While this article is primarily about Australia, the information could be useful for anyone outside of Australia. Enjoy this article, and you will soon be able to start your own security company/business.
It can be difficult and daunting to start a security business in Victoria. The Business is possible to get the Private Security Business License from the Victorian Police, other State Police/Departments websites, or any other website. Isn’t as simple as it looks.
If you require a quick quote for security hire in Melbourne, then send us an email at info@icorpsecurity.com.au or click below.
There are many steps involved in completing your application. You will need to complete sub-applications and register with other departments and agencies. Before you can submit your application, there are several meetings and appointments that you need to attend. This sub-application might be with Overseas Governments, private companies, or businesses.
One respected security professional in Victoria (names not withheld) charges $15,000 to establish a Private Security Business for clients. This includes a license, website, documentation, and other fees. These fees can be costly to some, I think. However, having set up my own private security company, I know it can be time-consuming and requires lots of documentation and knowledge. It can be frustrating if you don’t have the right attitude to tackle this task. There are many delays, bottlenecks, and even silence from certain departments.
It takes time to set up a private security company and then get your license. My case was unique in that I set it up myself as a novice and got my security license in August.
The process of obtaining a license is very different from setting up a security company. One company was selling its security license for $20,000. The license is all that’s needed.
It is difficult and time-consuming to set up a security company and obtain a private security license.
One thing I can assure you is that it is possible. You just need to have lots of time, patience, dedication, passion, and willingness to learn.
It takes less than half the time
This article was written to provide you with basic information so you don’t have to spend eight months researching it. Due to my naivety, and some mistakes made during the process, I almost lost my license.
Before you begin, ask yourself some questions.
- Why should I start a Security Guard Company?
- Are you a security company owner or do you have the passion?
- Is this the right industry for me?
- Will I need to go with a partner?
- Can I afford to start a Security Company?
- What is the cost to start a Security Company?
You will be able to succeed in any endeavor you set your mind to. People start businesses because they feel bored, they see others doing it, or they believe it will make their money. They may succeed sometimes, even though they have the best intentions. But most of the time, they fail. They lose their business or find joy in what they do. Why is this? The basic principles behind starting a venture may not be authentic. If passion is lacking, it will also mean that the will to sustain the company will be lacking.
No matter what your reason is for starting a private security company, I want you to learn something, put your heart into it, and go for it.
Security Business Success
Although starting a security company can seem daunting, let’s take a look at what it takes to make it a success. It is important to realize that the security industry has become saturated. Many old players have built a reputation and a brand for themselves in the industry.
How can you create a niche market for your business? How can you stand out from these established players?
You will find many people in the security industry starting businesses and then closing them down as quickly as Usain Bolt.
Here are some reasons they fail so quickly:
- They don’t know what they are getting into
- Sharp practices (e.g. wage theft, failure to pay taxes to the government)
- Insufficient money
- Inadequacy of knowledge about the current business climate in the security industry
- Inadequacy of long-term and short-term strategies
After spending a lot of time researching and consulting with other specialists in business, we have discovered formulas for setting up a successful security company. Were we inspired to write a book on the subject, similar to our security book, Security Adventure Service? We felt that the information would be of benefit to a wider audience and could offer it for free.
We are security guards hiring and consulting company. The information you will find here will help you to succeed and start better than us.
Name of the company:
Think about what name you want for your security company. It is important to recognize that we live in a digital age. Therefore, you need to create a name that will be creative and work as a keyword for the business. You will be more competitive than businesses that were named ‘Jonas & Sons Security Company’.
Company Logo:
Consider what you want to see in your company logo. Ask the logo designer for a list of design options if you are unable to think of any.
Pricing:
Setting the right pricing for your clients is the most difficult part. It is important to get it right from day one. Security Concepts Services can assist you in creating a 2x-3 price list if you are not able to do it yourself.
Colors for your company:
Consider the color you want to see on the uniforms, cars, and other equipment of your security guards. You can choose something unique for your business, or something that is easy to buy but stands out from the rest.
Business Plan:
Write a business plan. It should include what you want to achieve and what the prospects look like. If you don’t have the time or desire to create one, we can provide a security business plan.
SOP:
Get a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for your company and employees. If you don’t have the time to write one, we can provide SOPs that comply with Australian security standards.
ABN/ACN:
Depending on what type of business model you want to start (e.g. Corporation, Partnership, Soletrader), get an ABN or An ACN.
Certificate IV:
While it is a good idea to have a Certificate IV In Security and Risk Management, you shouldn’t worry if that’s not your case. You must have a Certificate II (Unarmed Guard), and you’ve been working in the security industry for at least five years. Register as an ASIAL member or other recognized security industry body in Australia if you don’t possess either.
Register for GST:
A Register your company for GST from the beginning or when you reach a certain income threshold.
