• Avigilon CCTV camera in building
    July 24, 2025

    Security is a critical investment for any business, but with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How much do you really need to spend? What features are essential at your budget? And what does a truly effective business security system look like?

    At BusinessWatch, we design, install, service, and maintain bespoke security systems for commercial properties, retail units, warehouses, multi-site operations, and more. While every solution is customised, it helps to understand what’s typically included at different price levels – from essential coverage to fully integrated enterprise-grade systems. Here, we compare the different business security packages available, and what you get at different price points.

    • Why Bespoke Security Solutions Make Sense for Businesses
    • Entry-Level Security Systems (£)
    • Mid-Tier Security Solutions (££)
    • High-End and Enterprise-Level Security Systems (£££)
    • What’s Not Always Visible: The Value of Professional Design and Maintenance
    • So, How Much Should You Budget for Business Security?
    • Invest in Security That Scales With Your Business
    • Ready to Secure Your Business with a Bespoke System?

    Why Bespoke Security Solutions Make Sense for Businesses

    No two business sites are exactly alike. A small retail store has very different security needs than a national logistics centre or an office block. That’s why off-the-shelf systems often fall short.

    Bespoke security solutions are designed around your property layout, risk profile, industry regulations, and future growth plans. They’re also more cost-effective in the long run, as you’re not paying for features you don’t need, or missing out on the ones you do.

    Whether you’re starting with a basic CCTV system or looking to integrate access control, fire safety, and 24/7 monitoring, understanding how systems scale helps you make smarter investment decisions.

    Entry-Level Security Systems (£)

    Ideal for: Small offices, independent shops, startups, and low-risk environments

    Entry-level security systems focus on the fundamentals, providing essential deterrence, monitoring, and alerts without overcomplication. While more limited in scope, these systems still offer reliable protection when professionally designed and maintained.

    Typical components include:

    • Basic CCTV coverage: 1–4 HD cameras monitoring key entry points or stock areas
    • Intruder alarm system: Simple keypad entry with motion detection and siren

    • Standard remote access: Basic app or browser-based control for alarms and camera feeds

    • Professional installation: Ensures compliance, coverage, and no blind spots

    • Maintenance contract (optional): Annual servicing to keep systems compliant and operational

    This level is cost-effective and suitable for businesses in lower-risk sectors. However, it lacks deeper integration, automation, and layered protection.

    Mid-Tier Security Solutions (££)

    Ideal for: Growing businesses, medium-sized offices, schools, warehouses, retail chains

    Mid-tier packages add smart security features, broader coverage, and more automation, striking a balance between affordability and advanced protection. This level is the sweet spot for many SMEs looking to scale without sacrificing security.

    Typical features include:

    • Expanded CCTV network: Coverage across multiple entry points, perimeters, and internal zones

    • Smart intruder alarms: Zoned alarms, entry/exit delays, and smartphone alerts

    • Access control systems: PIN or keycard entry for staff, with audit trails

    • Remote monitoring: Integration with 24/7 alarm receiving centre (ARC)

    • Fire detection integration: Linked fire alarm panels and alert protocols

    • Routine servicing and maintenance: Ensures long-term performance and insurance compliance

    These systems can be tailored for specific industries, like integrating panic alarms for retail, or restricted access zones for sensitive data areas in offices.

    High-End and Enterprise-Level Security Systems (£££)

    Ideal for: Large businesses, multi-site operations, logistics centres, corporate HQs, and high-risk facilities

    High-end security systems offer comprehensive, integrated protection, designed to manage complex risks across large-scale environments. They go beyond deterrence and detection to support proactive incident management and compliance.

    What you can expect at this level:

    • Enterprise-grade CCTV systems: HD/4K cameras with night vision, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), facial recognition, and motion analytics

    • Fully integrated intruder, fire, and access control systems: Unified control panels, cross-system triggers (e.g. fire alarm unlocks emergency exits)

    • Advanced access control: Biometric readers, intercoms, multi-site credential management

    • Remote command and control: Access to all systems from a central interface, ideal for facilities teams or security staff

    • 24/7 remote monitoring and response services: Immediate action in case of alarm activation

    • Custom reporting and audit trails: For compliance and insurance

    • Ongoing servicing and proactive maintenance: SLAs, remote diagnostics, system health checks

    At this level, security is a strategic asset, helping to prevent loss, ensure business continuity, and meet regulatory obligations across large or high-risk operations.

    Texecom white control panel

    What’s Not Always Visible: The Value of Professional Design and Maintenance

    While features and price points matter, the true effectiveness of a security system comes down to expert design and ongoing support. At BusinessWatch, we don’t just install systems, we engineer them to deliver the best possible protection and ROI.

    Why professional design matters:

    • Identifies blind spots and high-risk areas
    • Tailors solutions to business operations and growth
    • Ensures compliance with fire and safety regulations
    • Reduces false alarms and downtime

    Why ongoing maintenance is essential:

    • Keeps your systems operational and up to code
    • Reduces risk of breakdowns or security gaps
    • May be required by insurers for claims to be valid
    • Allows updates and future scalability

    Even the best system underperforms if it’s poorly designed or neglected after installation. That’s why all BusinessWatch clients benefit from our complete end-to-end service.

    So, How Much Should You Budget for Business Security?

    The answer depends on your site, industry, and security goals. But as a rough guide:

    • Basic setups typically start in the low thousands (£1,500–£5,000), ideal for single-location, low-risk properties

    • Mid-tier solutions range from £5,000–£15,000, depending on site complexity and coverage

    • Enterprise-level systems can exceed £20,000, particularly with multi-site integration, fire safety, and 24/7 monitoring

    The good news? We’ll never oversell. Every BusinessWatch system is designed to meet your specific risk level and budget, nothing more, nothing less.

    Enterprise Wharf Access

    Invest in Security That Scales With Your Business

    Security is not a one-size-fits-all purchase, it’s an evolving part of your business infrastructure. From essential CCTV and alarms to fully integrated security ecosystems, the right system should match your operational needs, risk profile, and growth plans. Recent statistics show that 26% of all business premises in England and Wales, were a victim of crime in the previous year, showing how important investing in security is for every business. 

    At BusinessWatch, we help clients across the UK secure their businesses with bespoke, scalable, and expertly maintained systems. Whether you’re securing a single shop or a national estate, we design, install, and support solutions that deliver peace of mind, and measurable ROI.

    Ready to Secure Your Business with a Bespoke System?

    No matter your budget or sector, BusinessWatch is here to help. Our experts will assess your site, understand your risks, and recommend a tailored solution – with design, installation, servicing, and maintenance all handled by our trusted team.

    Get in touch today to book a consultation and explore the best security package for your business.