Welcome to the KeyPlus blog and news page
Manned Guarding Service Available
We're pleased to announce the reintroduction of our Manned Guarding service. Providing a dependable and proactive security solution, our Manned Guarding service is designed to give you peace of mind that your business is [...]
Real Living Wage Increase
We’re proud to be a Living Wage employer, paying our employees a fair wage for a fair day’s work. With the cost of living rising, the Living Wage Foundation announced a vital pay [...]
Protect Your Business This Autumn
Last year, it was estimated that 38% of business premises in the wholesale and retail sector had been a victim of crime. The most common type being theft (27%), followed by assault or [...]
Four Frighteningly Good Reasons to Work with KeyPlus
We’ve been working with clients across all types of sectors for years, and we’re a trusted name when it comes to providing security services in the North West. If you haven’t worked with us [...]
Keeping Your Home Safe This Season
October is National Home Security Month - designed to highlight the importance of preventative measures to keep your home safe and secure. First launched in 2013, the campaign offers advice, information and support [...]
KeyPlus Score Highly in Approved Contractor Scheme Assessment
We’re delighted to announce our highest ever score in our annual Approved Contractor Scheme assessment. The average score for a company our size is 50 so we’re very pleased to have exceeded this [...]
KeyPlus Join the Good Business Charter
We’re delighted to have received an accreditation from the Good Business Charter, recognising our responsible approach to business. Launched in 2020 with Capita as its first member, the Good Business Charter grew quickly, [...]
Managing Your Expectations
Whether it’s the first time you’ve used professional security services or you’re a seasoned pro, it always helps to understand what happens ‘behind the scenes’. Our job is to get to you as [...]
Dealing With Winter Weather
With the dark nights and short days comes the inevitable bad weather. Frost, ice and snow can all impact your business, but there are a few steps you can take to prepare for [...]
The Countdown to Christmas is On!
For many retail and hospitality businesses, Christmas is the busiest time of the year, and according to a Statista forecast, festive sales are set to bring in 84.7 billion pounds this year. It [...]
Should Business Security Be Scary?
Not only is it Halloween this weekend, but it’s also the end of daylight saving time which means the clocks will go back in the early hours of Sunday morning. As the nights [...]
Changes at KeyPlus as Growth Continues
Pictured: Neil Windsor, Managing Director (centre) with Ronnie Lyne (left) and Adeel Shafiq (right), Mobile Response Supervisors It’s been over a decade since KeyPlus was founded, and during that time, the company has [...]
KeyPlus Awarded Approved Contractor Status
Last month we received our Certificate of Approval from the Security Industry Authority confirming that we have continued to meet the requirements needed to be part of their Approved Contractor Scheme. The Security [...]
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Our Security Services
On our last blog, we walked you through the journey of buying security services from KeyPlus, from the initial enquiry to signing the contract. Now we’re looking at 5 frequently asked questions from [...]
From Enquiry to Contract: Buying Security Services
If you’re looking to enlist the help of a professional security services provider, you’re in the right place! KeyPlus have been supporting businesses across the North West since 2008, working with clients from a [...]
Crime Busting Tips for Construction Companies
The construction industry has long struggled with theft. In fact, recent statistics from insurer, Allianz Cornhill, revealed that it costs the industry around £800 million a year. A popular target for metal theft, [...]
Checkup Checklist: Keeping Healthcare Providers Safe
According to the Office for National Statistics’ Business Register and Employment Survey, in 2019, 75,000 people in Lancashire were employed in the health and social work sector, accounting for 14.7% of the region’s [...]
KeyPlus Sponsor Burnley-Based Racer
We’re happy to announce that this year, we’ll sponsor Burnley-based motorbike racer, John Marsh. Placing 5th in last year’s No Limits championship following a season of great races, Marsh will be returning to [...]
Supporting Retailers in Lancashire with Security Services
Retail has always been a prominent part of Lancashire's economic landscape, with wholesale and retail businesses employing around 112,000 people across the region (17.6%). This makes it one of the top three sectors for [...]
5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Business Crime
As lockdown continues, it’s likely that your business premises may be open to reduced staff, or may be closed completely. This can leave your business vulnerable, but there are extra steps you can [...]
Our Guide to Buying Business Security Services
Making the decision to protect your business with the help of a professional security services provider is a real commitment, and one that is so important to get right. The company you choose [...]
Valentine’s Day, the KeyPlus Way…
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and with lockdown measures still in place, your go-to Valentine’s date night might not be an option this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan something special [...]
