Vision Networks - a small business with a big commitment to the community in which it works. Bringing Guernsey a specialist, cost competitive and experienced public area safety cctv and electronic security service.
As one of The Best of Guernsey business members, Vision Networks comes highly recommended;
"The thorough professionalism and expert service makes Vision Networks a joy to deal with. Fast efficient service". (Dale Crowsley - Forest Road Garage)
Director, Bill Mead, took some time out to share with us his 'vision' of Vision Network and their progress in making Guernsey businesses and streets a safer place;
1) When was your company set up?
Summer 2004. Initially I worked from home which was Guernsey during the week and Alderney at the weekends.
2) How many staff are there?
Two full time, one full time apprentice, two part timers and a bookkeeper.
3) What are your prime products that our business members may be interested in?
Our core business remains CCTV; we install and maintain a wide range of commercial CCTV systems including the Public area safety CCTV systems around the island.
We install a mixture of CCTV technologies and have been maintaining some complex IT/IP based systems which I originally installed almost 12 years ago. Over recent years there has been a strong move towards true IP based systems, as finally after years of waiting, the image processing of these systems now matches those available from traditional high end providers like Bosch, Siemens, Panasonic and Sanyo.
4) Are you promoting any products / services at the moment?
We currently have three offers for members of The Best of Guernsey which are running up until the end of 2011:
- FREE camera with new installations
- FREE service and support for six months with all new systems
- £99 fixed cost for six months service and support of existing systems
We will be looking at fresh promotions for 2012.
5) Have your won or been shortlisted for any awards?
The short listing in 2010 for the Guernsey Awards for Achievement - Best Small Business Award remains our highest accolade and something we are very proud of. We hope to better that in 2014, our 10 year anniversary, when we plan to enter again.
This year we were also shortlisted for the Guernsey Customer Service Award in the Small Business category.
I did collect a Crime Prevention Panel Award last year for our contributions outside what would be considered our normal commercial operation. We pay to maintain the street lighting in the North Plantation providing better lighting in the area and as such improving public safety.
6) You sponsor Battle of Britain and the Guernsey Women’s Refuge, why did you pick these to support?
Firstly the Battle of Britain, I come from an RAF family and when still in the UK did get involved in the Southend Air show, as the principle CCTV engineer for the Council we used to get involved in building an external CCTV control room to allow monitoring of the towns CCTV from Air Show command, allowing us a free grandstand position for the show.
When we heard back in 2008 of The Guernsey Battle of Britain Air Display funding difficulties, we felt it was something we would try and support. This remains a huge commitment for what is still a small Guernsey business.
Initially we were asked by an existing customer if we could help in a very small way at the Guernsey Women's Refuge and having then seen some of the work the refuge undertake and met with staff and directors, we were very much in admiration of the services they provide. As such, ever since then we have made every effort to help the refuge, support fund raising events and where we can provide our services free of charge.
To me a proactive community awareness policy is very important to the company. Plus the Specsavers Annual Reach for a Star function is a great way to spend an evening whilst supporting the Refuge.
7) Who are you members of?
CGi Confederation of Guernsey industry, Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, Buy Local and I Buy Guernsey.
8) What are your future plans for the business?
We are constantly developing, adapting and integrating. We are just delivering our 3G cameras, CCTV over 3G Mobile networks with full HD local real time recording. This has taken a while to get right with in-house software and hardware design. We are continually introducing new camera ranges and equipment. We have some exciting “alternative use” projects currently in the install phase and these should be announced early in the new year. CCTV is not just for security, we are also supporting the expansion of web cams in Guernsey, helping to promote the Island.
9) Use three words to describe the service you offer?
Commitment, Innovation, hardworking.
A genuine Guernsey business with a huge commitment to the community in which it works.
10) How have you found Business in 2011?
Business has been tougher in certain sectors but we have found some doors opening this year following, we believe, the profile raising 2010 Business Awards. Turnover is up on 2010, although we have reduced margins to maintain a competitive edge. All in all its been a hard but rewarding year.
11) What about 2012?
We have an order book taking us through into the first quarter of 2012 which represents 20% of what we need to bring in during the year. This is a stronger start than 2011 was. 2012 should be another good year although we are wary of the ever changing economic climate and the proposed loss of LVCR which I am sure will have a wide impact on business in the Island. Being a small company we can adapt quite quickly and can prove to be very versatile when required.
For more information about Visions Networks see their Best of Guernsey feature.