Security plays a vital role in the success and continuity of businesses, events, and public services. In the UK, the need for trusted private security firms has grown substantially as organisations face evolving threats ranging from theft and vandalism to cyber-physical breaches.
But with a crowded market of providers, how do you determine which security company in the UK is right for your needs? This guide highlights the essential elements of choosing a provider and showcases the top 10 security companies in the UK, carefully selected based on licensing, expertise, and reputation.
The decision to hire a private security firm offers more than just physical presence. It provides a structured approach to threat management that complements public law enforcement. Security companies offer trained professionals who act as deterrents, provide real-time intervention, and integrate security technology to protect people and assets.
Businesses benefit from:
Security companies in the UK also bring industry knowledge to tailor services, whether it’s managing a retail environment, securing a construction site, or providing surveillance at high-profile events.
Security companies in the UK are overseen by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), an independent body established by the Home Office. The SIA is responsible for licensing individuals and approving contractors. Its primary purpose is to ensure security personnel are properly trained, vetted, and fit for their roles.
For clients, choosing an SIA-approved contractor means hiring a provider that adheres to nationally recognised standards. This not only ensures legal compliance but also assures a minimum level of professionalism and competence.
Failing to hire SIA-compliant firms can expose organisations to legal risks, invalid insurance claims, and operational disruption.
An SIA licence is not just a formality, it reflects a firm’s commitment to high standards. To qualify for licensing, individuals must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, complete relevant training, and pass identity and right-to-work checks. Contractors that apply for Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status must meet further operational and business criteria.
An SIA-licensed company guarantees:
By law, security services such as manned guarding, key holding, CCTV operation, and door supervision must be carried out by SIA-licensed individuals.
UK security companies provide a diverse range of services to meet specific industry demands. While some providers specialise in retail or construction security, others offer integrated solutions combining personnel with advanced surveillance technology.
Common services include:
| Service Type | Description |
| Manned Guarding | On-site security personnel providing access control, patrol, and incident response |
| Mobile Patrols | Officers conduct scheduled or random patrols of premises |
| Key Holding & Alarm Response | Rapid response services in the event of an alarm trigger |
| Event Security | Crowd management and safety for public/private events |
| CCTV Monitoring | Remote or on-site monitoring of surveillance footage |
| Access Control Systems | Managing who can enter certain areas using ID or biometrics |
| Retail Loss Prevention | Security guards and surveillance to deter shoplifting |
| Concierge and Reception | Security officers trained in customer service and access control |
Firms may also offer industry-specific services, such as aviation security, transport safety, or executive protection.
The demand for security services spans across sectors. Certain industries face higher exposure to risk and therefore require regular, often round-the-clock security solutions.
For instance, the retail industry uses security guards to deter theft and ensure customer safety. Construction sites rely on manned guarding and CCTV to prevent vandalism and protect high-value equipment. Transport hubs, including airports and railway stations, contract security teams for crowd management and counter-terrorism vigilance.
Even corporate offices employ front-of-house personnel trained in both security and hospitality, while public event organisers depend on specialist event security firms for licensing and risk management.
The key takeaway is that security needs are no longer confined to high-risk environments, but have become standard for businesses that value preparedness and reputation.
The following security firms have been selected based on service range, SIA licensing status, client feedback, and operational excellence. They represent the best of the UK security industry in 2025.
G4S Secure Solutions UK, part of Allied Universal, is widely recognised as one of the most comprehensive and largest private security providers in the country. With decades of experience and a wide range of services across various sectors, G4S is more than just a guarding company, it is a complete security ecosystem offering both people and technology-based solutions.
One of G4S’s standout divisions is the G4S Academy, which drives professional development across the industry. The Academy produces thought leadership via “Academy Insights”, providing guidance on emerging security trends, compliance, and risk management. This reflects their commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Their core services cover both traditional and advanced security operations. G4S offers:
G4S also leads in Care and Rehabilitation Services, providing resettlement and community supervision programmes as part of its contribution to public safety and social support services.
A major strength is its Cash Solutions division, including:
Beyond core security, G4S also supports clients through Facilities Management services including Hard FM (technical maintenance), Soft FM (cleaning and front-of-house), and catering solutions through Quattro Dining Experiences.
Additionally, G4S provides Employment Services with accredited security training and recruitment support, helping organisations build capable in-house security teams. With such a broad scope, G4S remains the gold standard for integrated security services across the UK.
Securitas UK offers a dynamic, client-centred approach to security with a strong focus on integration and risk-managed solutions. Understanding that security is not one-size-fits-all, Securitas has established a framework based on six core Protective Services, all of which can be configured into tailored, end-to-end solutions.
