History
I first met Bill Iredale in Brighton in 1985. I was working as a sales rep for a large building merchants, and was introduced to Bill through a mutual friend. He was a larger than life character. An ex paratrooper, with 25 years service, Bill was a likeable guy who became a life long friend, and later that year, my business partner. Realising there was a niche in the security industry to supply quality store detectives to the retail sector, we formed A-tec security. With my sales experience and Bill’s military background, we laid the foundations for what would later become, one of the UK’s leading security providers, Firm Retail Security Services.
Our first breakthrough came when we were approached by the British Book Shop chain, who asked us to provide store detectives to their 50 outlets in England. We were off to a great start, and capitalised on this opportunity, continually improving our operation and service. Our growing reputation as a reliable, and dynamic young company, soon attracted other clients including GAP, Primark, and H&M. As I watched the company go from strength to strength, at the same time I saw Bills health gradually deteriorate. A heavy smoker, Bill began to have heart problems, resulting in him needing a triple by-pass. Complications meant he never fully recovered, and sadly Bill passed away in 1995.
The loss of Bill was a huge shock. I felt for his wife and young family. I had lost not only my business partner, but a close friend.
I was now faced with the daunting task of running a growing company on my own. My work load had doubled, and with out the support of Bill I felt somewhat alone, and uncertain about the companies future.
The daily task of running a growing business can be a logistical nightmare, especially at the early stages. Overseeing every aspect of the business, making all the decisions alone, and being the sole point of contact for clients, staff, accountants and banks can all get a bit too much. I was under pressure. Without the loyalty, support, and friendship from my staff, it could have been the beginning of the end, but we made it through, kept the company very much alive, moving forward, and after a while I felt we had finally turned a corner.
With the company now more stable and gaining momentum, I could turn my attention towards the future. I had adjusted well to the pressures of the running a business from day to day, and was looking to expand my horizons. My eldest son Colin, a law student, was now beginning to show an interest in the business and decided to join the company. Colin’s law degree, coupled with his youthful enthusiasm, and drive added a new element to our business. His fresh ideas and vigour changed the face of our company and I decided to compliment our new identity, with a new name. FRSS was born.
Our company has now been providing security services to a wide and varied range of clients for over twenty years. We remain market leaders in our specialist field of retail, but have also managed to diversify into several areas of security, including investigations, consultancy and events. We continue to expand our European operations and employ over one hundred and twenty people throughout the UK and Ireland.
I’m often asked about the secret behind our success. Quite simply put, it’s the people we employ. Great companies can’t be built on good ideas alone, because without the hard work and commitment of our employees, good ideas would remain just that…
Alan Stewart, Managing Director.