Security services often work best when they complement one another. Two services that fit hand in hand are keyholding and lock and unlock support. On their own, each provides important reassurance. Together, they may create a more complete approach to protecting your premises.

What keyholding does

Keyholding is a professional service where a security provider stores a set of your keys securely off site. Keys are managed under strict British Standards, with access recorded, insured and carried out only by licensed officers.

Professional keyholding can support your business by:

• Keeping keys safe in a controlled and trackable environment.
• Ensuring only trained, accredited officers respond to alarms.
• Preventing staff from carrying or misplacing keys.
• Reducing the risk of burglars targeting employees at home for access.

By removing the responsibility from staff, keyholding may reduce stress and improve safety. It also means that if there is an out of hours incident, your premises are accessed and checked correctly by security professionals.

What lock and unlock support adds

Lock and unlock is a proactive service. Instead of waiting for something to happen, trained officers arrive at agreed times to open and close your site. They follow procedures to ensure alarms are set, doors and windows are secure, and lights or utilities are turned off.

Lock and unlock may prevent delays to your operations, reduce staff stress and create a visible deterrent at the most vulnerable times of day.

Why combining the two makes sense

When keyholding and lock and unlock services are used together, your business benefits from both proactive and reactive protection:

• Keyholding ensures that keys are stored securely, used correctly, and available for emergencies.
• Lock and unlock ensures the premises are opened on time, closed securely and visibly protected.
• Together, they provide continuous coverage, reducing the risk of mistakes and adding reassurance for staff, clients and insurers.

Copeland’s professional approach

Copeland Group Services manages keys under BS 7984, provides lock and unlock support aligned with BS 7499, and vets all officers to BS 7858. Our services are coordinated by a 24-hour UK-based control room and backed by ISO certifications across quality, environment, security operations, continuity, data security and health and safety. Copeland is inspected by the NSI and accredited under the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme.

Social proof: A real-world case study

We have seen how combining keyholding with lock and unlock support can deliver measurable improvements for clients. Our recent case study highlights how one business benefited from smoother daily operations, reduced stress on staff, and stronger peace of mind knowing procedures were handled professionally.

You can read the full case study in our dedicated section to see how this combination works in practice.

Protect your business with complete support

Combining keyholding with lock and unlock support offers a practical way to strengthen protection at the most vulnerable times of day and night. To explore how these services could work together for your site, check out our case study for real-world results and then contact Copeland Group Services to discuss a tailored solution.

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