Why businesses should consider hiring professional security

The first lockdown in March 2020 included a work from home order and the enforced closure of hospitality and leisure venues; this meant many premises were left empty, abandoned and potentially vulnerable to thieves and intruders.

In the corporate world, the pandemic has completely changed how many businesses operate, with many being forced to consider new ways of working, and the majority embracing a flexible, hybrid approach.

For example, data from a 2021 ONS survey found that 25.7% of the UK workforce, or 8.4 million people, worked from home during the pandemic, compared with 12.4% in 2019. A further nine million people were on furlough, meaning they were absent from offices, required to stay at home.

Three main service areas appeared to come into the forefront as so many places of work closed their doors were:

  • Professional security
  • Keyholding
  • Alarm response

This is even more apparent as we look at Google search trend data, with the search term “security officers” reaching an all-year high in the week we entered the first lockdown. More people than ever were searching for security officers to guard their premises while they were left temporarily unoccupied.

While it has always been evident why retail stores, nightclubs and large leisure venues need security coverage, this seismic cultural shift in the corporate world indicates that more businesses will need to consider the safety of their premises and why investing in private security could be a viable solution.

Professional security, 24 hours a day

24-hour private security is a simple and effective way of protecting vacant properties and provides additional reassurance to employees who may be on-site in smaller groups than usual.

But more than protecting staff, a security presence is also an effective way of ensuring loss prevention. In instances where valuable tech or stock is left on site, a visible security presence is an effective deterrent for potential thieves. In an increasingly hybrid world, where many people can fluctuate between home and on-site working according to what suits them, a consistent on-site presence will certainly pay dividends in the long run.

While it’s unlikely we’ll see the UK enter another full lockdown, the introduction of hybrid working could mean that many businesses will continue to need support from professional security firms.

At CDX Security Group, we offer a full suite of private, 24-hour security services, including:

  • Security guards
  • Security receptionists
  • Retail security personnel
  • Access control and gatehouse duties
  • Private security services
  • Site security services

We have existing contracts with our trusted partners across a range of industries including retail, warehousing and distribution, construction, and corporate real estate.

Having on-site, professional security can be an efficient way to handle any security threat. Whether it be trespassing, an intruder or a burglary, trained security personnel can quickly and efficiently handle the situation and resolve it.

Keyholding and alarm response services 

There are alternative steps businesses can take to protect their premises that don’t include physical, on-site security. These can be a more cost-effective solution for sites that are seeing less traffic and less fluctuation around the number of people visiting the premises regularly.

Keyholding services refer to services of a 24-hour mobile response team that guards a spare key and acts as a point of contact to an alarm monitoring company, in the event of a break-in, emergency or any suspicious activity.

This service can be particularly beneficial when issues occur during unsociable hours or over the weekend or holidays. A member of trained security personnel will be on-site within the hour to handle the situation.

Key Holding Services can include:

  • Alarm response and reset
  • Vacant property checks
  • Property locks and unlocks
  • Warning board protection
  • Mobile patrols
  • Ad-hoc manned guarding requirements
  • Ad-hoc dog handling services

Alarm response has also become more prevalent in the wake of the pandemic, with independent, third parties being employed to respond to potential intruders. Trained security personnel can be on hand for any potential issues, providing invaluable peace of mind for business owners and employees alike.

Why businesses should invest in professional security

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly caused a cultural shift in the way many businesses are operating. For office environments, the hybrid model is likely here to stay, and the multiple benefits of a trusted security presence are invaluable.

The benefits of having trained, security officers available to handle potentially tricky or dangerous situations will provide invaluable peace of mind to both staff and any visitors to your premises.

Keyholding and alarm response services also mean that your premises are protected when no one is on-site, meaning business owners, site managers and more can rest easy knowing that any potential issues will be dealt with by a trusted security partner.

Professional security will pay dividends in the long run, ensuring that you’re doing all you can to keep your place of work safe and secure, especially when there may be fewer people than usual on-site.

To find out more about the expert security services we provide to our clients around the UK here or get in touch for more info.