Meet the installer

Name: Nick Day Job title: Director Time in security/fire: 20 years Company: Armadillo Safeguards Location: Surrey Areas of expertise: Intruder alarms, IP surveillance, access control and systems integration Accreditation: NSI Gold “Across the board, we are seeing an increase in smart technologies and, as a result, we are noticing growing demand for IP control devices”

What would be a typical project for you? We have mainly been focusing on large multi-level projects, both in the commercial and high-end residential sectors. Across the board, we are seeing an increase in smart technologies and, as a result, we are noticing growing demand for IP control devices. The use of smart technologies in buildings has become an integral part of everyday life, offering convenience and flexibility for users. From lifts to heating, from alarm systems to access control, the range of critical infrastructures connected to the network and communicating with each other and with smartphones and other IoT devices is increasing.

To keep up with the current IoT trends, the integration of products will become more and more important to add functionality and security features.

Do you have any ‘go to’ technology and manufacturers? We have had a really good experience with Axis cameras for CCTV systems, 2N IP intercoms for access control solutions and Orisec for intruder alarm systems. In terms of the latest technologies, we are particularly impressed with WaveKey the Bluetooth-based mobile access technology from 2N. It’s capable of unlocking a door in just 0.3 seconds, twice as fast as a RFID card, and it has huge benefits both for office managers and their employees. I’m sure that there will be a lot of demand for it as people head back into their offices after the summer.

What is the best thing about working in this industry? The fact that technology is always evolving keeps the job interesting. I also enjoy the fact that every project throws up different challenges and requires slightly different approaches. We also have to use very different technologies – ranging from simple access and security products to the most complex integrated solutions. The variety is the fun part of the job.

Is third party accreditation beneficial to you? We have been trading for 40 years this year and are NSI Gold accredited. It benefits us because it differentiates us from other installers within the industry that don’t carry these accreditations. That wouldn’t be a big advantage if it didn’t matter to our customers, however it does. They recognise it as a hallmark for competence and professionalism and it’s reassuring for them to know that their systems are guaranteed to be installed to the highest standards. That helps us build trust and integrity with our customers from the very start.

Do you think there is an engineer skills shortage? Any trouble recruiting? Everyone is struggling with recruitment these days. There’s no doubt that there is a skills shortage in the engineering industry, and the best people are in real demand. We use internships to attract talented students and gradually develop those people internally. We think that’s the best way, but it also emphasises the need to retain great people once you’ve got them. Making sure you are a fun and interesting place to work is an important part of this.

Are there any common requests from customers that give you problems? Not really. We have been around a long time and can generally anticipate the kinds of requests that customers are likely to raise, which means that we can address them proactively. But it's mostly about open communication at the start of the process. Most of our customers are very reasonable people and as long as you are clear about the available options from the outset, they understand. Getting that right is one of the keys to delivering smooth installations from specification to system handover.

What is the security/fire industry’s biggest myth? That CCTV/video systems stop people stealing things! You won’t find a bigger advocate than me for the effectiveness of the security systems we install, but no solution can prevent every incident. Most of our customers understand that, fortunately.

What impact has smart/home automation had on your business? This is definitely an area of growing demand. It’s a priority for a lot of customers because it provides a sense of ‘cool’ that is valuable to them. For us, it’s another interesting area to focus on and gives us different types of projects to work on – which keeps the job interesting!

What would make your job easier? Interesting question...If I knew for sure I would be a very fortunate man, great teams do great things, it would certainly make my job more relaxing! I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a great team that are fantastic technically and brilliant with our customers. Talent retention is therefore a huge priority for us.

What is your ultimate/fantasy electronic security/fire product? That’s a tricky one. Technology in our industry is moving at an incredible rate. If you had asked this question 10 years ago, we wouldn’t have asked for the systems we have today.

I guess ultimately simplicity for the end user. However, advanced the systems are in the backend, what the end user sees has to be easy to use, fast and intuitive. With simplicity for the end user, all our work becomes far easier.

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself? I’d tell myself that there’s always going to be demand for what we do! I think I would have found that reassuring when I was learning my trade. I would also tell my younger self that new technologies are going to be constantly emerging which will keep the job fresh and enjoyable. That’s definitely one of the reasons that this has been the right career choice for me and I wouldn’t change a thing!

Will England ever win the World Cup again? I think we have a great shout in Qatar. We’ve just got to the final of the Euros with a really young, exciting team – and the World Cup is only 18 months away. A lot of our team have experience from getting to the semis of the last World Cup too. Also, don’t forget that European nations have won the last four World Cups – and we know that we’re one of the best European teams now!

If you won £25,000 what would you do with the money? We are based in Caterham, Surrey, which is a lovely part of the world, but we work right across London and the South East – where, in places, there is a lot of poverty and deprivation. I’d therefore like to think that if I won £25,000, I’d give it to local charities so that they can help other people. I hope that’s what I’d do anyway!