Choosing the wrong security company in London can leave your business dangerously exposed. With hundreds of providers operating across the capital, knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — is essential. This guide walks you through every factor you need to consider before signing any security contract.
Whether you need a single security officer for a small retail shop or a full security team for a large corporate campus, the selection process should never be rushed. A professional, SIA-licensed security company brings expertise, accountability, and peace of mind. The wrong choice can cost you far more than just money.
Why Choosing the Right Company Matters
Security is not a commodity. The quality of your security provider directly affects the safety of your staff, customers, premises, and assets. A poorly vetted company may send untrained, unlicensed officers who create more risk than they resolve. In London's competitive security market, corners are sometimes cut — and it's businesses like yours that pay the price.
With over 500 SIA-licensed officers on our books, GM Secure has helped hundreds of London businesses find the right security solution. Here is everything you need to know before making your decision.
The 8 Essential Factors to Check Before You Sign
SIA Licensing — The Non-Negotiable
What to check
Every security officer deployed in the UK must hold a valid SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. This is a legal requirement — not optional. Ask any company to provide proof of SIA licensing for every officer they intend to deploy at your site. You can also verify licences directly on the SIA website at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk.
Why it matters
Deploying an unlicensed security officer is a criminal offence. If a company cannot immediately confirm SIA licensing for all staff, walk away. GM Secure's entire officer roster holds current SIA Door Supervisor or Security Guard licences with no exceptions.
Professional Standards & Proven Track Record
What to check
Look for companies with a proven track record of delivering quality security services. Ask how long they've been supplying security officers, whether they work with other security companies as trusted subcontractors, and what client testimonials they can provide. Many excellent security providers operate successfully without formal industry accreditations — what matters most is officer quality, vetting standards, and consistent service delivery.
Why it matters
A company trusted to supply officers to other established security firms has already demonstrated reliability and professional standards in the most demanding way possible. Direct client feedback and references from similar businesses provide far stronger evidence of quality service than certificates alone. For specialized projects, check if the company has relevant sector experience rather than focusing solely on generic accreditations.
Staff Vetting — BS7858 & DBS Checks
What to check
Ask specifically whether the company vets all staff to the BS7858 standard — the British Standard for screening of individuals in a security environment. This includes identity checks, a 5-year employment history review, financial probity checks, and criminal record (DBS) checks. Do not accept vague assurances — ask to see their vetting policy in writing.
Why it matters
Improperly vetted officers pose a direct internal security risk. Every GM Secure officer undergoes full BS7858 screening and enhanced DBS checking before deployment. This protects your business from the inside out.
Training Standards & Specialisations
What to check
Beyond the SIA licence, ask what ongoing training officers receive. Do they hold First Aid at Work certificates? Are they trained in conflict management and de-escalation? Do they have site-specific training for your industry — retail, construction, corporate, hospitality? Ask for training records and CVs of officers proposed for your site.
Why it matters
A door supervisor at a nightclub needs different skills to a concierge officer at a corporate HQ. Specialist training makes the difference between a professional response and an incident that escalates. Our officers hold relevant specialist certifications for every sector we serve.
Want to See Our Credentials?
GM Secure is happy to provide full documentation — SIA licences, vetting policy, training records and insurance certificates on request.
Request Our Company ProfileInsurance — Public Liability & Employers' Liability
What to check
Any professional security company must hold at minimum £5 million Public Liability Insurance and £10 million Employers' Liability Insurance. Ask for certificates of insurance before signing any contract and confirm the policy is current and covers the specific services you require. Some specialist services — such as close protection or cash in transit — require additional cover.
Why it matters
If an officer causes injury or property damage at your site and the company is uninsured, you could face significant financial and legal consequences. Always verify — never take a company's word for it.
Response Times & 24/7 Availability
What to check
Ask specifically: what is their guaranteed emergency response time for your area of London? Do they have a 24/7 control room? Can they deploy additional officers at short notice if needed? What is their contingency plan if a scheduled officer cannot attend? Get these answers in writing within the contract, not just verbally.
Why it matters
Security emergencies do not follow office hours. A company that cannot reach you at 2am or cannot replace a no-show officer within hours leaves you exposed at the worst possible moment. GM Secure operates 24/7 with emergency deployment available across London and Essex.
