- The RGM blog
Security insight. Real-world expertise.
Advice, perspectives and stories from the people protecting businesses and communities across South Wales.
- Security advice
What does effective security look like for your business?
From the first risk assessment to the people on the ground, discover what makes a security plan work.
24 September 2026 · 6 min read
Security insight. Real-world expertise.
Advice, perspectives and stories from the people protecting businesses and communities across South Wales.
- Security advice
What does effective security look like for your business?
From the first risk assessment to the people on the ground, discover what makes a security plan work.
24 September 2026 · 6 min read
What does effective security look like for your business?
From the first risk assessment to the people on the ground, discover what makes a security plan work.
- · 3 min read
- From our team
Latest articles
Security Service
- · 4 min read
Whether you are a home or business owner in the UK, security for your property and possessions is never too far from your mind. Unfortunately in the cases of some businesses who’ve never been a victim of crime in the past, they often tend to sit back on their laurels, don’t take the necessary security measures, and then suddenly the criminal strikes.
Conversely, there are lots of businesses out there who are far more diligent and invest in the latest surveillance systems, but in most instances investing in this type of technology isn’t enough to prevent crime all together. That’s where professional, manned guarding security comes in.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of manned guarding so that you can decide if it is the right choice for your business.
The Pros of Manned Guarding
1. Realtime Security
There are many pros of having manned guards in the UK. The most significant benefit is that they provide real-time onsite security. Having that human touch matters because they (security) can patrol the areas and report suspicious activity. Most times, having manned guards works as a determent.
2. Proactive Security
Guards can patrol areas and see what may not be otherwise immediately visible on CCTV. Furthermore, most CCTV systems have blind spots that potential intruders can exploit.
3. Respond to Various Issues
Having security systems like a CCTV camera is fantastic and can be a pretty good deterrent against theft. That said, they still can’t outdo trained security guards, who can respond to many different types of threats. For instance, a security guard can immediately respond to a potential fire or water damage. While CCTV cameras will record video, they can’t stop the damage itself. In addition, on-site security guards can respond to suspicious noises like glass breaking or someone prowling on the roof.
4. Prevent People from Accessing your Premises
A physical security guard can stop people from entering without authorization. Those who seek unauthorized entry for many reasons, like stealing or maybe vandalizing the property, will be met with resistance. Put another way, a physical security guard on your property can prevent intrusions of all types.
5. Prevent Damage to your Premises
Many times, people want to cause damage to your property. They may want to damage vehicles in your parking areas, break windows, or cause any other type of damage. Security guards can prevent this from happening. Even if someone enters the property, the security guard on-site can prevent damage and often chase them away.
6. Secure Certain Areas of Your Premises
Manned guards in the office can help keep people away from specific areas. Even though everyone in the office may be an authorized employee or client, they may not be permitted to enter certain areas. The security guard can be given verbal instructions to keep people away for a certain period or all the time. That’s something not possible with an electronic system.
7. Improved Customer Service and Image
When customers perceive business as being more secure, it helps raise your brand’s profile. In addition, when people are engaging with your business, having manned security offers a heightened sense of security. The heightened sense of security improves customer reaction and interaction with your business. Thus, the business will appear more customer-oriented while providing secure interaction and a working environment.
Potential Cons of Manned Guarding
Static manned guarding is an invaluable service that any business owner should consider investing in to ensure security. That said, there are a few potential cons of manned guarding that everyone should be aware of before moving forward.
1. Can Be Costly
The most significant issue, especially for many smaller businesses, is the cost. Whether you hire guards on your payroll or perhaps hire a security company like ours, the service isn’t going to be cheap. Though you can shop around for the most cost-effective service in this industry, you get what you pay for in most instances.
While you may assume that the cost isn’t justified, a lapse in security is risky. If anything, the potential damage that a burglar, for instance, can inflict on your business may be more than what manned guarding may cost.
2. False Sense of Security
The other potential con of professional manned guarding is the false sense of security they can instill. While manned guards improve security significantly, there is no guarantee that incidents will not happen. That’s why employees should be advised not to let their guard down, especially when locking the area.
