What security services does my business need?

Security threats can come from many different sources and their impact on a business can be devastating.

Having the right security measures and procedures in place can help reduce the risk, while promoting a safe working environment for staff and visitors and minimising any potential financial losses.

So, what professional security services are available and how might they benefit your business?

There are three key things that your security measures will ultimately be looking to protect:

Your people

Whether you have a staff of ten, or are responsible for the wellbeing of thousands of employees based across multiple sites, the safety of team members and site visitors will be a top priority. Having a visible security presence can give employees reassurance, while acting as a deterrent for would-be criminals. It also means professional support is on hand if needed.

Violence in the workplace is sadly very common, especially for those in roles that have greater exposure to the general public. Depending on the nature of your organisation, team members may need protection against this type of incident.

Placing certain responsibilities on a security professional can also take some of the pressure off staff members, who may otherwise be called on to manage additional duties. For example, locking or opening up the offices, attending the property out of hours, or following an alarm activation.

Your premises

When it comes to your premises, there are several areas of risk. Not least of which is reducing the risk of damage being caused and the financial consequences which such an event could bring. This may range from vandalism, to arson and property being damaged or destroyed during an attempted or successful break-in – such as doors and windows.

Another issue to consider is the potential for unauthorised entry and occupation of your site. For example, the arrival of travellers, their wagons and other vehicles.

Your assets

The final element that needs protection is your assets. The type and scale of assets that you have will depend on the nature and size of your business. While adequate insurance will of course always be needed, damage or loss of property can have broad reaching consequences. Particularly if it results in any operational downtime and if robust contingency plans haven’t been put in place.

And it’s not just physical property that needs to be considered. Many businesses will also have a need to protect intellectual property. In some cases, for example law firms and accountancy practices, papers that are being held may be incredibly valuable and so their protection is a serious concern.

In some cases, insurers may even specify that certain security provisions have to be put in place. Having comprehensive systems and professional security services can also, in some cases, positively impact on the cost of insurance premiums.

Different types of security services explained

When it comes to security, there are many different options that can be used to meet a variety of business needs and budgets. Here is a run through of some of the most popular:

Mobile Patrols

How does it work: A security operative will visit your site and walk around the property to look out for any signs of a break in, or other criminal activity. These patrols will be carried out at random times and at an agreed frequency using checkpoints to prove attendance in real time. Electronic reports are produced and forwarded to the customer, ensuring you are kept up to date on issues found without the need to be disturbed. More urgent issues will be communicated immediately.

What’s the benefit: Having uniformed officers on patrol at your business premises can be an incredibly effective deterrent for criminals, while limiting any window of opportunity there may be for a break-in, burglary or destruction of property. They can be a highly successful and cost-effective option, especially when compared to the cost of having a static guard on site – particularly if the site is large, or you need around the clock cover.

Some security companies will provide additional value. During their mobile patrols, security operatives will check for and report back on any maintenance-related issues they may spot. For example, leaks. This means businesses can be alerted and take immediate action if it is required.

Example: The Commercial Centre, a business park based in Andover, was the target of an organised break-in, with goods and equipment stolen from 16 of the Centre’s units in a single night. The event caused untold damage and was the catalyst for the centre to strengthen its security provisions, including hiring a professional security team to conduct mobile patrols every evening. Read more here.

Key holding & alarm response 

How does it work: The security company will hold a set of keys to your property. They will be held in either a secure device on your premises, or externally, depending on your preferences and budget. The company will then be listed as the primary key holder with your Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and can support you in an emergency situation, such as by responding to an alarm or patrolling your premises. Proof of attendance and a report of all findings will then be forwarded to the customer. Urgent issues found will be raised immediately.

What’s the benefit: The alternative is to have a member of staff respond in an alarm situation and visit the property to check it and ensure it is secure. However, there are a number of risks and challenges associated with having a member of staff act as a key holder. For example, you need to consider:

• Can your key holders be on site and have addressed the alarm within 20 minutes of the call?
• Are your key holders trained in crime scene management, including the preservation of evidence?
• Do you have an effective health and safety lone worker system in use?
• Who will support them if they are confronted or even attacked by an offender?
• Does your employee have the confidence to go into a situation where they may have to deal with an offender and have they received satisfactory conflict management training?
• What happens when your key holder is away, sick or has been drinking alcohol?

By using a key holding and alarm response service, you can reduce these risks, while taking the pressure and added responsibility off your employees. Trained and accredited security personnel will be on call for you 24 hours a day. This includes responding quickly to an alarm or patrolling your premises – at Venture we boast a company-wide average response time of just 22 minutes.

Example: Lawton Communications Group based in Southampton had for many years relied on staff members to respond to alarm activations out of hours. However, when a staff member needed to attend the site in the early hours and found there had been a break-in and the offender may have still been on the premises, it was decided the existing security measures should be reviewed. A professional and fully licensed and trained security team was subsequently brought on board to take the risk and responsibility away from staff members. Read more here.

Locks & unlocks 

How does it work: Mobile security operatives can open and secure your premises for you, as dictated by your business’ needs. This may include unlocking the building for a lone worker or taking a delivery at short notice on weekends and bank holidays. Visits to site will be recorded using checkpoints to prove attendance in real time. Electronic reports are produced and forwarded to the customer, ensuring you are kept up to date on issues found without the need to be disturbed. More urgent issues will be communicated immediately.

What’s the benefit: This service can help reduce static security staffing needs, when your main requirement may only be at specific times. Another key benefit is that it removes the need to place added pressure and responsibility on individuals within the organisation. It is a really cost-effective way to ensure your premises has been secured properly each day.

As added value, the security officers may also be able to support you by switching off lights or equipment that has been left on and carrying out other agreed checks and tasks. (At Venture, this kind of additional support can be included within the assignment at no additional cost).

Example: Animal Friends operates from two large buildings in Amesbury, Wiltshire. The pet insurer had previously managed its own locking and unlocking but decided to utilise the services of a professional security company, who would be flexible around the needs of the business. Read more here.

Manned guarding

How does it work: Security officers on site can support you with a wide range of manned guarding needs, whether it’s front-of-house and reception duties, or the provision of static checkpoints, access control or control room duties.

What’s the benefit: The physical presence of a security professional on the premises could benefit your business in many ways. It acts as an effective deterrent, while offering protection for staff against the threat of assault or injury and helping prevent unauthorised access, so reducing the risk of theft, destruction or damage being caused to your property.

Example: Stannah is one of the UK’s leading engineering companies. After experiencing issues with its previous security company, including a high turnover and poor calibre of security staff, it was felt that the service being delivered was no longer reaching the standard required, so the facilities team reviewed their options. Manned guarding forms part of a broad range of tailored security services being provided across 19 different sites. Read more here.

Need professional support? 

For more information, or expert advice on your own security requirements, please call the team at Venture on 0800 021 3949.