Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Commercial Security Solutions
Established in 1947, Classic Services Group is a family-owned business with deep roots in the security industry. Our approach combines cutting-edge technology with a commitment to personal service, ensuring tailored solutions for commercial clients across the UK. With decades of collective experience, we prioritise integrity, transparency, and long-term partnerships over short-term sales. Our team of SIA-accredited professionals delivers robust security systems, manned guarding, and vacant property protection, supported by a remarkably low staff turnover rate of 1%. We operate 24/7, offering rapid response services and honest advice without unnecessary add-ons.Our Living Wage Employer status and SIA-approved contractor scheme accreditation reflect our dedication to quality and ethical standards. Headquartered in Crawley, we serve clients in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and nationwide. By conducting bespoke security risk assessments, we ensure clients receive exactly what they need. Our family ethos drives every decision, from technology recommendations to client interactions. For over 75 years, we have built trusted relationships with property managers, landlords, and businesses across sectors including retail, construction, and healthcare.
Services
Vacant Property Security
CCTV Systems
Manned Guarding
Alarm Response
Keyholding Services
Insurance Compliance
Mobile Patrols
Access Control
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- We offer over 75 years of combined security expertise across our leadership team
- Our SIA-accredited security staff maintain a 1% turnover rate for consistent service
- 24/7 alarm monitoring and rapid response services available nationwide
- Bespoke security risk assessments inform tailored protection strategies
- We operate as a Living Wage Employer with transparent, no-obligation advice
Associations and certifications
- Security Industry Authority (SIA)
- Living Wage Foundation
What people say
24/7 reliability
Expert recommendations
Consistent staff
Competitive pricing
Rapid response
Services
Vacant Property Security
Our vacant property security service safeguards unoccupied commercial premises against theft, vandalism, and weather damage. We deploy keyholding, alarm response, and mobile patrols tailored to your specific requirements. With real-time insurance compliance reporting and rapid intervention capabilities, we ensure properties meet insurer standards while maintaining physical security across Sussex, Surrey, and nationwide locations.
CCTV Systems
We design and install advanced CCTV systems with 24/7 monitoring capabilities for commercial properties. Our solutions include solar-powered towers, wireless alarms, and remote access control managed by trained professionals. Systems integrate with police escalation protocols and insurance compliance requirements, providing comprehensive visual security coverage for both occupied and vacant premises across multiple sectors.
Manned Guarding
SIA-accredited security officers provide static and mobile guarding services for commercial properties. Our personnel include K9 units and patrol teams offering 24/7 protection for events, construction sites, and corporate premises. With 1% staff turnover, clients benefit from consistent, familiar security presence supported by continuous training and compliance monitoring.
Alarm Response
Our alarm receiving centre provides 24/7 monitoring with rapid response to security breaches. Accredited keyholding services enable swift intervention for alarm activations, including out-of-hours inspections and safety checks. Mobile patrols supplement fixed systems, ensuring immediate physical verification of incidents while maintaining police escalation protocols for urgent situations.
Insurance Compliance
We conduct detailed insurance compliance inspections for vacant properties, identifying security vulnerabilities and maintenance issues. Our real-time reporting system highlights critical risks requiring immediate action while providing ongoing compliance documentation. Services meet insurer requirements through regular site visits, CCTV monitoring, and tailored security measures that reduce premiums and mitigate risks.
People
Paul Townsley
Chairman
Son of the founder, Paul joined Classic straight from school and worked alongside his father to grow the business. He established a unique company culture focused on customer service before stepping back from daily operations.
Charlotte Thompson
Group Managing Director
Charlotte, granddaughter of the founder, worked in every department before becoming MD. She maintains the family's hands-on approach to security solutions while leading strategic growth initiatives across the company's service portfolio.
Jo Fife
Finance Director
CIMA-qualified Jo has managed our finance department since 2000. Her expertise in financial forecasting and budget management has supported the company's growth while maintaining strict fiscal controls and compliance.
Adam Chamberlain
Associate Director
Former G4S security guard turned compliance expert, Adam oversees operations and service improvements. With 18 years industry experience, he ensures our security services meet regulatory standards while delivering exceptional client support.
Bob Cripps
Senior Operations Manager
After 24 years in the army, Bob brings strategic planning expertise to our operations. He manages customer relationships and business processes, ensuring efficient delivery of security services across all client sites.
Questions
What security services does CSG provide?
We offer CCTV systems, manned guarding, vacant property security, alarm response, keyholding services, and insurance compliance inspections tailored to commercial clients' specific needs.
Are your security services available 24/7?
Yes, our alarm receiving centre, mobile patrols, and security staff operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with rapid response capabilities across the UK.
How do you customise security solutions?
We conduct comprehensive site surveys and risk assessments to create tailored security proposals that address each client's unique requirements and compliance obligations.
What industries do you specialise in?
We focus on property management, construction, retail, healthcare, and corporate sectors, providing sector-specific security solutions developed through decades of experience.
Are you a Living Wage employer?
Yes, we are accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, demonstrating our commitment to fair pay and staff welfare across all security operations.
How do you ensure service quality?
Through SIA accreditation, regular internal audits, client meetings, and maintaining a 1% staff turnover rate to ensure consistent, high-quality security provision.
