• Tue. Apr 16th, 2024

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Future safe & secure for fast-growing Sunderland firm

A FIRM of Sunderland safety specialists is going from strength-to-strength, securing a host of new contracts and new employees at its Sunderland HQ. 

MacDonald Martin, which specialises in fire safety and security assessments and installation, has won new contracts across North East – with clients in Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham – and across the rest of the UK. 

The growing portfolio builds on a successful 2016 for the Leechmere Industrial Estate firm, which also secured gold level accreditation from the National Security Inspectorate this year. 

MacDonald Martin owner and director, Andy Trafford, said: “The last 12 months have been incredible for the company, but it has only escalated since the turn of the year with a series of major contract wins and our latest batch of new recruits.

“We have secured work with Newcastle City Council to inspect and replace fire-extinguishers and dry risers across all council-owned buildings, and will be delivering a similar service to properties owned by Your Homes Newcastle.”  

The company has also secured work in Sunderland, performing fire risk assessments at the new Hilton Garden hotel.

“It is important for large organisations and businesses to recognise the importance of regular fire assessments,” added Andy. “While we operate across the UK, I’m always delighted when we gain work in our region, creating long-standing relationships that help keep people and property safe.” 

MacDonald Martin is also working with Durham Country Cricket Club, to provide fire alarm maintenance and CCTV upgrades. 

Andy added: “CCTV installation and maintenance is quickly becoming a major element of our business, and the addition Ricky Osborn to our security team will help develop our work in this area.

“People becoming more security conscious can only be a good thing and a property protected is the best deterrent against would-be thieves.” 

Significant numbers of criminal prosecutions are secured because of CCTV footage, subsequently used as evidence, making it an excellent deterrent against criminal behaviour.

The firm recently completed a significant project with Cleadon Social Club, upgrading the fire and security alarms and also installing state of the art CCTV. 

MacDonald Martin is also carrying out another tranche of fire risk assessments for York City Council, and have won a similar contract for Eastern Procurement, which purchases services for housing associations across Suffolk and Norfolk. 

As a result of its growing client portfolio, MacDonald Martin has also expanded its team, adding six new members of staff in the last three months: Ricky Gibson, in security; Tony Thirkell, fire alarm specialist; administrators Emma Orwin and Amy Rowan; Omar Najim, fire extinguisher maintenance; and Steve Barton, a multi-discipline specialist. 

Andy said: “I am excited about the fantastic new additions we have made to the MacDonald Martin team. They bring a range of specialist knowledge and each member has something unique to offer. 

“The new recruits will drive further growth throughout 2017 and ultimately helps us make people safer at home, at work and in public buildings.”

By Emily