If you run a small or start-up business, there’s always a mountain of stuff to deal with - by no means least including the security of your premises, its contents and the staff you employ.
With the focus on developing customers and bringing in orders, however, installing a burglar alarm system or fire safety solution might not be top of the list of your priorities. Even so, deterring intruders and protecting your company’s assets are still vitally important for the overall health and well-being of your business.
Indeed, having a fully operational alarm system in place might be compulsory. That’s because insurers will often refuse to accept any liability on a business premises if it doesn’t have adequate protection in place.
How do commercial security and fire alarm systems work?
Although the type and cost of the alarm deployed can vary according to the size and layout of the property, in simple terms, commercial security and fire alarm systems operate via a series of sensors, which are connected to a main control unit. When the system is activated by a break-in or smoke, for instance, it will trigger an immediate alert.
This will either be a sounder-only (loud noise) alert or, if the building is being monitored, it will be picked by an external alarm receiving centre (ARC), which will alert the attention of the emergency services.
Commercial intruder alarms
There are two main types of intruder alarms, wired and wireless – both of which are designed to protect commercial property against break-ins and act as a deterrent.
Wired
Of the two technologies, wired systems are the oldest, using cables to connect the system. Given that a wired system is fixed to the property, this could be a sensible option if your business is planning to stay in the same location for an extended period of time or, indeed, if you own the property.
Wireless
A wireless alarm system uses radio frequency or Wi-Fi to connect the sensors. This offers greater flexibility, as well as a quicker and easier installation process. Wireless alarms are particularly suited to growing businesses, or where relocation to new premises might be on the cards.
Smart Technology
You might also want to include smart technology as part of your commercial alarm system. For example, one that uses an app, will enable you to monitor the system remotely. If you spend a lot of time away from your business premises or are overseas, this could be ideal, since it can be accessed via your device.
Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
A commercial fire alarm system is another integral part of business security, protecting the premises and staff against fires. These systems are available in a variety of formats, involving either analogue or wireless deployment. Again, modern technologies are now moving towards wireless systems.
Whichever system is fitted in your premises, it’s important that it is regularly tested, to ensure it is in optimal working condition.
It’s also worth noting that if you employ five or more staff, you will need to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment and have a designated Responsible Person for fire security.
What are the main cost considerations with commercial alarms?
The main costs you will need to factor in, are:
- Alarm system equipment compatibility with the size of the premises
- Installation
- Alarm Monitoring
- On-going maintenance and service
Pricing can vary considerably, depending upon the type of alarm system engaged and the size of the premises. As a small business or start-up looking to keep overheads to a minimum, it’s important to have a reliable system that doesn’t break the bank. The best way to do this is to work with a National Security Inspectorate (NSI) approved company.
The NSI is the UK’s leading organisation for security and fire protection company certification, of which Justice Fire & Security is a founding member. For further peace of mind for small business owners, we are also members of BAFE, the independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving standards in fire protection.
As a small or micro-business owner, having a commercial intruder or fire alarm system installed might not necessarily be at the top of your list of priorities. But it could be one of the most important investments your growing company will ever make, since a break-in or fire could completely derail or devastate the business operation.
Working with an approved installer will ensure the system will be reliable and adheres to the required best practice and conforms to all the relevant codes and legislation. And whilst it may all sound like a long-winded and expensive exercise, it needn’t be. The aim should always be to deliver time efficient, cost-effective safety and security solutions for businesses that already have a lot on their plate!
Justice Fire & Security have been installing commercial intruder and fire alarms for small businesses in the Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area for nearly 40 years. Our mission is to deliver practical, realistically costed solutions for all types of young and start-up situations – in office, retail and light industrial environments. If you need help with securing your commercial premises, call our main switchboard on 0845 468 9077.
