Table of Contents
As a business owner, the one thing on your mind other than running your business smoothly and effectively is its safety and security. With the necessary and pro-active burglar deterrents in place, you can focus on your business and its operations with ease knowing that your business is safe and protected from threats such as theft, vandalism, and fire.
Regardless of the size of the business, whether it is small or large, or the nature of it, whether retail or commercial, every business has important assets that it needs to protect. Sadly, no business is immune to burglaries and other threats. According to statistics, retail crime estimations in the UK rose to £4821 million in 2019. These crimes include customer theft, staff theft, organized crime, and cybercrime – A staggering amount and a serious cause for alarm!
With a business security system in place, you cannot just protect your business from threats such as thefts, but also keep your business safe from fires, keep an eye on your staff and customers, and ensure a safe working environment for all.
On average, as a starting price, you can expect to pay around £800 in upfront costs and around £50 in monthly costs for a business security system for a small to medium-sized business in the UK.
The amount can vary considerably depending on the type of security system you choose, the size of your business, along with a number of price factors.
Before we look more at the costs and related factors to consider, let’s go through the components of a business security system and how they help your business remain safe and secure.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SECURITY SYSTEMS
Business security systems involve the use of different devices to protect the property and its inhabitants from various hazards such as fire and crime. There are various types of security systems that work together or on their own to keep your business safe. Most business security systems are focused on providing protection from a specific threat, such as a fire.
Here is a list of the different types of available business security systems, what they do, how they work, and their respective costs. Some businesses might require one security system, while some might require all. It all really depends on the business’s requirements.
BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEMS
Burglar alarm security systems are a basic physical security requirement for all businesses. They are used to prevent break-ins and also act as a deterrent for burglars. They work using a series of sensors that go off as soon as they detect any unusual activity, notifying the person-in-charge for them to take the necessary action.
The average starting cost for a burglar alarm security system for your business would be around £870. This may vary depending on the type, number, and complexity of the security system. The total cost includes:
Installation costs
The cost of installing a burglar alarm security system depends on the level of security your business requires. As it is obvious, a basic burglar alarm, i.e. the bell-only burglar alarm, would cost much less than a monitored one. The average charges for installing a business burglar alarm security system can start anywhere from £500-£800.
Maintenance costs
Burglar alarms security systems need regular maintenance to keep working effectively and uninterrupted. On average, a maintenance visit would cost you around £75-£125. The charges depend on the number and type of devices, how complex the system is, and if you have a maintenance contract.
Monitoring costs
In a monitored burglar alarm security system, when alerted, the Alarm Response Centre (ACR) performs a check to confirm the alarm, notifies the person-in-charge and, if appropriate, alerts the police. The average monthly charges for burglar alarm system monitoring range from £15-£45.
Repairing costs
When your burglar alarm shows signs of an issue, it is quite obviously time to have it repaired. It must be done ASAP to prevent false alarms or, in a worst-case scenario, prevent it from triggering in the event of a break-in. A burglar alarm repairing service would cost you around £92 on average. The total charges may vary depending on the nature of the fault.
CCTV SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS
CCTV surveillance, also known as video surveillance, is a Godsend for any kind of business, be it an office or a corner shop. Businesses monitored by CCTV surveillance are a lot less likely to face break-ins, theft, or vandalism.
CCTV security systems that are visible also act as a deterrent for burglars and intruders. If they know they’re being watched, they’re not likely to target your monitored and secure business. An added advantage is that even your staff and customers would be extra cautious while on the premises. For retail stores, CCTV surveillance systems act as a deterrent for potential shop-lifting as well. However, it is important to remember that when you are recording the activities of individuals, you have certain legal obligations you need to meet.
The average starting cost for a CCTV security system for your business would be around £900. This may vary depending on the type, the number of cameras, and the complexity of the security system. The total cost includes:
Installation costs
To give you a general idea of the CCTV system installation cost, a 1-camera CCTV system, complete with DVR (recorder), monitor, wiring, and full installation would be approximately £540-£660. Each additional camera thereafter would be around £120, so a 3-camera system, for example, would be roughly £780-£900.
Maintenance costs
Three factors will determine the effectiveness of any electronic system: the quality of the equipment, the skill of the installation, and the way that the system is maintained and looked after.
Maintaining your CCTV security system will repay your investment in it by working effectively with minimal disruptions. Annual servicing is recommended to keep your CCTV security system working as it should. On average, a maintenance visit would cost you around £75-£125.
Monitoring costs
Adding a monitoring service to your CCTV system offers an extra layer of protection, knowing that your premises is being watched by security professionals 24/7, keeping it safe from all kinds of threats. The average monthly charges for CCTV system monitoring start from £12.
Repairing costs
Your CCTV security system can malfunction for a number of reasons such as bad weather conditions, power surges, or general wear and tear. Whatever the issue, you need to resolve it quickly by an engineer that knows what they’re doing.
At Calder Security, we have engineers who are security industry specialists and carry a comprehensive range of parts, equipment, and service kits in their vans to ensure that fixes are dealt with efficiently because burglars don’t just wait until repairs are done! A CCTV repairing service would cost you around £92 on average. The total charges may vary depending on the nature of the fault.
