Benefits Of Partnering With Local VS National Security Firms

If you’re a small or mid-sized business owner or manager hiring a security provider, what are the pros and cons of a local vs. national security firm? Whether you’re focused on a security company’s responsiveness, cost, service quality, scalability, or industry-specific expertise, this guide will help you make an informed decision about the right security partner for your company.

Neighborhood Know-How OR Corporate Clout?

At some point, every small business owner or facility manager faces a critical decision- using local vs. national security companies. Do owners choose to partner with a local security firm that thoroughly understands the community they’re both in? Or should you opt for a national company with broader resources and a well-known name that enhances your company brand as well? That choice will depend on what your business’s unique needs are. Here are some questions to help clarify what business security services your company needs:

Is yours a single-location business?

A smaller business might prefer the benefits of local security firms. They want the localized expertise of a hometown security company that is also invested in the same community. Take the case of a small community-focused brewery with a taproom. That brewery would likely want local security guards who align with their laid-back brand. Their security choice would be for approachable, reliable professionals who build rapport with their brewery’s customers- a firm yet friendly local security presence.

Does your business have multiple branches nationwide?

If your business has multiple locations across various states, national security providers might work well- in particular for very specialized security services. For instance, a regional chain of medical clinics might choose a national security firm because they can provide guards with HIPAA compliance and patient safety training. However, single local security providers can also provide standardized security services across locations using more legacy-type services. Even a mid-size company like a bank with several branches can consistently use the same business security services a local security firm offers- access control, alarms, video surveillance, or security protocols. Such consistency across locations would reduce confusion during emergencies for branch managers and personnel.

Does your business have security needs requiring advanced technology or specialized training?

Sometimes a national security company can offer more resources or training facilities for their employees. For example, even in the case of a single-location or small-chain jewelry business, they still might want to use a national security company. They need guards with safe-room protocol training, or surveillance systems with facial recognition, or other specialized technology such as remote monitoring, customized access control systems, or panic buttons.

What level of personalized service does your company want?

Maybe your business really wants a consistent security contact person with a more intimate understanding of your needs than a larger firm might give. For instance, a small private middle school may prefer a local or independent security firm trained in child safety, de-escalation, and non-threatening communication skills. Furthermore the school wants the same guards assigned to them consistently so students and parents feel more secure and familiar- a local security company is likely their best choice.

What are the budget considerations of your company when choosing a security vendor? Here’s a quick comparison of local and national security company options:

Local security companies can

• Be flexible and willing to customize pricing for a company
• Have contract options that are shorter or event-based
• Offer pay-only-what-you-need services
• Present the ability to negotiate directly with owners or managers
• Provide technologies which are often more basic systems or manual approaches
• Be less predictable for a company budget if using multiple vendors in various locations

National security companies can

• Have pricing tied to standardized packages, so have less flexible prices for services
• Require long-term contracts or minimum leases
• Be cost-effective at scale, often bundling tech and staffing
• Include administration fees, tech maintenance or compliance add-ons
• Be more predictable with pricing and reporting across states
• Offer more specialized security services or technology but often with higher costs

In the end, the right security partner- whether a local security firm or a national firm- is the one that best supports your business budget, brand, and assets. By answering the questions in our guide, you have hopefully gained some clarity on what your company needs to stay secure. But if you are not sure HOW to find that best security provider for your company- here’s a smart option. Try the free The City Guards vendor search tool, to compare local and national firms and make that informed smart decision for your company security.

What’s The City Guards? The City Guards is a trusted online resource for the security industry, providing up-to-date information for industry professionals and customers pursuing security solutions. We also design cutting-edge software tailored specifically for security businesses. With our security vendor search tool, The City Guards makes it easy- and free– for business owners to find trusted security companies. Simply submit your online request and you’ll be able to:

• Compare vetted security vendors in your area that want to work with you
• Check real customer reviews for insights into a company’s reputation
• Make fully informed decisions tailored to your business and budget

Ready to partner with the security firm that fits your business best?

Simply put in a free online request: “Hire Trusted Security Providers” and start your search now to fully protect your company.
Whether you’re securing your company premises or personnel, or safeguarding assets, The City Guards will connect you with the best security vendors offering reliable, professional protection for your company.

Please give it a try- it’s quick and free. Reach out if you have more questions.