Living, working and getting around in Greater Manchester
How to Choose a Security Company in Manchester
7 November 2026
The way to choose between security companies in Manchester is to start with what you need protected, then check the people and the firm against the official registers. Licensing covers the staff who do the work, not the company itself, so that check takes a little care.
Quick answer: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) licenses individuals, not companies. Check officers on the SIA register of licence holders, and check the firm on the register of approved contractors, which is a voluntary scheme. Installing alarms isn’t an SIA-licensed activity, so look for independent certification such as NSI or SSAIB.
Key Takeaways
Security officers doing licensable contract work need an SIA licence, and you can check it on the public register.
The SIA doesn’t license companies, so a firm’s own "SIA licence" isn’t something you can ask for.
The Approved Contractor Scheme is voluntary, and approval covers specific activities.
For alarms and fire systems, ask about third-party certification and check what your insurer requires.
Prices depend on the service, the site and the level of risk, so compare written quotes.
What Services Do Security Companies in Manchester Offer?
Security firms broadly fall into two groups. Some install and maintain equipment such as alarms and CCTV, while others supply people, such as guards and door staff. Some do both, so be clear which you need before you ask for a quote.
Security for Homes
For homeowners and tenants, services typically include burglar alarms, CCTV, video doorbells and remote monitoring. Sound locks come first, and our guide to choosing a window company covers what to ask about window security.
If a home camera records beyond your boundary, data protection law applies, and the Information Commissioner’s Office sets out what you must do. Ask your installer to position cameras to capture only your own property where possible.
Security for Businesses and Events
Businesses and event organisers may need security guarding, mobile patrols, keyholding, access control or door supervision. Some firms specialise in retail, construction sites or events, so ask about their experience of sites like yours. A good firm will want to look at your site and the risks before it quotes.
How to Choose a Security Company in Manchester
Work through the checks below in order. They’ll quickly separate the firms that can show their credentials from those that can’t.
Check the People Are Licensed
Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, the SIA regulates private security. Staff doing licensable work under contract need a licence, and most front line licences are photocards that must be worn at work, so ask to see them. You can check any officer on the SIA’s public register of licence holders.
Service | What to Look For | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
Security guarding | SIA security guarding licence for each officer | SIA register of licence holders |
Door supervision | SIA door supervisor licence | SIA register of licence holders |
Monitoring public spaces by CCTV | SIA public space surveillance (CCTV) licence | SIA register of licence holders |
Keyholding | SIA key holding licence, which comes as a letter | Ask to see it, then check the register |
Close protection | SIA close protection licence | SIA register of licence holders |
Cash and valuables in transit | SIA cash and valuables in transit licence | SIA register of licence holders |
Alarm installation | No SIA licence applies, so ask about independent certification | NSI or SSAIB company listings |
Fire detection and alarms | Independent certification for fire systems | NSI or SSAIB company listings |
Check the Company
The SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme (GOV.UK) is the nearest thing to a company-level mark. It’s voluntary and pass or fail, and approval is for specific activities, so a firm might be approved for door supervision but not for guarding. Check the activity you need on the register of approved contractors.
For alarms and fire systems, NSI and SSAIB are the certification bodies to ask about. SSAIB says insurers will insist on a third-party certificated provider for most installations needed for insurance purposes, so check with your insurer before you choose.
Compare Quotes and Reputation
We don’t quote typical prices here, because costs depend on the service, the hours, the site and the level of risk, and we couldn’t find a reliable published figure for Manchester. Ask several firms to quote for the same specification, in writing.
Exactly what’s included, and for how many hours?
How long is the contract, and how do you cancel?
What response times do you commit to?
Who pays for equipment, maintenance and call-outs?
What insurance do you hold, and can I see it?
Read recent reviews and ask other businesses nearby about their experience. Look for comments on reliability and on how problems were handled, not just star ratings.
Understanding UK Security Rules
Background Checks
The SIA carries out a criminal record check on anyone who applies for a licence. Ask what screening the firm does on top of this, such as checking employment history, and what training its staff get for your type of site.
Insurance
Ask to see the firm’s public liability insurance and any cover specific to the service, and check that it’s in date. A sensible firm will be happy to show you.
Fire Safety
Many providers also fit fire alarms and emergency lighting, particularly for commercial clients. If you’re responsible for business or other non-domestic premises, you must carry out a fire risk assessment and review it regularly. A contractor can fit the equipment, but GOV.UK’s guide to workplace fire safety explains what stays with you.
Managing Security Risks in Manchester
A good starting point is the police.uk website, where you can search by postcode to see reported crime in your area. Use it to decide what you actually need, and ask any firm that talks about local risk to show you what it’s basing that on.
Practical Steps to Take First
Start with regular checks of locks, lighting and existing systems. For businesses, staff training and clear procedures for opening, closing and handling keys cost little and make equipment more useful.
Properties standing empty need thought too. If a home or shop will be empty around a move, ask about checks or keyholding, and see our guide to choosing a removals company for planning the move itself.
When You Need Something More Specialist
A driver isn’t a bodyguard. If someone needs guarding against assault or injury, that’s close protection and it needs its own SIA licence. Our guide to choosing a chauffeur service covers the driving side.
For everyday parcels and documents, rather than cash or valuables, a same day courier is usually the right service.
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If you have a question, get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a security company in Manchester is licensed?
The SIA licenses people, not companies. Ask to see each officer’s licence and check it on the SIA’s register of licence holders. To check a company, search the SIA’s register of approved contractors, remembering that the scheme is voluntary.
What should I include in a security contract?
Set out the services, hours, response times, equipment maintenance, cancellation terms and insurance. Read the small print and clear up anything unclear before you sign.
Are security company staff background checked?
The SIA carries out a criminal record check on licence applicants. Staff in roles that don’t need a licence, such as alarm engineers, aren’t covered by this, so ask the firm what checks it does.
Can I get security and fire alarm services together?
Many firms offer both. Ask whether the company is certified for each type of system, as certification for one doesn’t always cover the other.
How do I make a complaint about a security company?
Raise it with the company first. The SIA says not to use its report form for poor service, but you can report staff or companies you think are breaking the law. If it’s a crime, report it to the police first.
Rules can change, so check the Security Industry Authority for the current position before you sign a contract.
For how the ten boroughs fit together and where to find official information, see our Greater Manchester guide.