Conclusion
We strongly recommend hiring a manned guarding service for your business, however this does not mean you shouldn’t invest in CCTV cameras, access control, and motion sensors. Think of them (security technology) as part of the business’s entire security ecosystem.
Hiring well-trained and experienced manned guards however are far better equipped to understand and deal with certain situations, allowing them to proactively tackle issues. Moreover, having a team of experienced guards at various locations allows guards to coordinate and respond to potential issues like unruly patrons or intruders before they become a threat to a business’s employees and clients. Combing this approach with technology such as security cameras ensures that any incidents and situation are recorded and can therefore be presented as proof as and when needed to the relevant authorities.
What Can RGM Security Do For You
Here at RGM we offer extensive range of manned guarding services, providing fully trained, experienced SIA licensed security personnel for both the private and public sectors throughout the South Wales area including Swansea, Llanelli, Carmarthen, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Merthyr, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Cardiff. For more information on these services and how we can help please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Whether you are a home or business owner in the UK, security for your property and possessions is never too
Security Service
- · 4 min read
Manufacturing companies have to think about a lot when it comes to their physical security. Why? Because they have so many areas they need to safeguard. First, they have their people and their products to protect. Then, their customer and employee information, financial records, and product information, and much more. While cybercrime is an ever-increasing issue, what many manufacturers don’t realise is that true protection of everything begins with their physical security.
Manufacturing site security is very diverse and in order to help them protect their people, products, and essential data, here are the top 5 physical security risks for manufacturers (you need to cover these in your security strategy!).
Top security risks for manufacturers
1. Criminals & staff sabotage
Many companies put measures in place to prevent unauthorized personnel from breaching security, but not many think about the people who do have access. As horrible as it may sound, your own staff can cause more damage than an opportunistic criminal. Think about it, they know your company, they have access to sensitive data, your stock or assets, and they may even know your security protocol if an alarm is triggered.
External breaches AND staff sabotage are huge security risks for manufacturers, so make sure this is covered in your security strategy. For example, you will need:
- A strong physical security system that prevents unauthorized access, intrusion and other intrusions.
- Regular audits to prevent sabotage before it happens.
- Measures to detect it if it happens.
- Measures to delay the crime until the police are called.
Read: Do You Consider Staff Sabotage When Thinking About Your Security?
Why You Need to Include Staff Sabotage in Your Security Strategy
2. Old facilities or outdated equipment
Many manufacturing companies are always looking forward, thinking about what they can add to their security to improve it. While this is important, don’t forget to look back too! A serious physical security risk to your company could be in any form, such as old facilities that may be easy to gain access to or outdated equipment that can easily be hacked.
You may have vulnerabilities that you are unaware of, so download our free checklist to identify these! You need to be sure that your site is as secure as it can be and if it’s not, you need to know where the weaknesses are in your security so that you can reinforce them.
Read: 6 Easy Ways To Find Security Weaknesses In Your Business
3. Security personnel are unlicensed or overwhelmed
We have written so many blogs on just how essential it is to check that your security company is licensed (see our essential reads below). This is because, if they are not licensed, your own security company could be a threat to your business! With companies and security officers who are not licensed, you have no guarantee of quality, competence, and compliance.
Other security risks for manufacturers is when security personnel are overwhelmed. If you don’t have enough security officers or they are inundated with too many security alarms, they can start to get lax with their response to threats. Just think about fire alarm drills – how many of us have become desensitized to them now? This can be dangerous in the event of an actual threat.
Essential articles to read:
- Is Your Security Company a Security Threat?
- Why You Need to Use a Security Company on the SIA Approved Contractor Register
4. Lack of training and enforcement
A lot of our manufacturing clients have weaknesses in their security strategy because they don’t train their employees on protocols and procedures. That, or they just don’t enforce them enough. As we mentioned earlier, your own employees could be a security threat (sometimes, without even meaning to be) so it is your responsibility to train them.
