When you’re running a business, regardless of size, installing a fit-for-purpose commercial fire and security system is crucial. Yet, many small businesses wrongly assume that commercial security systems are only necessary for medium-to-large companies. However, this is not the case, and no business is too small for commercial security.
From protecting your property from unwanted intruders to safeguarding your staff from fire risks, all businesses must consider their fire and security needs while also staying compliant with business legislation.
What is commercial security?
Put simply, commercial security refers to the interconnected use of CCTV cameras and sensors across a commercial property that trigger alerts when an action is detected. This includes fire and smoke alarms, intruder alarms and access control.
What types of businesses can use Commercial Secruity Systems?
Any business, regardless of size, could require commercial security systems; this includes:
- Shops and retail units
- Cafes and restaurants
- Offices
- Hairdressers and beauty salons
- Warehousing and logistics
- Educational and childcare facilities
- Medical and care facilities
All businesses are responsible for keeping their employees and customers safe, including compliance with commercial fire regulations and employment law.
Types of commercial security systems available for your business?
Commercial Access control
Commercial access control systems provide various benefits, from managing access to your business premises to restricting access to specific areas or at particular times. With a range of options available, from keyfobs to biometrics, there are options to suit everyone. Learn more about how access control works here.
Commercial Intruder alarms
A commercial intruder alarm is a sensor that is designed to identify when there is an unexpected change in an environment. They can be used on doors/windows or in open spaces such as corridors and high-security areas via movement sensors. Learn more about commercial intruder alarms here.
Commercial CCTV
Many business owners think about wall-mounted rectangular CCTV cameras when thinking about CCTV. However, today’s technology has evolved rapidly, and the market is now inundated with various types of commercial CCTV cameras, from wired to wireless to AI-enabled CCTV cameras with 4k definition. Learn more about the types of commercial CCTV available here.
Commercial Fire Security Systems
By law, all businesses must appoint a “reasonable person” who ensures their fire security systems are well maintained and compliant with the latest regulations. This includes ensuring that you have the right fire and smoke detectors and fire alarms, through to life-saving equipment such as fire extinguishers. Learn more about your fire safety responsibilities here.
Monitoring and alerting systems
The final component in a commercial security system is the integration of all of the above into a single monitoring and alerting system. Traditionally these have been physically installed control panels with alerts. However, technological advancements have opened the door to remote monitoring and web-based control systems. The options are endless, from viewing your CCTV in real-time on your mobile phone to communicating with intruders and automating alerts to remote-based security monitoring suppliers or police and fire departments. Learn more about remote security monitoring here.
The Key areas of your business to protect
When it comes to planning your commercial security system, there are several key areas to consider:
Your property
The most widely considered aspect of commercial security is the need to protect your building and property. Combining access control technology, CCTV and fire alarm systems, underpinned by an integrated remote monitoring system, you can ensure your property is safe and secure 24/7.
Your people
Whether you employ just 1 or 2 people or have a small team, ensuring your team feels protected and safe in the workplace is a key responsibility for any business owner. Through the combination of CCTV, access control and panic alarms, you can ensure your staff are not faced with unwanted security threats.
Your profits
To run a successful business, you need to be profitable. On average, companies report losing over £2,250 in labour due to burglaries. Additionally, many claim that it costs 4x more to replace stolen goods than it would have to have installed preventive CCTV equipment. So, it’s no surprise that the risk to your profits is high.
The cost of commercial security for your business
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to securing your business, and you should be wary of anyone claiming otherwise.
The cost of commercial security systems will be impacted by a variety of factors, including:
- The size of your premises
- The number of entry/exit points
- The nature of your business and the value of your stock
- The existing electrical mapping of the business
- Requirements for remote monitoring and emergency response notification systems
- Specific needs and requirements relating to your day-to-day operations
- Your choice in technology i.e. wired vs wireless, smart technology vs biometrics
So if you’re a small business considering your options for your commercial security, get in touch today for a free consultation. As independent commercial security specialists, we will work with you to provide you with unbiased recommendations on the right security solutions and technology for your business and your budget.