As a consistent and reliable organisation in the ever-changing security world, we’ve seen first-hand how security mistakes and oversights can cause far more damage than many people realise.
This raises an important question:
is professional security really expensive - or is it poor security that ends up costing the most?
In this blog, we want to challenge some of the common assumptions surrounding the security industry. We'll shed light on why standards are often lower than they should be, how that impacts businesses and the public, and most importantly, what good security truly looks like. Drawing from our own experience on the ground, we'll explore how investing in the right security organisation can not only protect your people and assets but also save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Firstly, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the police – who are all too often blamed when instances of security go wrong. The police force do a fantastic job, often under immense pressure. In our recent experiences, they’ve been responsive, professional, and collaborative.
But they simply can’t be everywhere at once. That’s where professional security organisations play a vital role. When it’s done right, security becomes an extension of public safety efforts - relieving pressure from law enforcement and providing businesses and communities with an added layer of protection.
In order to explore what good security is, we first need to lay out the current issues in the security sector.
We’ve heard and seen plenty over the years: security guards who can’t speak clear English, who struggle to use radios properly, don’t turn up for shifts, or leave early because it’s cold. These aren’t isolated incidents - they’re symptoms of a broader issue in the industry.
Too often, organisations settle for the cheapest quote, assuming all security services are the same. Unfortunately, they’re not. Inexperienced or under-resourced providers may offer rock-bottom prices, but they also deliver rock-bottom performance. The result? Missed incidents, poor deterrence, communication breakdowns, and an overall false sense of protection.
These are the issues that we are seeing first-hand and are representative of the state of the industry today. And for us, it all falls back to the misconception about cost.
Security always seems expensive - until something goes wrong.
When organisations view security as just a tick-box or a basic requirement, they’re not stepping back to see the full picture. Security isn’t just a presence; it’s a function. Done right, it actively supports operations, protects individuals or organisations, and prevents loss or damage.
When it’s done poorly, the knock-on effects can be serious:
- Reputational damage
- Client complaints
- Insurance claims
- Regulatory breaches
- Loss of trust
More often than not, fixing these issues makes security truly expensive.
Good security isn’t just about standing at a door or driving a car. It’s a well-thought out, tried and tested operation that has:
- The right people in the right places
- Clear communication and protocols
- Proactive monitoring and reporting
- Full understanding of the client's needs and risks
It’s time to stop accepting mediocrity in the security industry. The threats and challenges we face in the UK - whether they’re crime-related, reputational, or compliance-driven - require higher standards.
Clients need to understand what good security looks like:
- Proper vetting and training
- Clear communication
- Professional conduct
- Consistency and accountability
When you see it, you know it - and once you’ve experienced reliable, well-delivered security, the game changes. Suddenly, you’re not just “covered” - you’re confident.
This is what we prioritise at Blue Mountain Group – whether this is through our security services or through our training programmes. How do we do this, you ask?
In both cases, we start with a comprehensive and thorough interview, not a sales pitch.
If you apply to one of our training courses, we want to really understand your goals, mindset, and motivation for joining the industry. By doing this, we ensure that every individual we take on board is not only capable but also aligned with our values of humility, integrity and courage. This approach promotes better communication, greater accountability, and a stronger sense of purpose on the ground.
Similarly, when you contact us regarding security services, we want to assess your organisation and its sites, understand your operation, and recommend exactly what you need - no more, no less. That’s how security becomes a tool, not just a cost: it helps manage your people, protect your assets, and keep you compliant with all relevant regulations.
In an industry where high turnover and poor training are too common, these extra steps helps us raise the bar - and produce security teams that clients can trust to represent their brand and protect their people properly.
ultimately, security is an investment, not an expense.
Of course, we understand that budgets matter – now more than ever. But if you treat security as a cost to be minimised rather than an investment to be optimised, the long-term risks will grow exponentially.
Our goal is to raise the bar. We don’t want to be part of an industry that overpromises or underdelivers – we want an industry that prides itself on consistency, professionalism, and honesty.
We’re here to help you, not to sell you what you don’t need. That’s what saves you money, time, and stress in the long run.
Let’s raise the standards – together.
If you're unsure whether your current security is doing what it should or you want to begin your journey into the industry, let’s talk. Whether it’s to give you peace of mind or to discover if you could be getting much more value from your investment, we are here to support you.