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Fighting fire with Newflame
IN the current economic downturn many companies are looking to cut costs. In addition, there is an increased risk of arson, particularly at this time of year; arson is also used to disguise evidence of theft.
IN the current economic downturn many companies are looking to cut costs. In addition, there is an increased risk of arson, particularly at this time of year; arson is also used to disguise evidence of theft."Companies may not be thinking of fire safety, which they see as a necessary evil – it derives no income," said Steve Best, managing director of family firm and fire safety specialist Newflame.
"But this attitude is short-sighted and irresponsible as it does not show duty of care to staff. Statistics show that 80 per cent of businesses do not come back after a serious fire."
Newflame's operation, built up over nearly 35 years, is akin to a one-stop-shop on fire safety. And it is seeking opportunities to grow the business, having, in January this year, added a new engineer and salesman to its 15 staff.
The core business is the maintenance and supply of fire extinguishers, though in more recent times, the firm has broadened its specialities into areas such as fire alarms, emergency lighting and fire training.
"A few years ago, we rethought our corporate strategy and decided we should be covering all aspects of fire safety, and we needed to be more professional," said Mr Best, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years.
Fire extinguishers were the heart of Newflame when it was set up by Mr best's father, Steve HD Best (Steve Best Snr), and John Landan in 1975. It remains an important part of the business.
Choosing the right appliance for your business could be a matter of life and death, should you not, for example, understand the markings of your fire extinguisher.
Regular maintenance of fire extinguishers is essential for the preservation of your premises – it should be serviced a minimum of once a year, according to Newflame fire safety director Bill hewitt.
"Extinguishers must be ready to act whenever needed, and their regular checking is part of your Health and Safety obligations under the Fire Safety Order of 2005.
"All our technicians are registered by BAFE (British Approval for Fire Equipment, a Government-approved scheme similar to the gas industry's CORGi registration).
"This means they are certified in the servicing of portable fire extinguishers. They can also provide fire safety advice on the correct use and positioning of fire extinguishers and safety signage."
As well as businesses, Newflame has been protecting a growing number of schools, hospitals, prisons and farms over the last three and a half decades.
In fact, it has some 4,000 customers on its books, covering a 75-mile radius of Peterborough and beyond.
These include individuals living in thatched cottages and owners of small shop units, through to larger organisations, such as McCain and Anglia Co-operative.
"We are also hoping to be involved in the fit out of the new hospital," added Mr Best.
The firm always tries to "go the extra yard" both with customers and staff. It can do weekly alarm checks, where required, and "factory walkabouts for fire extinguishers to help you with you obligations under the Fire Safety Order".When it comes to its engineers, they are BAFE assessed on a yearly basis, and subscribe to the GreenRoad driver safety programme, which "can greatly reduce the risks faced by your employees and their families, while protecting your company's bottom line."
The company's co-founders, Steve Best Snr and John Landan, were ex-fire officers of the former East Anglian Health Authority and were responsible for the fire safety training of 21,000 staff.
When people wanted to buy an extinguisher for the home, and then a friend of a family wanted one for their company, the two decided to start their own business.
It was, initially, part-time and two years later, in 1977, became full time.
One of its biggest customers in the early days was the former Peterborough development Corporation.
In 1981, newflame became a limited company. In 1982 John Landan retired and in 1996, the current managing director took over after Steve Best Snr died.
Three years ago, the company moved, primarily because it needed more space, to Willow Road, in Yaxley, near Peterborough.
Very much a family business, Mr best is assisted by his wife, June, who is company secretary and administrator, as well as his sister, credit controller Julie Scotcher.
Other administrators include Cheryl Forsey and Alicja Gabryszuk.
Mr Best's sons also play a part in the business. Stephen, like his father before him, has "started his career from the bottom, in the workshop." Peter is studying electrical installation at college, and is an apprentice fire alarm engineer.
There are also six engineers and business development managers David Black and Peter Lattimore.
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