

SERVICES PROVIDED
Much Better, Much Safer, More Efficient
A “can do” attitude was the main reason why Builders Supplies (West Coast) Ltd first decided to entrust all its matters of security to Alert Fire and Security Ltd
Five years on and the relationship seems to be set in concrete.
“Much better, far safer, more efficient and significantly cheaper – choosing Alert has proved a real winner for us,” said Vaughan Evans, general manager (administration and IT) at BSWC.
“We were previously using a national firm, but had noticed a marked drop in service levels and a marketing flyer from Alert was opportune and prompted us to re-think our strategy.
“We liked what they had to say from the very first meeting with the account manager, before being swept away by the enthusiasm and ‘can do’ approach of managing director Trevor Shanley.
“To be fair, nothing has changed in that regard with everyone there always ready to help, not least service coordinator Claire Murren and the engineers out on site.
“There has been the odd blip – you will always get that no matter how good the systems – but nothing what you might call major and Alert has played a key role during our development.”
Some development too. Founded in 1938, BSWC has moved on apace in the past decade, adding branches in both Morecambe and Preston to existing sites in Cleveleys and Fleetwood (head office) and more than doubling annual turnover to £12m.
As one of the region’s foremost independent builders’ merchants, the progressive company employs 70 staff and combines industry experience with a vast product range. A 20-strong delivery fleet (including 16 vehicles with crane off-load facilities) carries out daily deliveries throughout the Fylde Coast and beyond.
Alert has now installed around 70 high-quality surveillance cameras across the various BSWC sites, complete with a sophisticated offsite monitoring and keyholder facility.
“All that has helped no end with our overall efficiency,” added Vaughan. “We are not only much better protected, but any issues that occur outside working hours no longer impact on management time.
“Over the years we have fallen victim to the occasional break-in, but not anymore and we continue to follow the advice and guidance provided by Alert to minimise problems and keep trouble at bay.
“Some firms might baulk at forking out on security, but in our opinion anything spent on protection and prevention makes total sense.”