Security Cost & Budget Estimator (UK & West Midlands)
Plan and calculate your security budget instantly. Get transparent guide estimates (+ VAT) for manned guarding, construction site security, mobile patrols, keyholding, and alarm response across Birmingham & the West Midlands.
Calculate Your Budget NowEstimate Your Security Budget
Configure your security service, units required, and duration below for an instant indicative estimate. All calculations are guide rates (+ VAT) for budgeting purposes; final contract pricing varies by site risk, location, and contract type.
*All calculations are indicative guide estimates. Baseline rates are quoted excl. VAT; 20% standard VAT is added on top. Final contract pricing varies by site risk assessment, location, and SLA terms.
Rates last reviewed: 25 August 2026
UK Security Guard Cost Benchmark Table
Compare standard hourly rates and average monthly costs across essential security guarding services in Birmingham and the UK.
| Service Category | Coverage Scope | Indicative UK Benchmark | Compliance Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static Commercial Guarding Popular | Regular Commercial Shifts | From £15.00 – £18.50 / hr + VAT | SIA Licensed, BS 7858 Vetted |
| Night & Construction Site Guarding | 12-Hour Night Shifts & Weekends | From £16.50 – £22.00 / hr + VAT | CSCS Trained, GPS Monitored |
| Wedding & Private Event Security | Bespoke Event Shifts (Min. 8h) | Custom Quote (0121 240 8586) | SIA Door Supervisor & Event Stewards |
| Funeral & Ceremony Protection | Dedicated Ceremony Block | Bespoke Package (Call in Confidence) | Discreet, Suited Officers |
| Mobile Security Patrols | Randomised Drive-by Site Checks | £25.00 / visit + VAT | NFC Checkpoints, Live GPS Logs |
| Alarm Response Call-Out | Per Emergency Dispatch | £50.00 / call-out + VAT | 24/7 Rapid Response Guarantee |
| Keyholding Management | Annual Key Custody Retainer | £1.00 / day + VAT (~£30/mo) | BS 7984 Keyholding Compliant |
What Determines Security Guard Hire Costs?
Four primary factors influence your final hourly rate and monthly contract price.
Shift Patterns & 24/7 Hours
Daytime guarding operates at baseline rates (£15.00/hr), whereas unsocial night shifts, weekend cover, and bank holidays usually include small premiums to maintain dedicated officer retention.
SIA Licensing & BS7858 Vetting
Every officer deployed by Eagle Security is SIA licensed, right-to-work verified, and vetted to British Standard BS7858. Specialist duties like CCTV monitoring or Door Supervision carry role-specific rates.
Personal Security & Threat Level
Personal security guards and close protection require specialized tactics, risk profiling, and executive plain-clothes deployment, which commands a higher rate than static property guarding.
Contract Length & Retainers
Long-term weekly and annual contracts benefit from preferential hourly rates and dedicated SLA account management compared to short-notice emergency or one-off ad-hoc deployments.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Security Guard Costs
What is the average hourly rate for SIA guards in Birmingham?
In Birmingham and the West Midlands, hiring an SIA-licensed static security guard typically costs between £15.00 and £22.00 per hour for standard commercial, construction, and retail site security. Exact rates depend on shift patterns (day vs. night), risk assessment, location, and contract duration.
How much does 24/7 security cost in the UK?
Continuous 24-hour security guarding (168 hours per week) starts from approximately £2,520 per week or £10,920 per month at standard baseline rates (£15.00–£16.50/hr), providing unbroken round-the-clock site protection with smooth shift handovers.
What factors influence commercial manned guarding prices in 2026?
Commercial security rates in 2026 are determined by 5 core factors: 1) Shift Patterns (unsocial night and weekend hours carry modest differentials), 2) SIA Licensing & BS7858 Vetting, 3) National Living Wage Compliance (£12.71 statutory baseline + on-costs), 4) Site Risk Profile, and 5) Contract Length (long-term SLAs receive preferred volume pricing).
How much does a personal security guard cost?
Personal security guards and close protection officers (CPOs) in the UK generally cost between £25.00 and £50.00+ per hour (or £250 to £500+ per 12-hour shift). Rates reflect the specialized training, risk profiling, executive transport, and plain-clothes discretion required.
What is the average security guard cost per month?
Monthly security costs depend directly on total hours required:
• Weekend / Part-Time Cover (approx. 240 hrs/mo): £3,600 – £4,200/month
• Night-Shift Guarding (approx. 360 hrs/mo): £5,900 – £6,800/month
• 24/7 Full Round-the-Clock Cover (approx. 720 hrs/mo): £10,800 – £12,500/month
How much does 24-hour security guard cover cost?
Continuous 24-hour security guarding (168 hours per week) starts from approximately £2,520 per week or £10,920 per month at standard baseline rates (£15.00–£16.50/hr), providing unbroken round-the-clock site protection with smooth shift handovers.
Is the cost calculator on this page an exact quote?
No. It is an instant guide price based on standard published rates to help you budget quickly. Your final quote is confirmed after a free site assessment and factors in site risk, specific licensing, and multi-officer volume discounts.
What is included in the mobile patrol visit rate?
Each mobile patrol visit (£25.00) includes a full physical perimeter and site check, lock-up/unlock verification, GPS timestamping, and an electronic incident report. Patrols are randomised to prevent predictability.
Do you charge extra for emergency alarm call-outs?
Alarm response call-outs are charged per dispatch, from £50.00 (+ VAT), and are triggered automatically when your intruder alarm activates. There are no hidden admin fees on top of the published call-out rate.
Can I get a tailored contract rate instead of an hourly estimate?
Yes. Once you have a ballpark figure from the calculator, our duty management team can convert it into a tailored weekly or monthly contract rate with dedicated SLA commitments.
See What's Behind These Rates
Read more about each service before you request your custom quote.
Ready for Your Tailored Site Quote?
The calculator above gives you an instant guide price. Send us a few details and our duty management team will confirm a tailored site quote based on your exact location and risk profile — usually within one working hour.