The company attributed the disparity to three key reasons: financial constraints, a lack of awareness among business owners, and insufficient internal procedures to support ongoing fire safety measures
A new study conducted by UK-based security and fire system provider Spy Alarms has revealed a concerning trend among British businesses, showing that a significant majority are investing more in security measures than in fire safety systems.
According to the findings, 59 per cent of businesses reported spending on systems such as CCTV, intruder alarms, and access control. In contrast, only 39 per cent said they had invested in fire safety equipment such as alarms, extinguishers, and detection systems. This disparity is notable given the high potential cost of fire damage—Spy Alarms reported that the average cost of a business fire in the UK stands at £78,000. This figure does not include indirect consequences such as health impacts, emotional stress, or legal repercussions.
The company attributed the disparity to three key reasons: financial constraints, a lack of awareness among business owners, and insufficient internal procedures to support ongoing fire safety measures. Many organisations, it said, perceive fire systems as costly and often overlook them until it’s too late.
Andrew Fowler, Fire System Specialist at Spy Alarms, stressed the importance of maintaining adequate fire protection in commercial settings. “As we’ve all become aware of in recent years, a well-thought-out fire plan, including sufficient and maintained systems, extinguishers, and an evacuation plan supported by training, are absolute non-negotiables,” he said.
Fowler acknowledged that budget concerns are a common barrier but noted that solutions can be tailored to different needs. “While costs may be a concern, we offer site visits to determine the most suitable systems for our customers, from a set-up and budget perspective,” he said. “It’s crucial to put expenses for these systems into perspective by comparing them to other operational costs and considering the potential losses and consequences of a fire incident.”
The report also highlighted which sectors are most affected by fire-related risks. Based on data from UK government sources, industrial businesses accounted for the highest proportion of fire incidents at 24 per cent. This was followed by food and drink premises at 19 per cent, and retail businesses at 17 per cent. Hotels and hospitals were also identified, though at lower levels, comprising 8 per cent and 7 per cent of incidents respectively.
Spy Alarms’ findings come at a time when many businesses are reassessing their operational risks in light of recent emergencies and economic uncertainty. The company urges business leaders not to overlook fire safety in favour of more visible security solutions, warning that such decisions could prove costly both financially and in terms of human safety.
With fire prevention and mitigation systems playing a critical role in business continuity, experts say that equal weight should be given to both security and fire protection as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy.
