Guide
Cutting business overheads without cutting quality
Where UK SMEs typically overpay on telecoms, software and office contracts.
Read guideCompare business security
Compare UK business security systems — monitored alarms, CCTV, access control and keyholding for commercial premises.
Compare business security quotes TrustpilotTrustScore 4.7 | reviews
Ready to compare business security?
Run a full market comparison before you commit. It takes about five minutes and there's no obligation to apply.
How business security works
Commercial security typically combines an intruder alarm, CCTV and access control, either self-monitored or professionally monitored.
Insurers often require systems installed to specific standards and maintained by an NSI or SSAIB approved company.
Costs split between the upfront installation and an ongoing monitoring and maintenance contract.
What affects the cost of business security
- Size and number of premises
- Number of cameras, sensors and doors
- Monitoring level and police response grading
- Cloud video storage and retention period
- Maintenance visits and response callouts
Why compare business security with us
Insurer-approved standards
Systems installed to NSI or SSAIB accredited standards.
Remote monitoring
Live view and alerts to your phone wherever you are.
Access control
Fobs or app-based entry with a full audit trail.
Professional response
Keyholding and alarm response without calling staff out at 3am.
Typical installation costs
Indicative one-off costs excluding VAT for a small commercial site.
| System | Typical install cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intruder alarm | £700 - £2,500 | Depends on zones and grading |
| 4-camera CCTV | £1,200 - £3,500 | IP cameras with NVR |
| 8-camera CCTV | £2,500 - £6,000 | Larger sites or retail |
| Access control (2 doors) | £900 - £2,800 | Per additional door £400 - £900 |
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance
Annual running costs after installation.
| Service | Typical annual cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm maintenance | £120 - £350 | One or two service visits |
| Alarm monitoring | £180 - £480 | Alarm receiving centre |
| Keyholding and response | £300 - £900 | Attendance instead of your staff |
| Cloud CCTV storage | £60 - £400 | Varies by cameras and retention |
Expert advice
Our team reviews UK business suppliers, contract terms and pricing models throughout the year.
“Speak to your insurer before your installer. The grading they require decides most of the specification for you.”
business security: pros and cons
Pros
- Can reduce commercial insurance premiums
- Deters opportunistic theft and vandalism
- Evidence-grade footage for claims and prosecutions
- Access logs support HR and health and safety records
Cons
- Meaningful upfront installation cost
- Monitoring contracts often run three to five years
- False alarms can lose police response status
How to choose business security
The cheapest headline price rarely wins. Check these points before you sign.
- 1
Check your insurance requirements first
Your policy may specify grading and an accredited installer.
- 2
Use NSI or SSAIB approved firms
Non-accredited installs can invalidate cover.
- 3
Confirm GDPR compliance for CCTV
Signage, retention periods and subject access must be handled properly.
- 4
Separate install from monitoring
Avoid being locked into one provider for both if you can.
Compare business security
See what's available for your business today. It takes just minutes.
How to compare business security
It takes a few minutes and there is no obligation to switch.
1. Tell us about your business
Team size, sites and roughly what you spend today.
2. See matched suppliers
We shortlist UK providers who serve businesses like yours.
3. Compare the full package
Contract length, support levels and set-up costs, not just monthly price.
4. Switch when you're ready
Your chosen supplier handles onboarding and any migration.
Things to watch out for
Long monitoring contracts with automatic renewal are common — check notice periods.
Cloud storage costs escalate quickly with camera count and retention length.
Cheap installs sometimes use equipment that can't be maintained by other firms.
Our business security service
We compare business security from established UK suppliers so you can see pricing, contract terms and support side by side.
Comparing is free, and we will tell you plainly if your current deal already looks competitive.
Getting started
1
Gather your current bills
Your latest invoice shows spend, contract end date and notice period.
2
Map what you actually need
List must-haves versus nice-to-haves so you don't overbuy.
3
Check your exit terms
Most UK business contracts need 30 to 90 days' notice before renewal.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of providers
We compare a broad range of UK providers so you can find the option that actually fits how your business operates.
Exclusive offers
We work hard to bring you exclusive deals, switching incentives and cashback where they're available.
Simple and fast
It takes just a few minutes to compare with us — and the deal you find could be well below what you pay today.
Types of business security
The right option depends on your size, budget and how fast you're growing.
Intruder alarms
Graded systems with bells-only or monitored response.
CCTV
IP camera systems with local or cloud recording.
Access control
Fob, card or mobile entry with permission levels.
Monitored response
Alarm receiving centre with keyholding and police response.
Providers we compare
Logos are shown for identification. We are not affiliated with every supplier listed and do not compare the whole market.
ADT
Verisure
Chubb
Banham
Hikvision
VerkadaComparing with us is a no-brainer
“Since the monitored system went in we've had two attempted break-ins stopped and our premium came down.”
Karl, warehouse operator, Stoke
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Read guidebusiness security FAQs
How much does a business alarm system cost?
Installation typically runs £700 to £2,500 for a small commercial site, plus £180 to £480 a year for monitoring.
Do I need an accredited installer?
If you want police response or insurance recognition, yes — look for NSI or SSAIB accreditation.
Is CCTV subject to GDPR?
Yes. You need clear signage, a defined retention period and a process for handling subject access requests.
Will security reduce my insurance?
Often. Many commercial insurers offer discounts for graded, monitored systems from accredited installers.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 26 July 2026