Before hiring an external company to look after your business security needs, you should ask these important questions...
Choosing a security company is an important undertaking. Yes, you have to think about value for money, but also what you’re getting for your money. If the worst happens, would your chosen security firm be able to react accordingly?
Here are five questions you should ask, before choosing a security company.
1. Do they work 365 days a year?
Incidents don’t stop because it’s holiday season. Criminals may target business premises while they stand empty at Christmas. Likewise, that pipe may be more likely to burst on days when the temperature drops below zero. You’ll need your security provider to react to these events promptly, even during the holidays.
2. What certifications do security companies hold?
All UK based private security businesses need relevant licensing from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to cover all the services which they offer. To obtain these licences, their directors too must hold SIA qualifications. It is also a legal requirement that all staff working within the security industry must also hold the correct SIA licences.
Do your security company hold these certifications? Abbey Security is accredited by a number of market leading bodies, including the SIA, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).
3. Do they have similar clients in your sector?
Ideally, your chosen security company should have experience working within your business sector. Different businesses need different solutions, so don’t accept a one size fits all approach. A good security company will work with you to create an individually tailored plan for your business based on their knowledge and experience.
Abbey Security has clients in the construction, shipping and industrial industries, as well as schools and colleges, councils, blue chip companies and shopping centres, and are well placed to offer advice on the best way to protect these businesses.
4. Do they invest in their staff?
Happy staff are willing to go the extra mile. Unfortunately, at many security companies, staff are treated as just a number.
At Abbey Security we have a unique approach to staff wellbeing. As well as ongoing training and support, we look after our staff during their free time. We provide monthly & annual officer awards and offer our staff the opportunity to hire out our riverboat “Old Bones” to relax during their downtime.
You can find out more on our officer welfare pages.
If you wish to work for Abbey Security, our blog ‘Ever wondered what it takes to be a security officer’ should answer any questions you may have.
5. What services do security companies provide?
Security companies provide a number of different services to businesses of all sizes. Standard services include manned guarding, mobile guarding and key holding. Security companies may also provide door supervision, CCTV services, close protection and protection of cash and valuables in transit.
At Abbey Security we specialise in the physical guarding of goods and premises. From static guarding services to mobile patrols, we provide security services that are bespoke to your business and your individual needs.
Abbey Security provides security solutions to companies in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Thetford, Ely, Newmarket and Ipswich
We’ve been providing security solutions to companies in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire since 1985. For a local security company who understands the threats faced by local businesses speak to us. To find out more, call us on 01284 768832 or fill in our contact form.
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Posted on December 10, 2018