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Alun John receives PSI Premier Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Security Industry, 2005
Jul 11 2005
Alun John, Chief Executive of Upperpoint – the parent company of Norbain SD - the UK's largest distributor of electronic security equipment, has received the prestigious PSI Premier Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Security Industry. The award recognises his lifetime commitment to the security industry, his drive and determination, and most importantly the significant changes within the industry that Alun John has pioneered.
On learning of the Award, Alun John explained that he continues to believe in the central importance of developing a service culture within the industry:
"If there’s one theme that has characterised my years in the industry – and is reflected in the way Norbain operates as a company – it is the crucial importance of developing a customer service ethic throughout the industry. The industry has changed enormously over the last twenty-five years and commitment to customer service is no longer the preserve of only the largest companies in the sector. This is most clearly expressed perhaps in the way installers are now so much more focused on what the customer wants their security system to achieve. Benefits are now a much more important driver and customer purchasing decisions are made on a variety of criteria and not solely on price. This service ethic is having a tremendously positive impact on other areas too, particularly training and the overall competence levels that are now in evidence across the industry."
Norbain has been a key innovator in the industry in areas such as extended warranty provision, no quibble guarantees and training, and is widely admired for having the most advanced logistics system in the sector.
"The emphasis we’ve placed on logistics has, I believe, contributed significantly to the UK having one of the most developed security markets in the world," said Alun John. "It is an important factor in helping to make security affordable for as wide as a community of users as possible and is of enormous practical help to installers as its reduces the need to tie up vital cash reserves in stock.
"I am sure that this focus on service will continue as more and more installers look to sustain long term relationships with customers who are increasingly interested in the broader day to day operational benefits that are to be derived from the installation of a well designed, professionally installed security system."
Alun John joined Norbain Electronics Limited in 1982, a mini conglomerate with diverse operations ranging from computer maintenance and distribution of optical components, PC’s and peripherals, power supplies and connectors. His initial role was as Product Manager in its fledgling security subsidiary Norbain Imaging Limited, and was promoted to the Board of Norbain plc as Sales and Marketing Director in 1988. Over the next six years Alun John was instrumental in devising and implementing a strategy to dispose of the non-security businesses while building the CCTV enterprise that swiftly became the market leading CCTV supplier in the UK and Europe.
In May 1997, Alun John was appointed Group Managing Director to steer the company through a turbulent period that saw the disposal of loss making subsidiaries in the UK and France. In 1999 he spearheaded a Management Buy Out vehicle, Upperpoint supported by PPM Ventures Limited, that upon completion of the transaction de-listed from the London Stock Exchange and took the business into the private sector. This resulted in the formation of Upperpoint Distribution Limited and Upperpoint Manufacturing Limited. Today, the Group employs 613 people worldwide and has a combined turnover in excess of £140m.
