Mary, Author at Triple Star Fire and Security

What’s the Real Cost of Business CCTV in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex?

by Mary | Sep 29, 2025 | Blog

CCTV Installation Costs in South East England: 2025 Complete Guide

If you’re looking at CCTV for your business in the South East, you’re probably wondering about the bottom line. A business CCTV system can cost anywhere from around £1,000 for a basic setup to over £15,000 for a large, complex installation. But the final price depends on much more than just the camera count.

As a business owner in Kent, Surrey, or Sussex, you need real numbers—not vague promises. A good CCTV system isn’t an off-the-shelf product. It must be tailored to your building and unique security challenges.

This guide breaks down the real factors that influence CCTV costs, including hidden expenses many businesses overlook. The aim is to help you make a smart, long-term investment in your security.

What Am I Actually Paying For?

Several key factors affect the total cost of a CCTV system. These include:

Camera types
Installation complexity
Footage storage
Coverage area
Maintenance and compliance

What Type of Cameras Do You Need?

The type of camera has a major impact on cost. Modern IP cameras cost more than analogue, but their image quality and features save money over time.

Camera Type	Details	Best For
Dome	Discreet indoor cameras, often ceiling-mounted.	Shops, offices, indoor areas.
Bullet	Visible deterrent, mounted on walls outdoors.	Outdoor perimeters, entrances.
PTZ	Pan, tilt, zoom capability—covers wide areas.	Car parks, warehouses, large sites.

How Complex Is the Installation?

Installation costs vary widely. Running cables in a modern Crawley office is simple. For listed buildings in Surrey, we must work carefully around heritage structures, which takes more time. Rural Kent farms may need trenching or wireless solutions. Coastal Sussex sites require marine-grade housings to withstand salt air.

Where Will You Store the Footage?

You have two main storage choices:

Option	Pros	Cons
NVR (On-site Recorder)	One-time cost, no ongoing storage fees.	Vulnerable to theft, fire, or damage.
Cloud Storage	Safe off-site, accessible anywhere.	Recurring monthly/annual fees (£20–£200).

How Many Areas Need Coverage?

A small Tunbridge Wells café may need just 2–4 cameras, while an industrial unit in Maidstone could need many more. A professional site survey ensures optimal camera placement and prevents overspending.

Are There Hidden CCTV Costs?

Beyond installation, consider these ongoing costs:

Maintenance: Annual fees (£200–£500) for cleaning, updates, and testing.
Software/Licensing: Some features (e.g. number plate recognition) require annual fees.
Data Protection: GDPR compliance means signage and a clear usage policy.

Real-World CCTV Price Examples

Business Type	Setup	Estimated Cost
Small Business (Shop in Guildford)	2–4 HD cameras, NVR storage	£1,200–£2,500
Medium Business (Maidstone office/workshop)	5–8 cameras for entrances, offices, car park	£2,500–£5,000
Large Site (Industrial unit in Sussex)	8–16+ cameras with advanced features	£5,000+

Get a Clear CCTV Quote Today

Getting the right CCTV system isn’t about spending the most or least—it’s about finding a smart solution that truly protects your business. The only way to know the real cost is with a professional site survey.

Learn About CCTV Systems

Phone: 0203 189 1960 | Address: Triple Star Fire & Security, Unit 2, Murray Business Centre, Murray Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 3RE

What Fire Alarm System Does My Kent Business Need?

by Mary | Sep 23, 2025 | Blog

Complete Guide to Fire Alarm Systems for Kent Businesses (2025)

If you’re running a business in Kent, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Fire safety is a big one you have to get right. Between managing staff and keeping customers happy, the last thing you need is confusion about fire alarm codes, types, and rules.

The world of commercial fire alarms can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to know what you actually need versus what someone’s trying to sell you.

This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a straightforward overview of what you need to know about fire alarm systems for your Kent business. We’re Triple Star, a local Kent company, and we’ve helped hundreds of businesses just like yours—from small shops in Canterbury to large warehouses near the M20.

Why Are Fire Alarms Important for Kent Businesses?

A working fire alarm system keeps your people safe, protects your property, and ensures you’re following UK law.

The main law is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It states that the business owner or responsible person must reduce fire risks. A suitable fire alarm is a key part of that. Without it, you could face fines, prosecution, and worst of all—put lives at risk.

But it’s not just about compliance. It’s about protecting what you’ve built. That could be a historic Canterbury pub, an Ashford industrial unit, or a Maidstone retail shop. A proper alarm gives you peace of mind that people can evacuate safely.

A fire can close your business for months, destroy customer trust, and in the worst cases, cost lives. Your fire alarm system is your first line of defence.

Main Types of Fire Alarm Systems

Fire alarm systems fall into three main categories. The right system depends on your building size and layout.

System Type	How It Works	Best For
Conventional	Divides building into zones. Alerts show the zone, but not the exact detector triggered.	Small businesses like shopfronts or offices.
Addressable	Each detector has a unique address, showing the exact location of a fire.	Hotels, schools, or large offices.
Wireless	No disruptive cabling. Uses long-life batteries for reliability.	Listed or historic buildings.

