Did you know that the UK outsources security services worth over £500 million annually? That’s a lot of funding available for public sector security suppliers.
If you’re new to public procurement and aren’t sure how to go about winning security sector contracts, this guide is for you.
We’ll show you how to find security tenders, prepare bids, and win contracts for a range of security services, including security guarding services, CCTV monitoring, manned patrols, and event security.
What are Security Contracts in the UK?
There are three broad types of security contracts in the UK.
1) Physical Security
- Manned guarding: Visible on-site personnel to deter criminals and respond to alerts and alarms.
- CCTV monitoring: Camera surveillance to identify and report incidents.
- Access control: Manned security at entry and exit points to control who has access to property.
- Event security: Visible presence and access control to eliminate internal and external security threats.
2) Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity audits and assessments: Determine the effectiveness of software security solutions to protect against data breaches and malware, spyware, etc.
- Cybersecurity solutions: Supply, install, configure, and manage cybersecurity systems, including cloud-based software.
- Cybersecurity training: Train clients to operate securely and proactively avoid breaches or leaks.
Many cybersecurity systems suppliers also work with clients to develop digital security solutions against attacks.
3) Operational Security
- Risk assessments: Identify and assess potential security risks for businesses, public sector organisations, and government buildings.
- Emergency response: Develop appropriate responses to emergencies, including fire.
- Transport services: Provide secure transportation for assets (furniture), valuables (cash), and personnel (VIPs).
- Security systems installation and maintenance: Install security systems, like alarms and surveillance equipment.
Who is Buying Security Services?
The public and private sectors both need a regular stream of security services. In the public sector, local authorities and NHS trusts need all types of security services, from manned guarding and CCTV surveillance to cybersecurity systems and emergency responses. The police also need security services, including risk assessment and emergency response planning, and cybersecurity training.
Security Industry Trends for 2025 and Beyond
As with all industries, security is undergoing major changes as technology, especially AI technology, advances. However, not all trends are tech-based. Let’s look at three of the major trends shaping the security sector.
1) AI and manned security services
AI and system automation are taking security services to the next level. For example, AI-powered analytics detects and tracks unusual behaviour and movement patterns and sends alerts as soon as anomalies are identified.
Human security teams analyse security system alerts to develop the best response to the situation.
In fact, demand for manned security services is rising because they respond immediately to on-site threats and deter criminal activity.
2) Cybersecurity and physical security work hand-in-hand
Organisations are adopting a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity for comprehensive protection. For example, biometric authentication limits access to authorised-only areas, both cyber and physical.
Modern camera surveillance systems are cloud-based, so there’s no such thing as missing tapes or taped over evidence. However, they’re not invulnerable. The feeds are protected from cyberattacks by the latest cyber security measures.
Security personnel are trained in physical security and cyber security. They are immediately alerted to suspicious activity and can respond in real-time to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches.
3) Emphasis on SIA licensing
You need an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence if you want to work in private security. In fact, it’s a criminal offence to take on private security roles without a licence.
The licence demonstrates that the person concerned has government approved qualifications.
As procurement legislation evolves and the UK moves towards transparency in all public procurement processes, SIA licensing will become more prominent, with the potential to broaden its scope and increase penalties for non-compliance.
Regulatory & Compliance Essentials
Security is one of the most highly regulated industries in the public sector. It has to be, considering what’s at stake – physical safety, financial protection, online data privacy, business security, etc.
Here’s a quick look at the regulations required to bid on government security contracts.
SIA licensing
We mentioned SIA briefly, but here’s some detail. It’s an independent body that regulates and monitors private security to ensure workers are properly qualified and that general public safety is a priority.
The exact qualifications required depend on the type of security services, for example:
- If you want to apply for cash and valuables in transit licence, you need a Level 2 Award for Working as a Cash and Valuables in Transit Operative
- If you want a frontline close protection licence, you need a Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives Working in the Private Security Industry.
- If you want to qualify for a public space surveillance (CCTV) licence, you need a Level 2 Award for Working as a CCTV Operator.
Training and qualifications are available from:
- National Open College Network (NOCN)
- Qualifications Network (QNUK)
- Highfield Qualifications
- Pearson
- Laser Learning Awards
- SFJ Awards
Insurance
Security companies typically need the following insurance cover:
- Public Liability Insurance
- Inefficacy and Contractual Liability Insurance
- Product Liability Insurance
- Employers’ Liability Insurance
- Fidelity Bonding Insurance
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
Vetting
Anyone wanting to work in security has to pass various security checks and be thoroughly vetted before they can bid on contracts for security. The most common checks are DBS checks.
DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service and checks for criminal records. There are different types of DBS checks, but the enhanced DBS check is recommended for security employees.
Finding Security Tenders
It’s actually quite easy to find more security tenders in the public sector. You simply have to register on tender portals or platforms like Supply2Gov, Contracts Finder, and TED.
Supply2Gov has the biggest database of active contracts in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. It provides a range of tender-related tools and services, like Cyber Essentials certification, the minimum cybersecurity qualification the government will accept from suppliers.
Contracts Finder is the government’s platform for low-value tenders worth over £12K.
TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) publishes new opportunities from the European Union, the European Economic Area and even farther afield.
Once you’ve registered on platforms, it’s time to filter your search requirements so you receive tender alerts relevant to your company’s security services or products only. You can filter alerts by service (security guard), region (North Yorkshire), and value (£12K – £15K).
It’s also possible to register on sector-specific platforms, like NHS Supply Chain and schools’ portals.
Contract notices
In the beginning, understanding security tender notices can be a challenge because there are so many abbreviations and acronyms to learn. Here are some of the most important.
- ITT: Invitation to Tender. Contracting authorities send out ITTs to suppliers they’ve identified as promising candidates.
- SOR: Schedule of Rates. A standardised schedule that sets pricing structures for each industry. It determines fair pricing in line with market value.
- BoQ: Bill of Quantities. A comprehensive list of all materials, labour, and resources – with costs.
- PQQ/SQ: Pre-Qualification Questionnaire/Selection Questionnaire. Tools to assess promising candidates before the formal bidding process.
Crafting a Winning Bid
Security sector contracts are quite technical, with details that other industries don’t require. For example, PQQ/SQ responses include:
- Detailed financial records to provide evidence of financial stability.
- Insurance certificates
- SIA staff roster. All employees in active security roles.
- DBS checks
- Health and safety procedures
- Testimonials and references from happy clients
Technical details include:
- Appropriate staff qualifications, like CCTV operator.
- ISO 9001, an international quality assurance accreditation
- SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement): Commitment to health and safety standards.
- KPI reporting
- GPS monitoring
- Supervisory structure
Pricing details include:
- Guard rates per hour. Industry standard is £12 – £18.
- Overtime. The rate is typically 1.5 times the normal rate.
- Transport costs
- PPE costs
- 20% VAT
- Call-out fees
Take the information in this blog to heart and ensure you are properly prepared to respond to security tender notices, with customisable templates for security tender documentation, and you’ll be well on your way to winning lucrative contracts in the UK security sector.
Supply2Gov Security Tenders
Give yourself a good start by registering on Supply2Gov’s portal for free local area security tender alerts and access to the crown commercial service, along with host of other support services to help you optimise your efforts to win public sector security contracts.