A marketing man changed his career when his father asked him to take over the family CCTV and intruder alarm business.
Chris Pattinson took over Forest Hall-based Tyneside Security when his father became a full time carer for his mother who developed terminal cancer.
The business started in 1982 to install, service and maintain intruder alarms and also fits fire alarms and CCTV systems. Chris said: “I’ve literally had to learn the security business from scratch and rebuild our client base which dipped when my father was spending time caring for my mother. I’ve brought in expertise from my marketing career and listened to the experiences of my father to ensure that Tyneside Security remains one of the UK’s leading security companies.”
Turnover this year has risen by 30 per cent to £300,000 and the business has around 1500 customers on a maintenance contract and has just celebrated installing its 6000th installation. The firm employs four engineers and four support staff including newly recruited sales and marketing apprentice Bethany Jackson (17) from South Shields. The former Harton Technical College pupil specialises in online marketing and digital media.
“I’m really pleased to have this position within Tyneside Security. I’m learning about marketing and the new technology that the firm uses,” she said.
New technology has also had an effect on the business. Tyneside can send images to smart phones and tablets and with wireless power and transmission there is no mess at install. Hence the firm has been winning larger contracts for businesses as well as domestic properties.
“We’ve just put 30 cameras into a business on the Team Valley and are looking to work with care homes, housing associations and large warehousing operations,” said Chris.
“Sadly though, many people still really only consider getting security measures fitted into their homes after a burglary. With no mess, reliable systems and our national nomination, now is a great time to protect your home especially with the recently reported high crime rates and the benefits of insurance premium reductions if you have an approved system in place.”
