Preparing Your Business for Changing Footfall in September

As September approaches, many workplaces begin to settle into a new pace. The summer rush slows, schools reopen, and employees return to more regular schedules. This shift often brings a noticeable change in footfall, especially for office buildings, retail spaces, and public-facing organisations.

For businesses, this is a good moment to review how well your current security arrangements fit with the return to routine. Adjustments to staffing, alarm response, and concierge services can help maintain smooth operations and reduce avoidable risks.

In this guide, we explore a few key areas worth revisiting.

Review Your Front-of-House Setup

The start of autumn often brings more foot traffic through receptions and shared spaces. This might include returning staff, clients, or contractors. If you have a concierge or front-of-house team, now is a good time to check whether their workload still feels manageable.

• Take note of any increase in visitor flow or deliveries
• Make sure your team is briefed on current access protocols
• Review whether additional support is needed during peak times

A well-organised reception area helps maintain professionalism while also playing a role in your overall security.

Update Keyholding and Alarm Response Arrangements

It is not uncommon for keyholder lists to go out of date over summer. Staff changes, leave cover, and new rotas can affect who is available when an alarm goes off or access is required out of hours.

• Confirm that your keyholder list is current and correct
• Revisit alarm response times and reporting processes
• Consider using a professional keyholding service to reduce pressure on internal teams

Having clarity about who is responsible for what can save time and avoid confusion when incidents occur.

Adjust Patrol or Guarding Schedules

Security cover is often scaled down during quieter summer months. As things pick up in September, it may be time to restore regular patrols or extend static guarding hours.

• Speak with your team about any changes in activity across the site
• Review any reported incidents or near misses in recent weeks
• Look at coverage gaps and consider a revised schedule where needed

Getting ahead of these adjustments can help your site stay protected as routines shift.

Plan Ahead

September is often seen as a fresh start, but it is also the lead-in to the busier months that follow. Now is a good time to plan for seasonal events, extended hours or changes in staff levels heading into winter.

• Start thinking about requirements for the October half-term or Christmas trading
• Discuss temporary support for events or promotions in advance
• Use September to flag and prepare for any longer-term needs

Security should support your operations without creating extra work. If your business is adapting to changing routines this autumn and you’d like help reviewing your current arrangements, visit www.vanguard-services.co.uk to learn more about how we help businesses stay safe and well prepared throughout the year.