Running a business comes with a lot of pressure, with the operators of smaller enterprises having countless plates to spin. However, the fact that there are a lot of different tasks to manage doesn’t mean you can compromise on any core responsibilities. One of the most important things to invest time, money and effort into is sufficient small business security.
There are plenty of health and safety regulations that all businesses need to abide by, as most business owners know. However, beyond temperature, ventilation and other environmental factors that keep your staff safe, it’s also important to keep your workplace safe from external threats. Proper small business security systems protect your staff, stock and equipment in equal measure.
Physical perimeter security systems
It could be argued that the best security system for small business settings is one built from multiple physical perimeter security systems working in conjunction with each other.
Industrial gates
It’s important to guard the outer perimeter of your business setting, which is why quality gates are an essential facet of a secure envelope. These should lock effectively and have trustworthy controls.
- Swing gates can be manual or automated, with the former generally having climb-proof design elements and both versions having a more traditional design aesthetic.
- Tracked and sliding gates are best for slightly larger business sites, offering a significant barrier for large entrances, such as in sites with active loading bays.
Even if you don’t have much to invest in your security suite, high-quality industrial gates should always be a priority.
Security barriers & bollards
Barriers and bollards are vital for controlling vehicle traffic or preventing access to private driveways. The best designs shouldn’t just create a blockage for uninvited vehicles, but also serve to damage them on impact to the level of undriveable.
- Rising bollards can be crash-rated, rising out of the ground to prevent vehicle ramming.
- Mobile barriers can act as suitable blockers for short-term sites and event security.
- Security barriers can be used in place of or alongside industrial gates, for manned or vehicle operation via a range of access controls.
Shutters & doors
Beyond vehicle access, you should also consider the quality of any doors and shutters on your structure, as robust small business security is also conscious of potential criminals closer to the building.
Small business security monitoring & alarm tools
Beyond simply creating physical barriers to keep danger at bay, it’s also important to take a proactive approach to your security, keeping an eye on goings-on. Monitoring and general locational awareness are essential for crime prevention and rapid responses.
Small business CCTV security systems
CCTV can be installed very affordably these days, with solutions even linkable to smartphones and other mobile devices. Some CCTV systems can even be powered by AI, offering notifications that alert you based on loitering, ideal for preventing break-ins.
Intruder alarms
Doors, shutters and areas of your site should be secured by intruder alarms. These systems ensure that central monitoring is alerted immediately, allowing for much more efficient responses.
Each of these avenues for security are best operated with dedicated, qualified security staff, to prevent your general workforce from having to handle ‘action’ themselves.
Building layers is key to small business security
The best small business security systems are built from multiple layers, rather than counting on one installation alone. By building a comprehensive suite from a few different solutions that can work together in harmony, you add different steps for potential criminals or intruders to have to deal with along the way. As a small business, you might be more of a target.
Don’t let opportunistic criminals get the better of you and invest in real security, it will pay for itself in time.
