Best CCTV System for a Small Business (UK Installer's View)

The specification that covers 90% of small businesses

• 4MP (2K) cameras as the default — identification quality at realistic distances without 4K storage costs
• PoE wired throughout: one Cat6 cable per camera, no WiFi dropouts, no batteries
• NVR with 31 days' continuous recording (2–4TB surveillance-rated drive for 4–8 cameras)
• Full-colour night vision (ColorVu/Full-Color) on entrance and till cameras
• AI human/vehicle detection (AcuSense/WizSense) to make notifications useful rather than constant
• App access configured for owner and manager phones, with GDPR signage and retention set correctly at handover

Which brand should a small business pick?

Hikvision, Dahua and Uniview dominate UK professional installs for good reason: mature hardware, strong low-light performance, and parts availability for a decade. Hikvision leads on smart detection and ColorVu night colour; Dahua's WizSense range undercuts it slightly with comparable performance; Uniview is the value pick for straightforward coverage. The honest answer is that installation quality matters more than the badge — camera placement, focus, storage sizing and network security decide whether footage is usable. We fit all three and match brand to budget per project.

What it costs and what to avoid

Realistic installed prices: 4 cameras £1,200–£2,500, 8 cameras £2,000–£5,000 depending on resolution and cabling complexity — see our full cost guide for breakdowns. Avoid: consumer WiFi kits for business use (insurers and evidential quality), cloud-only cameras with per-camera monthly fees that exceed an NVR's cost within two years, and any quote without a written camera schedule, storage calculation and GDPR setup. A commissioning certificate for your insurer should be standard, not an extra.