After an early career working in various roles for a Handrail and Balustrade subcontractor, and briefly as a QS for a local scaffolding company, I was lucky enough to be offered a position as Contracts Manager for Hill & Smith ltd. This role was overseeing the supply and installation of their HVM security product Bristorm. We supplied and installed product, in many sectors including Airport, Military, Data, Banking etc. This role developed over the years into a sales and commercial role as we began supplying outside the UK, developing new products and partnerships to match emerging markets across the world. 

 

I started working for Hill & Smith in August 2008, 3 days after my daughter was born, I have remained in the industry ever since, working also at Highway Care Security, before starting at Cova Security gates in July 2022 

 

The opportunity to work for the best gate manufacturer in the UK was an exciting prospect, their reputation inside the industry for quality and ingenuity is well known. Their longevity in business also speaks volumes for their adaptability in these changing times 

 

Our sector has both large challenges and opportunities in the coming years, and I hope I will add to their already exceptional team, to help them continue to deliver success. We need to work on new ideas offering solutions with leading technology, as the automated gate and high security markets mature and develop. Whilst still listening to our customers and supplying the products and services needed to keep their people and places safe. 

 

Depending on the final contents of the legislation, this could fundamentally change the way we look after the safety and security of people in our care. From Events, public spaces, and large organisations they will all need to take a new look at their risks, and the procedures and measures they use to mitigate those risks. It’s important that we in the industry ensure that our clients are aware of all the free, independent and qualified information that is available to them. Following the correct process in identifying risks and proportionate mitigation, will be even more important going forward. Jumping straight to buying and wearing a “hard hat”, isn’t necessarily the most appropriate measure.