To avoid certain security threats (e.g. viruses sent via email or not responding to an actual threat quick enough), train your employees regularly! Have dedicated personnel that can troubleshoot security systems. Train employees on cyber safety, taking home data and how to securely use their everyday software. Practice reacting to certain events as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Read:
- The Fundamentals of Security: Deter, Detect, Delay
- Security Threat Awareness and Prevention: the Complete Guide
5. Cyber crime
Last but not least for the security risks for manufacturers is cyber crime. Cyber crime can extend beyond just your phone and your computer and to any automated system that you have in your company. For example, if you have smart doors, networked security cameras, locks and alarms, they could hack into these and gain physical access to your business.
With the rise of ransomware, many manufacturers have been targets for hackers. While some can thwart the attack before it harms their business, others may not be so lucky. To protect your company against this type of cyber crime, make sure you invest in security systems that can troubleshoot any issues with physical security vulnerabilities and provide training to employees on cyber safety at home and how to securely use their devices and software.
Strengthen your physical security to protect your people and products
Avoid these 5 physical security risks to your manufacturing company by creating a solid foundation for your security strategy. Remember, your physical security will protect your people, products AND your confidential data, so prioritise this and then you can sort out the rest!
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What we can do for you:
RGM Security offers a wide range of security services for varied sectors including commercial, construction and corpate, including a free consultation where we carry out a weakness assessment of your site. If you need threat awareness training for your staff, intrusion testing to check your defences or even just advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
01792 293 249
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
Manufacturing companies have to think about a lot when it comes to their physical security. Why? Because they have so
Uncategorized
- · 4 min read
You may think that you have a foolproof security system already in place but so many companies think this when, in reality, they are doing things (and not doing things) that are putting their business at risk! Even if you think that you are not putting your business at risk, why gamble? Take a look at our list of top security mistakes just to make sure; it’s better to be safe than sorry as they say.
Security mistake #1 – not having an effective security strategy in place
Many companies have basic deterrent or defensive security measures in place but they fall down on detecting and responding to potential threats. Security doesn’t stop at keeping people out of your business, it should cover the 3Ds of Security (Deter, Detect & Delay) and it should test, measure, and adjust these defences regularly. Put simply, you don’t want a security strategy that just reacts to breaches when they occur, you want to be able to prevent and delay them from happening in the first place!
Avoid putting your business at risk by reading more:
- Is Your Security Company a Security Threat?
- Is Your Security Protecting Your Assets or Just Ticking the Boxes?
- Why You Need to Use a Security Company on the SIA Approved Contractor Register
Security mistake #2 – not testing existing security
One of the biggest security mistakes that we see in companies – in the commercial, construction and corporate sectors – time and time again is that they implement their security measures and just leave them. What happens when the business grows, number of assets increase, new employees are hired, and sometimes even the perimeter undergoes change? They do nothing! Until their security is breached and they are faced with the consequences, they didn’t even realise that they had any security weaknesses!
Putting your business at risk in this way is completely avoidable so please frequently test your defences to check that they are still doing what they should! If you take the time to regularly assess how your security could be breached and update or implement new measures as you go, you can be 100% sure that you are protected.
Avoid putting your business at risk by reading more:
- Intrusion Testing: What is it and will my business benefit?
- Why You Should be Intrusion Testing and How Often
Security mistake #3 – not knowing what to address first and doing nothing at all
Risk management, paying to update or implement new security measures, training employees and raising awareness of security risks, maintaining the level of security, measuring and testing security measures throughout the year…many companies get overwhelmed with the different aspects of a solid security strategy but there’s nothing worse than burying your head in the sand. A solid foundation of security is needed first (e.g. password security, staff sabotage, and defence measures like CCTV), then you can concentrate on the risks that are not in your control and put the necessary strategies and policies in place.
Avoid putting your business at risk by reading more:
- Password Security: 10 Tips To Keep Your Passwords Safe
- Why You Need to Include Staff Sabotage in Your Security Strategy
- Understanding Employee Theft and How to Combat It
- The 5 D’s of Perimeter Security: the Ultimate Guide
Security mistake #4 – not performing proper risk assessments
We are all busy working in the business and trying to get our work done but when risk assessments aren’t carried out properly (or at all), it can really put the business at risk! Not knowing your actual weaknesses means that you can only make ‘educated guesses’ about your security. As we all tend to underestimate risks, this means you will be completely unaware of the scope of the risks you are vulnerable to and how serious the implications could be.
