How to Start a Security Company in the UK: Full Setup Guide

In 2024, there were about 432,000 active SIA licences in the UK, with 335,891 door supervisors, plus thousands of guards and CCTV operators.

Industry bodies report rapidly rising demand: for example, one survey found businesses added 65,000 new security staff in six months, a 16% workforce jump since mid-2022.

New legislation is also driving demand. 

The recent Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law) will require venues and events to implement protective security measures, meaning more clients will seek professional security advice and services.

In short, 2025 is a strong year to enter the UK security market, so let’s go over everything you need to know about how to start a security company in the UK.

1. Understand the market

Start by identifying which services you want to offer based on your skills, local demand, and profit potential. 

UK security companies can offer many services:

By law, all frontline security work requires the appropriate SIA licence.

The table below summarises typical services, what they involve, and the SIA licence (if any) required:

✅ Tip: Make a list of services and who you're targeting – clubs, retail outlets, events, or corporate offices.

2.  Legal requirements & company setup

To operate legally, you and your team must have the correct SIA (Security Industry Authority) licenses. These include:

Key licence requirements:

Directors of security companies also need a licence if they're supplying security staff under contract.

A security firm must comply with several legal obligations:

Additionally, certain roles, such as door supervision, require enhanced DBS checks under the Licensing Act. Clients may request further security clearances, too.

Also, you should create internal policies such as:

Register your business

Decide whether to operate as a sole trader or a limited company:

Additional insurance

Before you begin trading, make sure you’re covered:

Other optional cover:

3. Costs & finances

Security companies usually need £10,000 – £50,000 in startup capital. Here are some typical expenses:

Plan for working capital (first payroll, rent, etc.) on top of these.

4. Operations & capabilities

To operate a professional and reliable security service, your team must be equipped with the right gear from the beginning.

🔸Uniforms and identification

Every security officer should be provided with a standard uniform, which typically includes branded shirts or jackets, trousers, and sturdy boots suitable for long shifts. 

Depending on the environment, high-visibility vests may be required to improve visibility and meet health and safety regulations. 

Each staff member should also carry an up-to-date, clearly visible ID badge that complies with industry requirements.

🔸Communication and surveillance tools

You should equip your team with radios and earpieces to help them stay connected while on duty, especially during large events or mobile patrols. 

Many modern security firms now also provide body-worn cameras. These cameras can be used to record incidents in real-time and offer a reliable form of evidence should disputes or legal issues arise.

🔸 Basic equipment and safety gear

Depending on the role, staff may require flashlights, basic first aid kits, and, where properly trained and licensed, batons and handcuffs. Signage is another important item to have on-site, especially for static guarding or event security, as it informs the public and reinforces your visible presence.

🔸Vehicles for mobile patrols

If you plan to offer mobile patrol services, you will need secure vehicles such as cars or vans. These vehicles should be clearly marked with your company branding and fitted with dashcams for security and evidence purposes.

🔸Technology and patrol software

Each team or supervisor should have access to a reliable smartphone or tablet, which can be used for logging incidents, managing shifts, and communicating with clients or management. You should also consider investing in a web-based guard tour system, which uses QR code scanning to record checkpoints and patrol activity. 

Additionally, implementing a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system will help you track client contracts, manage operations, and generate detailed reports that improve trust and accountability.

How to hire and vet security staff thoroughly

Recruiting skilled, trustworthy staff is one of the most important steps in setting up a security business.

🔸 Recruitment process

You should begin by advertising for licensed security operatives through reputable job boards or specialist recruitment agencies.

Make it clear in your adverts which SIA licences are required for each role to meet the necessary legal and professional standards.

🔸Licence verification and background checks

Before hiring any staff, you must verify their SIA licence status using the SIA’s official online checker. 

You are also legally required to conduct right-to-work checks, which typically involve reviewing the candidate’s passport or visa documentation.

Depending on the job, you may also need to request a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. For example, door supervisors usually require an Enhanced DBS check, particularly if they work in licensed venues or public-facing environments.

🔸Employment contracts and legal responsibilities

All staff should receive a written contract that clearly outlines their pay, working hours, duties, and code of conduct. 

Whether you are hiring employees or subcontractors, these agreements should detail expectations, procedures for misconduct, and health and safety responsibilities. 

5. Marketing & client acquisition strategy

Once your security company is set up, your next focus should be attracting clients. A strategic approach to branding, outreach, and industry visibility will help you establish credibility and grow your customer base.

🔸Website: 

Create a mobile-friendly, SEO-optimized website that clearly explains your services. It should include:

🔸Google Business Profile: 

🔸Trade and industry directories: 

🔸Social media :

Industry accreditations

Obtaining professional accreditations can significantly boost your credibility and help you win larger, more lucrative contracts.

In the security industry, these certifications demonstrate that you operate safely, legally, and to a high standard.

✅ Additional benefits of accreditation:

Checklist for starting a security company

Before launch day, tick off these essentials:

Ready to start? Register your security business today

Once you’ve covered licensing, equipment, insurance, and staffing, your next move is getting set up legally and financially. If you’re forming a limited company, registration with Companies House is mandatory and so is opening a dedicated business account.

ANNA simplifies both steps.

You can register your company and open a business account in one go. For new security businesses, this means less paperwork and faster access to the tools you need to operate: card payments, invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing.

Why ANNA makes sense for security firms:

You can also give multiple employees their own ANNA cards with spending limits, making it easier to manage field staff expenses like fuel or equipment.

Register your company, open your account, and stay on top of your tax and admin from day one, with tools that actually fit the way security companies work.

Simple, fast, and built for small businesses that need to stay compliant and move quickly.