Currently, physical security has never been more of a requirement to a business or commercial premise. Hiring a security firm still gives you that peace of mind and is a great solution… but what should you look for in a UK security company? Intraguard explains….
From 2018/19 there were 606,282 crimes against businesses in England and Wales. This data covers various crimes, such as shoplifting, burglary, robbery and theft, against companies of all sizes. We recognise that statistics like these can be incredibly concerning, especially with the numbers on the rise, however, there are ways to minimise risks and perhaps the most effective approach is finding the right team of security guards.
It’s not only a guard’s ability to deter thieves and vandals that benefit businesses, they also deliver a quick response time to incidents and encourage a safe working environment, giving your employees total peace of mind. So how do you go about finding the right security company?
“License and insurance, please!”
It’s essential to choose a security company with experience, fully trained guards and proven solutions. Therefore, we recommend you check each security firm’s website to see whether they are SIA Licensed. An SIA (Security Industry Authority) license ensures that any individual accepting a security role has undertaken the necessary training to execute their duties properly — and is well-equipped to work in a security environment. It’s also essential that they have adequate insurance in place, so don’t be afraid to ask for proof of this. A professional security company with nothing to hide will be more than happy to send you a copy.
Are they experienced in your industry?
Having relevant security experience and knowledge is critical; however, it can also be highly beneficial to choose a company with intimate knowledge of your sector. For example, here at Intraguard, we specialise in a multitude of industries, including:
• Retail Security
• Construction Security
• Industrial Security
• Corporate Security
• Energy Natural Resources Security
• Property Management
• Logistics & Distribution
Reputation is key
Like many industries, there are some very hardworking, talented and highly regarded companies, yet there are also those capable of providing poor service that doesn’t match up to your expectations. Take the time to do some homework and read through their reviews — and not just the positive ones. You can check many of the leading review websites, such as Google and Trustpilot, as well as their Facebook page. This may not give you a 100% accurate reflection of a company, especially if they do not have many reviews or much of an online presence; however, you will at least gain some insight into who they are, the work they deliver and the standard of their work.
What checks do they do?
A top-quality security firm will ensure every member of their team is stringently vetted and fully trained. When you choose a security company, you’re putting your faith into one or a few highly trained professionals, so it’s vital to ensure they have the required qualifications. You may also want to meet any guards before accepting them into your workplace. You can ensure they are a good fit in advance, sharing in your company's goals and delivering the right service for your requirements — so opening a dialogue early on is essential.
Most professional security companies will take the time to learn more about your business, processes, people, culture and organisational structure so that they can select the right individual for the job. That’s precisely what we do at Intraguard. Our experienced management team also has a wealth of security and personnel management experience, backed by an ongoing commitment to further training, ensuring the highest standards of service.
Find the right balance between quality and affordability
We’ve all been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Right now, businesses across all sectors face one of the most challenging periods, where survival is the main focus. We recognise that budgets are tight; however, you can hire highly experienced, qualified and passionate security guards at the right price. Most security guard companies in the UK will provide free no-obligation quotations for you to consider. We pride ourselves on delivering cost-effective solutions, so whether you require a single guard for your small shop or a blend of services covering manned security guarding, reception security services, 24/7 remote CCTV monitoring, fire watch security and guard dog patrols, we can guide you through the most appropriate solution for your needs, ensuring it matches your budget.
Location
Not every security company can provide services across the whole of the UK, so you may want to begin your search locally. Of course, if you have multiple sites that you’d like protected around the clock, then it could be wise to look for an experienced company that covers a larger area. For example, Intraguard initially built our company from the ground up in London, yet we can now provide services much further afield, with talented guards spread across the UK.
Communication
You will undoubtedly want to hire a security guard who has excellent communication skills, as well as the confidence to de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation. When a guard communicates effectively, they can avert the majority of incidents without force, protecting your business with intellect and experience.
Every successful business relationship requires strong communication; therefore, it’s essential to consider security companies that genuinely care about your business and take the time to learn more about your needs before recommending a solution. After all, when you outsource security, it should work as a partnership, with regular communication and updates, as well as proactive advice on maximising safety and protecting your business, assets and people in the best possible way.
If you’re looking for reliable security services, Intraguard would be more than happy to provide a quick quotation. We’re always available to listen to your security concerns, so why not get in touch with our friendly team today on 0207 183 5016. Alternatively, please send us a message and we’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.