Avoid putting your business at risk by reading more and download our free security weakness checklist:
- Protecting Your Business in the New Year: The Complete Security Risk Assessment
- Security Threat Awareness and Prevention: the Complete Guide
Security mistake #5 – believing that they won’t be a target
This is more the case with cybersecurity as many businesses think they’re too ‘insignificant’ to become a target in the first place. Don’t fall prey to thinking that cybersecurity is a ‘technology problem’ or that you don’t have any assets that criminals would want! Dismissing warnings and being in denial leads to poor security measures against this very real threat until ultimately, you become the biggest risk to your business.
Avoid putting your business at risk by reading more:
- 4 Ways to Prevent a Cyber Attack on Your Business
- How to Deter Hackers and Protect Your Data
- 10 Items that Can Compromise Your Business If Hacked
Don’t gamble with your security!
Avoid these 5 big security mistakes and you can be sure that your business, people, and assets are sufficiently protected. Every company grows and suffers from blind spots that enable exploitation so don’t wait until your business is compromised! Identify them quickly and put preventive measure is place.
ACT not REACT and you’ll be safe, not sorry!
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What we can do for you:
RGM Security offers a wide range of security services for commercial, construction and corporate businesses, including a free consultation where we carry out a weakness assessment of your site. If you need threat awareness training for your staff, intrusion testing to check your defences or even just advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
01792 293 249
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
You may think that you have a foolproof security system already in place but so many companies think this when,
Uncategorized
- · 4 min read
When it comes to choosing your security company or switching to a new one, your first port of call should be to look at the SIA Approved Contractor Register. It is absolutely essential that you select a security company with this accreditation. Why? Because this status is proof that they can do what they should AND to the highest quality and industry standards. In this article, we show you what SIA is, why it is important, and the benefits of choosing a security company that has it.
SIA Approved Contractor Register – what is it?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is an independent body formed in 2001. Their purpose is to regulate the UK’s private security industry which accreditations play a key role in.
The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is currently a voluntary accreditation system that aims to raise standards in the security industry. Managed by the SIA, the goal is to “raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities.” Certification Bodies such as the SSAIB will undertake the inspection activities on behalf of the SIA to ensure that companies who achieve the required standard can be registered as approved.
Is SIA accreditation important?
Getting on the SIA Approved Contractor Register isn’t an easy feat.
First, security companies have to carry out self-assessments of the necessary criteria. There are a series of 89 different measures that are assessed during the ACS accreditation process, covering everything from business strategy, corporate social responsibility, financial management and, most importantly, the delivery of high-quality service to customers and clients, so this alone is an exhaustive process.
Next, these criteria are then assessed by one of the SIA’s UKAS accredited assessing bodies. SIA-accredited companies are scored (between 1 and 174, as of January 2014) on the degree to which they exceed or fall beneath the SIA’s requirements.
In short, SIA accreditation is extremely important. Not only does it show the company’s commitment and dedication to customer service and the compulsory licensing of their staff, but it also shows the ongoing commitment to upholding this high standard over time.
Only 25% of UK security companies have achieved SIA accreditation and RGM Security is proud to be a part of this group!
Benefits of choosing an SIA ACS security company
Companies wouldn’t put themselves through such a vigorous process to get on the SIA Approved Contractor Register if it didn’t come with some benefits, especially for their clients. To show you how you would benefit from choosing a security company that is SIA ACS certified, here is a quick list of the advantages.
ONLY companies on the SIA Approved Contractor Register can offer:
1. Greater flexibility and operational effectiveness
When supplying security services, non-approved contractors can only legally deploy staff that physically hold a valid SIA licence. Approved contractors can deploy staff who have completed their training and are waiting for their SIA licence application to be processed, therefore, they can offer better continuity of service.
2. Best practice and continuity of quality
Approved contractors have had their employment practices extensively assessed in respect of quality and best practice, so you can be confident that they will maintain the highest of standards. Should the approved contractor sub-contract, you can also be assured that they will only do so with other SIA Approved Contractors, thereby maintaining the integrity of your security supply.
