Physical Security

How to choose

by Mark Rowe

Emily Thompson, Marketing Manager of GateQuote, shares her tips on how to protect and secure your small business by picking the technology that’s right for you.

According to a study taken by the Commercial Victimisation Survey, in 2015 UK businesses suffered over 30,000 separate incidents of physical crime. From fraud and vandalism, to theft and assault, these industry-sector wide businesses lost profit, custom, loyal staff members and financial credit to these breaches of security. And with the figures from 2016 still waiting to be announced, it’s increasingly likely these new records might be even higher.

Choosing the right security technology is so important to help protect your business, your employees and yourself from the financial, physical, and mental strain an incident of crime. And as many of the criminals tend to target small, family run and independent businesses, it’s even more important to defend your small business from these threats.
What do you need to protect?

When choosing your security technology, one of the first things to consider is ‘what do I need to secure?’ Obviously, we would love to keep every aspect of our businesses safe, but when challenged with a limited budget, it’s necessary to prioritise. If the property your business is based on is your key asset, invest in rolling shutters for privacy, electric locks, access controls and automation systems. You’ll need to control who can enter and leave your company, and what they’re leaving with. You can do this with an electronic card and lock systems which allow employees to register in and out of the building so you keep a complete audit trail of all staff movements.

Be mindful with how many key-holders you entrust and with the building alarm code. It’s also imperative that you update the code regularly; especially when employees or contractors such as cleaners leave. If you’re a business with cash in store overnight, use your tech to secure your profit. CCTV, alarm systems and thermal scanners can provide that extra level of security a simple locked door and rusty padlock just can’t meet.

Once you know exactly what you want to protect, whether it’s your property, your products, your assets, or your employees, selecting the right security technology should come naturally.

Choosing the right company

One of the biggest mistakes a business can make when securing their assets is choosing the wrong company. Allowing a security team into your building, your office or factory gives them intimate access to your business and an acknowledgement of its weakest points. You put both yourself and your business at risk when investing in security installation – so how do you make sure the company you hire is trustworthy?

If you’re outsourcing online, it’s important to look for high quality websites, genuine case studies with links to satisfied customers, industry approval logos, social media links, customer reviews, etc… A quick maps search for their listed headquarters should help you determine the legitimacy of their branding, and where possible arrange your first meeting in their office, rather than yours. A good, trustworthy security company will have the best interests for your business at heart, and will be just as keen to protect your assets as you are.

What works for your business?

Another issue to consider when considering your security solutions is the potential for expansion within your business. If you’re a business with an expected growth rate that requires relocation, staff recruitment or larger budgetary allowances, then this is the time to plan for that. Consider security technologies that work for both big businesses and small, or access systems with larger capacities for longer recorded events. If you want to be as involved in your security controls as possible, but know that your role requires you to be ‘out of office’, then opt for the hands free remote alarm and security systems. And if everything in your property shuts down at the same time each working day, automatic gates, lights and locks might just work better for you.

Knowing your business inside out is a great way to protect it, and finding the right technology to do that is a job only you can do.

Don’t forget cyber

With the Commercial Victimisation Survey quoting over 5200 separate incidents of reported crime online, new technologies in cyberspace are making it easier and easier for hackers to access your details. Fraud, online theft, phishing emails, and hacking are just some of the threats facing any business online, and just as much time should be taken to protect your cyber-business as your physical one. Outsourcing a cyber-crime agency can help you to identity some of the weak spots in your existing security, and point you in the right direction when it comes to tightening it. Even if the majority of your profit comes from offline trade, your accounts, business details and personal details can still be accessed and abused if not properly secured.

If online services are a major part of your business, then make the right moves to protect it. With so many new technologies available in the fields of security and protection, it’s easier than ever to secure your business assets. So rather than becoming another figure in this year’s Commercial Victimisation Survey poll, research what works for your business and protect yourself first.

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