BUSINESS IN FOCUS

Caught on Camera

Technology has changed immensely over the past 20 years – and the world of CCTV is no different…

Businessman Adrian Standerwick set up Active CCTV from his garage in North Wales 20 years ago in May. Despite having never been involved within the industry before, he believed that it was a product and that would be beneficial to the business owners in the area.

“Do you remember back in the day operating 24-hour time lapse video tapes?” laughs managing director Adrian. “I’ve always been fascinated in technology and I could see how we could improve what was being offered in North Wales.

“Previously I was a sales manager for a window company. I really enjoyed getting out there meeting the people. I like people (and talking) so the job was a perfect match for me. It dawned on me that North Wales hadn’t embraced reasonably priced CCTV yet. So I launched the company specialising purely in CCTV, working for myself, taking on a brand new challenge, and I’ve not looked back since.

“Initially I started selling PC-based systems, the first of their kind in North Wales,” contunues Adrian. “This gave me the edge right from the off – and that’s the basis of our business ever since, striving to stay right on the button of any technical advancement.”

“My hunger to move with technical advancements means we are able to complete very complicated installations, often being brought in when a previous supplier has failed. Such as WiFi related CCTV installs in businesses like caravan holiday parks, these are tricky to install and need really good quality hardware, software and installation.

“Technology has moved on so quickly over the last 20 years. Think of your first ever mobile phone, now compare to the one that’s in your pocket right now. The same can be said for the advances in CCTV technology and we are proud to be installing the very latest technology.”

The business now has the involvement of Adrian’s son Matthew, and together they have big plans for the coming year with the celebration of 20 years in business. What is great to hear is Adrian’s continued enthusiasm for his business.

“I am the person who customers deal with, my passion for meeting people and advising on the right technology still drives me. I’m proud that Active CCTV still has had many of its original customers since the very day I started in my garage at home all those years ago.”

How do you know if your CCTV needs upgrading?

“If your CCTV system is over five years old, the likelihood is that you will still be on a analogue system,” adds Adrian. “This means that the images will be very poor quality compared to the new cameras which are a whopping 8MP – and the picture quality has to be seen to be believed. New systems now link

OUR SYSTEMS ARE SAFE, RELIABLE AND GOOD QUALITY – WHICH IS WHY WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SERVE THE GOOD PEOPLE OF NORTH WALES FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS

into your mobile phone so that you can view your premises 24 hours a day, and even decide whether you need to call the police or not.

“The 8MP ColorVu range of cameras produce a full colour picture, even in complete darkness providing an extremely clear picture – one that is clear enough to use for prosecution.”

Active CCTV has the mechanisms to move very quickly if needed, as was proven recently when an entire pub was upgraded in a single day in order to ensure that it didn’t breach any of it’s licensing terms and was able to open in time for the weekend.

Active CCTV has also combined forces with a National Finance Broker to provide a complete CCTV System from as little as £100 per month (subject to terms and conditions). Meaning no large outlay or putting pressure on a companies cash flow, they are able to install the latest technology. At the end of the term, which is either three for five years, you can either buy the system or upgrade to a newer version – again, just like you would do with your phone. You can also add on the maintenance and service package so that all of your CCTV requirements are constantly covered for one affordable monthly fee.

The other advantage of purchasing with Active CCTV is that it is a local company in every sense of the word – it is locally run by local people, with a great knowledge of what businesses based in North Wales require and expect.

“Our systems are safe, reliable and good quality – which is why we have been able to serve the good people of North Wales for the last 20 years,” concludes Adrian.

So, the only question left to ask is, is it time for you to get Active with your CCTV? n