June saw the 10th trading anniversary for GuardHome, and like previous years, and despite hard trading conditions, we achieved another growth in our turnover figures for the full year. Competition is harder than ever with many potential clients and householders in particular opting for the cheaper uncertified or DIY wireless alarm systems. This is also the case with CCTV as the number of amateur and DIY installers proliferate. There is no simple solution to tackling this issue, without severely changing the ethos of the company which is to deliver only high quality solutions and exceptional levels of quality service. This approach is clearly popular with our current client base who continue to remain loyal to GuardHome. Several have recently moved and asked us to either relocate or install a new system in their new properties. Many of these new systems being upgraded to our state of the art GuardMaster system with the provision of our iMageAlarm video transmission system. It is this sector of the market that we will continue to target, where the quality of our service is recognised as being important.
We also continue to pursue business in the fire alarm sector, employing our skills in wireless technology to our advantage. Our first commercial installation will be completed in July, with the aim of gaining approval in the months thereafter.
The anticipated level of business from our alliance with a Nurse Call system manufacturer and installer has not been as high as expected. This sub contract work is sporadic at best. We attended a meeting with the executives from the company and the coming year will be a true test of this strategic relationship.
Our main thrust over the last few months of this financial year has been the completion of our new offices. The objective here was to officially open them at the end of June, to enable us to hold a joint opening and 10 year celebration. This went ahead on the 28th June 2014, and the official office opening was conducted by our local MP, Robert Halfon. The other invited guests included some of very first clients, some suppliers (who were also clients), employees and family members.
As part of these 10th Annivesary celebrations, we wanted to demonstrate to our numerous loyal clients how important they are to us and how much we value their business. Each of our clients are being given a special gold anniversary personal panic alarm as a token of our appreciation. These are proving to very popular, with some clients even asking if they can purchase additional devices!
