EDIT meet the installer sep21_000_PSI_may15 25/08/2021 17:56 Page 2
together raising standards
Meet the installer
Security life with Carlton Littleford of Carlton Alarms in Huddersfield
Name: Carlton Littleford Job title: Managing Director Time in security/fire: 47 years Company: Carlton Alarms Location: Huddersfield
“An ideal project would be a commercial client who wants us to install intruder, fire, access and CCTV; we aspire to be a “one-stop” shop for our clients”
Areas of expertise: Intruder, CCTV, access control and fire alarm systems Accreditations: NSI Gold and BAFE What would be a typical project for you? I don’t think there is exactly a typical project as we install from small domestic systems up to large commercials and everything in between. An ideal project would be a commercial client who wants us to install intruder, fire, access and CCTV; we aspire to be a “one-stop” shop for our clients wherever possible as it’s more cost effective for them and more efficient for us, so everyone wins. Do you have any ‘go to’ technology and manufacturers? Our main suppliers are Texecom and Optex for intruder, Dahua for CCTV, Paxton for access control and Kentec and C-Tec for fire alarms.
insurers confidence to recognise the quality of the work we do. Do you think there is an engineer skills shortage? Any trouble recruiting? There is definitely a skills shortage. Over the years we have trained many apprentices but they never stay. I can understand why, as I was the same once, you want to move on and be recognised in your own right. We try to avoid agencies wherever possible, the fees are just ridiculous.
Carlton celebrates the takeover of Armco Security, the 6th business acquisition in the company’s history
What is the best thing about working in this industry? I suppose it’s a bit of a cliché but the best thing for me is all the people I have met, from clients, employees to suppliers - it’s the best part of the job and that has never changed. The latest technology is amazing, both from the development of the equipment, to vehicles, tools etc…… I go back to when we were fitting key operated systems, running cables everywhere, carrying a 110-volt transformer around with a percussion drill and now everyone has cordless everything, installing wireless systems and a laptop! Is third party accreditation beneficial to you? It definitely is. When I started Carlton Alarms 35 years ago, initially I just wanted to work for myself and be my own boss. When the business expanded and I started employing engineers I wanted to be recognised as a professional company and so I went through the process to become NSI Gold accredited. I think on the whole it is very beneficial as it gives the client confidence that they will get a well designed system fitted to a high standard and it gives the
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