Business & Industry in Lancashire: A Local Look
Lancashire is a great place to live… Rolling hills are never more than a short-drive away and its proximity to Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool means big-city life isn’t out of bounds. But according [...]
Ho-Ho-How to Keep Your Business Safe this Christmas
With just a few more days until Christmas, we share some top tips to help keep your business safe so you can enjoy a well-earned festive break - however you manage to celebrate [...]
What’s on Santa’s Wishlist this Year?
There’s not long to go until the big day now, and Santa’s busy checking his list to see who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. Although the festivities are in full swing in [...]
Home Security Tips for a Cracking Christmas
December is finally upon us and whether you think this year has flown by, or been a bit of a drag, one thing is certain… The countdown to Christmas is on! Although we may [...]
Don’t be Left in the Dark: Winter Business Security Tips
Before we look at winter business security tips, did you know that according to the Office for National Statistics, in the 12 months to the year ending June 2020, there were approximately 11.5 [...]
Security 101: Doors & Windows
Making sure your doors and windows are locked seems like a really basic security tip, but it’s surprising how many of us forget to make sure they’re fully secured. Getting into good habits doesn’t [...]
We’re Proud to Support Living Wage Week
We’re once again proud to support Living Wage Week, an annual celebration of the movement to pay a wage that reflects the real cost of living. The campaign launched in 2001 to tackle [...]
Your Guide to Outdoor Security
With the days getting shorter and the nights getting darker, it’s only natural to spend more time inside your home and less time in the garden. But before winter takes hold and we’re [...]
Make Home Security a Priority This Month
First launched in 2013, National Home Security Month takes place every October and offers advice, information and support on how to secure your property. Often overlooked due to the pressures of daily life, [...]
Keeping Business Parks Safe
Business parks can be a hive of activity, but with so many companies in one place, co-ordinating security efforts can be quite a task. First introduced to the UK in the 1980s, business parks [...]
The Impact of Home & Flexible Working on Business Security
Covid-19 has brought about a lot of changes. From social distancing to wearing face masks, we’ve adapted to a ‘new normal’ at both work and play. But one change that looks set to last [...]
What Happens on Mobile Patrols?
Mobile patrols are a great service, representing fantastic value for money for our clients. A fraction of the cost of a static guard, they provide highly visible external and internal security patrols to protect [...]
How Quickly Do We Respond to Alarms?
As a professional security services provider, we help to keep hundreds of sites across Lancashire and North Yorkshire safe. When we’re visiting potential clients, there’s a couple of questions we’re always asked and they [...]
What are the Responsibilities of a Key Holding Company?
The beauty of key holding, is that it’s easy to explain - the clue is in the name! So how does it work? It’s simple… A professional key holding company will take a set [...]
When Should You Change Your Locks?
If you’ve lost your keys If you’ve lost your keys, even if you can get another set cut, you may want to change your locks. Whilst a good samaritan may hand them [...]
Home or Away: Summer Security Tips
With lockdown restrictions easing, whether you’re venturing abroad or taking advantage of a much-needed staycation, making sure your home is safe while you’re away should be a top priority. It can be easy [...]
Quick Security Fixes for Maintenance Businesses
1. Carry out a security MOT Like many businesses, you’ll no doubt have security measures in place to protect your premises. But how often do you check everything is running smoothly? Make sure [...]
A Helping Hand for Charities
According to figures from Statista, the average Brit donated almost £300 to charity in 2019. And with over 160,000 charities registered in England and Wales, employing thousands of people and raising millions of [...]
5 Lessons in School Security
With summer approaching, now’s the perfect time to make sure your school premises are safe and secure. Whether you’ve been able to return to the classroom or not, tick our 5 tips off [...]
Security Services for Food Manufacturers
According to statistics compiled by the Food & Drinks Federation (FDF), the UK food and drink industry is the biggest manufacturing sector in the country - larger than the automotive and aerospace industries [...]
Security Services for Healthcare
According to the most recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published in 2018, spending on healthcare in the UK totalled £214.4 billion, equating to £3,227 per person. The figure, made [...]
Security Services for Retail
According to a report compiled by Retail Economics, the retail industry turned over a total of £394 billion worth of sales in 2019, contributing to 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Employing 2.4 [...]
How Much Do Security Services Cost?
As a business owner, you’ll know how important it is to protect your property. From stock and machinery, to the premises itself, you’ll no doubt have security measures in place to help keep [...]
