Starting a security company/agency advice needed please

[Strawberry86]

Hi everyone.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. A family member is looking to start their own security agency/company to deploy security staff and we've been looking online for advice but there isn't a lot out there. Is there anyone who can help point in the right direction for advice in setting it up in regards to laws, insurance and any other certification that we need. Not thinking about premises or getting contracts yet just the law side at the moment and any advice you can give on making sure we're covered in that way. Or if there is a company I can contact in regards to getting advice on the law side of things? I would really appreciate it, thank you.

 

[StevensOnln1]

The private security industry is regulated by the SIA, so their website should be a good start.

http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk

 

[Strawberry86]

I've looked there but it doesn't help or I can't see the relevant information for a business starting up, unless you can point me to the right page? I know you need an SIA license as my family member has one and has been working in this industry for many years, just struggling to start this business up.

 

[StevensOnln1]

You'll need to be licensed by the SIA if you are going to be carrying out any licensable activities yourself or managing/supervising others who are carrying out licensable activities.

http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-roles.aspx
http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-activities.aspx

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

If you're not sure - contact SIA themselves - ask them the questions

with all due respect, people here are businesses that would/could potentially be your clients... and are not the best ones to be asking to be honest

 

[startasecuritycompany]

The demand for private security services is rising steadily in UK to protect against robberies, violence and other forms of crime, knowing how to start a security company can be a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Fine below steps to start a security Business ;
1. Attend SIA training courses, apply for sia badge and get SIA badge
2.Company Formation -Choose a location for your corporate office
3.Hire and train employees. Perform background checks on each person you plan to hire
4.Get Right insurance . Obtain insurance to cover your security company in case anything happens to a client or her property because of your staff's actions.
5. Prepare Quality Management System documents , Procedures and policies .
6. Apply for accreditations like; safe contractor , Chas, construction line, SIA ACS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 etc.
7.Bid on contracts. Search for companies in need of security guard personnel.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

6. Apply for accreditations like; safe contractor , Chas, construction line, SIA ACS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 etc.

WTF?

What on earth makes you think that a Security Guard company needs to be members of Safecontractor, CHAS or Construction line?

Seriously... the OP asked for help not hindrance.

A Security Guard company needs none of the above whatsoever to be a successful business... infact... no company needs to be safecontractor or constructionline unless they want to prove how crap a service they're actually providing - like most of the cowboys working under those belts.

 

[siaconsultancy.co.uk]

When you start a security business in Uk , you need to Compliance with relevant British Standards, e.g

BS7858

Security Screening of Individuals Employed in a Security Environment – Code of Practice
All activities regulated by the SIA

BS7499

Static Site Guarding and Mobile Patrol Services – Code of Practice
Security Guarding

BS7960

Door Supervisors/Stewards – Code of Practice
Door Supervision

BS7984

Key holding and Response Services – Code of Practice -
Key Holding