What does your company do? What products or services does it provide?
We manufacture biometric fingerprint readers for access control. Our products have been used for many different projects, ranging from premier league football clubs and high end department stores, to some of the Cross Rail construction sites. Alongside manufacturing, we provide our customers with UK based technical, sales and marketing support, setting us aside from our competitors.
Where did the idea for your business come from?
I started off working in retail and became involved with the security division which I really enjoyed. After I began to notice the shortfalls of existing biometric products, as well as foreseeing the trends in the technology, I decided to create my own fingerprint readers using only the best components, giving users a security product they can rely on and trust.
When did you start up, and what support were you given?
We became incorporated in February 2009 and have been lucky to receive multiple forms of support and we continue to use the resources available in our region so that we can continue to research and grow the business.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Industry acceptance and recognition – many of our access control partners have chosen us as their preferred biometric product and have seamlessly embedded our technology into theirs. This has allowed us to receive global recognition and really make an impact within the security industry.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
Managing quick and rapid growth has definitely been the biggest challenge for us.
How would you say you differentiate yourself from the competition?
Apart from the additional support we provide, our products effectively meet the security needs of the user’s environment. Our products work despite elements that may thwart our competitors’ security options, for example, levels of dirt, oil, dust, grease or cream present on the fingertips will not hinder the scanning power. One of our most robust products works in harsh external conditions such as rain, freezing temperatures or direct sunlight. We even have product test videos to demonstrate the unparalleled capabilities of our products, that others cannot provide.
What has been the best decision you have made to-date?
Expanding our product line and the capabilities of our product technology that have never been seen before within the security industry. We recently launched the very first and only fully customisable and fully serviceable fingerprint reader that can really help our customers win new business and open new markets that they might never have been able to consider before.
Where do you see the business in 12 months’ time?
Having fine tuned our product line and brand over the last twelve months, we plan on building and developing our distribution model globally and increasing the exposure of our products.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Be prepared for an uneven work-life balance. If you have an idea and you want to make it successful, you need to invest the time and understand it will become your top priority and passion. Also, surround yourself with as much advice and support as possible. There is more available than you think, and that is why we have recently become supporters of the Business is GREAT campaign, which aims to help more businesses like us, access the support they need.
What do you find most satisfying about running a business?
I’m very lucky to have employees that share the same beliefs, values and passion for success as myself and want to create a positive working culture. It’s very rewarding seeing my employees take pride in not only our overall achievements as a company, but their own individual achievements also.
