Build October 2016 NEW

Build Magazine 49 Manufacturing & Supply JPro Services is a business that supplies and fits fire alarms, fire extinguishers, intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems as well as providing all of the servicing requirements for these products. We also perform fire risk assessments and fire awareness/training courses for schools and businesses. hat does the firm’s client base look like? JPro Services’ client base is a varied one. Comprising of a mixture of domestic and commercial clients, with a huge variation in the size of their sites and systems in place at those sites. We do however have a concentration of clients in a particular area. Schools are a relatively sizeable chunk of our customer base because, as they only make up about 10 per cent our total clientele, it is constant repeat business with new development happing all the time. However, the overwhelming majority of our customer base comes from the commercial market, covering a wide variety of sectors, from restaurants too nuclear production facilities. We support an ever increasing domestic clientele as well. What sets your firm apart from others in the field? Unfortunately, in our field of fire safety and security, the regulation of individuals setting up in competing business and of their practices is quite minimal. Therefore, JPro Services prides itself on being highly accredited, in order to set itself apart from our competitors. We are BAFE accredited for our fire extinguishers and fire alarm work, NSI Silver accredited for all our security services, as well as being a CHAS approved contractor, registered members of the Fire Industry Association and operating to UKAS ISO 9001 standards. These accreditations mean that JPro Services set themselves apart from most of their competitors and we also pride ourselves on our 365 24/7 call out service; ensuring that we will always go above and beyond expectation for our clients. What are the main challenges facing your business at present? The lack of enforced regulation in our sector can be a real challenge. Cowboys flooding the market with cheap deals and low quality can often make customers question why they would pay for a JPro Services W more expensive product often forgetting all the benefits that come with that service (e.g. higher quality, customer advice, etc.) Therefore, a saturation of the market with low end stock and services is the greatest threat to our business at this present time. What are the key objectives for your business in the months and years ahead? • Our main objective is to grow our customer base to 500 customers by the end of our tenth year of trading – we are currently in our ninth year • Continue to grow customer loyalty • Continue to grow our reputation in the south of England as a quality business with integrity • Expand our B-to-B relationships, continuing to make links with both local and international businesses • Increase education awareness on the areas of Fire Safety & Security – we are currently broadcasting weekly podcasts that focus on different matters each week. What individual in your industry and beyond do you admire the most and why? Although not directly in my field but definitely related, I am inspired by Ann Millington, who was appointed as the first female ‘Chief Fire Officer’ in Kent in 2011; succeeding in a male oriented business which is something that is both relatable and inspiring. Name: Colette Wallace Company: JPro Services Ltd Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.jproservices.co.uk Address: PO Box 176, Edenbridge. Kent. TN8 9DG Telephone: 01732 356242