National Police Check:
To apply for a National Police Check, You will need to have your fingerprints taken and police checked if you have never been fingerprinted. Before filling out the forms, you should have your National Police Check/Fingerprint done. If you have a valid Private Security Guard License, you will not need a Police Check in Victoria.
You must also provide a copy of the Police Clearance Certificate for each country where you have lived for over 12 months within the last 5-10 years.
Fill out the Application Forms. Go to the State Police website and register in the portal. All applications can be submitted online or in hard copy depending on the State. For information about your Territory or State, please see the bottom of this blog.
Business viability:
A declaration from a chartered accountant confirming financial viability.
Newspaper Advertisement: You will need to place an advertisement in the newspaper seven days after your application forms have been submitted in a state-wide daily publication (Victoria only).
Sub-Contracting – Start contacting more prominent security companies to find out if you could be their sub-contractor. You must have a copy of your Security Business License before you can do this.
Eligibility:
A Private Security Business License may not be granted to anyone who has been bankrupt, insolvent, or has had any criminal convictions or records within the last five years. If you have a Private Security License which was canceled, suspended, or denied renewal, you should contact the State Private Security Licensing Department to inform them about your situation.
Suitability Reference:
Two referees may be required to complete the reference forms. ).
Residency:
To be allowed to open a business in Australia, you must be either a citizen or a permanent resident.
Competency Requirements. You must demonstrate your competence to manage a security company (Resume and Business Plan, SOPs, Training Course).
Employer Responsibility:
Ensure that you are aware of your obligations to employees regarding wages, superannuation, and taxes.
Evidence of Public Liability Insurance. Certificate of Currency. Be careful to only use security-focused insurance companies. If they are not, you will be charged astronomical fees you cannot afford. For Public Liability Insurance, check your state licensing requirements.
Referent Certifying Identity Documents (Passports and Evidence of Residency, Birth Certificate, etc.
Payment Notice:
A payment notice will be sent to Victoria once your application has been received. In other states, you will need to make a payment/check when you submit your application documents.
Security Enterprise Agreement Security EBA:
To compete for contracts and remain competitive, I recommend that you obtain a Security Services Enterprise Agreement. This agreement will allow local and private companies to only accept your contract bid or tender proposal. These entities have the assurance that your company will be able to pay its employees on time and that it won’t face any overtime or weekend rate back payment issues.
What is the cost to start a security company?
There are many factors to consider first. These include the size of the company and its location. You can start from home or rent a security company. It is also worth asking yourself if you plan to use the services of web developers, payroll officers, or marketing companies.
Let me put it this way: If you plan on using the services of other experts, you need at least $20,000 to $45,000. You should have around $6,000 to $12,000 if you plan on doing all the accounting, marketing, and SEO web development.
There are many types of security companies, but the minimum cost for a professional startup security company should be the above. However, it’s possible to inject the cash gradually to reach the desired amount.
Important Things to Do Before You Start Your Security Business
1) Labour Hire Registration:
Only a few Australian states classify the security as a Labour Hire Company. This means that you will need a Labor Hire License from each Territory and State before you can start a security company. A fine between $50,000 and $500,000 could be imposed if you fail to register your security company as a Labour Hire Business.
- Victoria Labour Hire Authority
- Labour Hire License Queensland
- South Australia Labour Hire
- Canberra (to begin in 2021).
- Western Australia (soon introduced)
- Tas, NT, and NSW (none currently)
2) Work Cover:
You should have a WorkCover certificate from your State or Territory.
- Victoria WorkCover
- NSW WorkCover
- QLD WorkCover
- WA WorkCover
- SA WorkCover
- NT WorkCover
- TAS Work Cover
- ACT WorkCover
Victoria Portable Long Service Leave Authority: Your security company must be registered in Victoria for Portable Long Service Leave.
Security Business and Security License Setup Services
These long and tedious processes can be cut down by us. Security Concepts Services Consulting can help you set up your license/security business if you have time limitations or other difficulties.
All services will be provided under one roof. We can also assist with documents such as Business Plans, SOPs, and other documents that would otherwise cost you a lot of money to buy separately. We can also assist you in creating new employee documents, client rates, and booking forms. You will also receive free start-up advice for the first 1-3 months after you have secured your license.
Our promise:
We will assist you in getting your license within 4-8 weeks. After obtaining your license, you should be able to apply for security contracts within 2 to 3 months (we will assist you with the process as well as any materials required).
Conditions:
To obtain a license, you must have a clean record and be willing to cooperate with us.
We are available to answer your questions by email.
Security Coaching for Your Guards: We can speak to your security team and coach them to increase their output at client sites. Our coaching doesn’t stop at security. We offer the opportunity to purchase our Award-nominated security book, ‘Security Adventure Service’. This book is an essential training resource for security officers.
Conclusion
If you require other security guarding services or security consulting services please contact us today at info@icorpsecurity.com.au or call 1300 848 450.