Spring Clean Your Business Security
Although you might not be spending as much time as you’d like at your business property right now, there are things you can do to get ahead when you return to work. Thinking [...]
5 Security Tips for When Your Business is Closed
The Coronavirus outbreak has meant that many businesses have had to close their doors temporarily. Although you might not be able to use or protect your premises like you would do normally, there [...]
Business Alarms – Who Should Respond?
If you own a business, the question of who should respond to alarm activations has probably crossed your mind. We take a look at your options for alarm response and who can respond [...]
KeyPlus Take on Additional Sites for Lancashire County Council
Earlier this year, we announced that we’d been awarded a £1m security contract for Lancashire County Council (LCC), a 4 year tender providing security services for several hundred sites across the region. We [...]
Should You Outsource Your Key Holding?
As a business owner, you’ll have lots of important decisions to make, but if you’re asking yourself whether you should outsource your key holding, the answer is easy… Yes! There are several reasons [...]
What You Need to Know About Lone Working
Lone working can be a valuable part of your workforce planning, but like any employee, lone workers can face hazards in the workplace which put them at risk. It might sound obvious, but [...]
Protecting Yourself from Crime in Lancashire
We’ve all seen figures stating that crime is on the rise and with news reports and social media posts about thefts, fraud and more on a daily basis, it’s no wonder we’re all [...]
What 2020 has in Store for Your Local Security Experts…
2019 was a great year for KeyPlus. From securing a contract with Lancashire County Council to expanding our reach as far as Morecambe and Bradford, our team of security experts pulled out all [...]
The Benefits of a Key Holding Company
If there’s one thing you change about your business security this year, make it your key holding policy. Whether you hold the keys yourself, or ask employees to do it for you, there [...]
How to Assess Your Business Security Needs
The start of a new year often means the start of a new ‘to-do’ list, and while there may be a whole host of things on there, reviewing your business security needs is [...]
Security-Themed Stocking Fillers
Got a partner who prefers practical gifts for Christmas? Protect your home and put a smile on their face with our security-themed stocking fillers. Patio locks Add an extra layer of security to [...]
What to Look For When Choosing a Security Services Provider
Building a business takes a lot of time and effort, so it makes sense to protect it as best you can. Hiring a security services provider is a great step towards securing your [...]
How to Stay Safe as a Lone Worker
In the UK, there are almost 6.8 million lone workers and, according to the British Crime Survey, almost 150 experience physical and verbal attacks each day. What is a lone worker? A lone [...]
What it Means to be a Living Wage Employer
As a Living Wage employer, we’re proud to support Living Wage Week, an annual celebration of the Living Wage movement. Launched in 2001, the campaign for a Living Wage was set up to [...]
Ghoulishly Good Security Tips
Halloween is almost upon us and what better way to mark the occasion by sharing some ghoulishly good security tips to help keep your business safe? Whether you’re a security whizz or looking [...]
Don’t be a zombie: Security mistakes you’re making
Dark nights and shorter days can take their toll on even the hardiest of business owners. It’s tough enough running a business but when 6am feels like the dead of night, it can [...]
National Home Security Month
28% of UK adults take no security precautions at home. This is just one of the statistics publicised as part of National Home Security Month. Launched in 2013, the awareness campaign takes place [...]
Security Services for Healthcare
Protecting healthcare organisations across Lancashire is extremely important to us. Providing essential services, pharmacies, hospitals, health centres and hospices are a lifeline to many. Sadly, despite their importance, they are still a target [...]
Security Services for Education
From arson to theft, schools can be a target for a multitude of crimes. In fact, just 5 years ago, it was reported by the BBC that over 30,000 crimes against schools were [...]
Summer Holiday Security Tips
The summer holidays are in full swing and whether you’re taking a stay-cation or visiting more tropical climes, the security of your home can play on your mind while you’re away. Although domestic [...]
Security Services for Retail
Protect your retail premises with first class security services According to the British Retail Consortium’s 2019 Retail Crime Survey, the total cost of retail crime has increased to around £900 million. Of this [...]
Security Services for Manufacturing
We’re experts in providing security services to manufacturers Manufacturing equipment can be expensive, and machinery, tools and chemicals can all be a target for theft. If you own a manufacturing business, safeguarding your [...]
Security Services for Leisure and Recreation
Protect your business with security services for leisure and recreation before ‘the boom’ According to a report by Mintel, the British public are forecast to spend £141 billion on leisure activities by 2022. [...]
