We’re lifting the lid on life behind the scenes at Marlowe Fire & Security, so you can learn about the people who truly bring our business to life and deliver service excellence to you 365 days a year.
Today we’re meeting David Coles to learn about the importance of foresight, processes and fire extinguishers.
What are your main responsibilities?
The running and day to day management of the Portable Fire Extinguisher (PFX) team.
What is your main objective within this role?
My key objective is to build a robust team with structures in place to grow and provide the best service to our customers and future customers.
What jobs did you do prior to joining us? What prepared you for your role here?
I worked at FSE Fire Safety Systems which was acquired by Marlowe Fire & Security Group in 2019. Before becoming a Mechanical Ops Manager at FSE I wore many caps, from Extinguisher Engineer to Lead Engineer in Sprinklers, running domestic installation sites. I feel between being on the road servicing extinguishers for over 10 years and running the installation sites has given me the best preparation for the role I am in now as it helped with understanding all elements of our work and the knowledge needed to take the extinguisher team forward.
What’s the best thing about working at Marlowe Fire & Security?
The team I work with and the people within our building. It makes it a pleasure coming to work each day. Also, understanding the vision of the business, feeling part of it and the future opportunities within Marlowe Fire & Security.
What has been the highlight of your career at Marlowe Fire & Security over the years?
We’re continually implementing improvements within the department and seeing the difference it makes to our customers, the organisation, the analytics and our figures. Looking back, we started this work in November 2021 and the changes have been significant – which is a credit to the team. One of the changes we made that had a huge positive impact was changing the way we schedule our works within the department, this gave us much more foresight and the ability to react quicker to our customer’s needs.
What has been your greatest personal achievement?
A couple of my greatest achievements are completing two big walks, one was walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall in 2021, this runs from Carlisle to Newcastle. The other was completing the West Highland Way in 2022, this runs from just north of Glasgow up to Fort William. Both walks being around 100 miles each and both we completed well carrying all our gear, including tents.
Last year I also finally finished off the big three mountains of the UK by going up Ben Nevis!
What makes you most proud of your team/company?
Without a doubt, the hard work and dedication put in by the team. We wouldn’t have been able to make the changes and improvements we have without the people we have in our team. They are a credit to the company.
Where were you born/where did you grow up?
I was born in Nottingham and grew up in Sandiacre, I haven’t moved far as I’m now in Draycott!!
What’s your favourite place in the world and why?
One place is the Scottish Highlands. It’s just a stunning place to be and you can just switch off from the world and enjoy the simple pleasures.
What’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to visit Iceland and see the Northern Lights.
And New Zealand looks like an incredible country to explore.
Thanks to David for sharing some insight into how our fantastic PFX (Portable Fire Extinguisher) team works.
For more information about extinguishers please click here.