Tees Business Tees Business Issue 21 | Page 89

S E CU R I TY “We have a name people can trust because we’ve been here such a long time and we are so well established.” As for Christine, she admits: “I’ve had to bite my tongue over the years when people ring and ask for my boss. I gently reply, ‘If you mean Mike, my business partner…’ but it really doesn’t bother me anymore. “I don’t go out and meet our clients, as Mike does, so I don’t get to build relationships that way, it’s usually just over the phone. It doesn’t matter who people think is in charge though, as long as we’re both working for the good of the company. “Saying that, being able to shout about our success in Tees Business hopefully means people will get to see me and know who I am.” These days, Cleveland Security continues to flourish, but it remains at heart a family firm. Christine’s daughter Sarah is in charge of accounts and sister Susan works in the office alongside Christine and Jordan, but each member of staff becomes a surrogate family member. “There’s no magic formula involved in being a good employer,” says Mike. “It’s just about looking after your staff. Our engineers have good vehicles, all the tools they require, smart uniforms. Their vehicles are replaced every three to four years and whenever there are any changes to the systems we will ask the manufacturers to come in and train them on the new technology. “Added to that we do offer job security, which probably explains why we have engineers like Lee, who has been with us for 20 years.” As for the customer, Mike agrees they are always the priority. “We have a name people can trust because we’ve been here such a long time and we are so well established. “We’ve seen other businesses come and go but we are still thriving because we put our clients first. We’re straightforward and we don’t mislead anyone. “We offer our clients an annual insurance cover on their systems, which covers engineer call outs, parts and labour and a service visit,” adds Christine. “We are extremely busy in the office taking payments and booking appointments when the renewals are received. We give excellent value and it’s great to know that we have so many satisfied customers. Long may that continue.” The voice of business in the Tees region | 89