Alarm and CCTV installer for homes and small firms

Small businesses, shops, landlords, landlords' agents, property managers and homeowners wanting a more robust system than a DIY kit.

Installation fees plus equipment margin, then annual maintenance contracts and call-outs, which give steadier income over time.

• Cabling, wiring and fitting at height
• Surveying a site and designing a sensible system
• Quoting, paperwork and dealing with business customers

• Insurers and police response often depend on installing to recognised standards through an accredited company, so check what applies before you promise it
• Public liability insurance, plus employers' liability if you take on staff or subcontractors
• Fixed wiring may fall under electrical regulations, so check competence and any scheme registration you need
• Business customers need to follow data protection rules for CCTV, including signage and the ICO fee, so check and advise them properly
• Check whether the SIA licensing rules affect any monitoring or key-holding services you might add later
• Up-front stock and van costs, and work at height or in lofts, carry safety and cash flow risks

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £15,000, depending on your van, tools, stock and insurance. Up-front stock and van costs can strain cash flow, so check your numbers carefully before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how many installs and servicing contracts you win. This is a full-time business, starting at about 30 hours a week. These figures are estimates only.

Check whether insurers and police response require installation to recognised standards through an accredited company. Check public and employers' liability insurance, electrical regulations for fixed wiring, data protection and ICO fee rules for CCTV, and whether SIA licensing affects any monitoring.