When looking to hire private security, it can be tempting to favor price over quality. However, hired security needs to be considered carefully so you get the right services to a high standard, with peace of mind that your personnel is providing protection and security to all involved. By ensuring you or your event gets the proper defense needed, this allows you to travel safely, enjoy your event, or focus on business. 

This guide will help you go through the most important things to consider and look for when hiring a private security company, so you know you’re making the right decision. 

A company whose primary focus is security

It always helps if the company you’re looking for mainly focuses on security, rather than a company that offers a service with security on the side. This means all their resources are used for improving their security services and their processes within that sector. 

With security being their top priority, it also ensures that they will have plenty of experience and people to meet your needs. Phoenix value close protection as our main priority, meaning our training, skills, and strategies are always being worked on and enhanced to the highest standard.

The reputation of the company

It’s useful to find out the general reputation of the company you are considering hiring. Do your research, find out what other people are saying about their services on a review or testimonial page. You can also view feedback from an external site so you can see a non-bias selection of comments. 

It’s handy to view the other services they offer, such as private chauffeuring or client management services, see if they look to the same standard and have good reviews. You can also see what type of clients they attract. This can often highlight whether the service is right for you and that it meets your requirements. Some companies have a portfolio that is great for researching and give you a glimpse into the services they offer in practice.

Do they hold a licence? 

Security companies should hold a valid licence in order to provide proper services and protection. You don’t want to hire a personal bodyguard that doesn’t have a license or background check ensuring they are capable and fully equipped to do their job.  

Often, the company will state clearly on their website whether they hold an SIA licence or equivalent, and if they don’t just ask! Asking a company to provide proof of a license is perfectly acceptable as you want to hire personal security that you know has been through tests and verification. Phoenix Group’s staff are always fully licenced and hold the correct experience and qualifications needed to provide excellent services. 

Do the staff have the correct licence? 

Security companies should ensure staff have a valid licence in order to provide proper services and protection. You don’t want to hire a personal bodyguard that doesn’t have a license or background check ensuring they are capable and fully equipped to do their job.  

Often, the company will state clearly on their website what functions of security they offer and this usually dictates what SIA licence the staff required. For example, a security guard cannot work at a pub or club. Asking a company to provide proof of the correct and validity (licences need renewing every 3 years) of the operative’s license is perfectly acceptable as you want to hire personal security that you know has been through tests and verification. Phoenix Group’s staff are always fully licenced and hold the correct experience and qualifications needed to provide excellent services. 

Staff that are trained to a high standard

When hiring a private security company it’s good to see if they have their own training program available. This way you can evaluate the standard in which they operate, and the qualifications gained. 

Phoenix Group offers extensive training courses that cover all areas of close protection. It’s vital to have someone looking after you that can help you in a situation where you might need first aid assistance or unarmed combat. By researching the qualifications of the security company, such as SIA training and executive driver training, you know you’ll be in good hands with the full package.

The staff are well presented

How the company represents itself is a good indicator of how seriously they take their role. It’s ideal to have a security company that will not only protect you but looks the part while doing so. 

This doesn’t just include how they dress, but how polite and respectable they are to you and their clients, showing a high level of professionalism and etiquette during high intensity and stressful situations. 

A company that listens and adapts

When liaising with your hired security company, take into consideration how well they seem to listen to your concerns. As every situation is different, it’s crucial to be able to adapt and adjust according to your clients’ needs. Having a company that is willing to adapt will be more likely to meet your requirements.

It is also key to have good communication with your hired security as this will lead to a relationship forming where you can voice your concerns and get the service you need. Make sure that they reply promptly and respond well to your demands.

Phoenix always operates to a high standard, all while listening to your personal requirements as we understand everyone will have different priorities. We value good communication between ourselves and our clients, as well as providing an elite service by our highly trained and qualified staff. If you’re looking to hire personal security, take a look at our services and get in touch with us if you have any questions.