Editorial

As reported in the news section, installers should be experiencing more CCTV enquiries and subsequent new business and maintenance work as a knock-on effect of the tragic events (see page 6). But business had reportedly increased over the past year anyway and was set to continue to do well into 2006. Figures from the BSIA analysis of its members showed that 82 per cent of respondents confirmed a business increase over the past 12 months and 91 per cent asserted that they expected their business to increase over the next year. Significantly, there was a growth in domestic CCTV – a sector previously uncracked and never thought to be buoyant – with a total of 16 per cent of installers’ sales in this sector. The three key areas for installers' CCTV sales by value were: leisure/arts facilities (33.2per cent), retail (16 per cent) and transport (7.8 per cent).

With prospects looking so excellent for CCTV, this edition of our regular supplement concentrates on recent higher profile installations. Of course, we have always been pleased to hear of the many ways installers tackle challenging jobs in difficult circumstances and under strict time pressures. Readers will be used to seeing reports in our regular “On the Case” features. But in this edition we highlight not only the impressive recent installations but the kind of attitude companies need for success in this competitive market. Clear examples of this are the highly consultative/partnership approach adopted by Gratte Brothers with their national Tesco account (see page 37) and the ‘up for a challenge’ attitude adopted by National Security Systems which has gained them profitable business many miles from their core area (see page 40). Some good lessons to be learned ...