These services include:
Securitas has positioned itself as a partner to businesses large and small. Its SME solutions are particularly well-structured: starting with a professional risk assessment, they deliver installation, maintenance, and monitoring in one fixed monthly package. This streamlines procurement and budgeting for smaller firms without compromising protection.
The pricing structure is transparent:
| Package | Annual Cost | Features |
| Basic | £799 | Keyholding, intruder alarm monitoring, and response |
| Basic + Maintain | £1,699 | Includes all Basic services plus maintenance |
| Advanced | £1,999 | Adds fire alarm monitoring to the Basic + Maintain plan |
Securitas also offers lock services, bundle discounts, and the flexibility to scale services as your business grows. Their data-driven model and broad coverage make them a top choice for modern, tech-integrated security across the UK.
Mitie Security has carved out a unique position in the UK market through its blend of human expertise and digital innovation. Serving critical sectors such as infrastructure, transport, and corporate environments, Mitie offers a broad suite of services underpinned by technology and insight.
At the forefront is security guarding, delivered by highly trained, adaptable personnel who ensure the safety of buildings, data, and people. These professionals are not only SIA licensed but are equipped to work in sensitive and high-profile environments, including Heathrow Airport and national landmarks.
Mitie also offers Intelligence Services, combining predictive analytics, surveillance systems, and threat modelling. This allows clients to develop pre-emptive responses rather than reactive fixes. Their command centres monitor CCTV feeds in real-time, analyse behavioural patterns, and coordinate emergency responses with precision.
The company’s Fire and Security Systems division designs, installs, and maintains:
Mitie’s Signature front-of-house service is another differentiator. It merges hospitality and protection, ensuring that businesses present a polished image to clients while maintaining strict access control.
Additionally, their vetting services, delivered through Procius and UKCRBs, offer full employee screening. This ensures businesses are protected from internal threats, fraud, and unauthorised access risks.
Mitie’s layered approach makes it suitable for clients seeking high-level strategy, robust operational control, and comprehensive coverage from one provider.
Founded in 1859 and operating as a Social Enterprise, Corps Security combines heritage, trust, and social responsibility. It is unique in being employee-owned and reinvesting profits back into the welfare of staff and the wider community.
Corps focuses on a narrow but specialised range of services that it delivers to the highest professional standards. Its Security Guarding service is known for reliability, professionalism, and sector adaptability. Guards are trained not only in surveillance and deterrence but also in customer interaction, creating a secure and welcoming environment.
The Security Monitoring services offered by Corps operate out of a state-of-the-art Remote Monitoring Centre, available 24/7. This facility is manned by a team of technical specialists who provide immediate response capabilities for fire, intrusion, and access breaches.
Another key offering is Security Consultancy, which includes vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and bespoke security planning. This service is ideal for businesses seeking to overhaul or futureproof their security operations.
For clients needing a seamless, around-the-clock solution, Corps also provides Integrated Security Services, a package that combines manned guarding with remote monitoring, ensuring comprehensive protection on every front.
With a commitment to social impact, Corps Security stands out not just for its technical excellence but also for its people-first values.
STM Group (UK) Ltd has, since its founding in 2005, built a reputation for delivering quality-driven, customer-focused security solutions. Recognised as one of the UK’s top SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) companies, STM prides itself on service excellence underpinned by a strong ethos of teamwork and integrity.
What sets STM apart is its dual emphasis on security and customer service. The company fosters a “One Team” culture where all staff from front-line officers to senior managers are aligned with the client’s goals. Personnel are trained to not only provide protection but also act as brand ambassadors.
STM’s security portfolio includes:
In addition to general guarding, STM provides specialised services in Public Sector, Healthcare, Transport, Education, Retail, Construction, and Leisure sectors. Each deployment is tailored, with site-specific procedures and compliance requirements.
Security staff undergo rigorous background screening and are trained in both technical protocols and interpersonal skills. STM’s approach ensures protection is delivered without compromising the user experience, especially in customer-facing environments.
STM also makes strong use of digital reporting tools and performance tracking to maintain transparency and ensure continuous service improvement.
Carlisle Support Services is a leading name in self-delivered support services, offering comprehensive solutions that go beyond traditional security provisions. With a strong presence across both public and private sectors in the UK, Carlisle is driven by a mission to innovate, reduce operational risks, and redefine customer experiences through expert personnel and integrated technology.
Security is one of Carlisle’s core service verticals. Their approach focuses on both general and advanced security services, delivered exclusively by in-house trained personnel. This non-subcontracted model ensures full control over service quality, staff performance, and compliance. Every security officer is incentivised and provided a structured career path, resulting in greater job satisfaction and lower turnover, key factors contributing to their exceptional 95% client retention rate.
