How to Get a Good Security Installer – Your Guide to cut out the cowboys

How should I choose a company to install my security system?

It is important that you consider the companies you approach carefully.

Make sure you know who you are dealing with and have proper, verifiable contact details for them. The last thing you want to do is expose any current security weaknesses to people that you can't trust.

What kind of system do I need and how comprehensive does it need to be?

• Your local Police may have a Crime Prevention Officer. This is often a free service so check whether there is one in your area. You can be sure that you will get impartial advice from someone who has no interest in selling you anything.

To find out who your Crime Prevention Officer is please note the contact numbers at the end of this guide.

• If you can, ask fellow businessmen about the types of system they have used, how effective they have been and whether they are happy with them.

• Talk to the Trade Associations and get an overview of the types of system you could consider. If you are armed with information in advance you will be better able to understand what your security company is offering.

If you are not a member of a trade association, please find out the trade associations that can help you with details at the end of this guide.

• If you have large premises, it may be worth employing a security consultant – make sure you follow these steps to find a reputable one.

How do I select an installer?

• Recommendation – if you are a member of a business organisation ask around for recommendations. Ask other businesses that have had work done.

• Trade Associations – contact security company Trade Associations and ask for a list of members in your area.

• If you cannot do the above, then ask for references from companies you are considering and make sure you take the references up before showing them around your premises and asking for quotes.

How do I make a final decision on whom to employ?

• It is a good idea to get quotes from at least three companies. Remember that a quotation is a price for the work and will only increase if there is unanticipated extra work, whereas an estimate is just a best guess at how much the job will cost.

• Make sure you understand what the quote is for and that all work is detailed so that everyone is sure exactly what is included. You may want to ensure, for example, that quotations include work such as making good any decoration disturbed by the installation or re-siting of fixtures that may have to be moved. This will also help when comparing quotations from different companies.

• Make sure you understand any extra costs. For example-will you need a maintenance contract for your system? If so, will you be tied in to the company who install it and how much will it cost? Is this an annual cost or a cost for a fixed period?

Acceptance of the quotation

• Once you accept the quote, you enter into a binding contract. If possible get everything down in writing and ensure that you and the installer sign it. Your local Trading Standards may be able to provide you with a standard contract form that you can use if you wish.

• Make sure you agree on a start date and be clear how long the work is expected to take. If you have a specific finish date in mind, make sure you agree it in writing with your installer.

• You may be asked to pay a deposit to confirm acceptance of the contract and this is normal practice. However, it is unwise to pay very large amounts, or the full cost, up front. Stage payments can be made if there are costly materials to be purchased during the installation.

Work in progress

• Remember that if you ask for any work which was not in the quotation there will be an extra cost. Make sure you agree this with the installer and put the changes and additional cost in writing.

• If you are unhappy with any aspect of the work during the installation, say so immediately. It is often much easier to rectify problems at this stage than after completion.

Completion and payment

• You should only pay the final invoice when the work is completed to your satisfaction.

• If there is anything you are not sure about get it sorted out straight away.

• If you cannot agree, withhold part of the payment and seek advice.

To find out who your Crime Prevention Officer please ring one of the numbers as below where your business is located:

Staffordshire Police                                                                   08453 30 20 10

www.staffordshire.police.uk

Warwickshire Police                                                                 01926 415000

www.warwickshire.police.uk

West Mercia Police

(covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire) 08457 444 888

www.westmercia.police.uk

West Midlands Police

(covers, Birmingham, Black Country, Solihull

and Coventry)                                                                          0845 113 5000

www.west-midlands.police.uk

To find out about how trade associations and business representative organisations that can help your business please look on the West Midlands Business Council website on www.wmbusinesscouncil.org.uk or write to:

West Midlands Business Council

Albert House

Quay Place

92/93 Edward Street

Birmingham

B1 2RA