In most cases, people entrust keyholding responsibilities to key employees, family members, friends or neighbours – people who are likely to have quick access to your property and be around when you're not.

Have you ever considered the alternative? Nominate a professional security company as one of your keyholders. This gives you a range of benefits, which include:

• Response – professional security companies run a 24 hour service, so should your alarm go off in the middle of the night, you are guaranteed a quick response by someone who's awake and alert to any threats.

• Professionalism – security company staff are trained in responding to alarms and dealing with securing properties after an alarm call. Using them as a keyholder will ensure that your alarm call is answered calmly and professionally.

• Trust – a security company's reputation relies on their being trustworthy and competent. By using a reliable security consultancy as your keyholder, you can be sure that your keys and your property are in safe hands.

Whether you have a commercial or residential property, your alarm company will require that you nominate keyholders and you should seriously consider using a professional security company as at least one of your contacts. Fully trained to deal with security breaches and problems and available 24 hours a day to answer an alarm call, they are an ideal choice.

It's easy to find a security company that can perform keyholding duties for you. Check that the company is properly registered first, or ask your alarm company to provide a list of reliable security companies that you can approach. The costs should be minimal and you will get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your building's security is in safe hands.