Businesses Prioritise Security Systems Over Fire Safety In 2025

In today’s business environment, security is a key concern for many SME owners.  

Installations of CCTV, intruder alarms and access-control systems are commonplace. Yet new research reveals an interesting and worrying trend: many businesses are placing security systems above fire safety when it comes to investment. 

As an SME owner, you may recognise the logic in investing in protection against theft or vandalism. A recent study demonstrates that 59 % of UK businesses are allocating more of their budgets to CCTV, intruder alerts and access control than to fire-safety measures. At the same time, only 39 % of firms are prioritising fire safety.  

Why Does An Investment Gap In Services Exist? 

What is the reason for the disparity between investment in fire safety and security system installations? 

There are understandable reasons why many businesses choose to invest more heavily in security systems. For most SMEs, the benefits of visible protection are clear and immediate. CCTV, intruder alarms and access control systems not only help prevent theft and vandalism but also provide reassurance for staff and clients, often reducing insurance premiums in the process. These systems are highly visible, easy to demonstrate return on investment, and can deter crime before it happens. In contrast, fire safety is often viewed as a compliance measure rather than an active safeguard, meaning it can slip lower down the list of priorities despite its importance. 

From an SME perspective these are familiar stories: competing priorities, limited capital, and a sense that fire may be a remote risk.  

The Strong Case For Security Systems 

There are compelling reasons why many businesses choose to invest more heavily in security systems, and why that investment is rising. 

Rapid market growth: The UK physical-security market (covering systems such as CCTV, access control, intruder detection) generated revenue of approximately USD 9.9 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow to around USD 12.93 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. In the UK security and installations sector alone the value in 2023 was reported as £10.5 billion, with over 11,500 firms operating. This shows a strong momentum and evidences why investment is being directed here. 

Visible, measurable deterrence: For SME owners, the benefits of security systems are often immediately visible. A well-placed CCTV camera or an effective access-control system signals to staff, visitors and insurers a proactive stance. These systems not only help prevent theft or vandalism but can provide data and logs, making return on investment easier to assess in terms of reduced losses or claims. 

Technological advancement and flexibility: Modern security systems leverage cloud analytics, remote monitoring and smart integration, making them accessible to SMEs in ways previously only large organisations could afford. This means smaller businesses can adopt scalable solutions, tailor them to their budget, adapt them as they grow and show tangible benefits. 

Risk perception and prioritisation: Crime, intrusion or business disruption from unauthorised access touches many businesses, particularly those storing equipment, goods or operating multi-site premises. Because the risk is perceived as immediate and visible, allocation towards security systems becomes a strategic, defensive move. 

The Fire Safety Picture In Context 

It is important not to undermine the significance of fire risk. Reports show that the total economic and social cost of fire in England was estimated at £12 billion in the year ending March 2020, of which a unit cost-equivalent average of around £78,000 per fire event was indicated. Sectors such as industrial, food and drink, and retail premises are particularly at risk of fire incidents.  

Balancing Security Systems With Fire Safety 

For SME business owners, the smart approach is not about choosing one over the other, but about balancing investment so that both security systems and fire safety are addressed in an integrated way. 

• Conduct a holistic risk-assessment of your premises, operations and assets. Identify both security and fire risks specific to your business environment. 

• Recognise that investing in security systems brings clear benefits today—deterrence, visibility, insurance favourability and scalable controls. 

• Equally ensure that fire-safety investment is not neglected: systems, processes and staff training must meet legal requirements and protect the business from high-cost interruption. 

• Consider how security and fire-safety can be aligned: for example, access-control systems can support evacuation in a fire, CCTV can assist review of incidents, and monitoring systems may integrate fire alerts and intruder alerts. 

• Monitor investment returns not only in avoided theft or intrusion but also in avoided fire-loss, business interruption and reputational damage. 

Trust Bourne End & Henley Security Systems For Quality Security System Installations And Upgrades 

In the current climate, investing in robust security systems is a sound strategic decision for many SMEs. The growth in the UK market underscores the importance placed on protecting assets, premises and people from intrusion and loss. At the same time however, under-investment in fire-safety remains a vulnerability that should not be overlooked. The average cost of a fire incident is significant and the legal and operational risks real. 

If you are an SME owner looking to strike the right balance, contact Bourne End & Henley Security Systems for a quality investment in security systems that protect your business, safeguard your assets and give you lasting peace of mind. Fill out our contact form today, and one of our experts will be in touch with a tailored approach to suit the personal needs of your business.