No matter what size your company is, protecting your business assets is essential. Theft, fire, and even accidental damage can put your business at risk—not just financially, but also in terms of trust and reputation. The right safe offers a simple, effective way to secure cash, documents, and other valuables.
But with so many options on the market, what kind of safe does your business need? The answer depends on your industry, the type of assets you handle, and your insurance requirements. This guide will walk you through the best safe options for different sectors, with recommendations based on tried-and-tested models available from Safes International.
Why Choosing the Right Safe Matters
A safe is more than just a locked metal box. When properly chosen and installed, it can:
- Meet insurance policy conditions for cash or valuables cover
- Protect essential documents from fire damage for a specific time period
- Prevent internal theft or unauthorised access
Every business has different needs, which is why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Safe Recommendations by Industry
1. Retailers
Retail shops, restaurants, and hospitality venues often deal with daily cash handling. A secure safe should:
- Provide overnight protection for cash takings
- Be anchored to prevent removal
- Offer quick access during business hours while keeping contents protected
Recommended Options:
Grade 0 or Grade 1 security safes are ideal for most retailers. They offer:
- Cash cover from £6,000 to £10,000 (valuables up to 10x that amount)
- A choice of key or electronic locking
- Compact models for under-counter use or back-office storage
View our range of graded safes for retail.
2. Solicitors and Legal Firms
Law firms handle confidential documents, contracts, and sensitive case files. Physical security is essential, not just for compliance, but to maintain client trust.
Recommended Options:
Fire-resistant document safes with 60 minutes of fire protection are a solid choice. For firms storing higher-value assets or client funds, a Grade 2 or Grade 3 safe may be more appropriate.
3. Dentists and Healthcare Providers
Dental practices and clinics store prescription pads, patient records, and sometimes controlled substances. These items require both security and compliance with healthcare regulations.
Recommended Options:
- Fire-rated safes for patient records and backups
- Grade-rated safes for storing valuables or controlled items (in line with insurance guidelines)
- Key cabinets for securely managing practice keys
4. Accountants and Financial Advisers
In the financial sector, client files, contracts, and sometimes cash retainers must be kept safe from theft, fire, and unauthorised access.
Recommended Options:
- Grade 1 or Grade 2 security safes for cash and high-value documents
- Fire-resistant document safes for paper records and digital backups
- Options with adjustable shelving to accommodate files and folders
5. Public Sector Offices
Council departments, libraries, and community buildings handle a mix of confidential data, petty cash, and sensitive equipment.
Recommended Options:
- Fire-rated safes for documents and media
- Grade 0 or above for valuables and cash storage
- Key cabinets for access control management
Safe Grades: A Quick Overview
Safes International offers security safes from Grade 0 to Grade 6. The grade determines the safe’s resistance level and the amount of cash or valuables it is designed to protect.
- Grade 0 – £6,000 cash / £60,000 valuables
- Grade 1 – £10,000 cash / £100,000 valuables
- Grade 2 – £17,500 cash / £175,000 valuables
- Higher grades for larger value storage or high-security needs
(Values are indicative and depend on your insurance provider’s policy.)
When a Safe Isn’t an Option: Secure Deposit Storage in Manchester
Some businesses cannot have a safe installed due to space restrictions, building limitations, or short-term needs. For these cases, Safes International works with a trusted Safe Deposit Centre in Manchester, where you can rent a secure deposit box to store documents, cash, or valuables off-site.
This service provides:
- 24/7 monitored security
- Private access to your storage box
- Flexible rental terms
It’s an ideal solution for businesses that still require high-level security without on-site installation.
Professional Installation Matters
Buying the right safe is only half the job—professional installation ensures it performs as intended. At Safes International, we provide delivery and installation services across Scotland, anchoring your safe in line with best practices and insurance requirements.
The question of what kind of safe your business needs comes down to your industry, the type of assets you store, and your operational requirements. Whether you run a retail shop handling daily cash, a law firm storing confidential documents, or a dental practice safeguarding patient records, there’s a certified safe to match your needs.
For businesses unable to install a safe, the Safe Deposit Centre Manchester offers a secure, accessible alternative.
Protect your business today with a secure safe from Safes International.
📞 Call our Glasgow team on 0141 554 1170 or contact us online for expert advice.
🔍 Browse our full range of graded safes here.
