James Campbell from Safe Estates, an empty property security firm, comments on the new security legislation.
When the Security Industry Authority’s new licensing scheme came into effect on March 20 it marked a seismic change in the way that the security industry has conducted itself in the UK to date.
With the threat of criminal prosecution for any security guard operating without a license means that a significant proportion of the manpower traditionally used to guard and protect businesses and premises will no longer be available. Finding licensed alternatives is already starting to have an effect on those companies who fit the new criteria. Safe Estates which provides a tailored service contracted for set periods of time to meet the specified needs of its clients has a much higher dependency on the latest technological developments in security rather than on manpower. In addition to being a safer and securer option it has proved to be considerably more cost effective in the long term.
How to cope
As to how the industry is going to cope with the requirements for every individual being able to meet the new criteria of having a clean police record, English communicative skills and able to meet a number of set training and professional standards remains to be seen. Inevitably the emphasis on finding more innovative solutions than the traditional manned guarding route will force the industry to become more effective and as a consequence much more respected – which can only be a good thing.
Staff investment worry
The worry for many companies, especially the larger ones, is that they will have to make a considerable investment in training their staff but with no control over whether they then manage to hold on to them. The prospect of such equity simply walking out the door to a competitor is cause for alarm. The new legislation is probably the most significant development ever in the industry and will result in new evaluation of what constitutes the provision of service.
Safe Estates has grown its business by utilising technology to offer solutions that can meet security requirements. These include SmartAlarm, a temporary alarm that can be installed in almost any location without the need for mains power or phone lines and allows properties to be secured and monitored around the clock via voice recorded controls and a simple unique key fob. There is a growing demand for key-less and steel security screens and doors – all of which are not dependant on manned guarding.
Improved service
Whilst many companies may not be relishing the new legislation it will in the long run bring about an improved service and what is a fact for Safe Estates and all other companies in the industry, is that poor security is no security.
About Safe Estates
The empty property security firm reports a 50pc increase in enquiries in 2005 compared with that of 2004 showing, the firm says, growing concern about protecting our properties.
