Clare pictured with her sales team at Network Security & Fire
Clare Marie Howes is the Sales Director at Network Security & Fire and has been in the industry for 13 years, with the company having been in operation for 23 years. The company has locations in Basingstoke, London, Oxford, Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth. Areas of expertise cover the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire alarms and security systems. The list of company accreditations includes NSI Gold, BAFE SP203-1, FIA Members, Gent 24 Integration partners, Apollo Partner Plus, Advanced Partners, TDSI Platinum Partners, Vista Partners, Simons Voss Partners, Constructionline and Safecontractor accredited for health and safety.
Do you use a distributor or buy direct from manufacturers?
We buy fire equipment directly from manufacturers. Security equipment we buy from distributors.
Is third party accreditation beneficial to you?
Being NSI Gold and BAFE SP203-1 accredited for fire alarms and security systems gives our clients peace of mind that the systems we install comply will the very latest regulations and standards, all our systems are backed up with a maintenance package. Having a qualified engineer perform maintenance on these systems assists with the prevention of failure or fault. Vital when life safety systems are installed within a premise.
Having recognised health and safety certification in place is absolutely vital for working within the construction industry and having these in place offers our client reassurance that we meet all the current regulations.
What would be a typical project for you?
Working on construction projects with our mechanical and electrical clients installing fire alarms and security systems within new build offices, schools, commercial buildings, offices and high-end London apartments. We also work with facilities management companies helping them to deliver reactive callout, systems maintenance and new installations for their clients. But our main core business is within the construction industry.
Do you think there is a skills shortage in the industry?
Yes I do, we have been actively seeking apprentices and experienced engineers for quite some time. There definitely appears to be a shortage because our search for candidates to fill these positions is still ongoing.
Read the full interview in the June 2017 edition of PSI magazine.
