How to Start a Security Business: Key Steps and Tips for Success

Starting a security business can be a highly profitable venture, especially with rising demand for protection across residential, commercial, and event sectors. Whether you're providing manned guarding, mobile patrols, CCTV monitoring, or security system installations, this industry offers steady work, strong growth potential, and recurring contracts.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start a professional and compliant security business from scratch.

🔐 1. Choose Your Security Services

First, decide what type of security services you'll offer based on your skills, certifications, and market demand.

Common services include:

  • Manned guarding (e.g., door supervisors, retail, office security)

  • Event security (concerts, festivals, private parties)

  • Mobile patrol services

  • Keyholding & alarm response

  • CCTV monitoring and installation

  • Security consultancy or risk assessments

  • Residential or construction site security

💡 Tip: Start with a focused niche and expand as your team and resources grow.

✅ 2. Get the Required Licences and Certifications

In the UK:

  • You must be licensed by the SIA (Security Industry Authority) to legally provide security services.

    • Frontline roles (e.g., door supervision, CCTV operation, guarding): Apply for an SIA individual licence.

    • Business owners (who manage or supply security staff): Apply for SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) if you want to work with larger clients or public sector contracts.

📌 Apply here: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk

Other legal must-haves:

  • DBS check

  • First Aid training (usually required before SIA training)

  • Proper insurance (see below)

🧾 3. Register Your Business Legally

Choose a structure that suits your needs:

  • Sole Trader – Simple and ideal for solo operators

  • Limited Company – Better for hiring staff and working with larger clients

Also:

  • Register with HMRC for tax

  • Open a business bank account

  • Register for VAT if turnover exceeds £90,000/year

🛡️ 4. Get the Right Insurance

Insurance is critical in the security industry due to the high-risk nature of the work.

Must-have policies:

  • Public Liability Insurance

  • Employers’ Liability Insurance (if hiring staff)

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance

  • Security-specific insurance (covering wrongful arrest, keyholding liability, etc.)

💡 Speak to a specialist broker to tailor coverage to your services.

👷 5. Hire Qualified Staff (If Needed)

If you're planning to run a team, make sure all staff:

  • Hold valid SIA licences

  • Have passed a criminal background check

  • Undergo regular training (conflict resolution, first aid, customer service)

  • Wear professional uniforms and carry ID badges

⚙️ 6. Set Up Systems for Operations

You'll need systems to manage schedules, jobs, and compliance.

✅ Use tools or software for:

  • Guard scheduling and check-ins

  • Incident reporting and logging

  • Client billing and contracts

  • Staff certification and renewal tracking

💡 Platforms like Trackforce Valiant or Connecteam are useful for security teams.

💵 7. Set Your Pricing Structure

Price your services based on:

  • Hourly rates per guard or service

  • 24/7 coverage and shift rotations

  • Equipment or patrol vehicle costs

  • Risk level and sector (e.g., higher rates for night clubs or events)

💡 Create clear service packages for recurring clients (e.g., “Retail Patrol Package – 3x per week”).

📣 8. Market Your Security Business

Start promoting your services locally and professionally.

Effective strategies:

  • Create a professional website with your services and accreditations

  • Set up a Google Business Profile and get client reviews

  • Use LinkedIn to reach business owners and facility managers

  • Distribute flyers or brochures to local offices, retail parks, and warehouses

  • Attend local networking events or tender platforms for public contracts

💡 Getting SIA Approved Contractor status can open doors to bigger contracts and build credibility.

📋 9. Comply with Record-Keeping and Legal Duties

Keep thorough records of:

  • Incident reports

  • Staff training and shifts

  • Client agreements and handover forms

  • Key logs and alarm response reports

You’ll also need to follow GDPR regulations if handling any customer or surveillance data.

✅ Quick Checklist to Start Your Security Business

✔ Define your services and niche
✔ Get SIA licences and certifications
✔ Register your business and open a business bank account
✔ Buy uniforms, radios, patrol logs, and safety gear
✔ Insure your business with full liability cover
✔ Hire trained, licensed staff
✔ Build strong client relationships and focus on professionalism
✔ Use job tracking, incident reporting, and scheduling systems
✔ Promote your business online and locally

🧠 Final Thoughts

The security industry offers high demand, repeat business, and long-term contracts if you build trust and operate professionally. By following the right steps—getting licensed, staying compliant, and delivering top-tier service—you’ll lay the foundation for a successful, scalable business.

🛡️ Want help with quote templates, contracts, or promotional flyers? I can create one for your business—just ask!