We have, over recent years, gained a reputation as a trusted security systems partner of those providing property management solutions for high-net-worth individuals. Their clients are particularly concerned about the safety and security of themselves and their families.
Initially, we are often contacted to supply and install CCTV cameras. However, the properties can be in challenging locations, and spread over large areas of land, that can include several buildings. Providing the infrastructure for this CCTV, which also includes ensuring enough power is going to be supplied, is therefore the first step to installing an effective system.
Our managing director, Aaron Kernaghan, said: “Usually when we start talking about security then you are questioning them as to how they are going to run the CCTV system so more often than not we would have a look at the network they have got there. Is it just strung together, or not been installed what we would call professionally? So therefore, you are looking at the network and how the network is put together.”
When we are brought into a project and assess a site, we also consider it holistically and aim to ask all the questions to ensure larger properties are properly protected and security teams can do their job effectively and efficiently.
This often means that as well as providing the power and networking infrastructure those making the buying decisions for high-net-worth individuals can see the value of having our services for all aspects of security. The video testimonial below demonstrates how we have supported the security team at a country estate.
If we are brought into a project earlier, we can be more effective because the networking and security considerations can be introduced into building designs and landscaping plans to reduce costs and the amount of labour required.
Unfortunately, sometimes we get contacted after the security or estates teams have been let down by the original installers. For example, the managers of a large estate recently contacted us after having a security system installed by a small local company. However, they were unable to meet their needs.
They then moved to a large nationwide security system provider. However, these companies often use subcontractors to actually provide their services and the estate was not given enough priority. Finally, they have come full circle and found us, a small security systems installer. The difference is that we have targeted our provision to meet the needs of high-net-worth individuals and have always aimed to listen to our customers and offer them the right solution.
Security Issues that we consider include:
- Perimeter Protection: One solution that we have installed turns a physical barrier into a sensor. Fence-mounted fibre optics cabling acts as a microphone allowing security teams to pinpoint when a disturbance occurs.
- The number of entrances on the perimeter, and doors into buildings that will require effective electronic access control that can be integrated with gate systems
- Intruder alarms: These need to Grade 3 and therefore need to be wired and the requirements of the insurance provider should be met.
- Surveillance cameras: We ensure that the right cameras are used. While will usually find a solution from the Avigilon range we will look at other specialist options
- Additional protection: For example, we can provide panic buttons, and offer a solution for scanning post to ensure the high-net-worth individuals are kept safe.
- Integration into other devices such as radios and speakers
If we are then contracted to provide all these services and set up the right cabling and networks we can make other decisions about the correct solutions. For example, if a high-net-worth individual has several properties and wants the ability to manage these centrally and for security teams, or themselves, we would recommend cloud access control and CCTV options (Avigilon Alta).
Many clients, however, prefer local storage of the CCTV footage and therefore our on-premise solution (Avigilon Unity) would be needed, but there is still an option to connect to the cloud so several sites can be viewed.
During the cabling, networking and equipment installation phase of the project we have up to 12 engineers available to complete the project. Once a security system is installed, we provide full training and emphasise the need for maintenance. On larger properties, trees and other foliage may interfere with cameras or sensors, or if the property is in a remote location, it may be more exposed to varying weather conditions. Therefore, security teams need to be prepared to keep inspecting and cleaning them.
We provide ongoing maintenance and support for customers and remote monitoring often means we can help teams with their system without attending the site. However, our engineers are available to come to the property if required.
We have come to realise high-net-worth individuals, or people that own or manage large properties, have really specific needs but one that fits with our ethos of wanting to provide high-quality bespoke solutions. If you want to know more about how we can provide a full security and monitoring solution for a large estate, please get in touch.