Find the right retail security companies to support your needs through thick and thin is no easy task when there’s an ever-growing number of options for you to choose from. And when the pressure of needing security to cover your business is only increasing as cases of shoplifting continue to spiral out of control in the UK, it can feel difficult to know what the right decision to make is.

This guide aims to make the process of choosing the perfect retail security company for you easier. By providing you with core factors to take into account, you will be able to comfortably make an informed decision.

Understand Your Retail Security Needs

To choose retail security companies that are guaranteed to accommodate your security requirements, it’s crucial that you first identify your business’s needs. However, it can quickly become a very difficult and overwhelming task without the help of a thorough assessment.

Risk assessments are the perfect way to work out your business’s security needs. They’re a sure-fire method for identifying and evaluating all the potential risks that could affect your business. Ask yourself the following questions in your assessment:

• What type of business do you run? (A typical brick and mortar retailer might need to focus on loss prevention, whereas tech stores might need cybersecurity)
• How big is your site? (The larger the site, the more security you’ll need to fully protect it)
• What is the surrounding area like? (Are you in a remote location or a busy area where crime is common?)
• What are your hours of operation? (Will you only need out-of-hours security?)
• What common crimes or threats do you face?
• Are there any events/seasonal surges you need to consider?

Research the Types of Retail Security Services Available to You

Now that you’ve identified the threats your retail business faces, you will next need to look at the different types of security services and evaluate which ones could help your business the most. It’s important to remember that each security company offers different services; and you’ll need to find one that can meet all of your needs.

Some of the most common security services include:

• Manned guarding (Security guards that patrol your site on foot)
• Mobile patrols
• Loss prevention officers (Security guards that specialise in preventing theft)
• Key holding and alarm response
• CCTV monitoring
• Access control
• Cybersecurity
• Consultation services (Security audits, risk assessments, tailored security plans)

What to Look for in Retail Security Companies

Different security companies provide different services, at varying levels of quality. You’ll need to keep a careful eye out to make sure they can offer what you need.

Experience in Retail Security

Research the company to see if they have any available case studies or reviews that tell you how good their retail security services are. Proven experience in an area is a guaranteed way to ensure you’re getting the best service you can for your money, and puts your mind at ease since you know they’re trustworthy.

If you can’t find any resources on their website, try asking them directly. Most security companies would be happy to share details that can help improve their reputation in your eyes.

At Region Security Guarding, we pridefully display our success in securing our retail clients, like Bristol Sweet Mart and Hackett. If you want to learn more about the security we provided these companies with, you can find them in our case studies section:

• Bristol Sweet Mart
• Hackett

Licences, Accreditations, and Qualifications

Before anything else, you need to make sure the security companies you’re looking at are legally allowed to work in the industry. All legally operating security companies will be SIA-licensed. Browse the SIA’s Register of Approved Contractors to ensure you’re getting the best of the best for security.

Additionally, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any potential qualifications retail security companies might have that show they go above and beyond in their line of work. For example, if you’re looking for cybersecurity specifically, you’ll want to look for companies with the ISO 27001 accreditation. It means they’ve demonstrated exemplary behaviour in securing customer data and preventing cyber threats.

Alternatively, for physical security, you may want a company that is ICO certified, or SafeContractor approved, as it demonstrates their ability to comply with health and safety rules and regulations.

Tailored Solutions vs General Packages

Find out if your shortlisted security companies can offer you bespoke packages that address the individual needs of your business, or if they offer a one-size-fits-all approach. If you have urgent security needs, then you’ll want to opt for more tailored solutions to ensure your site is secured by the best possible protection.

However, if you have a quieter site that suffers less from security threats, you may be better off going for a general approach. One-size-fits-all approaches often tend to be cheaper, as they involve less planning and resources. Just be wary, though, as they may not provide you with the full amount of security that you need for your outlet.

Pricing and Contract Terms

There’s much more to a security company than their performance. You’ll also want to take their prices into consideration. Keep a cautious eye out to make sure they’re being fully transparent with you. Red flags to suggest pricing isn’t as transparent as suggested can include:

• Hidden fees that seemingly appear from nowhere
• False discounts where the “discounted” price is just the original price
• Misleading comparisons against competitors with inflated prices
• “Time-limited” offers that are actually available year-round

You also need to be wary of contract terms, ensuring you aren’t getting stuck in a deal that wasn’t originally agreed upon. Make sure you have full clarity on any cancellation policies and terms of service agreements. This helps to avoid any unwanted situations and ensures a fair agreement for both parties.

How Can Retail Security Companies Save You Money in the Long Run?

Whilst it may initially seem counterintuitive, hiring a reliable security company can actually help to reduce money lost in the long run. But how do they achieve this?

• Preventing Losses: Security guards are there to mitigate theft, vandalism, and other types of criminal activity. This saves you the costs of having to restock any lost inventory or repair any damages to your storefront.
• Reducing Operational Downtime: Repeated security threats and damages to the property can result in persistent shutdowns for repairs. If you prevent these incidents from happening in the first place, you won’t lose any money from having to close temporarily.
• Lowering Insurance: If you demonstrate that you’re taking active steps to secure your retail outlet, whilst also suffering from less incidents, your insurance will begin to decrease.

The Right Retail Security Provider for You

Settling on a retail security provider that you feel confident in will help to secure your business, and reduce business expenses in the long term. By taking the time to consider and shortlist retail security companies, you can:

• Reduce Theft: Save money on having to constantly replace stock.
• Avoid Unnecessary Closing: You’ll no longer have to worry about closing down for repeated repairs.
• Encourage a Safer Environment: Your employees and customers will feel safer, and will feel more motivated and more inclined to come back again as a result.
• Boost Your Business’s Reputation: Your business will be seen in a more positive light if you take preventative measures to secure it, meaning more success in the future.

These benefits are what make retail security more than just an expenditure, turning it into an investment instead. If you’re looking for a security company that understands the threats of retail environments, and knows how to effectively tailor solutions to tackle them, get in touch with our team at Region Security Guarding.

With our SIA-licensed security guards and range of service add-ons, we ensure that our services will help to secure your site so you can focus on running your business with peace of mind.

Business Security You Can Rely On

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We have used Region security for quite a while now. Top notch service, great guards and helpful staff. We love our guards and the team for all of their help / work. No need to try the other companies at all."

Andy Yeomans - Jones Skips Ltd

Great company, professional services, friendly guards and helpful at times when required."

Rob Pell - Site Manager

A professional and reliable service. Always easy to contact and has never let us down with cover. No hesitation in recommending and competitively priced also. After using an unreliable costly company for several years it is a pleasure to do business with Region Security"

Jane Meier - Manager

Region Security were very helpful in providing security for our building. We had overnight security for around 4 months. The guards themselves were professional, easy to reach and adapted very well to our specific needs. Would definitely recommend Region for security needs.

Lambert Smith Hampton

Great service. Reliable and professional and our lovely security guard Hussein was so helpful, friendly but assertive with patients when needed. He quickly became a part of our team and we would love to keep him! Will definitely use this company again

East Trees Health Centre

Fantastic Service from start to finish with helpful, polite accommodating staff, we have used Region Security a few times now and always been happy with what they provide.

Leah Ramsden - Manager