A high percentage of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are using smart-tech systems to monitor and protect their properties, according to home security system provider, Blink.
Ninety-five SMEs survey respondents use Blink camera systems to monitor their businesses. This is evidence of an emerging trend of SMEs who are shunning traditionally more expensive and complex business property security measures such as hard-wired, monitored CCTV systems, alarm systems and manned security patrols.
All types of SMEs turning to smart-tech security solutions
The highest proportion of SME respondents (30 per cent) described themselves as ‘small tech businesses’, followed by ‘small offices’ (17 per cent) and ‘retail outlets’ (12 per cent). SMEs who listed their organisation types as ‘other’ (28 per cent) disclosed what type of business they operate, the range includes: embassies, farms, doctor and dental surgeries, storage facilities, children’s nurseries, hotels, construction sites, landlords, catteries, elderly care homes, police dog kennels and even a castle, all of which are using Blink systems to help secure their business properties.
The average size of the organisation is typically one to five employees (45 per cent) followed by sole proprietors (28 per cent) and SMEs who have more than ten employees (20 per cent).
Remote surveillance rated primary reason for purchase
SME respondents rated ‘keeping an eye on the business while I’m not there’ (73 per cent) as the primary reason for having a Blink system at their organisation, followed in second place by ‘protecting my property from burglary and vandalism’ (41 per cent).
Dave Coles, information manager at Severndroog Castle, says, ‘We rely on technology to underpin and augment the work of our mainly volunteer staff. Our cameras are helping us monitor footfall and provide out of hours security.’
David Laubner, head of digital marketing and eCommerce for Blink, comments, ‘The benefit to small business owners of using Blink cameras to protect their properties is that they are alerted immediately to any unusual activity via their smartphone. Using Blink in isolation or with other security measures gives SMEs owners peace of mind.’
Further reading on property security