3. Clear customer focus
Companies who are SIA ACS accredited strive to put in place effective customer-focused procedures to overcome any issues that arise in service delivery. This leads to service customisation rather than an ‘off-the-shelf’ approach which means that clients receive a service that satisfies their precise needs and requirements.
4. Leadership and innovation
The ACS voluntary scheme is a progressive quality initiative. You can expect accredited providers to be highly responsive to change and swift to adopt new methods and best practices, both of which are essential to sustainable growth.
5. High standards
As approved contractors are required to conform to the standards put forward by industry experts at the British Standards Institution, you can be sure that these companies continuously operate to the highest degree relevant to the security sector.
Choose the right security company (or switch to one now!)
If you’re considering switching security companies, it’s important to know that you’re getting a quality service so check if they are on the SIA Approved Contractor Register! Only when they have the accreditation can you feel confident that your business is in safe hands.
In an industry that’s all about trust, checking the accreditation of prospective security services should be one of the first things to consider when choosing a security company that is right for you.
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What we can do for you:
RGM Security offers a wide range of security services including a free consultation where we carry out a weakness assessment of your site. If you need threat awareness training for your staff, intrusion testing to check your defences or even just advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
01792 293 249
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
When it comes to choosing your security company or switching to a new one, your first port of call should
Uncategorized
- · 4 min read
It has come to our attention recently that many security companies are saying that they have an SIA ACS accreditation when they, in fact, don’t! This may not seem like a big issue right off the bat but it’s a huge problem, one that could cost you a lot.
If you don’t know whether your current security company has an SIA accreditation, here is why it’s important to check (and how to check) so that they are no longer a threat to your business.
The importance of having an SIA accreditation
We wrote a blog recently on Why You Need to Use a Security Company on the SIA Approved Contractor Register which talked about what an SIA accreditation is, why it’s important and the benefits of choosing a security company that has it. Here is a sum-up of what we said:
- The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is an independent body that regulates the UK’s private security industry.
- The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is a voluntary accreditation system that inspects companies and those that achieve the required standard can be registered as approved.
- The goal of the accreditation system is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities.
- Holding an SIA ACS accreditation is proof that security companies can do what they should AND to the highest quality and industry standards.
Why not having one could make your security company a security threat to you
Making it onto the SIA Approved Contractor Register is a vigorous process, one which involves painfully thorough self-assessments followed by inspections into almost every aspect of the business. SIA-accredited companies then get scored based on the degree to which they exceed or fall beneath the SIA’s requirements.
As you can see, this exhaustive and challenging investigation is difficult to pass which is why it’s no surprise that only 25% of UK security companies have achieved this accreditation. The ones who have, however, can guarantee complete safety and security to the clients as they offer:
- Greater flexibility and operational effectiveness.
- Best practice and continuity of quality.
- Clear customer focus.
- Leadership and innovation.
- High standards set by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
With these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see why a security company that doesn’t hold an SIA accreditation could be a threat to your security.
Think about it. You can’t be certain that a security company who hasn’t been inspected will provide a high-quality service to the highest standards. You can’t be certain that a security company who doesn’t hold an SIA accreditation is actually committed and dedicated to customer service and the compulsory licensing of their staff. You can’t be certain that a security company who doesn’t hold an accreditation reviews their standards every 3 years to uphold their quality and standards over time.
In short, when your security company doesn’t hold an SIA ACS accreditation, you can’t be certain that your business is in safe hands and that makes your security company a security threat to your business.
How to check if your security company has an SIA accreditation
Now that we’ve highlighted how important it is for your security company to hold an SIA accreditation, hopefully you will check if they do in fact hold one if they say that they do!
It’s essential for the safety and security of your assets and ultimately your business, so check if your security is on the SIA Approved Contractor Register here now. Be certain that you are getting the highest quality service that you can.
To check that your current security is up to scratch and is doing what it should, there are also other way that you can do a quick self-check. To identify your security weaknesses yourself, download our handy security weakness checklist and if you can’t tick every box, then please get in touch!
