A secure investment is a safe venture

Most premises possess some form of security hardware, but it is common practice to put cost above effectiveness. Where more effective security measures do exist, they have often been installed only after a crime has taken place. A strategy of choosing security based on cost fails every time because it ignores the potential cost of the risk. Successful security comes from a realistic assessment of risk, followed by the selection of appropriate countermeasures. The right security balance demands an awareness of the available options. But how does a business know where to source quality security measures? Finding a company that is accredited by a reputable trade association is a good place to start.

Sourcing quality The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is the trade association for the professional security industry in the UK. BSIA members are responsible for more than 70 percent of privately provided UK security products and services (by turnover) including the manufacture, distribution and installation of electronic and physical security equipment and the provision of security guarding and consultancy services. The BSIA promotes best practice and the value of quality and professional security which contributes to protecting UK businesses and safeguarding communities.

The Association’s vision is to create a climate where the BSIA hallmark is a symbol of quality and professionalism for security buyers and industry partners. One of the ways it ensures the high standards expected of its members is through the rigorous requirements it places on companies wishing to become members. This includes determining that members’ businesses are conducted in a professional manner and where appropriate ISO 9001:2008 certification by a UKAS accredited certification body has been awarded. In addition, companies must also comply with specific membership criteria related to the particular sector of the security industry in which they operate. For example, when procuring the services of an information destruction company to shred your confidential waste, businesses should ensure that the company they employ is inspected to BS 8470. All BSIA information destruction members will comply with this standard. These requirements ensure that high standards are maintained throughout the membership.

The right guidance Providing guidance to customers is a vital role of any trade association. The BSIA produces practical guides for businesses including for example, a guide to video analytic technology, which outlines the use of this new technology; and a guide to access control for offices, which specifically addresses the necessity of access control in an office environment to protect people and assets. Guides are designed to advise businesses not only of the services and products available to them, but also to inform of best practice to ensure they get the most out of their security. All guidance is available to download from the BSIA website.

Peace of mind Organisations have many other priorities that frequently seem more pressing, but crime is a problem that can put a stop to all business activity, which can have disastrous effects on staff morale and company profit margins. An understanding of the threat and a determination to make time and money available for crime prevention are essential elements of a safe, secure business environment. Only by selecting a quality and professional security supplier can organisations really have peace of mind.