Security Services for Construction
Trusted security services for construction sites Construction sites are a hot-bed of activity during the day. But once the site shuts down and employees head home, how do you make sure your equipment [...]
Security Myths Busted: Security Services You Can Trust
Are you still thinking about hiring a security services provider? For those who are new to business security services, the thought of putting your trust in someone else can be daunting, but with [...]
Security Myths Busted: Employees as Key Holders
Are you still using employees as Key Holders? One of the biggest misconceptions about key holding services it that it’s cheaper and easier to use employees as key holders than using a professional [...]
Security Myths Busted: We’re Already Secure!
Security myths busted! Are your current security measures more effective than a professional security service? We speak to plenty of clients who think their businesses are already as secure as they can be. [...]
Security Myths Busted: Cost
Think security services cost a lot? Think again… When it comes to business security, you’d be forgiven for thinking they cost a lot. In fact, the majority of clients we meet are surprised [...]
5 Cracking Ways to Improve Your Business Security this Easter
Ready to make some changes to your business security strategy this Easter? Even small changes can make a big difference! Here are 5 cracking ways to improve your security and help keep your [...]
Why Choose a Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor?
What does SIA mean? SIA is an acronym for the Security Industry Authority – a national organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. An independent body who report to the Home Secretary, [...]
What is Home Response and Why Do I Need It?
What is Home Response? Our Home Response service is designed to keep your property safe. With domestic burglary rates increasing, adding an additional layer of security to your home is a sensible move. [...]
What is Alarm Response and Why Do I Need It?
What is Alarm Response? Alarm Response is a service put in place to respond to alarm activations at your business premises on your behalf. As a local business employing local people with extensive [...]
What is Key Holding and Why Do I Need It?
What is Key Holding? Quite simply, it's key holding service which works to increase security, save you time and money and give you (and your employees) peace of mind. How does it work? [...]
KeyPlus Achieve New ISO Accreditations
KeyPlus Awarded New ISO Accreditations Every day, thousands of lives are lost due to accidents in the workplace or from work-related diseases. These deaths could – and should – be prevented. ISO 45001, [...]
What Are Mobile Patrols and Why Do I Need Them?
What are mobile patrols? Mobile patrols are randomly timed internal and external foot patrols put in place to help protect your business. A more cost-effective solution than a static security guard, mobile patrols [...]
KeyPlus Awarded £1M Security Contract
KeyPlus awarded £1m security contract for Lancashire County Council We're delighted to have been awarded a major security contract to provide services to Lancashire County Council. The 4-year tender, will see the company [...]
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Business Security
Top tips for keeping your business security in 2019 With the New Year upon us, it’s a great time to reflect on things to change or improve during the next 12 months. Whether [...]
Deter the Festive Felons this Christmas
Avoid the festive felons Analysis of crime statistics from the financial year 2016/2017 has revealed that the number of robberies, burglaries and thefts committed over the Christmas holidays are soaring. Each day of [...]
How to Stay Safe and Secure This Winter
Want to stay safe and secure this winter? It’s only a matter of time before those morning frosts get thicker and the rain turns into snow. According to the Met Office, the UK [...]
The Key to a Happy Christmas?
Could we be the key to a happy Christmas? With the festive season upon us, there’s a million and one things to remember - presents, turkey, tinsel… the list can seem endless. On [...]
SIA Approved Security
Following continued business growth, KeyPlus have made another key appointment installing Neil Windsor as Operations Director.
KeyPlus Celebrate Living Wage Pay Rise
KeyPlus owner Brian Curran has continued his promise to voluntarily go further than the government minimum wage requirement.
What Is A Police URN and how do you keep it?
Do you expect the Police to attend your property whenever the alarm activates? If you do, it’s important you understand when the Police will and won’t attend.
Security Service Upgrades 40 Lancashire Sites
With the cold and rainy winter firmly upon us, many business owners and Human Resource departments are reviewing their security and health and safety provision.
Employees can and do say No!
Employees can and do say No! What’s your backup plan? Health and safety, lone working and work/life balance all come into play now and we have a responsibility and duty of care to safeguard employees well-being.
Case Study Inficon
Read our Case Study by Inficon, Blackburn and see how they value the security provided by an SIA Approved Contractor KeyPlus
Business First & KeyPlus secure growing partnership
Lancashire patrol, alarm response and key holding specialist KeyPlus Security, have been appointed Security Response providers for Business First business centres across Lancashire. The latest appointment at the Blackpool Business First centre, brings the number [...]
