When you’re upgrading your business security, the decision often isn’t just what to buy – it’s who to trust. A question we hear all the time is:
“Should I use one company to handle everything – CCTV, fire systems, access control, alarms and monitoring – or is it better to split the work between specialists?”
There’s no single right answer for every business, but there are definitely some clear pros and cons to each approach. In this article, we’ll help you weigh up your options, avoid common pitfalls, and understand when using a single expert provider (like SSY) could save you time, money and a world of hassle.
The All-in-One Approach: What Does It Mean?
Working with a single provider means one company designs, installs, monitors and maintains all your security and fire systems. That could include:
CCTV cameras
24/7 monitoring
Access control and door entry
Intruder alarms
Fire detection and suppression
Keyholding and response
Instead of juggling five companies and ten contact numbers, you get one point of contact for everything.
✅ The Pros of Using One Security Provider
1. Better Integration Between Systems
When one company installs everything, they make sure your systems “talk” to each other. For example:
Fire alarm triggers door release and alerts monitoring instantly
Access logs sync with CCTV footage for investigations
One dashboard for all alerts and system statuses
This kind of smart integration is hard to achieve when multiple firms are involved.
2. Faster Fault Resolution
Have a system issue? With one provider, there’s no finger-pointing or blaming someone else’s wiring. They just fix it.
You’re not stuck between a CCTV installer and a monitoring company arguing over who’s responsible. One call = one solution.
3. Streamlined Compliance & Paperwork
Need your fire logbooks, risk assessments, service records and SSAIB/BAFE certificates in one place for an audit or insurance check?
A single provider makes documentation straightforward – no chasing subcontractors for missing bits.
4. Fewer Site Visits, Less Downtime
With one team handling multiple services, you can combine site visits for testing, repairs or upgrades – meaning less interruption to your business and fewer charges for callouts.
5. Cost Savings on Bundled Services
Providers like SSY offer discounts for combined services – for example, monitoring + fire maintenance + CCTV. It often works out cheaper than using separate specialists for each.
❌ The Potential Downsides
Of course, there are scenarios where using multiple providers might make sense. For example:
You already have long-standing contracts with trusted suppliers
You have very niche requirements (e.g. biometric R&D security or military-grade fire suppression)
Your business is large enough to manage multiple vendors efficiently
But for most SMEs and commercial sites, the extra admin and risk of miscommunication make this a headache that’s better avoided.
Real-World Problems from Multiple Contractors
Here’s what we’ve seen over the years:
System compatibility issues – different brands don’t integrate
Missed handovers – no one knows who installed what, or where the wiring goes
Gaps in maintenance – cameras work, but no one’s checking the DVR
Non-emergency faults ignored – because “it’s not our bit”
The result? You pay for systems that don’t work together – or worse, leave vulnerabilities without realising it.
Why SSY Believes in One-Provider Accountability
At SSY, we’re trusted by food manufacturers, data centres and dealerships across East Anglia to handle all their security needs under one roof. Why?
Because it gives them:
Total peace of mind
One number to call in an emergency
Smart, integrated systems designed to prevent problems – not react to them
A proactive partner, not a box-ticker
We bring everything together: design, installation, maintenance, monitoring and compliance. And if there’s ever an issue? You know exactly who’s responsible for fixing it.
Final Thought: What’s Your Time Worth?
Even if you save a few quid by using different contractors, consider the time cost of managing multiple suppliers, contracts, service schedules and invoices.
Your business should be spending time on operations and growth – not chasing fire alarm engineers or chasing CCTV footage from three companies ago.
Want to simplify your security?
Let us show you how SSY can design, install, and maintain all your systems under one contract – with no compromise on quality.
Call 01603 425 100 or visit ssygroup.co.uk for a free consultation and site audit.