ACCESS CONTROL SECURITY SYSTEMS
Access control security systems are another type of business security system that is very beneficial for your business when it comes to security and keeping it safe.
An access control system basically controls access to certain areas on the premises. They can be installed anywhere you think extra security might be necessary, such as the storage area holding valuable equipment, or private offices where access is limited or privileged.
Access control systems can be operated via intercom, proximity fob or card, keypad, or even a biometric system, offering a very flexible security system that allows you to set access permissions for individuals and track movements in and out of your premises.
The average starting cost for an access control security system for your business would be around £500. This may vary depending on the type, the number of doors it has to be installed on, and the complexity of the security system. The total cost includes:
Installation costs
Access control systems are installed on doors, and naturally, the more the number of doors to be secured, the more ACS’s are required, and the higher the total cost.
The average starting price for installing an access control system would be around £300. Charges may vary according to the complexity of the system.
Maintenance costs
Proper maintenance of an access control security system is as important as the correct installation. Annual servicing will ensure that all the components are working as they should. Access control systems are very reliable but regular maintenance will check all key components, batteries, and power supplies, and prevent any potential issues from arising. A typical access control maintenance visit would cost you around £75-£125.
Repairing costs
Your business’s security can be compromised if your access control system becomes faulty as it could affect the locking mechanism. We offer 24-hour emergency access control system repairing services to get your system fixed ASAP. It would cost you on average £92 to have your access control system repaired. Then again, the charges vary depending on the nature and complexity of the fault to be repaired.
FIRE ALARM SECURITY SYSTEMS
Fire alarms are a vital part of any business as they alert and protect the premises from fire. There are laws stating that every business, small and large, must have a fire alarm system in place. The UK fire alarm regulations state that you’re responsible for fire safety in business if you’re the owner or employer. Commercial premises are required by law to have a fire alarm system and conduct regular fire risk assessments. The system must comply with British Standards, HSE regulations, Building Regulations, and Fire Officer Guidelines.
The nature of the fire alarm system is determined by several factors such as the size and type of the business.
The average starting cost for a fire alarm security system for your business would be around £1500. This may vary depending on the type, number, and complexity of the security system. The total cost includes:
Installation costs
The proper installation of a fire alarm system is just as crucial as the quality of the system itself.
As a rough estimate, you can expect to pay £1000+ for a fire alarm system for a small business. Once the fire alarm has been installed on your premises, you must consider other areas of fire protection for your small business such as fire suppressors, sprinklers, and training staff members on how to deal with fires at work.
Maintenance costs
British Standard BS 5839 stipulates that fire alarms should be maintained at regular intervals. What’s great is that we, at Calder Security, can service most fire alarm systems, regardless of whether we installed them or not.
On average, a maintenance visit would cost you around £125-£200+. Again, the charges will also differ if you have a maintenance contract.
Monitoring costs
Fast response to an activated fire alarm can make all the difference in minimising risk to life and property. We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre. In the event of an alarm, a professional monitoring centre would be notified immediately, enabling them to contact the emergency services and/or named key holders. Not only can that significantly minimise the seriousness of the situation through fast action, but it can also reduce your insurance premiums. Monthly charges for a fire alarm monitoring system fall anywhere between £15-£45.
Repairing costs
Due to the nature of a fire alarm system, you need to know when it becomes faulty so that you can get it repaired ASAP to prevent false fire alarms or, in a worst-case scenario, prevent it from triggering in the event of a fire. Our engineers are highly skilled and can usually restore your system to full working order in one visit. A fire alarm repairing service would cost you around £92. The total charges may vary depending on the nature of the fault.
BUSINESS SECURITY SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Even though installing one type of security system can massively benefit you and your business, installing all of them can ensure the safety of your business to the maximum. Each security system works great on its own as well as when integrated together with other systems.
You need to consider which security systems would benefit your business more. Can you make do with just a burglar alarm? Or do you need monitored CCTV surveillance to keep everyone in check?
Fire alarms are a part of the law for most businesses, especially if you’re in the food industry, are dealing with chemicals, such as paint, or are in a poorly ventilated area.
CHOOSING A BUSINESS SECURITY SYSTEM
Now that we’ve covered everything there is on business security systems and how much they cost, it’s time to choose the best one for your business.
A couple of questions that would help make the decision are:
- What are your security needs and what do you plan on achieving from a security system?
- Do you want to prioritize the prevention of intruders from entering?
- Do you want to keep an eye on what’s going inside the premises?
- Is there a risk of fire? Does your business fall under the type required by the UK government to have a fire alarm system?
- What’s your budget? Knowing how much you can spend on your business’s security will be a deciding factor for the choice of security system. Here, you need to evaluate what’s really important. The cost of a break-in or fire is much higher than the cost of a security system. Therefore, your business’s safety and security must be your topmost priority!
If you can’t decide which security system would work best for your business, don’t worry! Yorkshire’s leading independent security company is here to help! Reach out to us for all your enquiries.