If you’re operating security guard services in the UK, there are 10 things you can do to ensure that you’re providing excellent security guard services to your clients and their customers. These 10 secret techniques will help you make your business the ultimate choice for businesses looking to hire security guards in the UK, without breaking your budget or coming off as overly intrusive. Here they are
1) Define your mission
You’re only as good as your mission statement. Defining your security guard company’s purpose and how you plan on achieving it is crucial for providing a consistent level of excellence and performance.
2) Implement surveillance systems
Security guard companies should always implement surveillance systems. These can be part of your CCTV system, which should also include digital recording equipment and monitors. Surveillance systems allow security guards to see what’s going on in your facility and direct their attention where it’s needed most; they also act as a deterrent against potential thieves and vandals. It’s important that all footage recorded by these cameras is carefully monitored and stored on-site; you never know when the evidence you capture could lead to a major crime-solving breakthrough.
3) Update your technology
Some security guard companies refuse to update their technology, choosing instead to get by with outdated equipment or older models of modern equipment. The result is that they are missing out on a number of benefits offered by newer systems, such as better image quality and increased ease of use. By refusing to update your technology, you are limiting yourself and your security guards. These security guard companies have decided not to make updates and suffer for it, but there are better ways!
4) Follow legal guidelines
In most countries, security guards are not legally allowed to use physical force or weapons of any kind. The only exception is if an individual physically attacks them or attempts entry into a private residence. If an attacker brandishes a weapon or attacks with one, it is legal for security guards to use their own. However, many jurisdictions require that citizens try other means of de-escalation before resorting to violence.
5) Use analytics to improve your processes
Analytics allow you to track and review certain aspects of your operation. For example, you can use analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Piwik to see how visitors move through your site. With these insights, you can improve or update content so people spend more time on it, find related information that could be useful to them, and ultimately make a purchasing decision.
6) Perform background checks on employees
A background check is important for any business. However, for a security guard business, it’s even more critical because your employees are essentially responsible for handling customers’ safety and ensuring their property remains safe. As such, you should perform rigorous background checks on all potential security guards you hire to ensure they aren’t part of organized crime or have criminal records of any kind.
7) Create a good customer experience
One of your most effective tools when it comes to having a great security guard service is ensuring you have employees who are kind, understanding, and professional. Not only will customers respect such employees and keep coming back, but they’ll also be willing to refer others your way. Make sure each new employee you hire receives thorough training on how important customer service is, and that no matter what happens, they should always remain courteous and respectful with clients.
8) Train employees regularly, but don’t overdo it.
All security guard companies should ensure they are properly trained but don’t train them too frequently. Over-training employees and staff can lead to boredom and a negative attitude toward their jobs. Remember, security guards have boring jobs. The longer you make it fun for your employees, or at least interesting, the more productive they’ll be on your behalf. Keep training interesting by adding some new techniques each time you train them. Change up locations for training and keep things fresh for everyone!
9) Build strong relationships with local law enforcement.
The better your relationships with local law enforcement, particularly your local police department, are, the more likely you’ll get help when you need it. Having a positive relationship with law enforcement can also help reduce crimes committed against your clients’ properties by deterring criminals from doing anything. However, keep in mind that there are different ways to go about creating a good relationship with law enforcement; as long as you do so respectfully and professionally, it should be a smooth process.
10) Ensure that you have a reliable workforce and support staff.
More than anything else, a security guard company’s success hinges on its ability to recruit and retain quality employees. It’s equally important that you have access to strong support staff with your own unique set of skills. For example, an account manager can act as an interface between you and your clients and help you create a network of contacts within their target market. A fleet manager will be responsible for organizing all aspects of travel for your security guard companies guards—that means keeping everything from gas cards and fuel receipts on hand so that finances stay organized at tax time. And, finally, make sure you have a full-time administrative assistant who’s dedicated to managing human resources tasks like new hire forms, scheduling shift rotations, signing off on hours worked, etc.
