Darren Gamage is the Chief Operating Officer at the nationwide company Kings Secure Technologies. Areas of expertise for the business include security, fire and life safety systems and business risk services with accreditations such as ISO 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, SIA Approved Contractor, NSI Gold, BAFE and more
What would be a typical project for you?
A typical project for Kings Secure Technologies (KST) businesses would normally consist of several systems integrated in to one strategic solution. As we have specialist divisions within the KST group of companies, we can deliver either a single service line such as fire, or several from the full security, fire and life safety mix.
No two projects are the same, and KST is typically involved from the start; from design, project management, through to installation, commissioning and maintenance. We work with everyone from high net worth individuals to government departments. From small contactless access control projects to a 3200+ camera installation; the 2nd largest IP intelligent CCTV installation of its kind for a single building in the world!
Do you have any ‘go to’ technology and manufacturers?
KST is a Value Added Reseller for all our key technology manufacturers. We find VAR status brings substantial benefits, such as having expert first-instance training for our engineers.
As part of our VAR approval, KST’s Head of Technical Services, Lee Kerry, will put partners on capability matrixes, ensuring that we only use the very best and carefully selected products for our clients.
We are dedicated to actively pursuing strategic partnerships that complement our current capabilities and enhance our range of services. These collaborations empower us to leverage emerging technologies, access specialised expertise, and venture into new market segments.
The world of fire is changing rapidly and we’re engaged with the major suppliers to explore the potential of automation and smart buildings.
What is the best thing about working in this industry?
For me it is the constant innovation in technology and the new challenges – innovation is perpetual and challenges ever-evolving! From the initial stages of system design to deployment and then eventually to commercial success, it is always important to stay ahead of the curve. For many organisations, the services we provide are critical to their business – I love the fact that the work we do is keeping people and assets safe!
Is NSI certification important to your business?
Yes! NSI certification shows our clients that we are serious players in the security, fire & life safety sector. NSI Gold and BAFE accreditations, for example, are confirmation of the high standards that we work to. They also mean that our in-house processes and procedures, put in place by our Compliance Team, are properly audited by a third party – again ensuring our systems and services remain at the highest standards. We are strong supporters of certification across the industry and, from a personal level, I think the industry needs to drive certification of the self-employed and small sub contract sector where standards at times are still low.
Read the full interview in the April 2024 edition of PSI magazine
