EDIT meet the installer july22_000_PSI_may15 30/06/2022 21:32 Page 3
together raising standards (continued from p35)
Are there any common requests from customers that give you problems? Oh yes, but the customer is always right! Time frames are especially points of contention. I've noticed that in the past when you ordered something it would arrive next day, but today it is taking longer and longer to source equipment to enable you to deliver your project. To be honest, I think if you are clear upfront and honest, telling the customer what you can and can't do then it's a partnership you're working on together to get the job completed. When it comes to business it's not worth saying you can do a job, then a few days later saying you can't. Deal with expectations properly from the beginning. What is the industry’s biggest myth? I think that people see technology in films like Mission Impossible and expect that those systems really exist so that we can process thousands of faces in seconds to recognise someone or sharpen up video images to give you a perfect shot of a face captured from distance. There is also an element of education needed so that people don't overdo it when it comes to specifying kit so that they get the best solution for their requirements.
quite simple, but today if something goes down it could be due to many different reasons, not just the cable or power supply like in the past! So what would be great would be a tester that you could plug into the system and it gives you the diagnostics on the fault straight away. What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself? If I knew what I know now, I would probably start the company sooner and buy shares in Apple! Will England ever win the World Cup again? Of course they will - they are getting closer every time. If you won £25,000 what would you do with the money? I'd give some to the Ukrainian support fund, take everyone at the company out for a weekend and if there is anything left over after that, go out for a nice meal with my wife.
What impact has smart/home automation had on your business? We don't do any domestic work so it's not really had any impact. People do ask me what my opinion is of certain DIY technologies and I tell them what the kit can and can't do, but we need to remember not everyone has the same budget. Awareness of the lifespan of the technology is a vital factor as I hear a lot from people who need to upgrade their initial system because it no longer works or doesn't meet their requirements. It has helped me out though because when friends and family have asked me to do some work I can direct them to eBay!
“When I started with CCTV we were working with coax cables and video cassettes and it was all quite simple, but today if something goes down it could be due to many different reasons, not just the cable or power supply like in the past!” 36
What would make your job easier? I think that having more engineers would make my working life easier, but also that qualification I mentioned earlier. Anyone can have a great looking CV but that doesn't really give you the full picture. Staff will always be an issue because your engineers are out in the field representing your company and you want people you can trust. I think the issue of purchasing lead times would go a long way to improving my life. What is your ultimate/fantasy electronic security/fire product? When I started with CCTV we were working with coax cables and video cassettes and it was all
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