Robert Moore is Fire & Security Systems Director at Boston Networks. Headquartered in Glasgow, with regional offices in Livingston, Aberdeen, Bolton and Gateshead the company lists areas of expertise as fire safety systems, IP CCTV, access control, intruder detection, fixed and wireless networks and intelligent building systems.
Do you use a distributor or buy direct from manufacturers?
We buy from both direct manufacturer and distribution partners. We have forged strong relationships with a number of key industry manufacturers and as such can offer customers a varied range of solutions. We’ve found that no matter whether we work direct or indirect, our partners offer exceptional pre and post-sales support to ensure the end customer receives the best solution and service. Our engineering team regularly attend manufacturers training, as part of our partner strategy we proactively invite key partners to deliver educational sessions to ensure the full team, from sales to engineers, are kept up to date with the latest products and industry developments.
Is third-party accreditation beneficial to you?
Absolutely, third party accreditations deliver incredible value; they not only demonstrate that a company has been independently audited, but that their work is delivered to industry standards – giving customers peace of mind. Achieving key industry accreditations such as NSI Gold has been extremely beneficial to Boston Networks as it’s allowed us access to new markets and further demonstrates our expertise and professionalism to both current and prospective customers.
What would be a typical project for you?
Due to the nature of our business projects vary vastly – from a small IP CCTV solution to a large multimillion pound integrated security deployment encompassing 450 wireless access points, 75 video door entry devices and over 500 IP cameras, which we recently delivered at the South Glasgow Super Hospital Campus.
As a company, Boston Networks specialises in the design, delivery and maintenance of fully intelligent and integrated solutions. We don’t have a typical project as such, but work across both the public and private sector to understand our customers’ business challenges and to deliver fire safety and security systems, intelligent building solutions, and fixed and wireless networks, to clients such as the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup.
Do you think there is a skills shortage in the industry? Any trouble recruiting installers?
Unfortunately, the answer to both is yes. It’s not a new problem, but it does appear to be a common frustration across the industry. We are very fortunate in that we identified the shortage of skilled engineers soon after entering the fire and security market. As a result we expanded our apprenticeship schemes and invested in training to educate our engineers in the required disciplines. This has paid dividends in that it has led to the formation of a strong, dedicated team of highly trained professionals, who have studied the theory at college and then put into practise on the job under the supervision of our experienced team leaders.
Read the full interview in the January edition of PSI magazine
