What Makes a Great Security Guard?

What Makes a Great Security Guard?

Seven Top Traits We Look for in Our Team

A security guard is often the first point of contact for anyone visiting your premises. They’re not only responsible for protecting people, property, and assets, but also for representing your business in a professional and approachable manner.

As a business, we know that great security officers are so much more than just a uniform – they’re highly trained professionals who combine vigilance, communication, and customer service skills with the ability to respond calmly under pressure.

That’s why every member of our team is fully SIA-accredited, meeting the highest industry standards for training and professionalism. Our recruitment and training go beyond the basics, ensuring every one of our guards has the attributes and expertise needed to deliver truly exceptional security services.

Here are the seven top traits we look for in every member of our team…

1. Vigilance and Attention to Detail

Great security guards are naturally observant and inquisitive. They notice when something feels out of place – whether that’s an unattended bag, a faulty lock, or unusual behaviour around an access point. This attention to detail allows them to spot potential issues before they escalate into serious incidents.

2. Strong Communication Skills

Whether it’s diffusing a tense situation, giving clear instructions during an evacuation, or simply welcoming visitors to site, security officers need to communicate with confidence and professionalism. The ability to listen, respond appropriately, and keep calm under pressure is vital in this role.

3. Integrity and Reliability

Trust is absolutely everything in security. Our clients rely on our guards to uphold the highest standards at all times – from accurately logging incidents to protecting sensitive information. A great security officer is dependable, honest, and always prepared to go the extra mile to ensure the protection of our clients’ premises and people.

4. Physical and Mental Preparedness

Security work can be demanding, requiring long hours on patrol, quick reactions in emergencies, and the resilience to handle challenging situations. We look for individuals who are physically fit, mentally resilient, and able to remain composed when faced with pressure.

5. Professional Appearance and Conduct

Our security guards represent both our business and that of our clients. A professional appearance and courteous behaviour are essential as both inspire confidence and demonstrate to visitors, employees, and contractors that security is being taken seriously on site.

6. Problem-Solving Ability

No two days on our clients’ premises are ever the same. From managing unexpected visitors to dealing with technical faults or responding to an alarm, our SIA-accredited guards are trained to think quickly and act decisively. This ensures our clients’ people, property, and operations remain safe, whatever challenges arise.

7. Commitment to Continuous Training

Because the security landscape is always evolving – from changes in legislation to advances in technology – we are committed to investment in continuous professional development. Our guards regularly refresh their training in areas such as conflict management, first aid, and health and safety, ensuring they are always prepared for whatever the situation brings.

If you’d like to know more about how our team can protect your business, do get in touch for a no-obligation chat.

For more information about the services available contact a member of the BWG team on security@business-watch.co.uk

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What makes a great security guard?

Meat the Team: Jimmy Ogude – Contracts Manager

Meat the Team: Jimmy Ogude – Contracts Manager

The strength of Business Watch Guarding lies in the expertise, dedication, and professionalism of our people.

In this blog, we’re proud to introduce Jimmy Ogude, one of our Contracts Managers who continues to play a pivotal role in driving our business forward…

Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Contracts Manager, with a career spanning construction, management, retail security, mobile patrol, and door supervision within the leisure industry.

Responsible for overseeing all operational activities, and maintaining positive productivity across the entire workforce, he works closely with the senior management team to plan, deliver and uphold best practices.  Plus, as part of his role at the helm of recruitment and training, Jimmy is integral to ensuring the BWG team remains knowledgeable, compliant with industry standards, and feels completely supported. 

He joined the business in 2017 as a supervisor for the Mobile and Static teams, and Jimmy has since risen through the ranks.  Striving for personal and business growth, he’s displayed strong commercial acumen accompanied by an immaculate attention to detail and leadership qualities, while also remaining committed to doing the right things for the right reasons.  Overall, his aim is to support the business to become the frontrunner in providing stellar, honest and reliable security services to the West Midlands. 

Originally from Nigeria, Jimmy moved to the UK in 2010 to complete his Master’s Degree in Management.  In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching football and movies, and gaming – his favourite being Football Manager. And, like many, he dreams of managing a real-life football team one day… hopefully Arsenal…

For more information about the services available contact a member of the BWG team on security@business-watch.co.uk

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Jimmy Ogude, Contracts Manager at Business Watch Guarding

A Warm Welcome to Charlotte

A Warm Welcome to Charlotte

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Charlotte Johnson as our new Business Support Administrator.

Charlotte joins us with a wealth of experience in customer service and administration, and we’re thrilled to welcome her skills and energy to the team.

Charlotte holds a degree in Business and German and has built her career in administration and customer service since 2018, working across a variety of sectors including stationery, utilities, lighting, and assistive technology.

Outside of work, Charlotte is a proud mum to a lively two-year-old girl and loves all things Disney!

In her role at Business Watch Guarding, Charlotte will play a crucial part in ensuring the smooth operation of our business by providing administrative support across departments. Her key responsibilities will include office coordination, data management, customer service, and finance support.

Charlotte said: “I’m really looking forward to taking on this new challenge within the security sector. I enjoy being part of a close-knit team that keeps operations running smoothly and supporting colleagues across departments. It’s a really exciting next step in my career, and I can’t wait to embrace all of the opportunities.”

Elaine Newbury, Director here at Business Watch Guarding, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Charlotte on board. Her experience, professionalism, and positive attitude make her the perfect fit for our team. We know that she will play a key role in supporting our operations and helping us continue to provide excellent security services to our clients across the county.”

Please join us in welcoming Charlotte to the team!

For more information about the services available contact a member of the BWG team on security@business-watch.co.uk

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Charlotte Johnson at Business Watch Guarding