How to choose the right security company
Choosing the right security company for your organisation or home is an important decision and there are a number of things to consider.
Firstly; what is it that you require? Is this something you can answer or do you need an expert to review your site/property and provide you with recommendations? If you are able to answer the question yourself it will probably be easier for you to identify potential suppliers.
Have you done any research? There are numerous security companies out there, small local ones, national and global companies. Are you looking for a one site service, which may be better managed by a local company, or do you have more than one site across the country that you would like to be centrally managed by one security company.
It’s important to meet the companies you shortlist. Arrange a meeting at their office and ask if you can visit a site they manage.
Ask for quotes from a few and compare the service they offer.
The following suggestions are worth thinking and asking about when you’re doing your research and meeting companies.
Accreditation
- All security guards in the UK should hold a valid SIA licence. Check if the company has any history of using unlicensed guard.
- The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has a voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) – asking about membership of this and the scores achieved during the annual audit is a good tool for comparing companies.
- Other accreditations such as British Standards ISO9001, NSI Gold, SafeContractor are also worth finding out about. If the company has reached these standards they have demonstrated commitment to the services they provide.
Customer Service
- When you are paying for a security service you want to be sure they care about you and your needs. Will they put you and your customers first?
- Will they go the extra mile?
- How often will you hear from them or see them?
- Are they interested in your feedback?
Communication
- A dedicated Contract Manager is important. You need to know who in the company you can speak to, and that they will understand your company’s needs. What happens when the Contract Manager is away – do they provide a secondary contact
- How often will you receive reports? Do they come in a standard form or can the company provide a bespoke report?
- Will they make site visits and attend review meetings? How often?
Experience
- Ask about their experience in your industry and in providing different types of security services. Some companies specialise in one area such as event security, mobile patrols or key holding. Do you want a specialised company or one with a wider range of services?
- Ask for references. If they are a reputable company they will be happy to provide you with some, and it’s always worth hearing from another customer.
Flexibility
- Can the company provide a flexible service? Is it possible to add guards at the last minute if your needs change?
- How quickly can they respond to a new request?
Resources
- How many security guards do they have available, and where are they located?
- Do they use locally based guards or are they from another town or city?
- What about training – what training do the guards receive, how much and how often, and to what standard?
- How are the guards supervised? Who organises site inductions?
- How is performance monitored?
Leisuresec is an Approved Contractor for the Security Industry Authority. All our guards hold valid SIA licences which are checked on a daily basis using the Focal Point application which is linked to the SIA’s database. We also hold quality management ISO9001 and SafeContractor health & safety accreditations.
We have many years’ experience in a variety of industry sectors, providing different security services. To find out more about these visit our Services pages and take a look at our FAQ’s.
If you would like to find out more please get in touch; one of our Area Managers would be pleased to meet you and discuss your requirements in detail.