17 Lancashire Schools Sign Up To New Security Provision
KeyPlus, the Lancashire patrol and response security company have announced a new contract award which will see them provide security services to 17 Lancashire Schools and Children’s Nurseries. Schools and Nurseries are regularly targeted by [...]
KeyPlus Appoint Office Manager as Growth Continues
KeyPlus are pleased to confirm the appointment of Office Manager Alison Stansfield as we continue to expand coverage across Lancashire. Building upon our Burnley and Blackburn client base and following the recent expansion into Preston, [...]
Top 10 Considerations for Securing Your Business Property
How do you manage the security of your business premises and the people you employee within it? As a Key Holding and Alarm Response business, KeyPlus takes a look at the experiences of our clients [...]
How do you define Key Holders responsibilities?
In the year to 31 March 2016, there has been a 300% increase in the number of company directors prosecuted for health and safety offences. The research from law firm Clyde & Co. takes information [...]
KeyPlus Achieve Highly Accredited SIA Approved Contractor Award
KeyPlus, the East Lancashire based Security Patrol and Response company, has again been awarded the highly accredited SIA Approved Contractor award. The SIA (Security Industry Authority) is the national organisation responsible for regulating the private [...]
Excellent, great & good! The results of our customer survey
For our most recent customer survey we decided to focus on the words people use rather than a numbered scoring system. Why? Well, we wanted to know what people really think about KeyPlus the [...]
Caught red-handed, almost…
Mobile Response Supervisor, Warren Graham discovered a hidden rucksack when attending a recent alarm activation. The premises consist of several vacant mill buildings situated on a large sprawling site, bordered by a canal. A remote CCTV [...]
Is your organisation over-reliant on the Police?
Over the Easter weekend, a group of around 10 men are believed to have undertaken a heist that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Hollywood movie. The Hatton Garden Bank in London [...]
ACS accreditation renewal
The rigorous annual audit of our systems, policies and procedures by Ian Hawkridge of CCAS resulted in all boxes being ticked and our ACS accreditation renewal. The 89 point checklist requiring a 100% score [...]
9 out of 10 alarms are false
Surprising statistic? It is when you consider that the 89% rate relates to professionally installed/maintained systems, by accredited and reputable companies! Click here for more information and see the figures behind this statistic. [...]
Welcome PLT
Yet another prestigious multi-contract win for KeyPlus following a successful trial period which began earlier this year. Feedback received so far includes: Excellent levels of service with outstanding communication channels – just wish we [...]
Welcome Borough of Pendle
We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been appointed by the Borough of Pendle to provide Patrol & Response security services for a varied range of public buildings. It’s worth noting that the contract was previously held [...]
Who responds?
Does your business have an Intruder Alarm or CCTV system? Is your system monitored by a 24-Hour Alarm Receiving Centre? (Type A) Do you have a ‘Speech Dialler’ installed (Type B) Who attends and [...]
KeyPlus installs GPS vehicle tracking systems
After quite a bit of searching, KeyPlus opted for the web-based vehicle tracking system from Tracker. We have all been very impressed with the level of customer service received so far and love how we can [...]
Manned Guarding Service Available
We're pleased to announce the reintroduction of our Manned Guarding service. Providing a dependable and proactive security solution, our Manned Guarding service is designed to give you peace of mind that your business is [...]
Real Living Wage Increase
We’re proud to be a Living Wage employer, paying our employees a fair wage for a fair day’s work. With the cost of living rising, the Living Wage Foundation announced a vital pay [...]
Protect Your Business This Autumn
Last year, it was estimated that 38% of business premises in the wholesale and retail sector had been a victim of crime. The most common type being theft (27%), followed by assault or [...]
Four Frighteningly Good Reasons to Work with KeyPlus
We’ve been working with clients across all types of sectors for years, and we’re a trusted name when it comes to providing security services in the North West. If you haven’t worked with us [...]
Keeping Your Home Safe This Season
October is National Home Security Month - designed to highlight the importance of preventative measures to keep your home safe and secure. First launched in 2013, the campaign offers advice, information and support [...]
KeyPlus Score Highly in Approved Contractor Scheme Assessment
We’re delighted to announce our highest ever score in our annual Approved Contractor Scheme assessment. The average score for a company our size is 50 so we’re very pleased to have exceeded this [...]