring.
Vacant Properties
Typically £16–£18 per hour for scheduled patrol visits; keyholding and alarm response charged separately.
All pricing reflects general market ranges and is confirmed following a site-specific assessment.
Most SIA-licensed security guards in London fall within the £16–£25 per hour range, depending on the sector, risk level, and contract structure.
For continuous single-guard coverage, businesses can expect an estimated monthly budget between £26,000 and £28,000, depending on shift patterns and service requirements.
Corporate security may require higher presentation standards, reception duties, and access management, which can influence hourly rates compared to basic site guarding.
In most cases, VAT applies to security services. Businesses should confirm the final quotation during the quotation stage.
Longer-term agreements often provide more stable contract terms and operational planning compared to short-term deployments.
Yes. Night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays typically attract uplift rates. Your quotation will clearly outline any applicable premium hours — there are no hidden charges.
London rates are generally higher than the UK national average — driven by higher operating costs, demand levels, and the London Living Wage structure. For exact comparisons, request a location-specific quote.
Yes. Most security contracts are structured as fixed monthly arrangements rather than ad-hoc hourly billing — giving you predictable costs and consistent service levels.
Guard count is determined by your site size, access points, shift pattern, and risk level. Intraguard assesses every site individually and recommends the minimum effective staffing — so you are not paying for cover you do not need.
The most cost-effective approach is a fixed-term contract rather than short-notice or one-off cover. Planned contracts allow better resource scheduling and typically attract more favourable rates than emergency deployments.
Security service costs in London depend on your site’s size, risk level, sector, and coverage requirements. While market ranges provide guidance, accurate pricing is always based on a professional site assessment.
If your business requires transparent, SIA-licensed security services in London, Intraguard can provide a tailored quotation aligned to your operational needs.
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