When it comes to protecting your business, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: “How much is this actually going to cost me?” Whether you’re a facilities manager, operations lead or business owner, you need to know what kind of investment to expect when looking at CCTV, access control, fire systems and manned security.
At SSY, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses across East Anglia (and increasingly further afield) make sense of their security budgets. So here’s a clear, jargon-free breakdown of what commercial security systems typically cost in 2025 – and what affects the price. Please note these prices are a guide but should give you an idea of the rough cost.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Business Security?
Before diving into the numbers, let’s set the context. The price of securing your premises depends on:
Size and complexity of the site
- Installation challenges, such as environmental factors, cable runs
Level of risk (e.g. remote locations, high-value goods)
Type of system (e.g. monitored vs unmonitored CCTV)
Compliance requirements (e.g. food manufacturing, data centres)
Ongoing support and maintenance
Integration with fire alarms, access control or intruder systems
Think of security as an ecosystem, not a one-off product – and the better designed it is, the less you’ll waste on poor performance or false alarms.
CCTV System Costs
Standalone CCTV Installation
Basic 4-camera system: £1,200 – £2,000
Mid-sized commercial setup (8–16 cameras): £3,500 – £9,000
Large, multi-building systems with analytics: £10,000+
This includes supply, installation, and setup. Prices vary based on camera quality (HD vs 4K), night vision, analytics features, and whether internal, external or PTZ (pan–tilt–zoom) cameras are used.
CCTV Monitoring (24/7)
Typical monthly cost: From £75 and dependent upon number of cameras.
This covers real-time monitoring from our Norwich-based control room, giving you an instant response to intruders or system faults.
Access Control System Costs
Standalone door keypad or fob system: From £800 – £1,200 per door
Networked multi-door systems: £3,000 – £10,000+
Biometric or integrated access solutions: from £1,500 per door
Don’t forget the cost of software licences and ongoing support – especially if you want to track staff movement or integrate time-keeping systems.
Fire Alarm & Suppression System Costs
Fire Alarm Installation
Conventional systems: £1,500 – £4,000
Addressable systems (for larger/more complex sites): £5,000 – £25,000+
Suppression Systems (e.g. gas, mist, foam)
Gas suppression (e.g. data centres): from £10,000+
VESDA early detection systems: from £3,000 depending on scale
SSY partners with BAFE-accredited subcontractors for suppression installs – but we fully manage the project, so you don’t have to chase multiple companies.
Manned Security & Mobile Patrols
Static guard (SIA licensed): £15 – £20 per hour
Mobile patrol visits: from £12 – £30 per visit depending on frequency and location
Keyholding & alarm response: £30 – £80/month per site
Some clients mix manned and monitored services, reducing costs while keeping visible deterrents.
What About Ongoing Costs?
Maintenance contracts: Typically 5-15% of installation value per year.
Monitoring services: Monthly fixed fee, sometimes with per-event response charges.
Software licences or upgrades: Often annual; budget £100 – £500 depending on system size
It’s worth noting: cutting corners here can cost more in downtime, false alarms, or compliance failures.
So, What Should I Budget For Monitoring/Maintenance?
Here’s a rough monthly estimate for an average SME or single-site business:
| Security Service | Typical Monthly Cost (from) |
|---|---|
| CCTV Monitoring | £100 |
| Access Control Maintenance | £50 |
| Fire System Maintenance | £100 |
| Keyholding & Response | £60 |
| Total (indicative) | £310/month |
For a larger site like a factory, retail park, or vehicle yard, the monthly figure could be £1,000+ depending on risk and systems in place.
How to Get the Best Value
Use one provider for multiple systems – reduces duplication and gives better integration.
Look for SSAIB or BAFE-accredited firms – ensures regulatory compliance and insurance acceptance.
Prioritise service, not just price – because the cheapest system is the one that fails when you need it most.
️ How SSY Can Help
At SSY, we’re not in the business of selling boxes or pushing generic packages. We’re here to:
✅ Design solutions around your site and risks
✅ Install quality systems that work first time
✅ Monitor and maintain with zero fuss
✅ Handle fire, CCTV, access and response – all under one roof
✅ Make security a solved problem, not a constant worry
If you’re planning upgrades or want a second opinion on your current setup, we’ll happily offer a free, no-pressure site visit.
Ready to protect your site without overspending? Call us on 01603 425 100 or visit ssygroup.co.uk
