4 reasons it’s time you changed your security provider

Are you considering changing your security provider?

Does your current security provider always keep its promises? Do they keep you fully informed, with clear communications and a proactive attitude? And are you confident you know what’s happening at any given moment?

There are estimated to be around 4,500 private security companies currently operating in the UK, offering everything from key holding and alarm response services to manned guarding, city centre patrols and event security.  This leaves businesses in many parts of the country with a wealth of choice when it comes to finding a trusted security provider.

While there are many reputable security firms, operating with the correct licences and ensuring their officers are fully trained and supported, it pays to do your due diligence. In recent years, a rise in security fraud has led the government to launch a dedicated facility for reporting security companies acting outside of the law.  

While a cheaper rate might be attractive in theory, as with many other industries, you get what you pay for. Security should never be seen as just a tick box exercise. It should add tangible value to your business, reducing the threat of disruption and financial loss caused by criminal activities, and taking the burden of responsibility off your shoulders. Overall, making your life easier and giving you complete peace of mind.

If you’re not 100% confident or happy with the service you are receiving from your current security provider, then it’s time to consider a change.  Here are four clear signs you should be looking for another provider.

1. An absence of reporting and accountability

When you contract a security provider to work for your business you come to a mutual agreement on things like the services they will provide, how many personnel will work for you, the number of hours they will be available and, of course, the retainer you will pay.

In this respect, hiring a security company is not unlike outsourcing other aspects of your business to a third party, for example, IT, HR, or accounting. Just as with those services, you’d expect the provider to fulfil their contractual obligations and be able to back-up their claims with hard proof.

If you have to chase your current security partner for information, if they aren’t very forthcoming and can’t evidence their time and activity in a measurable way, then what assurance have you got that they’re doing what you’re paying them for?

At Venture, our security management system is entirely digital. Customers have access to their own portal where they can see in comprehensive detail, what is happening on their sites in real-time. All of our officer reports are electronic and available at the click of a button and the analytics provided help many of our customers continue to improve their security at no extra cost. 

2. High staff turnover and inconsistent personnel

Do you struggle to build up a rapport as the officers on site are always changing?

Another sign that it might be time to switch your security company is if you’re noticing the business is experiencing a high turnover of staff. An inability to retain staff and a reliance on agency staff to fulfil contracts, are both red flags that there may be a problem with the employer or the company culture.

It could be an indication that the security company isn’t fulfilling its duty of care to its own personnel. For example, paying late or incorrectly (or both).

High employee turnover can lead to disruption and might mean that you have to repeatedly induct or train new starters on your systems. It can also be a security risk in itself, particularly if personnel are not carefully vetted before starting work, or possibly take off without returning keys or security passes, or with knowledge of alarm codes. 

3. Poor communication and customer service

When you’re a service provider, there really is no excuse for poor customer service.

Responsive, timely, and professional communication is the foundation of good customer service and the standard we hold ourselves to at Venture. When you’re entrusting your company’s security to a third party, we believe respect, transparency and proactive communication are the least you should expect.

If you’re having to consistently chase your security provider for information, struggling to get through to someone on the phone, or finding your emails and texts frequently go unanswered, this is a sure sign that your business isn’t appreciated, and you should take it elsewhere. 

4. Unreliable and slow to respond

Finally, one of the clearest signs that it’s time to change your security provider is if the service isn’t living up to expectations or delivering on its promises.

The purpose of outsourcing your security is to take the responsibility off your hands, so you can focus on running other aspects of your business, safe in the knowledge that your security is being capably handled by licensed professionals who’ve undergone extensive training.

If your security provider is failing to fulfil its obligations, it leaves your business and its people vulnerable. Whether it’s responding too slowly to alarm call-outs or failing to report to site for a manned patrol when scheduled, if your security provider isn’t cutting the mustard, it’s time to cut ties and start afresh with someone trustworthy.

Ready to switch security provider?

Venture Security operates across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Surrey. Click to see our full range of security services or get in touch to discuss your security needs with our award winning team.

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