References, Reviews & Track Record
What to check
Request at least two or three references from similar businesses in London — ideally from your sector. Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Companies House to verify they are an established, trading company. Look at how long they have been operating — new companies may lack the systems, management depth, and officer pool to deliver consistently.
Why it matters
A company's past performance is your strongest predictor of future reliability. Any company reluctant to provide references should be treated with caution. Genuine security professionals are proud of their client relationships and happy to share them.
Contract Clarity & Transparent Pricing
What to check
Read every line of the contract before signing. Look for: minimum notice period to cancel, penalty clauses, how rate increases are managed, whether you are locked into a long-term agreement, and exactly which services and officer profiles are included in the quoted price. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually low — this almost always means corners are being cut somewhere in the supply chain.
Why it matters
Many businesses get locked into poor contracts with lengthy exit clauses. A transparent security company will explain every line of their agreement and offer flexibility. At GM Secure we provide clear, itemised quotes with no hidden charges.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Avoid Any Company That...
- Cannot immediately produce SIA licence numbers for all officers (this is a legal requirement)
- Quotes significantly below the London Living Wage rate — this signals unlicensed or untrained staff
- Refuses to provide references from existing London clients
- Has no verifiable company address or registered Companies House number
- Cannot provide current insurance certificates within 24 hours
- Pressures you to sign a long-term contract before completing a site assessment
- Cannot explain their vetting procedure in detail
- Has no dedicated point of contact or 24/7 emergency number
Your Pre-Contract Checklist
Before You Sign — Confirm All of These
- SIA licence numbers verified for all proposed officers
- Company track record and client testimonials verified
- BS7858 vetting policy provided in writing
- Current insurance certificates received and reviewed
- At least two client references contacted and checked
- Emergency response time and 24/7 cover confirmed in writing
- All contract terms read and understood — especially exit clauses
- Site assessment completed before any contract is signed
- Named point of contact assigned to your account
- Pricing is fully itemised with no vague line items
Questions to Ask Every Potential Provider
Use these questions in every conversation with a security company. How they answer tells you as much as what they answer:
- "Can I verify your officers' SIA licences online right now?" — A confident company will say yes immediately.
- "What happens if an officer calls in sick on the day?" — They should have a clear, tested contingency plan.
- "Can you give me a reference from a similar London business?" — Hesitation here is a red flag.
- "What is your minimum contract period and notice period?" — Know your exit options before you enter.
- "Do you supply security officers to other companies as a subcontractor?" — Companies trusted by other security firms have proven reliability.
- "Who is my dedicated account manager?" — You should have a named individual, not a call centre.
- "Do you carry out unannounced quality checks on your deployed officers?" — Professional companies inspect their own work.
Why London Businesses Choose GM Secure
GM Secure was founded in 2024 to bring a fresh, modern approach to professional security in London. We operate with complete transparency — every officer is SIA-licensed, DBS-checked, and trained to the highest professional standards. What sets us apart is our proven track record: we supply security officers to other established security companies, demonstrating the trust and reliability the industry places in our services. Our clients have a named account manager, direct emergency contact, and guaranteed response times.
We serve businesses of every size across London, Essex, and throughout the UK — from independent retailers in Romford to corporate offices in the City. As both a direct security provider and a trusted supplier to other security companies, we understand what businesses truly need: reliable, professional officers who turn up on time and deliver excellent service. Every client receives a free site assessment, a fully itemised quote, and a service agreement with no hidden charges.
Conclusion
Choosing the right security company in London requires thorough due diligence — but it is worth every minute. The 8 factors covered in this guide — SIA licensing, professional standards, BS7858 vetting, training standards, insurance, response capability, track record, and contract clarity — form the foundation of any trustworthy security partnership.
Do not let price be your primary decision factor. The cheapest security option in London is almost always the most expensive in the long run. Invest in a professional provider who can demonstrate officer quality, client satisfaction, and a genuine commitment to protecting your business. What matters isn't certificates on the wall — it's the quality of the officers who arrive at your door.
Ready to work with a security company trusted by the industry itself? Contact GM Secure today for your free site assessment and no-obligation quote. Our officers are already protecting sites across London — let us show you why other security companies choose us as their trusted supplier.