News on the Block talks to Bradley Parker, the MD of newly launched Future Fire Safety. Future Fire Safety is a newly launched sister company to market-leading block lighting consultants Future Lighting.
1. What inspired you to get involved in the fire and life safety sector?
- While working as an industrial electrical engineer, I became interested in the complexities of the fire protection industry. The sector has a wide and varied number of sub-disciplines in both active and passive protection. Virtually continuous change in technology, legislation and British Standards keeps the industry fresh and exciting to work in.
2. How long have you been working in the sector and what roles have you held?
- Since 1998, from engineering level to head of engineering and all things in between, such as business development, account and project management. I have managed both service and installation departments, working for many large corporations and blue chip clients.
3. Why do you feel this is the right time to launch a new company?
- Future Lighting has a strong reputation for providing outstanding service, which is second to none in the Residential Block Management sector. For many years, I have headed departments where high quality service is key to customer retention and business growth. With this in mind, establishing Future Fire alongside Future Lighting enables us to deliver full turnkey solutions to the existing client base and to also provide a solid platform for developing the growth strategy vision of the business.
4. What will be the working relationship between Future Fire Systems and Future Lighting?
- As a group, we will be able to deliver a complete solution in electrical and life safety across the existing client base, providing a solid foundation from which to expand and develop new business within the residential block and estate management sector.
5. What is the most important question a property manager should ask about fire protection?
- “Is my portfolio safe in terms of certified installations?” Having a Fire Risk Assessment carried out periodically is the starting point in ensuring that fire safety is being dealt with effectively and any remedial works are carried out in line with manufacturers’ recommendations and the associated current British Standards.
6. What has been the highlight of your professional career so far?
- Launching Future Fire with Jamie and Jordan (Future Lighting). I am excited about becoming part of a team that I believe will succeed, given hard work, focus and determination. At this point in my career, with my qualifications and experience, this is absolutely the right time to get involved in a new venture.
7. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?
- Being able to develop outstanding customer service relationships. The core value of our service mission will be to deliver a personal service to each and every one of our customers
8. How do you relax when you’re not working?
- I have a great passion for cooking and I am also a keen amateur brewer of craft beers and ales, having a mini microbrewery setup at home. I also have three English Bull Terriers, so enjoy taking regular long walks in the country.