Navigating Fire Alarm Rules in Kent

The main rulebook for fire alarm systems is BS 5839. It’s not law but is recognised as best practice.

The standard breaks systems down into:

Category L: Protects life
Category P: Protects property
Category M: Manual alarms only

Local knowledge also matters. For example, in Rochester, we worked on a listed property where cables weren’t allowed. We installed a wireless system that was compliant and preserved the heritage of the building.

Choosing the Right System Starts with a Fire Risk Assessment

Every decision begins with a proper Fire Risk Assessment. This identifies risks and determines what system your business requires.

Things considered include:

Size and layout of your building
Type of business activities
Number of people on-site
High-risk areas (e.g. kitchens, server rooms)

A café in Margate will have very different needs from a logistics warehouse near the M20.

Fire Alarm Maintenance Requirements

It’s a legal requirement to regularly test and service your fire alarm system. Maintenance comes in two parts:

Type	Details	Frequency
Weekly checks	Press test button at different call points, confirm alarm works, and keep records.	Every week
Professional servicing	Engineer tests detectors, backup batteries, and full system operation.	Every 6 months

Choosing the Right Fire Alarm Company

When selecting a company, check for:

Accreditations from third parties
A team based in Kent
Ability to handle risk assessments, design, installation, and maintenance
Positive reviews and references from local businesses

This is the foundation of Triple Star Fire & Security. As a Kent-based, accredited provider, we offer complete, local fire safety services.

Take the Next Step

Getting your fire alarm system right is a vital part of running your Kent business. If you have any questions or want straightforward advice, our team is here to help.

Phone: 0203 189 1960 | Email: info@tsfands.com

Address: Unit 2, Murray Business Centre, Murray Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 3RE

Keeping Your Kent Healthcare Facility Safe: A Simple Fire Compliance Guide

by Mary | Sep 16, 2025 | Blog

Healthcare Facility Fire Safety Compliance Guide – Kent

Running a healthcare facility in Kent is a massive responsibility. You’re not just managing a building—you’re protecting the lives of vulnerable people. Fire safety requirements can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be.

This guide gives you clear, straightforward advice on how to keep patients, residents, and staff safe while meeting your legal duties without the confusion of complicated rules.

Let’s walk through what you need to know about fire safety compliance for healthcare facilities in Kent.

What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?

The first and most important step in UK fire safety is the Fire Risk Assessment. This assessment forms the foundation of your fire safety plan.

A qualified assessor will walk through your premises to identify fire hazards. For healthcare, this means examining:

Kitchens and laundry rooms
Patient rooms with specialised equipment
Storage areas for oxygen tanks and flammable materials

The goal is to identify risks and develop practical steps to reduce them. Facilities with five or more employees must keep a documented assessment.

How Often Should I Review My Fire Risk Assessment?

A Fire Risk Assessment isn’t a one-time task—it must be reviewed regularly to stay accurate. A good rule of thumb is once a year.

You must also conduct a new assessment immediately if there are significant changes, such as:

Changing the layout of the building
Caring for patients with different mobility needs
Adding new medical equipment
Experiencing a fire-related incident, even minor

What Fire Safety Equipment Do I Need?

Healthcare settings need more than extinguishers. Systems must work together to provide early warnings and protect patients unable to evacuate on their own.

Equipment	Purpose
L1 Fire Alarm System	Detectors in all rooms and spaces, including cupboards and roof voids, providing the earliest possible alert.
Emergency Lighting	Illuminates escape routes during a power outage, aiding evacuation.
Fire Extinguishers	Correct type for each risk (Wet Chemical for kitchens, CO2 for electrical). Must be serviced annually.
Fire Doors	Contain fire and smoke for 30–60 mins, allowing safer horizontal evacuation.

Fire alarm system in healthcare facility

What Is a Fire Evacuation Plan for Healthcare?

An evacuation plan for a healthcare facility must account for frail, bed-bound, or equipment-dependent patients.

Your plan should assign roles for staff, including:

Who checks on which patients
Who assists patients unable to walk
Who operates evacuation aids like sledges or chairs

A key strategy is progressive horizontal evacuation, moving patients to a fire-safe compartment on the same floor rather than outside immediately.

Why Is Staff Training So Important?

Fire safety equipment is only effective if staff know how to use it. In emergencies, staff are the first responders.

Training should cover:

Training Area	Details
Fire Alarm Use	How to operate alarms and call for help.
Fire Extinguishers	Correct usage depending on fire type.
Evacuation Strategy	Practice progressive horizontal evacuation.
Staff Roles	Defined responsibilities for emergencies.

Getting Help from a Local Expert

Meeting these standards can feel like a full-time job, but you don’t have to do it alone. A local, experienced partner can simplify compliance, provide tailored solutions, and handle ongoing support.

At Triple Star Fire and Security, we’ve supported healthcare facilities across Kent with everything from Fire Risk Assessments to system installation and maintenance.

Protect Your Healthcare Facility Today

Your patients, staff, and property deserve the best fire safety measures. Let our Kent-based team guide you through compliance with practical, effective solutions.