I love the challenge

Peter Oakley of access & security Systems Ltd formed his company in 1994 but he had previously worked as part of a partnership. The company, based at Aldermaston, Berkshire, has about 2700 installations mostly within the Thames Valley and Hampshire area but it also covers London and further afield for bigger installations. Access & Security Systems Ltd is proud of providing a “tailored solution” for its clients, trying to identify their particular needs and coming up with the correct solution for them. Says Peter’s wife, Val: “We are very proud of our links with local police, insurers and of our strong team here in Berkshire”.

SI: So how did you enter the industry?

PO: I had left my previous job in laser research and was looking for a secure area in which to start my own business. I had set up and run my own small mail order alarm company whilst I was at University in Oxford to help supplement my grant, so I had always had an interest in security.

SI: Have things got better or worse?

PO: Things have got much better. The company has grown tremendously and I really enjoy my job and the challenges that it brings every day.

SI: What is the best and worse thing about being an installer?

PO: Undoubtedly the best part of the job is when we install a system for someone who has had an incident or break-in and they now feel more secure. The worst has to be night time call-outs.

SI: If you could change one thing what would it be?

PO: Get rid of the "My mate down the road can do it for half that price guv" cowboys.

SI: What is the biggest threat facing the industry?

PO: In our neck of the woods in the South, our biggest problem is getting suitably qualified staff – although, as members of SITO, we do take on a new apprentice every year.

SI: How do you view the work of your inspectorate?

PO: It is very important that professional and well run companies in the alarm Industry can be differentiated from the aforementioned cowboys. NACOSS helps us achieve this and gives peace of mind to our clients.

SI: Is there too much red tape now?

PO: Regulation is needed to help maintain and improve quality, and our clients deserve to know that they are dealing with a professional company.

SI: What is your most memorable installation?

PO: We undertook a large installation of an access control and security cage system for a well known BBC programmes studio facility and the interaction between our engineers and the 'luvvies' made for great fun!

SI: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at work?

One of our engineers found a note in his toolbox telling him, in a highly suggestive manner, he was 'fancied'

PO: One of our engineers found a note in his toolbox telling him, in no uncertain terms and in a highly suggestive manner, that he was 'fancied' shall we say! He was a bit worried that his girlfriend might find out but, oddly, he always volunteered to go back when maintenance was due!

SI: What achievement has given you the most pleasure?

PO: Celebrating our tenth anniversary in operation, and having increased sales and profit in every year has been very gratifying. Being given an award for "Special contribution to helping reduce crime in the Thames Valley" area was also personally very fulfiling.

SI: How do you see your business developing?

PO: We see major opportunities in both our physical and electronic security divisions in the future. We are taking on new products such as high security doors, rails etc. Advances in technology, allowing greater integration of electronic systems, are being asked for more now and this creates further opportunities.

SI: Do manufacturers take enough notice of your opinions?

PO: We strive always to maintain excellent relations with all our key suppliers, and the key is greater communication between us all. If they don't take notice of our needs, we go elsewhere!

SI: Do installers need to be more ‘multi-purpose’ in outlook?

PO: We have a company policy that all apprentices/engineers going through our system do work on all types of installations including electronic and physical whatever their background before. This gives them an excellent framework and they are more able to fully assist our clients, ensuring reliable installations.

SI: Do you see IP technology as an opportunity or a threat?

PO: All technological developments are an opportunity but need to be evaluated to prove effectiveness.

SI: How has being an installer affected your private life?

PO: Our business operates 24/7 so I am always involved in it but we still have fun and make time for our families and friends.

SI: If you had your life again would you become an installer?

PO: Yes undoubtedly so. Our industry is very satisfactory to work in. We help stop bad things happening to good people and usually our work is greatly appreciated by our customers.

* Access & Security Systems Ltd: Tel 0118 981 7300, fax 0118 982 0455, web www.access-security.co.uk