Local security firms are booming on the back of rising demand for guards at commercial and industrial premises.

Bradford-based Kings Security launched its guarding division in 2008 and has seen turnover surge by more than 400 per cent, creating around 90 new jobs.

Extra staff have also been hired at Shipley-based Select Group which now employs about 150 people.

Keighley-based Keybury Fire & Security is winning new business previously handled by competitors that have either been taken over or closed down.

Tony Goldstein, sales director at Kings Security, said last year turnover grew from a £350,000 operation employing eight people to a £1.9m business with around 100 employees.

Tony said: “Our success has been based on offering customers something extra, such as sophisticated CCTV back-up based on our £3m security centre in Bradford.

“Future prospects are right with growth of up to 100 per cent anticipated.”

The Select Group increased its workforce by ten per cent last year. Fifty Keighley-based staff have gained NVQ accreditation in security provision after Security Industry Authority recognised training.

Demand has soared for services including security guarding, mobile patrols, bailiff and civil enforcement officers, key holding and responding to alarms.

The firm has opened a new office in Leeds and launched a new bailiff enforcement and debt collection arm.

Peter Spencer, managing director, said: “We have seen impressive growth across all areas of security provision, creating jobs. We are poised for expansion.”

Frank Gee, founder and managing director of Keybury Security, has taken contracts previously handled by regional companies that had become part of larger groups or gone out of business due to the recession.

The trend was being seen right across its core trading areas in the Aire Valley, Craven and Wharfedale.