Welcome to season 2, episode 4 of CSR Soapbox! Today, we’re talking to Amanda Gowing and Richard Clarke, Directors at Sight Security Services. They talk extensively about what it was like starting a business right before Covid-19 lockdowns started, and how they managed to create a thriving organisation despite those challenges. Amanda explains how important it’s been to value customer service and employee happiness during this time, while Richard gives great advice to any engineers who are starting out in Fire and Security. If you’d like to chat to Amanda and Richard, or find out more about Sight Security Services, you can connect with them on LinkedIn.
Welcome to the latest exciting episode of CSR Soapbox! Today, we sat down to have an interesting chat with Dionne Fuller, HR Advisor at Optyma Security Systems Ltd. She’s an impressive woman with a lot to say on the topic of HR in the fire and security sector. We discussed everything from staff retention in the current employment market and why people are currently leaving to how things have changed in the workplace since the beginning of the pandemic. This insightful discussion is definitely worth listening to. If you’d like to reach out to Dionne to find out more, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
For the latest addition to CSR Soapbox, we’re joined by Ric Martin, Technical/Operations Manager at Sensory Secure. Ric uses our platform to rewrite the narrative of fire and security as a fulfilling career path, stating that it may not be the traditional job a child dreams of, but can be a lucrative and exciting opportunity in later life. By being both technical and commercially-minded, Ric performs well in every avenue within his job role, which gives him a well-rounded perspective of the industry. Sharing his wealth of knowledge with our listeners, Ric discusses the impact of Covid-19 on the sector, the best pieces of business advice he has received, and how he worked his way up to the position he is in today. Listen to S02E02 now for more of Ric’s fire and security expertise. Get in touch with Ric Martin.Get in touch with Leigh Feltham.
We’re back with season 2 of CSR Soapbox, and our first guest is starting us off with a bang! We welcome James Oliver, Managing Director and Founder of Code Security Systems Ltd. With almost 25 years of experience in the industry, James has a wealth of knowledge to share in this insightful episode. Alongside host Maddy Klecha, Head of Candidate Relations at CSR, James discusses the rise in skills shortages, manufacturing costs and customer expectations, and why running a business in today’s tough landscape isn’t for everyone. Listen now to hear James’ refreshing honesty in this not-to-be-missed episode. Get in touch with Maddy Klecha.Get in touch with James Oliver.
Welcome to the fourth episode of CSR Soapbox. Today, we will be talking to Adam Barret, Head of Service Operations at Mitie Fire and Security. Adam started as a fire alarm engineer and has worked his way up in the industry, getting to know the ins and outs of security along the way. In this episode, Adam discusses his career and what he’s learned over the years, as well as what it means to be a manager in the security industry. He also gives insight into what the future holds for the sector and how to keep up with the latest regulations. Listen to episode 4 of CSR Soapbox to hear exactly what Adam has to say. Get in touch with Adam Barret. Get in touch with Maddy should you wish to take part in future episodes of CSR Soapbox.
In the third episode of CSR Soapbox, we welcome Andy Reakes, Head of Growth atThe Joint Industry Board. Andy focuses on strategic development within the electricalengineering industry, particularly the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS). Witha wealth of regulatory experience, Andy is passionate about raising standards for saferenvironments.Alongside host Leigh Feltham, Associate Director at CSR, Andy discusses the need forstandardisation of professional qualifications and training, the different developmentroutes available to those in the industry, and how tragic events such as Grenfell havehad an effect across the board.Listen to episode 3 of CSR Soapbox for Andy’s valuable insight.Get in touch with Leigh Feltham.Get in touch with Andy Reakes.
In the first episode of CSR Soapbox, we welcome Steve Middleton, Director of M&G Fire Protection in Essex. With over 28 years’ experience in the fire safety industry, Steve has witnessed a decline in skilled candidates across the sector as a whole. Alongside host Maddy Klecha, Head of Candidate Relations at CSR, Steve discusses the recruitment issues that he is facing in this engineering-focussed trade, the attributes of a successful candidate and how diversity is playing a role. Listen to episode 1 of CSR Soapbox for Steve’s valuable observations. Get in touch with Maddy Klecha.Get in touch with Steve Middleton.
We’re gathering some of the best industry professionals to give you a head start on the next year in fire and security. During the webinar, we will discuss topics such as legislation and compliance, training and development with a particular focus on upskilling in light of the industry skills shortage, technology advancements in the fire and security industry, and more.Hosted by Maddy Klecha and Leigh Fletham, we’ll talk to Paul Pope, Martin Watson, David Scott, and Richard Marshall about what 2022 has to offer. Trust us, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Candidates and companies within the Fire & Security (F&S) industry came together on a neutral platform for a friendly debate. This is a virtual summit for leaders in the F&S space was to discuss what junior engineers, senior engineers and clients can look forward to in this new era of the industry. Bringing together key players in the industry who showcased their personal stories from three unique perspectives that all brought their own challenges and opportunities to solve, particularly the issue of: bridging the skills development gap between the two generations in the F&S space. Two-sided story. Engineers and clients discuss the F&S industryWhat’s on offer? The future of F&S with CSRThe Fire & Security Roundtable: What’s on offer? What is the future of Fire & Security?
Our guest for the second episode of The CSR Soapbox is Tony Harding, a Service Manager at Trinity Fire and Security Systems. Tony constantly reiterates that he didn’t do well in school, but he would not let that stop him from achieving his goals. He goes on to explain that he wanted to step into a manager's position because he analysed the way others were managing people and thought to himself: I would deal with this differently if I was a manager. Our host, Leigh Feltham, guides Tony through other important considerations such as whether or not engineers should self-fund courses to succeed and what it’s like working on something you've had no training on.