How Security Guard Services Create Value for your Operations

This brief guide helps to highlight the range of different security guard services, when they are the right solution, how they add value, how to achieve ROI and how to save time and money.

There are several types of security guard services available in the private sector. A summary of services follows.

Click on the headings to find out more information on each of the security guard services.

Concierge Security

Concierge security combines traditional security services with a strong focus on customer care. These specialised security guards are typically stationed at building entrances, where they control access, respond to emergencies, and provide various customer support services.

Corporate Security

Security guards who monitor access points, conduct patrols, and implement security protocols in office building environments.

Corporate Security Officer

A Corporate Security Officer is a licensed professional responsible for safeguarding an organisation’s assets, information, employees, and infrastructure. Their role encompasses a wide range of duties, including monitoring entry and exit points, overseeing surveillance systems, conducting patrols, managing visitor access, and responding to emergencies.

Concierge Security

A blend of hospitality and security roles in hotels, universities, hotels, residential buildings, greeting guests warmly while maintaining security and protection at all times.

Construction Security

Security guard services providing 24 hour protection of equipment and materials preventing theft and vandalism at construction sites.

Event Security

Providing security guard services as large events such as conferences, weddings, festivals, fairs and product launches. The main responsibilities are to provide a meet and greet service, providing directions and managing large crowds, ensuring safety at a variety of different venues.

Gatehouse Security

Gatehouse Security serves as a crucial checkpoint at facility entrances, staffed professional security guards who control access and ensure site safety.

Key Holding and Alarm Response

The goal is to provide rapid, professional response to alarms and security incidents, reducing risks to property and employees while offering peace of mind through 24/7 protection.

Manned Guarding Services – What to Expect

The advantage of manned guarding services is the flexibility which can be tailored to various business types and sizes. Manned guarding services can also be integrated with other security systems such as CCTV and alarms.

Manned Guarding Services – When are they most Appropriate?

Manned guarding is particularly suitable for high-risk environments such as large events, and situations requiring a visible security presence focussing on deterring potential threats to managing crowd control.

Manned Guards – 7 Points to Maximise Value

You can optimise your return on security investment by focusing on quality over cost by ensuring manned security guards are properly vetted and trained.

Manned Guarding Services – Commonly Asked Questions

Mobile Security Guards

Mobile security guard patrols are a flexible and cost-effective security solution that involves uniformed guards patrolling multiple locations or properties, typically in marked vehicles.

Mobile Security Patrols

Mobile security patrol services offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses seeking comprehensive security coverage. These services involve trained security officers conducting regular checks of premises at varying times to deter potential threats and respond to incidents.

Reception Security

Reception security is a specialised form of manned guarding that combines traditional security duties with front-of-house responsibilities. This service provides a professional first point of contact for visitors while maintaining a vigilant security presence.

Retail Security Guards

Stationed at retail stores to prevent shoplifting by closely monitoring customers, employees and contractors.

How a Return on Investment in Security Provision is Achieved

There are several important reasons why receiving a return on investment (ROI) in security provision is crucial:

1. Cost avoidance: In security, ROI is should be about what additional services your security supplier can provide as well as protection e.g. managing transport logistics. It’s also about loss prevention rather than profit generation. It helps quantify how much potential loss is avoided through security investment.
2. Justification of Security Spending: Calculating ROI helps organisations determine if they are spending an appropriate amount on security measures. It allows them to assess whether they are paying too much or too little to protect their assets and premises.
3. Resource allocation: Understanding the ROI helps companies allocate resources more effectively, ensuring they invest in the most cost-effective security solutions.
4. Optimisation of security strategies: By analysing ROI, organisations can identify which security measures are most effective, allowing them to optimise their overall security strategy.
5. Continuous improvement: Regular assessment of security ROI enables organisations to continuously improve their security posture by identifying areas that need enhancement or adjustment.
6. Balancing security and business needs: ROI calculations help strike a balance between security requirements and business objectives, ensuring that security investments align with overall organisational goals.
7. Compliance and risk management: Understanding the return on security investments aids in meeting compliance requirements and managing overall organisational risk.
8. Competitive advantage: Effective security investments can provide a competitive advantage by protecting valuable assets, maintaining business continuity, and enhancing customer trust.

