Hiring a security company is not a quick task. It is a decision that affects people, property, and reputation. The guards you bring in are the ones who stand at the front line of safety. They shape how secure your staff feel and how customers view your business.
Choose the right team and you gain confidence, stability, and peace of mind. That choice matters more than many realise.
Many providers claim to deliver strong manned guarding service in Wyre. Yet not every company is equal. Some cut corners. Others lack training or local experience. To separate the good from the risky, you must ask the right questions before signing anything.
This guide covers seven practical questions. Each one reveals how serious a provider is about safety. Each one also helps you uncover warning signs before they become your problem.
By the end, you will know how to test credibility, avoid weak promises, and hire with confidence.
Table of Contents
First Step: Confirm Legitimacy and Compliance
Before you look at strategy, tools, or patrol routes, you must confirm whether the provider is allowed to deliver security services at all. If they cannot show legal proof, nothing else matters.
Question 1: Are All Guards Licensed by the SIA?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator for the private security industry in the UK. A licence means that the officer has passed background checks, completed training, and is approved to work legally.
Hiring unlicensed guards is against the law. If they are placed on your site, you could face penalties and liability. Ask for proof of licences for every guard. A professional company ill provide it without delay. If the answer feels unclear or if excuses appear, take that as a red flag.
Question 2: Do You Follow British Standards for Guarding?
Professional firms align with British Standards, such as BS 7499. This standard sets rules for static site guarding and patrols. It covers supervision, training, and operational management.
A company working under these standards shows that it values accountability. It means the guards are not only trained but also monitored under strict systems. If a firm does not follow this, it may cut corners to save costs. For Wyre businesses facing both coastal and rural risks, this compliance is not optional. It is essential.
Question 3: Do You Have Experience with Wyre’s Business Landscape?
The risks in Wyre are not the same across all sites. A busy hotel in Cleveleys faces high guest turnover, late-night activity, and crowd safety. A farm near Garstang has to deal with isolated land, theft of machinery, and fuel storage issues.
A generic plan cannot address both. Ask the provider to share real examples of sites they have worked with across the area. How did they handle access control in a hotel? How did they respond to rural theft? Stories and case details show they know the area and understand different needs.
If a company cannot give local examples, they may be too general. Choose a provider that proves they can adapt to Wyre’s variety.
Question 4: What Is Your Emergency Response Plan?
Emergencies demand clarity. Guards cannot improvise when facing a fire alarm, a medical issue, or a break-in. A provider should have a documented plan ready.
The plan must show who takes charge, how guards communicate with staff and visitors, and what happens after the event. It should also explain how they coordinate with Lancashire Police and other emergency services.
Ask to see proof of these protocols. If a company simply says they will “handle it on the day,” that is not enough. Real incidents require steps, not guesswork.
Question 5: How Do You Vet, Train, and Supervise Officers?
The guards on site represent your business as much as they represent the security company. If they lack professionalism, your brand suffers.
A reliable provider will screen recruits under BS 7858 standards. These checks cover criminal history, references, and employment records. Training should also go beyond basics. Guards must know conflict resolution, customer service, and emergency response.
Ask about supervision as well. Good firms do not place guards and then vanish. They carry out site visits, reviews, and spot checks. Regular monitoring keeps standards high. If a provider cannot describe this structure, treat it as a concern.
Question 6: Will You Create a Bespoke Plan for My Site?
Security is not about templates. Your site is unique, with its own access points, lighting, layout, and activity patterns. A trusted company will not quote a price before visiting your site.
They should begin with a risk assessment. This includes reviewing crime levels nearby, environmental risks like flooding, and daily operations at your location.
From there, they design a plan that covers patrol routes, staffing numbers, and incident response tailored to you.
If a provider offers a flat package without looking at your premises, they are likely cutting corners. A tailored plan is the only way to ensure nothing gets missed.
Question 7: What Technology Do You Use to Support Guards?
Today, manpower is supported by technology. A company that invests in tools will deliver stronger security.
Patrol tracking systems show where guards go and when. Logs prove tasks are complete and highlight weak spots. Digital reporting allows incidents to be recorded in real time, giving you and the supervisors instant updates. Reliable radios or apps ensure guards are always connected with emergency services.
Ask the provider to explain what systems they use and how they support their staff. A trustworthy security company in Wyre will be open about these tools and show you how they integrate into service delivery.
Protect Your Wyre Business with Confidence
Region Security Guarding offers dependable manned guarding service in Wyre, tailored to your site. As an SIA-approved contractor with ISO 9001 certification, we follow strict standards and proven processes. That means your staff, your property, and your reputation remain safe.
Contact us today to request a bespoke security plan designed for your business.
Business Security You Can Rely On
Trusted by leading businesses nationwide for reliable, 24/7 protection.
or call 0330 912 2033
FAQs
1. What is the difference between an SIA-licensed officer and an SIA Approved Contractor?
An SIA-licensed officer is an individual trained and cleared to work legally. An SIA Approved Contractor is a company audited and certified by the SIA for higher standards of business and service.
2. What should I look for in a manned guarding contract?
The contract should set out duties, reporting, shift times, and response measures. It must also include a service level agreement (SLA) that defines clear targets.
3. Why choose a Wyre-based provider instead of a national firm?
Local providers know the risks better. They understand coastal crime, rural theft, and tourism-related issues. They can also respond faster to incidents in the area.
4. How much should I expect to pay for guarding in Wyre?
Costs depend on risk level, site size, and staffing needs. A reliable provider will only give a price after a site visit and risk assessment.
5. What red flags should I avoid when hiring a provider?
Watch out for companies that:
- Refuse to show SIA licences
- Skip site-specific assessments
- Give vague answers about training
- Promise the cheapest rates without clear details
