Ensure You Have All The Correct Info...
We have seen in the news this week that a leading extinguisher company was found to be negligent in their supply of a powder extinguisher to a church where valuable artefacts were held. These artefacts were irreparably damaged when schoolboy vandals ‘pirouetted’ down the aisle and set off the extinguishers. Their corrosive contents impacted on tapestries, ancient stone work and other invaluable pieces of history.
What is important here is not that the wrong extinguisher was recommended and supplied or even that the judiciary found in favour of one party or the other. What really matters is the level of engagement with the client and their specific requirements exhibited by an otherwise reputable consultant.
It would not be fitting nor of any real value to discuss the failings of a particular company and a particular case. What must surely be drawn from this episode is the importance of the relationship that a client has with their supplier of fire safety services, whether equipment, risk assessment or fire safety training.
The client must have confidence that their particular supplier understands their situation and that duty of care goes beyond time and profit constraints. Whilst it is very much the case that all companies have a commercial enterprise aspect to their operation, the nature of the business that we are in demands that ‘extra mile’ not only from the clients perspective but also from the aspect of the reputable suppliers.
As in all walks of business life there are a myriad of companies who will promise product and service standards that seem incredible only to slowly dissolve as the ‘sale’ is reached. The question is how does the honourable company stand out of the crowd and how does the perspective client recognise them?
Well depending on your point of view the answer is the same as it has been since tradesmen first began fashioning products for market. The forging of long term relationships and strategic partnerships can only lead to the holy grail of ‘word of mouth’ recommendation by honest endeavour, integrity and a commitment throughout the organisation, to adding value to the client.
Perhaps then for the client the answer is not to contact the flashy banners and adverts but to consult with trade partners, associates and friends, canvass opinion and select a business partner once they are sure of their integrity and commitment.
Solutions Fire Safety
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