1–5: Perimeter and access control

Perimeter and access control safety measures play a large role in the overall business security.

1. Robust doors, windows and locks

• Fit solid-core or reinforced doors with anti-pick, anti-drill locks and ensure frames are reinforced to resist kick-ins.
• Don’t forget less obvious access points such as basements, roof access and skylights, which are often the weak spots intruders exploit.

2. Secure vehicle access and car parks

• Use security gates, barriers or rising bollards to manage vehicle entry to car parks, loading bays and rear service roads.
• Clearly mark visitor and staff parking and combine with CCTV and lighting so vehicles and number plates are always visible.

3. Modern access control systems

• Move beyond basic keys to electronic access control with key cards, fobs, PINs or biometrics for higher-risk areas.
• Maintain an access log so you can see who entered critical zones and when, and review regularly for anomalies.

4. Visitor management system

• Replace handwritten visitor books with a digital visitor management solution that records arrivals, departures and purpose of visit.
• Systems installed by providers like ourselves can also print badges and integrate with access control for added assurance.

5. Secure deliveries and loading areas

• Designate controlled delivery zones with clear sightlines, CCTV coverage and doors that remain locked when not in active use.
• Use procedures so drivers are verified, doors are not propped open and goods are checked against delivery notes before acceptance.

8. High-coverage CCTV system

• Position cameras to cover entrances, exits, cash handling areas, stockrooms, high-value storage and external blind spots.
• Ensure recording quality is sufficient for identification, signage is displayed to meet UK privacy rules and footage is retained according to policy.

9. Motion-activated and smart lighting

• Fit motion sensor lighting around entrances, car parks, loading bays and any area with minimal legitimate foot traffic after hours.
• Use energy-efficient LED and, where possible, smart controls so lights can be scheduled or remotely managed alongside other systems.[10]

10. Remote monitoring and rapid response

• For higher-risk premises, consider remote alarm and CCTV monitoring with escalation to keyholders or mobile security officers.
• A monitored setup ensures incidents are verified quickly, emergency services are contacted when needed and detailed incident reports are available.

11–15: People, Policies and Integrated Systems

11. Staff training and security culture

• Train employees on opening/closing procedures, recognising suspicious behaviour, handling visitors and what to do during a break-in or emergency.
• Encourage a speak-up culture where staff feel confident reporting concerns, tailgating at doors or unusual activity around the premises.

12. Clear security and emergency procedures

• Maintain written procedures covering access control, keyholding, lone working, alarm response, fire, medical emergencies and bomb threats where relevant.
• Review and update procedures annually or when your layout, staffing or operating hours change, and make sure they are easily accessible.

13. Cyber-physical security alignment

• Treat security as both physical and digital: ensure routers, servers and smart security devices are installed securely and access-controlled.
• Consider using external cyber security expertise where needed so your cameras, access control and visitor systems are not new attack routes.

14. Regular audits, testing and maintenance

• Schedule routine inspections of locks, doors, alarms, cameras, lighting and fire systems to confirm they still operate effectively.
• Document tests, faults and remedial work so you can evidence due diligence to insurers, landlords and regulators if needed.

15. Integrated safety and security systems

• – Aim for a joined-up approach where CCTV, access control, visitor management, alarms and safety systems work together rather than as isolated products.
• Paladin Safety Systems focuses on holistic, integrated safety and security solutions so UK businesses can protect people, assets and premises with one coordinated strategy.