How to Hire Security Guards for Your Company – a step-by-step guide

Posted on 07 October 2019

So, you’ve decided to review your security services or will be moving into new business premises in a few weeks. Great news!

But, security is on your mind. More specifically - how can you be sure you pick the best security team for your requirements?

If you’ve never invested in security services before, it’s understandable to be a little wary about approaching and spending money on a company you’re entrusting with ensuring high levels of protection and safety.

Thankfully, it’s a lot easier than you might think.

Here’s our eight-step guide to choosing the best security guards for your company.

Step 1: Look local

If you can, try and focus on hiring security guards from a local company. While there are plenty of national contractors out there, local suppliers are far more likely to have a better selection of staff available at short notice and generally offer a better service.

This is particularly important if you need to increase security or if staff need to be replaced at short notice due to sickness, absence, or resignations.

Step 2: Check that they service your area

This is a simple one. Will the company service your area, or charge a premium if it’s outside their preferred service area.

If you’re outside their radius, the service is likely to be subcontracted and therefore come at a higher price with diluted service delivery.

Step 3: Make sure they offer the services you require

Not every security company offers the same number of security services in different sectors as we do.

In fact, you might find that some companies only provide security guards, and while that might be all you need at this stage, what if needs change and you suddenly require concierge security, alarm response, mobile patrols or CCTV operators?

Think ahead and shortlist companies that can provide a wide range of security services, like we do.

Step 4: Check they’re insured and licensed

There’s a lot of legislation to take into account in a heavily regulated security industry.

If a company has the Security Industry Authority stamp of approval and appropriate insurance (they should provide you with these details without hesitation), you should feel reassured.

Look for a Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor (like us), who has undergone vigorous annual audits to mark them as industry leaders. It’s also important to find providers who work to the UKAS ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) standard.

The various licenses in the Security Industry are Security Guarding, Door Supervision, CCTV (Public Space Surveillance), Close Protection, Keyholding and Cash in Transit). These regulations are complex and compliance isn’t always easy to spot, so if you have any queries, our friendly team will happily explain how we comply.

Finally, make sure they’re appropriately insured.

Step 5: Check the calibre of staff

The chances are, you’ll be working closely with the security staff you employ, therefore it’s essential they meet and exceed your expectations.

Think about the most common requirements when it comes to the calibre of these professionals:

• professionalism • presentability • good English language skills • reading and writing skills, and • appropriate resource and contingency planning.

Step 6: Research their credibility

Don’t believe everything you’re told by the security companies you shortlist until you’ve looked into their credibility.

Thankfully, you can use platforms like Google to read testimonials and comments from real customers in order to get a first-hand view of how competent each security company actually is.

You should be able to do the same on any websites that link to their accreditations and memberships. How active and well-regarded are they in the security community?

Step 7: Understand their contractor features and benefits

Not every security company is the same, but there are some common features and benefits you’ll want to check.

For instance, do they provide a 24-hour operation? And how long do their contracts have to be?

Beyond the industry leading accreditations already noted, the best security companies will also make a big play on their investment in professional development, ensuring their staff are customer service focused.

Lastly, they should be completely transparent about their service and cost and offer personal, one-to-one account management.

Step 8: Choose value over cost

As tempting as it might be to opt for the cheapest security company you can find, in doing so you might unwittingly place the safety of your business, assets, colleagues, and visitors in the balance.

Always choose value over cost; security is an investment that’s as important as anything you spend on marketing, sales, or product development. If the price looks too good to be true, it usually is, so make sure you ask for a breakdown when obtaining a quote to ensure the numbers add up to your expectations.

That’s it!

With our eight-step guide above, you should be able to find the best, most local and cost-effective security company for your needs and build a relationship that’ll stand the test of time.

Need more help or want to discuss your security in confidence? Contact us now or request a quotation here. We’ll be right back with you.

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