Installer in the spotlight: Variety is spice of job

Jasper Small is engineering manager at Southampton-based Complete Security.

The company, founded in1989 by two partners, Chris Knight and Martin Johnston, specialise in CCTV, intruder alarms, access control and locksmithing. Complete gained NACOSS accreditation almost a decade ago and they have now achieved NSI GOLD recognition, maintaining their status as “security installers to the highest possible standards”.

They have carried out thousands of installations covering the whole spectrum of the security business for the authorities, local government, commercial and private sector markets alike.

Their aim is to design, install and maintain high quality, reliable installations that give customers peace of mind. The company feel that growth areas will be in CCTV and biometrics, but they will not lose sight of intruder alarms and locksmithing. Jasper maintains a strikingly positive outlook, both for his company’s future and the future for installers generally ...

SI: So why and how did you enter the security industry?

JS: I entered the security industry sixteen years ago after serving in the Royal Navy. At the time it appealed to me as an interesting, forward- moving industry and my experience as a radar technician was beneficial as I was trained in electronics and therefore I was able to carry on using those skills.

SI: Overall, have things got better or worse since then?

JS: I think things have got a lot better. The technology is moving so fast and the quality and versatility of equipment is changing on a daily basis. It seems a long time ago now when Slow Scan was high-tech video transmission!

SI: What is the best and the worst thing about being an installer?

JS: I would say the best thing would be the variety of work within the security industry. Travelling to new sites and meeting new people on a daily basis is far more interesting to me than sat at a desk plodding away on a PC all day or doing a mundane job in a factory. Some people enjoy this type of job but it's not for me. Every job has its drawbacks and I would be lying if I said I get up every morning with a spring in my step. We all have our off days but, to be honest, there’s not a lot I don't like about my occupation.

SI: What is the biggest threat facing the industry?

JS: I can't see any major threats to the industry at the moment. Everyone seems extremely positive in their outlook and manufacturers are trying hard to keep up with new technology. Within the electronics industry in general, prices seem to be coming down and quality increasing – beneficial to the customer and installer alike.

SI: How are you gearing up to work within the new Euro standards?

JS: All our vehicles are now left hand drive!

Installing is far more interesting than a job in an office or factory

But on a serious note, we are coping very well. Our quality representative has got his teeth into the new standards and we are implementing the changes that are necessary. We also use our NSI audits to guide us in this area and view these visits positively. Inspectors are well informed and can be of great assistance. They, like us, are trying to achieve the same objectives, so my advice would be don't be afraid to ask. They don't bite.

SI: Do you think UK installers are confused about what is expected of them under the new standards?

JS: We are all creatures of habit. You get used to a standard and you know it inside out and then it changes. People are afraid of the unknown. I think there is definitely some confusion and there will be until it's been around for a while. New standards are issued and are often difficult to interpret to begin with. It is important they are dealt with as things can't be swept under the carpet. Like us, all installers need to use the various security industry associations that are in place to regulate and help us.

SI: What is the most memorable installation you have ever done and why?

JS: the most memorable one must be an integrated CCTV and access control system installed in Valencia, Spain. It was a very large cinema and leisure complex comprising of high speed domes with alarm inputs, intercoms with Abloy locks and proximity readers. It was a very big challenge to undertake a job of this size in a foreign country, but when completed, it gave me an enormous sense of satisfaction. Luckily some members of staff spoke good English and I was good at sign language!

SI: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at work?

JS: Years ago when I was a trainee installer, I was on site with the engineer and he called me into the loft of the house we were working in to run a few cables. It was a beautiful house with rather well to do owners. The lady of the house called out, "Would you like some tea?” I replied “That would be lovely." As I lowered myself from the loft hatch with my leg extended out to the step ladder a rather large tear appeared in the crotch of my jeans. She was there, staring straight up at me with a look on her face I will never forget.

SI: How do you see your business deve-loping and adapting in the next ten years?

JS: I think we will continue to develop into the high tech areas of the industry. Companies that hold back and do not take on the advantages that these new technologies can bring will struggle. Who knows where we will be in ten years time? Technology is changing so fast and new products seem to be appearing on a daily basis. It amazes me how much the business has changed in the time I have been involved in it but I do think it's a good thing. I do predict that my staff will have lots of training courses to look forward to!

SI: What types of installations will be growth areas for you?

JS: At present our main growth areas are integrated systems. We constantly find that customers require high tech systems that can be operated via pc. This saves on space as most of the equipment now fits in racks. It gives our customers greater versatility and higher levels of security. For example, biometrics, video motion detection and TCPIP are now commonplace, very easy to use and, with the correct training, relatively straightforward to install.

SI: Do manufacturers take enough notice of your opinions?

JS: On the whole manufacturers do listen and it is in their own interest to do so. If installers don't like the product, they wont fit it. I do however understand that the cost to change even a small element of manufactured goods is extremely costly, which is why installer/manufacturer relationships are very important.

I remember Friday nights, the kids in bed, just sat down for a takeaway with my wife ... then the phone rings

SI: What equipment do you think is the most reliable?

JS: Generally all of the equipment we use is reliable. I think that over time, you fit a vast array of different manufacturers' products and find the ones you like best and tend to stick to them. We have got to the stage now where we have great confidence in the products we install, which are all subject to meticulous evaluation before we take them on board. I cant stress enough the importance of product confidence. There is a lot of competition between different manufacturers and they all want a slice of the same business. This, in turn, generally means the equipment on offer these days is of a high quality.

SI: Do you see IP technology as an opportunity or threat?

JS: I see IP as a great opportunity as it opens up a whole new avenue of integrated security systems. For instance, customers are able to view real time pictures of their business premises in the comfort of their own home or at any location on their laptop. Businesses are also able to control the security of all their sites from one location. These types of systems can cut costs and the possibilities are endless.

SI: Do installers have enough ‘say’?

JS: There are very few ways for the smaller installer to have their voices heard. More emphasis should be put into installers forming local or national associations. This could also be an invaluable way of passing on information and experiences that can benefit all concerned.

SI: How has being an installer affected your private life?

JS: Back in the days of being on the call out rota, it was always the same ... friday night and the kids were in bed. Just sat down with my wife for a night in front of the box with a takeaway and then it happens, the dreaded phone call ... an alarm incident that requires an engineer reset and it’s an hour’s drive away. Thankfully those days for me are in the past but I do feel for the engineers on call out.

SI: If you could have your life again would you become an installer?

JS: Most definitely. it’s a pleasure working within this industry. I find the work very rewarding. It’s fantastic meeting a variety of people and working in all types of environments which, in turn, brings lots of new challenges.

SI: Thank you Jasper

* Complete Security: 023 8089 9076; www.complete-security.co.uk

Jasper Small of Complete Security