If you’re considering hiring a security guard for your business, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: how much does a security guard cost in the UK?
In 2026, businesses can generally expect to pay between £18 and £25 per hour for a standard security guard, although prices vary depending on location, working hours, site requirements and the level of protection needed.
Whether you’re securing a construction site, warehouse, commercial property or public building, understanding security costs can help you choose the right level of protection without paying for services you don’t need.
At G&A Security, we provide professional manned guarding and commercial security solutions across the North East and throughout the UK.
The cost of hiring a security guard depends on the type of service required.
As a general guide, typical UK security service prices in 2026 are:
| Security Service | Estimated Hourly Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard manned guarding | £18–£25 |
| Construction site security | £18–£25 |
| Warehouse and industrial security | £18–£25 |
| Corporate and concierge security | £18–£28 |
| Specialist or higher-risk security | £25–£40+ |
These are indicative UK market rates, excluding VAT, rather than fixed G&A Security prices. Actual quotations depend on individual requirements.
Businesses in London and other high-cost areas may pay more than those in the North East.
For the most accurate price, it’s always worth requesting a quotation based on your specific site and security requirements.
No two businesses have exactly the same security requirements. Several factors influence the final cost.
Security guard rates can vary depending on where your premises are located.
Businesses in Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and the wider North East may find that local security providers offer more competitive rates than those operating in London.
Travel requirements, access to the site and the availability of suitable security personnel can also affect pricing.
The number of hours you require security cover will have a significant impact on the overall cost.
For example, you might need:
Long-term contracts with consistent shift patterns may offer better value than occasional or short-notice bookings.
A security officer managing visitor access at a corporate reception will have different responsibilities from an officer protecting a large construction site overnight.
Depending on the premises, duties may include:
The level of responsibility, training and experience required will influence the cost.
Higher-risk environments may require additional security measures.
For example, a construction site containing expensive machinery, tools and materials may need more frequent patrols, enhanced access control or additional security personnel.
A professional security provider should assess these risks before recommending a suitable service.
Security providers may offer different pricing arrangements depending on whether you require short-term or ongoing cover.
A business needing security for several months may have different requirements from one needing an officer for a single weekend.
Discussing your longer-term plans can help identify the most cost-effective arrangement.
Businesses requiring continuous protection should consider the full cost of providing security around the clock.
A single security position covered 24 hours a day requires 168 hours of guarding each week, delivered by multiple officers working across a rota.
For example, at an illustrative rate of £20 per hour:
| Coverage | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 12-hour shift | £240 |
| 24-hour period | £480 |
| Full week (168 hours) | £3,360 |
| Average month | £14,560 |
These figures are examples excluding VAT, based on continuous coverage at a flat hourly rate. They are not a G&A Security quotation.
Although 24-hour guarding represents a significant investment, it may be appropriate for premises where theft, trespassing, disruption or unauthorised access could result in substantial losses.
However, not every business needs a permanent security officer on site.
Yes. Depending on your premises and level of risk, there may be more cost-effective ways to protect your business.
Mobile Security Patrols
Rather than having an officer permanently stationed at your premises, mobile patrols provide scheduled or agreed visits throughout the day or night.
This can be suitable for industrial estates, vacant buildings, offices and businesses that do not require continuous supervision.
Keyholding and Alarm Response
A professional keyholding service allows a security provider to respond to alarm activations without requiring business owners or employees to attend potentially unsafe situations themselves.
This can be particularly useful for businesses operating outside normal working hours.
Remote CCTV Monitoring
Professionally monitored CCTV can provide an additional layer of security without requiring an officer to remain on site continuously.
When suspicious activity is detected, a monitoring team can assess the situation and initiate the agreed response procedures.
At G&A Security, our in-house 24/7 control room supports our wider security operations, allowing us to combine physical security services with remote monitoring and incident management.
For some businesses, combining CCTV monitoring, mobile patrols and alarm response can provide a more proportionate solution than permanent manned guarding.
It’s important to understand that the hourly rate charged by a security company is not the same as the amount paid directly to a security officer.
From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour.
However, security providers must also account for employment and operational costs, including:
These costs contribute towards delivering a reliable, professionally managed security service.
When comparing quotations, businesses should look beyond the hourly rate and consider what is actually included.
For many businesses, professional security is an investment in protecting people, property and business continuity.
The financial impact of a security incident can extend far beyond the value of stolen items.
Businesses may also face:
A visible security presence can discourage opportunistic crime, help manage access to premises and ensure incidents are identified and reported promptly.
The right security arrangements should reflect the risks your business faces rather than simply providing the greatest number of guarding hours.
Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration when selecting a security provider.
Before appointing a company, consider the following questions:
A reputable security company should be able to explain its pricing clearly and recommend services based on your operational needs.
G&A Security provides tailored commercial security solutions for businesses across Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Teesside, Durham and the wider UK.
Our services include manned guarding, mobile security patrols, keyholding, alarm response and CCTV monitoring.
With a dedicated 24/7 control room and experienced operational team, we work with businesses to develop practical security arrangements that suit their premises, risks and budgets.
Whether you require a single security officer, temporary site protection or a combination of services, our team can help you identify an appropriate solution.
In 2026, standard commercial security guarding typically costs around £18–£25 per hour, excluding VAT. The actual rate depends on location, duties, hours and contract requirements.
At an illustrative hourly rate of £20, a 12-hour security shift would cost £240 excluding VAT. Specialist duties, short-notice bookings or premium shifts may cost more.
It can be. Overnight guarding rates depend on the provider, shift pattern, location and contract terms. Some companies include overnight cover within an agreed rate, while others charge a premium.
Yes. Many security companies provide temporary or short-term guarding, subject to availability and minimum booking requirements.
CCTV monitoring can be more cost-effective for certain premises, particularly where continuous physical attendance is unnecessary. However, it does not replace every function of an on-site security officer.
A security provider will usually need to understand your location, operating hours, site risks, required duties and expected contract duration before providing an accurate quotation.
Looking for professional security services without paying for unnecessary cover?
At G&A Security, we believe effective security starts with understanding your business.
Our team can assess your requirements and recommend a tailored solution, whether that’s manned guarding, mobile patrols, CCTV monitoring or a combination of services.
Contact G&A Security today for a free, no-obligation quotation.
Telephone: 01325 464340
Email: info@ga-security.co.uk
Website: www.ga-security.co.uk/contact-us/
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