How the Focus of Security Guards has Changed to Create More Value

The role of security guards has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to changes in society, technological advancements and emerging security challenges. Here’s an overview of how security guard services role has been reshaped:

Expanded Responsibilities

Security guards have moved beyond traditional patrolling and surveillance duties. They now handle a wider range of tasks, including:

• Facilities management
• Health and safety enforcement
• Customer service
• Monitoring of advanced security systems
• Stepping into additional roles to fill in during temporary absences

Technological Integration

Security guards are required to be proficient in operating various technologies, such as:

• CCTV cameras
• Access control systems
• Biometric scanners
• AI-powered analytics

This integration has enhanced their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents.

Customer Service Focus

Security guard services now often serve as the first point of contact for visitors and employees, requiring them to be approachable, helpful, and knowledgeable while maintaining security protocols.

Proactive Threat Assessment

Instead of merely reacting to incidents, today’s security officers are tasked with proactively assessing potential risks. This requires experience and a deep understanding of potential emerging threats and behavioural patterns.

Emergency Response Training

Security guards are now trained to provide immediate assistance during various emergencies, including medical crises, natural disasters, and active threats. They must be able to coordinate personnel and liaise with emergency services.

Cultural Awareness

With increasing diversity in communities and workplaces, security officers need to exhibit cultural sensitivity and effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Data Security and Privacy

As organisations handle more sensitive information, Security Officers may also play a role in safeguarding digital information and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Specialised Roles

The security industry has seen the emergence of specialised roles in fields like executive protection, cybersecurity and event security, requiring more specific training and expertise.

Security Officers should now be versatile professionals equipped with an extensive skill set, entrusted to safeguard people, property, and sensitive information in an ever-changing environment.

What are the Benefits of Buying Security Services from a Carbon Neutral + Organisation?

There are various benefits of purchasing security services from a carbon neutral organisation:

• By partnering with a carbon neutral security provider, your company demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, which can improve your reputation among customers, partners, and investors.
• If your company has its own environmental targets or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, working with a carbon neutral security firm helps support and reinforce these objectives.
• Many companies are now focusing on reducing emissions throughout their supply chain. Choosing a carbon neutral security provider helps improve the overall sustainability of your business operations.
• Carbon neutral security companies often have experience in implementing environmentally friendly practices. They may be able to advise on improving your own environmental standards, which is exactly what we offer at Magenta Security.
• As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers and businesses, using carbon neutral services can give your company a competitive edge.
• While not related to security services, carbon neutral companies often implement energy-efficient practices that can lead to cost savings, which may be reflected in their pricing or service quality.
• As regulations around carbon emissions become stricter, working with carbon neutral providers can help your company stay ahead of compliance requirements.
• Carbon neutral companies often invest in new technologies and methods to reduce their environmental impact, which can lead to more efficient and effective security solutions.
• By choosing a carbon neutral security provider, you’re indirectly reducing your own company’s carbon footprint and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. And, if your business caters to environmentally aware customers, using carbon neutral security services can be an additional selling point.
• By selecting a carbon neutral security service provider like Magenta Security, you’re not only ensuring the protection of your assets but also contributing to broader environmental goals and potentially enhancing your company’s sustainability policy.

Factors Driving the Increased Demand for Security Guard Services

As of last year, there are over 11,500 private security companies operating in the UK. These organisations employ approximately 450,000 licensed security guards.

The market for security officer services in the UK increased by 11% in 2021, reaching £4.1 billion, and is expected to grow to £4.9 billion by 2026.

There is evidence to suggest that the demand for private security guard services is increasing, which is driven by various factors, including:

• The evolving role of private security guards taking on roles beyond traditional tasks.
• Cost-effectiveness for businesses to purchase private security services, compared to bearing the expense of in-house security teams.
• The increased need for security in various settings such as homes, workplaces and events.
• The ability of private security companies to provide customised and flexible solutions.
• Stretched police officer resources and increases in specific types of crime, particularly retail theft (rising by over 50% in many areas), including violence against shop workers.

If you need any additional information or are looking to secure security guard services, please contact us here or by calling 0800 772 3786.