MacDonald Martin Fire and Security Ltd has forged a fierce reputation for fire safety, enjoying a scorching year that’s seen its team and client list grow, and turnover reach record heights.
Fired by a determination to build on this success, the firm is now locking down aggressive expansion plans to branch out into the security sector.
The business, based in Leechmere Industrial Estate in Sunderland, surpassed last year’s turnover of £1.3m, before the end of the third quarter. With ambitious plans and a growing portfolio of services, the business has also added four new members to its team and a number of clients and projects to its books.
Andy Trafford, Director and owner of MacDonald Martin, which he set up in 2003, said the addition of new services is a reaction to the needs of the business’ clients for a full safety, security and electrical services package with quality service.
He said: “This year has been transformational for MacDonald Martin, as well as taking on people ranging from apprentices to industry experts, we’ve expanded our offer to clients and started providing an all-in-one service putting us ahead of our competitors.”
The business provides fire safety services from risk assessments to installation of fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers, and is now establishing itself in the security and CCTV sector with the addition of two members of staff with over 40 years of experience in the industry between them.
New recruit, Gareth McPhillips is heading up the security and CCTV division of the business. He said: “I’ve been in this industry all of my working life. The last 20 years have given me the experience I need to help MacDonald Martin drive this new facet of the company forward. It’s already thriving and it’s really exciting to be a part of that.”
The business has secured a significant 12-month contract extension with Circle Housing, and has added Graysons Properties, Meldrum Construction Services, and regeneration company Siglion to their client list.
Akash Gai, director of Graysons Properties, said: “The service we have had from MacDonald Martin to has been second to none. They provide routine and reactive fire and electrical services, as well as fire risk assessments, and they’ve worked with us to understand our business and have provided solutions for our properties that have helped us greatly.
“They are always there whenever we need them, including at the development of our latest venture, Phoenix House in Sunderland, which provides top class student accommodation right in the heart of the city centre.”
Now specialising in security, door access and CCTV, as well as its regular fire safety and electrical services, MacDonald Martin has expanded into new areas, providing fire risk assessments and evacuation strategies for 22 care homes across the North East as well as winning a number of new-build and renovation projects in local schools and academies.
The business is also expanding into domestic security services, urging homeowners and landlords to consider added security and CCTV to their properties with the dark nights drawing in.
Andy added: “Burglaries and home invasions are on the increase – you are up to five times more likely to be a victim of these crimes if you don’t have CCTV. It isn’t as expensive as people may think, and is a proven deterrent to criminals.
“There’s nothing quite like knowing you’re safe at home, and we’re delighted to now be offering services for people to ensure they protect loved ones and possessions. Our security and CCTV service allows clients to check their homes from a smartphone, providing peace of mind that everything is safe and secure no matter where they are in the world.”
MacDonald Martin employs 26 staff with the addition of the four newest recruits, Gareth McPhillips and Graeme Dobson in security, Karen Haldane as key accounts manager, and Karen Foley to support administration.
Commenting on the success of the business this year, Andy added: “The expansion of the business into security is an exciting new chapter for MacDonald Martin, and our new clients are opening so many doors for us meaning we’re expecting even more growth and expansion to come.”
For more information on MacDonald Martin visit www.macdonald-martin.co.uk.