Factors To Choose The Right Security Guard Company
A Step-by-Step Guide.
A security guard company works with the vision to secure the lives of others while striving to build a society free of illegal practices. Guarding service providers should be experienced, flexible, responsive, and able to provide security guards for assignments on short notice.
Many security companies offer services in the United Kingdom, which makes it challenging to select the best professional and cost-effective company.
Your security needs should be addressed as a top priority before you make any decision regarding the selection of a guarding company.
Here, we will provide you some factors you need to look for before hiring a security company in the UK.
The Research Phase
It’s good to prepare a list of a few well-known security providers to interview for guarding services. Then, contact each of them and arrange a meeting. It will offer you an insight into how security guard companies operate. Next, you will request quotes. Once you have interviewed each security company, it will be time to compare notes.
Choose services that are both suitable for your security needs and within your budget. You may prefer to choose a national chain rather than a local company. Here are some essential factors that might help you to choose the best security guarding company.
Insurance of the security company
When selecting the best security guard company, you should always be sure that the company is licensed by the government and insured by a credible insurance company. They should be able to demonstrate it as well. Security providers should make this information easily accessible on their websites for customer convenience. If you can’t find relevant information from website, ask them. A security guard service provider should belong to a registered association.
Licences & accreditations
The guarding services should be fully certified and accredited. In this way, the clients are safe, and their site is protected according to the latest standards of the industry.
Guards should be qualified to meet the legal requirements and get a comprehensive list of the licenses and accreditations that the guarding companies should have before hiring them.
1) SIA Approved
Security Industry Authority ensures that a security contractor and their guards are approved and can operate legally within the private security industry.
It is the minimum requirement that all security companies in the UK are SIA licensed, including the business owner. If a security organization does not have SIA licensing, it depicts the running of an illegal business.
2) UKAS ISO 9001 approved
UKAS ISO 9001 Approved, which guarantees quality management and process execution.
3) NASDU Affiliated Company
The NASDU-affiliated company ensures the quality of guarding services provided by security dogs.
4) CHAS Accreditation
CHAS warrants high quality, health, and safety standards of a security supplier.
5) SAFECONTRACTOR approved
The approval by SafeContractor’s certifies high standards for safety and health on customers’ sites.
Training of the guards
The guarding professionals must have complete qualifications and training to get their license according to the requirements. The guards should be given continuous education and training to face the current security issues, operations, and much more.
Check the security guards’ portfolios before selecting a guarding service provider to get an idea of how well-trained and professional they are in different aspects of security services.
Experienced guards know how to respond to different security situations and are usually calmer than those new to the profession.
Customer support & response time
Choose a company that can create customized security guard services to match your needs. Is it possible to add guards at the last minute if your needs change and how long do they take to respond?
The best security guard companies have guards capable of providing confidence, customer service and protection to the people. The guarding company should offer flexible services according to your specific requirements.
A good security guard is always alert to handle any situation and responds immediately to fire breakouts, break-ins, or any increase in carbon emissions on a property. It is essential to select a security service that is accessible when needed. In case of any accident or crisis, a speedy response by security companies is very important.
Quality of Service
Quality security contractors follow strict hiring processes, which include background checks and training courses. It is preferable to select a supplier that provides security guard training because it can ensure that your guards are aware of their duties and workplace practices.
The dependability on private security services will play a significant role in determining the safety and protection of your house or office. As a result, you should assess whether the security provider you want to choose can rely upon 24/7. If the company’s services are not reliable, the safety of households, employers, employees, clients, or properties will be constantly threatened.
Equipment & technology
Is the security guard company up to date on market technological advancements?
A credible company should invest in technological advancements to be updated with current technology and overcome the ever-changing security threats. All security guards should have basic equipment. It consists of personal protective equipment, high-visibility jackets, cell phones, a torch etc.
Security guards can also check in and out using electronic, geo-fenced booking systems. You can monitor the guards with the help of with electronic logbooks.
Some of the technological solutions that you may need are:
i) CCTV
Security experts evaluate the property to provide the best CCTV solutions and security. A CCTV system fulfils the gaps that security guards may skip, letting the internal security team take action if something suspicious occurs. To get the most coverage, the team should work directly with you to install the cameras in the sensitive areas to get the most out of systems and use the best hardware and software.
ii) Fire Security
It is a mandatory obligation to employ a safety officer to test and inspect fire extinguishers, emergency lighting systems, and fire alarms installed within the premises. According to safety laws, superior security systems should be installed to keep people safe from fire. Furthermore, fire watch systems are necessary when the alarms within a building are not working for over four hours. The fire watch team should maintain a fire watch staff at your premises to avoid property, asset, or life damages caused by fire.
Service charges
Credible security guard companies offer different packages for pricing options depending on the client’s requirements. Premium services typically come at a higher cost, so assess your
security needs to receive a justified service cost. To hire the best security partner, evaluate the service charges and determine your affordability in the longer run. The cost of guarding services can range from £10 to £25 per hour. The lowest rate would be £10 per hour, and the highest rate could be up to £60 per hour.
However, the pricing depends upon:
- Number of security guards
- Security contract duration
- Venue
- Services and duties
Experience & reputation
A security guarding services provider must have a track record, an exceptional reputation, and positive feedback from existing customers. Reading reviews and testimonials will give a better idea of how efficient they are as a security guard company and notice how they handle their customers’ problems.
Good and bad feedback can help you choose the best guarding partner. You can visit their Google My Business page to get information about their services directly from clients regarding their guarding service quality. If the information about an supplier’s experience is missing, research the company owner or other members and check their backgrounds to learn more.
Experienced providers will charge more as their knowledge and expertise in security are worth the amount paid. Security partners should be dedicated to protecting your property and the staff, as the safety of everyone should be their priority.
Final verdict
Agile Guarding Services Limited is one of the finest security companies offering guarding services to various businesses. Highly trained, dedicated staff and SIA-certified security personnel are hired to treat clients fairly with impenetrable security guarding. We integrate people, intelligence and technology to meet a vast range of security requirements. Agile Guarding Services Limited helps businesses handle challenges via guarded security, mobile patrols, CCTV solutions and fire safety systems.
If you are interested in guarding agencies or services, get a free security consultation at to speak with our dedicated team, and we’ll get back to you shortly.