Carlisle also provides security monitoring systems and real-time incident management infrastructure. Their technology-backed service delivery is transparent, with clients gaining access to performance dashboards and operational analytics.
In addition to security, Carlisle delivers:
By integrating these offerings, Carlisle delivers a holistic support package tailored to the demands of various industries, including transport, retail, infrastructure, and events.
OCS Group UK brings over 125 years of experience in safety and security, serving as a prominent player in the British security landscape. With more than 9,000 qualified security personnel and over 6 million hours of guarding delivered annually, OCS combines traditional security practices with forward-thinking technological advancements.
A distinctive feature of OCS is its commitment to integrated facilities management. Security services are seamlessly aligned with cleaning, maintenance, and hospitality, offering clients unified service under one operational framework. This results in improved efficiency, streamlined communication, and cost control.
Security offerings include:
OCS also leads in technology-driven solutions. Their OCS Advance team implements cutting-edge innovations such as:
With multiple accreditations including SIA approval, National Association for Health Security membership, and Security Industry Association participation and OCS is ideally suited for clients seeking a balance of scale, innovation, and compliance.
TSS (Total Security Services) Ltd brings over 30 years of dedicated experience to the UK security industry, specialising primarily in the retail sector. With a tailored and intelligence-led model, TSS creates bespoke security strategies for a variety of clients, ranging from national retailers to individual high-street branches.
Their standout offering is the Retail Security Professional service. TSS provides uniformed officers trained to deliver both deterrence and customer service. Officers are strategically placed based on a comprehensive understanding of store layouts, regional crime trends, and business-specific vulnerabilities.
Key services include:
The firm’s Crime Hub is a major innovation in retail security. It aggregates data from ONS crime statistics, social demographics, local intelligence, and shrinkage reports to create a detailed crime profile. These insights inform decision-making, enabling faster response, better asset protection, and optimised staff deployment.
With its strong industry focus and data-led methodology, TSS remains a trusted choice for retail businesses prioritising both customer experience and asset security.
Kingdom Services Group is a multi-disciplinary support services provider with a strong emphasis on security. It caters to a wide variety of sectors, including retail, logistics, e-commerce, education, national infrastructure, and manufacturing. Kingdom’s ability to offer services on a single-site or multi-site basis makes it a highly scalable option for growing businesses and large enterprises.
Security offerings at Kingdom include:
What distinguishes Kingdom is its ability to provide fixed, flexible, tactical, and real-time adaptive coverage, ensuring that clients receive protection in alignment with changing business needs and threat landscapes.
The company also integrates environmental and community engagement into its services, which is increasingly valued by clients looking to meet ESG targets alongside operational goals. Kingdom’s strong national presence and wide service coverage make it a versatile security partner for organisations across the UK.
Formerly known as Churchill Support Services, the ProFM Group is a national leader in bespoke security solutions. Operating across the UK, including Northern Ireland, ProFM Group delivers comprehensive services tailored to a variety of industries and client needs. With over 25 years of experience, it has earned recognition as one of the most trusted and responsive providers in the UK security sector.
At the core of ProFM’s offerings are its on-site security guards, trained to handle everything from industrial site access control to corporate building protection. These officers are qualified to conduct risk assessments, perform health and safety checks, and liaise with emergency services when needed.
Additional services include:
ProFM Group’s approach is bespoke, not templated. Each client receives a customised security plan developed after a site visit and consultation. Their recent designation as an ACS-approved security contractor reinforces their commitment to compliance, professionalism, and high-quality service.
The UK’s private security landscape is diverse, professional, and highly regulated. From large-scale corporations like G4S and Securitas UK to specialised providers such as TSS Ltd and STM Group, businesses have access to a range of security firms equipped to handle different risks and environments.
Selecting the right partner depends on your industry, location, and specific needs whether that’s manned guarding, surveillance, mobile patrols, or integrated facilities management. Always verify SIA accreditation, assess the provider’s experience in your sector, and seek transparency in service delivery and pricing.
Ultimately, the best security company is one that not only protects your assets and people but also aligns with your operational goals, culture, and long-term vision.
SIA accreditation confirms a security company meets legal and professional standards set by the Security Industry Authority in the UK.
Yes, top UK firms tailor their services for sectors like retail, healthcare, transport, and logistics based on risk profiles and compliance needs.
You can check their SIA licence status on the official UK government website and request proof of insurance and client references.
No, many offer a combination of manned guarding, CCTV monitoring, access control systems, alarm response, and event security.
Yes, most companies offer flexible contracts including temporary coverage for events, construction sites, or short-term projects.
Most professional providers offer rapid response, often within 20–30 minutes, depending on location and service agreement.
Prices vary by service and region, but basic manned guarding typically starts at around £12–£20 per hour, with monthly packages for SMEs starting near £799 annually.
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