Although growth of the security sector has slowed down, the short to medium term outlook for the market is "relatively optimistic" according to a new survey.
Growth levels are likely to remain modest as opposed to the rapid rate of recent years, says the survey on the Electronic Security & Fire Alarm Systems Market, published by AMA Research.

Economic uncertainty will affect short term growth and the slow growth in construction will hit first time installations. Because the alarm and CCTV markets have reached maturity, suppliers are placing a bigger emphasis on new technical developments to encourage replacement of systems.

The CCTV and access control areas are buoyant despite a slowing down although the intruder alarm sector is mature and "much less buoyant".

Intruder alarms: There is more emphasis on replacement with more advanced products. The ACPO Policy has also encouraged replacement. Prices are being kept competitive thanks to the large number of suppliers.

CCTV: The increasing number of suppliers and the falling cost of computer hardware has resulted in prices falling. Consequently, the level of growth over the last two years has been significantly lower than previously. New technology is ensuring competition is intense.

Access control: As the market matures there is an increasing trend towards replacement. The cost of the technology involved has dropped. resulting in more price competition.

Fire protection: Suppliers are focusing more on service and maintenance contracts which is contributing to increased turnover for some key manufacturers.

Comparing the year 2000 with 2002, growth was:
Intruder alarms: £348-368m
CCTV: £470-528m
Access control: £238-265m
Fire protection: £330-354m