Protective security is an area of specialist expertise, whether it is one product being installed in isolation or an integrated system involving any number of different products. You hope you never need to use the product or system for real, but if that moment does arise then it must work first time with no second chances.

The choice of installation company is therefore just as important as the choice of products to be used and the PSC would always advise the use of expert security product installers rather than general contractors, whilst at the same time recognising that buyers will want to have price competition as part of the decision making process.

Suggestions for deciding how to select your installation tender list, rather than just putting the project out to your normal building/civils contractor include:

• Manufacturer recommendations – your chosen product manufacturer will be able to suggest installation companies in whom they have full confidence. Some have formally improved installers.
• Select from PSSA installer members – all have been vetted for their competence in this area as well as for other aspects such as financial stability and health and safety credentials. See pssasecurity.org for further details.
• If you are using a specialist security consultant for your project, they may be able to advise on reputable installers.
• Recommendations from other contacts who have had similar projects done.
• If you do decide to get quotes from general contractors, we would strongly advise asking for evidence that they have worked on similar projects in the past.

PSSA installer members who have specialist experience and expertise in installing a full spectrum of protective security products include: