How to Choose the Right Commercial CCTV Installer for Your Business

Looking for someone to install your commercial CCTV system, but not sure who to go for? You’re in the right place. Our handy blog article covers the main things you should be looking for when choosing a security contractor, and highlights the red flags that should send you running like the wind in the other direction. Read on to find out more!

Firstly, you’re doing the right thing in setting up CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) for your business. CCTV is a visible crime deterrent and has been proven to effectively prevent incidents like break-ins and vandalism, keeping your staff and assets safe, and providing reliable evidence for police and your insurers if an incident did occur. Basically, they’re a key piece of kit if you’re looking to tighten up your business security.

Hiring a professional to install it for you is really important too. Choosing an experienced security contractor who knows their stuff means that your CCTV system will be set up correctly and effectively, adhering to GDPR and data protection rules. But with so many CCTV fitters out there, how do you know where to start?

At Midland Fire Security Services, we’re here to help. Let’s start with the key things to look out for in a professional security contractor.

Five Things to Look For in a Commercial CCTV Installer

1. Experience & Accreditation

Plenty of experience in the field is a must when it comes to CCTV installation, so do your research on how long the contractor has been operating and if they have evidence of previously completed projects on their website. They should also have their professional accreditations listed, which are a good indicator of their commitment to maintaining high standards.

An experienced CCTV installer will understand the UK regulations and relevant data protection laws, and they’ll know how to install your system to prevent blind spots and technical faults. If they’ve put in the years installing commercial CCTV, they’ll have come across many a challenge, improving their know-how and expertise along the way.

2. Tailored CCTV System Design

Your business is unique, and your security contractor should treat it so. The company you choose should be shouting about their bespoke approach, in which they design and tailor the system to your specific needs for the best security coverage within your budget. They should be able to integrate your CCTV with any existing alarm systems you have too.

This all starts with a comprehensive site survey and consultation, in which engineers visit your business premises, assess your security needs and design a system tailored for you – so always make sure this service is on offer!

3. A Range of CCTV Options

An expert security contractor should be experienced in working with and installing a wide range of CCTV systems and technology. This will allow them to choose the very best options for you and your business premises. Options include the following:

• Indoor CCTV cameras – discreet monitoring for offices, receptions and stock rooms.
• Outdoor CCTV cameras – weatherproof and tamper-resistant, ideal for perimeters and car parks.
• Bullet cameras – long-range and highly visible, these cameras are great as crime deterrents.
• Dome cameras – compact and tamper-resistant, perfect for indoor use and busy public areas.
• Infrared/night vision cameras – provide clear footage in low or zero light.
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras – offer flexible viewing with zoom and movement control.

4. Quality Technology

It’s also important that your CCTV installer takes pride in working with the best technology available on the market, as this is a good indicator of their dedication to providing reliable and effective security for their customers.

At Midland Fire, we only use trusted brands that offer the best in new technology, and we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your budget. Our engineers are happy to talk through the benefits of each brand and product.

5. Ongoing Support & Aftercare

Lastly, it’s always important to choose a security contractor that offers ongoing maintenance plans and repair services, and who won’t just disappear straight after installation. They should test the system and demonstrate how everything works once installation is complete, leaving you with support options moving forwards.

This will mean your CCTV system will remain fully functional and effective for many moons to come, hopefully keeping your business protected from everything life throws at it.

Common Red Flags to Avoid in Business CCTV Installation

To put the above list another way, here are the red flags to watch out for when researching a CCTV installer:

• No accreditations or verifiable track record
• No formal quote or unclear pricing
• Vague or generic proposals
• Pushy sales approach without offering a site survey
• Using cheap, low-quality equipment with no brand transparency
• Little knowledge on data protection or GDPR guidelines
• No clear warranty or guarantee on equipment and installation
• Ongoing maintenance plans aren’t on offer
• Bad reviews!

Why Choose Midland Fire for Your CCTV Installation?

We are a trusted electrical contractor specialised in installing cutting-edge CCTV systems, tailored to meet the highest security standards.

Our experienced security engineers will design a system bespoke to your business, ensuring complete coverage of your premises, and working in sync with your existing alarm and fire safety systems. We’ll choose the cameras best suited to your working environment, assist with app setup so you can monitor your CCTV remotely, and install local or cloud-based recording storage software. We’ll also keep things flexible, so you can add and upgrade cameras as your business grows.

Whatever the type or size of your business, contact us for CCTV security system design, installation and maintenance.

25 years of experience
We’ve been protecting people and businesses since 1999.

Expert engineers
Each of our 30 engineers is a time served electrician and an experienced security engineer.

Full support from start to finish
We’ll effectively manage each stage of your project from consultation and design to installation, certification and maintenance.

Quality products
Midland Fire only supplies products from reputable brands that we know will future proof your business.

Security Specialists to Help Protect Your Business

Our team is on hand for all your CCTV and security needs. We provide a free consultation, in which our experienced engineers will assess your site and advise you on the best solution for your business. We will then go on to design and install your CCTV security system, providing you with ongoing maintenance and support once the system is in place.

We also offer fire risk assessments and a range of life safety services, making sure your company is the safest it can possibly be at all times.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

Is a CCTV system necessary for my business?
CCTV is a key security measure to help protect your property, staff and assets, and it may be required by your insurance provider too. It’s great for businesses of all sizes, and can be used to monitor customer interactions to protect your team, as evidence in case of workplace accidents, as well as acting as an active deterrent for crime. Plus, it could help you catch a criminal or two.

Do I need a professional security contractor to install my CCTV system?
It’s highly recommended that you choose an experienced security contractor to install your CCTV. Professional installation guarantees that your system is set up correctly and adheres to GDPR and data protection rules.

How many CCTV cameras does my business need?
The number of CCTV cameras you’ll need depends on your premises’ size and layout, as well as if there are any key risk areas. But don’t panic! Our team is here to help – we offer free consultations and also full risk assessments to assess your business premises and offer guidance on what you need and the next steps.

Can I monitor my CCTV remotely?
Absolutely. Midland Fire installs CCTV systems with remote access apps, so you can check in anytime.

Is CCTV footage subject to GDPR?
Yes, under the Data Protection Act and UK GDPR, you must handle CCTV footage carefully, with proper signage and usage policies.

How long should CCTV footage be stored?
Typically, footage is stored for 30 days, unless needed for an ongoing investigation.

Will CCTV installation be disruptive to my business?
Not at all. Our engineers can work flexibly to minimise disruption, even offering out-of-hours installs when required. We’ll always endeavour to work around you and your needs.

Do you offer CCTV maintenance and monitoring?
Yes, Midland Fire provides full system maintenance and 24/7 monitoring services to keep your system running smoothly.