Keeping your business premises safe is more important than ever. With theft, vandalism and trespass all posing threats to businesses of all sizes, having a reliable CCTV system in place is one of the most effective ways to protect your assets, staff and property. But before you go ahead and install security cameras, there are a few key things you should consider to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

At Edmondson’s, we support businesses across Yorkshire and the UK with fully tailored CCTV installations, ensuring that security systems are not only fit for purpose but also fully compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Understand What You Need to Protect

Before choosing a CCTV system, it’s good to take a step back and look at what you actually want to protect. Is it the building exterior, entrances and exits, stockrooms, staff-only areas or perhaps public-facing parts of your business? Different areas come with different risks and may require a different type of camera or setup.

Think about your business hours too; If you close overnight or leave parts of the premises unstaffed for long periods, 24-hour monitoring and infrared night vision could be a priority. For busy office environments or customer-facing settings, clear, high-resolution footage and smart features like motion alerts may be more important.

By clearly identifying the vulnerable spots on your site, you can plan a system that provides full coverage where it counts, rather than relying on guesswork or one-size-fits-all solutions.

Choose the Right Type of Camera

There are several types of CCTV cameras available, and the right one for you will depend on your premises and the type of monitoring you need. Bullet cameras are ideal for external use, offering long-range viewing and visibility. Dome cameras are often used indoors and provide wide-angle footage, while PTZ (pan tilt zoom) cameras offer greater control and coverage of large areas.

At Edmondson’s, we help you assess which cameras best suit your business and explain the pros and cons of each. Whether you need wide-coverage cameras for warehouse aisles or discreet indoor models for office spaces, we’ll guide you through the selection process.

Think About Storage and Backup

Footage is only useful if you can access it when you need it. That’s why storage and backup are key parts of any CCTV set-up. You’ll want a system that records reliably, keeps footage for a suitable length of time and stores it securely to avoid data loss.

Modern systems often use network video recorders (NVRs) with secure hard drives or cloud-based storage, and many allow you to access recordings remotely from your phone or computer. For added protection, we offer systems with multiple drive redundancy and automatic cloud backup, giving you peace of mind even if one part of the system fails.

Make Sure You’re Meeting Legal Requirements

When installing CCTV, you need to ensure you're complying with the UK’s legal and privacy standards, including the Data Protection Act and GDPR. Businesses must inform staff, customers or visitors that CCTV is in operation, and the footage must be stored securely and only used for its intended purpose.

Our team can advise you on how to stay compliant, from signage and consent to retention policies and system security. We’ll make sure your system is professionally installed and that you’re keeping up with the law.

Protect Staff and Improve Safety

CCTV is not just about protecting physical assets. It also plays a big role in staff safety and workplace wellbeing. Knowing that a security system is in place can help staff feel safer, particularly those who work late hours, deal with the public or manage valuable stock.

Footage can also help resolve disputes, monitor health and safety compliance and provide evidence in case of incidents. Many of our clients have seen improvements in staff confidence and overall security just by having a reliable CCTV presence.

Benefit from Insurance and Cost Savings

Installing CCTV may also reduce your business insurance premiums. Many insurers view CCTV as a proactive risk-reduction measure, and some may offer better rates or terms if you have a professionally installed system in place. Having clear, time-stamped footage of any incidents can also help speed up claims and reduce disputes.

At Edmondson’s, we work closely with businesses to ensure their systems meet insurer requirements and provide maximum protection without unnecessary extras.

Work with a Trusted Provider

Choosing the right CCTV installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment. With over 30 years of combined experience, Edmondson’s IT Services is trusted by businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. We offer a fully tailored service, from free site assessments to professional installation and ongoing support.

Our team ensures every system is configured to meet your exact needs, with user-friendly interfaces and full training so you can get the most out of your investment.

Whether you're securing a single office, multiple retail locations or a large industrial site, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our team today on 01924 666 660 to arrange a free consultation and site survey.