Be certain that your business is protected
In an industry that’s all about trust, not feeling confident that your security company has you covered is a really big problem. Especially if you don’t even know it!
As we said at the beginning of the article, many security companies are claiming that they are SIA-accredited when they are not, so please check that they are listed on the register yourself! High standards in security and customer service are of utmost importance to us, so if they are registered, you can have real peace of mind that your security is solid. If they aren’t, however, you should consider switching to a security company that is actually accredited as they will not be a threat to your business.
What we can do for you:
RGM Security holds an SIA accreditation and offers a wide range of security services including a free consultation where we carry out a weakness assessment of your site. If you need threat awareness training for your staff, intrusion testing to check your defences or even just advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
- What You Should Be Doing to Protect Your Vacant Premises
- Why Every Business Needs A Backup Security Company
- Is Your Security Company A Security Threat?
It has come to our attention recently that many security companies are saying that they have an SIA ACS accreditation
Uncategorized
- · 3 min read
Back in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, calls were made from various associations in the security industry for the UK Government to assign the ‘key worker’ status to security officers.
For a while, they were not considered essential, even though they were helping to ensure the continued delivery of vital services. Towards the end of the year, however, their critical role was undeniable.
Throughout the whole year, security officers were imperative in supporting the emergency services and securing and safeguarding property and the public. They continue to do so, even now, and will continue to do so well into this year as businesses slowly start to open up again.
In this article, we look at the reasons why security officers are key workers in the pandemic.
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Security officers are key workers because…
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They play a vital role in this time of national challenge.
The pandemic has caused chaos. Millions of businesses have had to shut down leaving vacant properties as they work from home. Emergency services such as hospitals and the police are continuously being stretched thin. There has been panic buying and illegal gatherings and many instances were crowd control has been necessary.
In a time of national challenge, security officers have stepped up and played all of these vital roles. They have supported the emergency services and upheld the fragile infrastructure that is ‘Covid guidance’ at this crucial time. In addition, they have and continue to guard and monitor vacant properties and enforce measures to control crowds at establishments that are open.
They assist in enforcing law and order (and reduce demand on policing).
The demand for emergency services has increased exponentially, yet they are having to operate with a reduced workforce and resources. As you can imagine, they are having to triage what is absolutely urgent to handle versus what is essential, but non-urgent.
To continue delivering these essential services without disruption, this is where security officers are taking over. They have the training and experience to be able to carry out core duties such as securing vacant premises, enforcing safety measures in public spaces, conflict management, and protecting vital assets/stock (such as vaccine stores etc).
They carry out a range of essential duties, particularly guarding vacant properties and protecting assets.
As well as covering some of the core duties of the emergency services, security officers have also been vital in the protection of businesses. They carry out a range of essential roles such as:
- guarding empty/closed commercial properties, retail or office premises;
- monitoring of these premises through CCTV or other remote means;
- protecting key stock and assets;
- providing/assisting alarm response centres including mobile units;
- enforcing safety measures such as social distancing for businesses who are opening back up;
- assisting business owners with crowd control and conflict management as they open back up.
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Good security officers will be trained in conflict management and mental health awareness, which is critical for them to be able to carry out these roles effectively.
Consider safeguarding your business with a security officer/s
Whether your business is vacant, you’re operating on a reduced basis or you are planning to reopen, consider investing in security officers to help with the strains of Covid. They can ensure complete protection of your property, products, and people, and can do this all professionally and with ease.
It looks like social distancing and other guidelines aren’t ending soon, so security is key.
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We can help protect your business and your future
As part of helping businesses make it through this difficult time, RGM Security is partnering with other local South Wales businesses to provide security to businesses at risk. If you or someone you know is struggling at this time, please contact us; we can help to ease the pressure whether it’s offering advice and recommendations or providing extra security during this uncertain time.
01792 293 249
info@rgmsecurity.co.uk
Need more help with your security? Check out our other articles:
Back in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, calls were made from various associations in the security industry
Get in touch today
Whether you need a single static guard, a full mobile patrol schedule, or a bespoke security package across multiple sites, we're ready to talk it through. Get in touch today to discuss your security requirements.
