Mobile security patrols and key holding

Small businesses, industrial units, farms, builders' yards, landlords and property managers who want a visible check without a full-time guard.

A monthly fee per site for scheduled patrols or key holding, plus a charge for each alarm call-out. Several sites on one route make the hours worthwhile.

• Reliable and alert, including at night
• Calm when dealing with trouble or alarms
• Clear incident reports
• Comfortable working alone

• Most paid security work needs an SIA licence for whoever does it, so check the current rules for your role before taking work
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you hire staff
• Business-use vehicle insurance, and any rules on marked vehicles or beacons
• Lone working at night, so plan a safety check-in routine
• Written contracts that limit what you are responsible for if a site is broken into
• Check whether you need to register with the ICO if you handle personal data or use body cameras

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your vehicle, insurance, licensing and equipment. These are estimates, so check current costs before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many sites and call-outs you take on. These are estimates, not guarantees, and you can add staff later.

Check the current SIA licence rules for your role before taking work. Also check public liability, business-use vehicle insurance, any rules on marked vehicles or beacons, and whether you need to register with the ICO.