Introduction
If you are pricing business security in the UK, you have likely noticed the issue already. There is no single national rate card.
One quote looks cheap. Another looks expensive. Neither tells you much on its own.
In 2026, this gap matters more than ever. Labour, licensing, and compliance costs have all increased.
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over rose to £12.71 from 1 April 2026. The SIA licence application fee also increased to £204.
Security roles now follow stricter standards. Front-line guarding and door supervision require licence-linked training. First aid certification is also required before training begins.
This does not mean every site needs the most expensive solution. It means a proper quote covers far more than a visible presence.
You are paying for:
- Licensed staff
- Compliance and training
- Supervision and management
- Response capability
- Reliable scheduling
- Real protection for people and assets
Why Business Security Pricing Varies in the UK
Security pricing varies because every site is different.
A quiet office does not need the same level of protection as a warehouse. A weekend event is very different from a 24-hour construction site.
The main cost drivers include:
- Hours required
- Location
- Risk level
- Number of officers
- Type of licence required
- Contract type
Location plays a major role. London and high-risk areas usually cost more. Longer contracts often reduce the hourly rate.
Businesses are not just buying hours. They are buying reliability, deterrence, and proper incident response.
Typical Business Security Costs in the UK
These figures represent market ranges. They are not fixed national prices.
Final quotes depend on scope, location, risk, and service design.
Manned Guarding and Static Security
General guarding usually falls between £15 to £25 per hour.
Typical ranges:
- Retail security: £15 to £18 per hour
- Office and concierge: £18 to £22 per hour
- Construction and industrial: £20 to £25 per hour
Higher-risk roles can exceed these ranges.
A single guard on a 24/7 rota becomes a major cost. Monthly spend can reach £15,000 to £30,000+ depending on complexity.
Mobile Patrols
Mobile patrols offer a lower-cost alternative to full-time guards.
Typical pricing includes:
- £25 per visit (starting point)
- £35+ per visit (common provider rate)
- £20 to £30+ per hour for patrol-based contracts
Patrols work well for:
- Offices
- Industrial units
- Low-footfall sites
- Out-of-hours protection
They provide visibility and response without full-time staffing costs.
Key Holding and Alarm Response
This is one of the most cost-effective options for many businesses.
Typical UK pricing:
- £250 to £600 per year
- £50 to £100 per call-out
- £45+VAT to £70+VAT per month (some plans)
This service removes the need for staff to attend alarms at night. It reduces risk and improves response consistency.
Event Security
Event pricing depends on:
- Crowd size
- Venue type
- Licensing requirements
- Risk level
Typical ranges:
- General event staff: £10 to £25 per hour
- Door supervisors: £19 to £25 per hour
- Higher-risk events: £22 to £30+ per hour
Licensed venues require properly trained door supervisors. This is a legal requirement.
CCTV Monitoring
Providers price CCTV differently from guarding.
Typical costs include:
- From £75 per month for smaller systems
- £100 to £150 per camera per year
- Up to £200 per camera annually for warehouses
CCTV offers strong value for:
- Perimeter protection
- Multi-site monitoring
- Out-of-hours coverage
It works best when combined with patrols or response services.
Reception and Concierge Security
This role combines security with front-of-house duties.
Typical pricing:
- From £17.95 per hour
- Common range: £18 to £22 per hour
It often replaces the need for separate receptionist and security roles.
Construction Site Security
Construction sites carry higher risks. Theft, vandalism, and trespassing are common.
Typical rates:
- £20 to £25 per hour
- £25+ for higher-risk sites
Many projects use hybrid models. These combine CCTV, patrols, and limited guarding to control costs.
Warehouse and Industrial Security
Warehouses require broader protection.
Common duties include:
- Gatehouse control
- Vehicle checks
- Perimeter patrols
- Stock protection
Typical rates:
- £20 to £25 per hour for guards
- CCTV priced separately
Large sites can face very high labour costs. This is why hybrid solutions are common.
Retail Security
Retail security sits in the general guarding range.
Typical pricing:
- £15 to £18 per hour
- £18 to £28+ for higher-risk locations
The real value lies in reducing theft and protecting staff.
What Drives Security Costs Up or Down
Hours Required
More hours mean higher costs. A 24/7 setup changes the entire budget.
Location
Urban areas cost more due to labour and logistics.
Risk Level
Higher risk requires better-trained staff and tighter control.
Number of Officers
Larger or busier sites need multiple officers.
Licensing and Compliance
SIA licensing and training add baseline costs.
Out-of-Hours Cover
Night and weekend shifts increase rates.
Contract Type
Short-term work often costs more per hour.
Technology Integration
Adding CCTV or access control can increase or reduce total cost depending on design.
Hidden Costs Businesses Often Miss
Comparing quotes alone is not enough.
You must consider the cost of poor security.
These include:
- Theft and stock loss
- Property damage
- Operational downtime
- Staff disruption
- Insurance issues
- Reputational damage
- Emergency repairs
- Management time
A cheap service can become expensive if it fails.
Cheap Security vs Professional Security
Price matters. But choosing the lowest rate can backfire.
A professional service delivers value through:
- Licensed and trained staff
- Reliable attendance
- Strong supervision
- Clear reporting
- Better incident handling
- Proper service design
The goal is not to spend more. The goal is to spend correctly.
Example Cost Scenarios
Small Office
Weekday security (10 hours, 5 days):
- ~217 hours/month
- £3,900 to £4,800/month
Retail Unit
10 hours, 6 days:
- ~260 hours/month
- £3,900 to £4,700/month
Warehouse (Overnight)
2 guards, 12-hour shifts:
- ~720 hours/month
- £14,400 to £18,000/month
Construction Site
Night guard (5 nights):
- ~260 hours/month
- £5,200 to £6,500/month
Event Security
6 staff, 8 hours:
- £900 to £1,200+
Key Holding
Single-site business:
- £250 to £600/year
How to Choose the Right Security Solution
Start with risk, not price.
Offices
Focus on access control and response. Use reception security, patrols, and keyholding.
Warehouses
Use hybrid models. Combine CCTV, patrols, and targeted guarding.
Construction Sites
Adjust security based on project phase and risk.
Events
Plan around crowd control and licensing requirements.
Retail
Match security to theft risk and customer flow.
A tailored solution always performs better than a generic quote.
Final Thoughts
Security costs vary because risks vary.
In 2026, rising wages and compliance costs are reshaping the market.
The real question is not:
“What is the cheapest option?”
The better question is:
“What is the most effective way to protect my business?”
The best results come from matching the solution to your actual risks.
FAQ
How much does a security guard cost in the UK?
Most guards cost between £15 to £25 per hour, depending on role and risk.
What affects pricing?
Hours, location, risk, licensing, and service type all influence cost.
Are mobile patrols cheaper?
Yes. They cost less than full-time guards and suit lower-risk sites.
How much is key holding?
Usually £250 to £600 per year, plus call-out fees.
Is CCTV cheaper than guards?
In many cases, yes. But it cannot fully replace human presence where intervention is needed.
