According to Access Control, a new Market Update from market intelligence provider Key Note, the UK access-control market was worth an estimated £310m at current end-user prices in 2010, representing an increase of 6.9% from 2006.

Construction output and new construction orders are key factors that influence demand within the access-control industry. New orders for access-control systems are heavily dependent on the construction industry, with the majority of businesses purchasing security systems when moving to a new site or renovating an old one. Recently, due to the economic crises, construction output and new construction orders have fallen, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors, leading to a slight downturn in the access-control market during the recession.

However, in 2010, both construction output and new construction orders increased, generating further opportunities for the access-control market. The continuous threat of crime and even terrorism is another factor driving the market.

Access-control systems only allow authorised personnel into a particular site, granting protection of property for organisations. Access control systems provide an effective way of protecting and preserving the confidentiality and integrity of your business, safeguarding information and offering savings in resources.

Using locks and keys is a traditional way of securing your building or office. This kind of security is not always convenient, especially when many keys can be duplicated and locks are expensive if they have to be replaced.

All companies, business establishments and even your home need security and protection from theft or vandalism. Employees may lack confidence in leaving belongings in the office if only secured by doors with traditional locks. Doors in offices are commonly left open during working hours providing an “open invitation” for intruders.

Access control systems will guarantee you protection against theft and any kind of vandalism in your building. Also, both businesses and governments now hold an increasing amount of information about the public, consumers and personnel, further driving the need for more reliable and more intelligent security systems. In order to provide such systems, an important trend within the market is for systems integration. Many businesses choose to integrate access-control systems with other forms of security and even with different access-control systems.

Key Note estimates that, between 2011 and 2015, the access-control market will grow by 12.7%. This growth is expected to be driven by the recovery within the construction industry, with subdued growth at first as public-sector spending cuts hamper construction output, but with more significant growth as public-sector spending recovers.