Professional CCTV Installation Across the UK

CCTV installation costs vary significantly based on the number of cameras, type of equipment, recording solution (cloud vs. on-premise), complexity of installation, and ongoing support requirements. A basic 4-camera system for a small business might start from £1,500–£2,500, whilst larger enterprise installations can run into tens of thousands of pounds. We provide detailed, itemised quotations following a free site survey so you understand exactly what you're investing in.

Analogue CCTV uses traditional coaxial cabling and lower-resolution cameras, typically maxing out at 1080p. IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV uses network infrastructure and offers higher resolutions (up to 4K), better image quality, easier scalability, remote access capabilities, and advanced features like analytics and motion detection. We primarily install IP systems as they offer superior performance and future-proofing, though we can work with existing analogue installations if needed.

UK GDPR regulations don't specify a mandatory retention period, but recommend storing footage for no longer than necessary. Most businesses store footage for 30 days, though this can vary based on industry regulations and insurance requirements. Some sectors (such as retail or licensed premises) may need longer retention periods. We help you determine appropriate retention policies that balance legal obligations, storage costs, and operational needs.

Yes, all modern IP CCTV systems support remote viewing via smartphone apps, tablets, and computers. You can view live footage, play back recorded video, receive motion alerts, and manage system settings from anywhere with an internet connection. We configure secure remote access with encrypted connections and strong authentication to protect your system from unauthorised access.

Generally, you don't need planning permission for CCTV cameras on commercial premises in the UK, though there are exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas, or if cameras face neighbouring properties. You must comply with GDPR regulations, which include using appropriate signage, implementing privacy measures (such as masking private areas), and ensuring footage is stored securely. We help ensure your installation is compliant with all relevant regulations.

CCTV systems require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, including periodic camera cleaning (lenses can accumulate dirt and cobwebs), firmware updates for security and functionality, checking and adjusting camera alignment, verifying recording and storage operation, and testing remote access functionality. We offer maintenance contracts that include regular inspections and priority support to keep your system running smoothly.

Yes, modern CCTV cameras include infrared (IR) illumination that enables them to record in complete darkness. IR LEDs provide invisible illumination that cameras can detect, typically offering night vision up to 30 metres or more. Some cameras also feature 'starlight' technology that captures colour images in extremely low light conditions. We specify appropriate cameras based on the lighting conditions at your site.

Both options have advantages. Cloud recording eliminates the need for on-site recording equipment, provides automatic backups, enables easy multi-site management, and scales effortlessly—but incurs ongoing subscription costs. On-premise NVR recording offers one-time equipment costs, complete data control, no dependence on internet connectivity, and potentially lower long-term costs—but requires hardware maintenance and manual backup procedures. We help you evaluate which approach best suits your requirements and budget.

The number of cameras depends on your premises size, layout, security vulnerabilities, and coverage objectives. Key considerations include entry and exit points, valuable asset locations, blind spots, car parks and outdoor areas, and integration with access control systems. During our site survey, we identify optimal camera locations and quantities to provide comprehensive coverage within your budget. Most small businesses need 4–8 cameras, whilst larger facilities may require dozens.

System failures can result from hardware faults, network issues, power outages, or software problems. Our installations include redundancy measures where appropriate (such as UPS backup power and RAID storage), and our maintenance contracts include priority response for system failures. We also configure monitoring alerts that notify you of camera failures, recording issues, or storage problems so issues can be addressed promptly. Cloud-based systems offer additional resilience through automatic failover and redundant storage.