Surge protector and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) are often confused, but they solve different problems and are not interchangeable in a quote.
Surge protector: protects the equipment
It is installed in the consumer unit itself and protects the whole installation (or the circuits chosen) against voltage spikes caused by nearby lightning or mains switching. It gives no backup time: if the power goes, the power goes just the same, but the connected devices are protected from a spike that could damage them. It is especially recommended in homes with many electronic appliances, solar panels or areas with frequent storms.
UPS: gives backup time, doesn't protect the whole house
The UPS is a standalone unit connected between the socket and a specific device (computer, router, medical equipment, home server) and gives it a few minutes of battery if the power goes, enough time to save work or shut the equipment down properly. It doesn't protect the rest of the installation nor replace the consumer-unit surge protector.
When to quote each
The surge protector in the consumer unit is a reasonable recommendation in almost any new installation because of its relatively low cost compared with the risk it covers. The UPS is only justified for specific equipment that can't afford an abrupt power cut.
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