Colt Security Systems

Colt Security Systems - Mike Ockelford (Managing Director)

Head Office Location: Basildon, Essex
NSI Certifications: NACOSS Gold
Areas of business expertise: Intruder Alarm, CCTV & Access Control for both domestic and commercial properties

Company Overview

Having been involved in the security industry since 1975 I established Colt Security Systems in 1988. We are a family-run company specialising in intruder alarms, CCTV, and access control systems for both domestic and commercial properties. Operating throughout Essex, London and the South-East, we have developed a portfolio of satisfied customers with a track record for delivering outstanding customer service. Over the years, the business has grown to manage various local council sites and large commercial projects in Europe.

As we continue to expand the business, it remains essential for us to maintain a personal approach towards our clients. We strive to preserve the core values that shaped the business 36 years ago, ensuring we stay connected with our roots even as we grow.

What are your company's main drivers for gaining and maintaining NSI certification?

First and foremost, NSI certification serves as a mark of credibility and trustworthiness. It shows that we have undergone rigorous assessments by an independent third party to ensure that we meet industry standards and best practices.

Gaining and maintaining NSI certification is essential for us as it not only enhances our reputation but also drives continuous improvement within our company. We strive to exceed expectations in all aspects of security provision while ensuring compliance with industry standards set by NSI. NSI being the ‘Gold standard’ of certification is a perfect match.

What benefits has NSI certification brought to your business?

Obtaining NSI certification has offered new opportunities. Having an NSI-approved installation is frequently a mandatory insurance requirement for residential and commercial properties. Ever since we obtained our certification, we have successfully gained contracts with numerous local councils, including highly prestigious sites such as museums and listed buildings.

After achieving NSI certification in 1996, we quickly secured a multitude of jewellery stores that needed an NSI Gold security company for police monitoring and 27/4 call out service. Nearly three decades later, our strong partnership with the nationwide jeweller remains intact.

In recent years, we were successful in winning a contract for a global logistics company based in Spain, which opened sites in the UK. They had undergone their due diligence and the security system needed to be certified by an NSI company. After successfully designing and installing their Intruder Alarm System. We were invited to design and install security systems in France, Italy and Spain.

How has NSI certification benefitted your customers?

One of the key benefits for our customers is the increased level of trust. NSI certification acts as a stamp of approval, assuring them that we have undergone rigorous assessments to validate our competence and expertise in delivering effective security solutions.

We successfully fulfil the NSI requirement of responding to a breakdown call within four hours. Meeting this expectation instils trust in our customers and reinforces their decision to select us as their reliable security provider.

Our customers have peace of mind knowing that their security system is installed and maintained to the correct standards. They know that the systems have been designed to meet their specific needs and will function to safeguard their home or business.

What preparation does your team undertake in advance of NSI audits?

In all honestly, very little. We have processes in place to undertake our own quality checks We review all relevant documentation and procedures to ensure that they are up-to-date and compliant with NSI standards. This alleviates the stress that can be associated with the lead-up to audit day.

Looking forward, what do you consider to be the industry’s key challenges and opportunities?

Challenges:

One major challenge facing the industry is keeping up with advancements in technology. As new innovations emerge, it becomes crucial for security providers to stay informed and adapt their offerings to meet changing customer needs.

Additionally, there is a significant lack of security engineers in the industry. Our engineers must also be well-versed in all panels we maintain. When I began my career, there were only a few panels to manage compared to the multitude today, which require knowledge of cloud configuration and App setup. This requires continuous learning and investment in training programs to ensure that our engineers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. To address this challenge, we have invested in building a training room, specifically to enhance and develop our engineers.

Opportunities:

Looking ahead, with the rising crime rates, the demand for CCTV monitoring has significantly grown. We have made investments to meet increasing site-specific needs. The commercial and hospitality sectors understand the significance of implementing advanced CCTV monitoring as a preventive measure against criminal activities.