Category: Company News

Our business operates in a highly complex arena where our security solutions are based upon the latest technical advances in video surveillance, access control and alarm systems. These solutions include automatic number plate recognition systems, biometric systems and integrated systems where video/access/alarms/door entry systems are all collected and displayed for the customer through one front end system.

So you could be forgiven if you believed that the Sygma team are focused upon technical solutions rather than old-fashioned customer service – but you would be wrong!

Across the country more and more businesses are jumping on the digital bandwagon offering online, automated and self-service options to consumers. But you have to ask – what is this move away from good old-fashioned face-to-face human interaction doing for their customer relations?

The retail and banking landscapes in particular are going through a transformation: transitioning customers from face-to-face interactions with staff to online and self-service alternatives. In days gone by retailers and banks strived to deliver a personal service; now direct interaction with customers is being reduced and traditional human contact is being replaced by the cost-efficiencies of online and automated service.

In our opinion this devalues the customer relationship and often leaves consumers feeling frustrated and disempowered. How many of us have picked up the phone to a supplier, whether it be a bank or energy company or retail outlet to be given an automated response with a myriad of number choices – only to be faced at the end of a lengthy process with an automated message!

For us to be successful in the field of electronic security we must be technical experts however we take an old fashioned view of customer service. We believe that the customer, not technology, is the most important aspect of our business and it is this belief which ensures that from the very first introduction to Sygma, customers – no matter what time of day or night, will always speak to a member of the Sygma team – within a few seconds of making the call.

We are passionate about providing the best possible service – to every customer – large or small.

This starts with our dedicated account team – customers will always have their own account manager to ensure they receive a continuity of advice and information.

Our engineers are highly technical but customer-focused – explaining in simple terms what we are trying to achieve and often working in difficult and hazardous areas with the minimum of fuss and disruption.

Our office team has been with Sygma for many years – the newest member has been in place for three years – the longest serving for fourteen years! This ensures that phone and email queries are handled quickly and efficiently leaving the customer to get on with doing their job.

And if a customer needs a decision or resolution from the top then our Managing Director is always on hand to discuss issues personally – he is a firm believer in the proverb ‘that a fish stinks from the head’! Customer service in any company has to be driven from all parts for it to be effective.

So rest assured – if you contact us you will immediately be in touch with a real person and start your journey of understanding why old fashioned customer service still has a unique place in our digital world!

Apprenticeships give young people fantastic experience in the working world and show employers that they can ‘hit the ground running’. Hands-on training gives apprentices a real chance to put their skills into practice and helps them to gain more confidence in a working environment. They also earn while they learn. Sygma currently has two apprentices.

Harry Lister is 18 years old and is currently in his first year of a four year course at Chelmsford College studying for his level 3 ‘Electrical Installation’. Harry works for Sygma four days a week, working with and learning from our experienced engineers and then attends college on a Thursday to study for his qualification.

Harry thinks that ‘…apprenticeships are important as it shows you what it is like in a normal working environment and everyday you’re learning something new. What I enjoy about the apprenticeship is the freedom that you have compared to an office environment and the people that I work with. I hope to gain enough knowledge from this apprenticeship so that I can do jobs on my own without needing help from my work colleagues. I would recommend other people to get apprenticeships as it gives you experience in a working environment and you learn all the skills along the way’.

Glen Bartlett is 25 years old and is currently halfway through his three year course, studying for his level 3 Electrotechnical qualification at ProCat College. Glen also attends college once a week and works alongside other Sygma engineers for the remaining four days. ‘On my apprenticeship I’ve been a part of some big projects and carried out various tasks under great supervision. You are able to learn the theory from college and put it into practice in the workplace and learn the skills required’.

As part of their ongoing training, Sygma ensures that both Harry and Glen also undertake all health & safety training alongside their colleagues through quarterly Toolbox Talks, online training and in-house training events such as Emergency First Aid at Work. In addition to this Harry and Glen also attend product training to ensure they continue to add to their ever increasing skill set.

Communication between the Colleges and Sygma is very important and both Colleges regularly liaise with us to ensure we are updated with Glenn and Harry’s progress, test/exam results and attitude towards their peers and tutors. It’s so great to report that we always get really positive feedback about them both.

Sygma’s MD, Kevin White states that ‘more employers are beginning to understand the benefits of apprenticeships. These include increased staff loyalty and retention; employees who have continual in-house training tend to be highly motivated and committed to the company’. Kevin also adds ‘Apprenticeships also provide a highly skilled future workforce which can only benefit Sygma long term and skills developed can be matched to our future requirements’.

Sygma truly believes that if a company is willing to invest in their team and support apprenticeships, it shows a positive approach to our ongoing CSR Policy, which in turn attracts more clients and further skilled team members.

A New Year brings the opportunity to review, make some changes and implement and initiate ideas which will take us forward in the new decade.

At Sygma, we have started 2020 with a toolbox talk at HQ. This gave Kevin, our Managing Director the chance to report on the 2019 calendar results which marked the company’s 18th year of operation! During this period of time we have seen huge changes in the electronic security industry, from camera technology moving from analogue to IP, the advent of analytics and biometrics, systems becoming more integrated and user friendly and customers realising that security systems can be utilised as positive management and health and safety enhancements rather than just to keep the bad guys out! Throughout this time Sygma have maintained their position at the forefront of technology, always striving to implement the latest and most efficient technology in line with the customer requirements. This has seen our excellent engineer team grow into a multi-disciplined and talented group with experience and qualifications that range from complex IP networking skills to heavy duty barrier and gate installation and repairs.

It is not only the electronic security industry which has seen profound changes during this period – the workplace has also changed beyond recognition, with flexible working hours now the norm and much more focus on the well-being of employees. With this in mind, we felt that it was a perfect opportunity to start the New Year with a talk on Mental Health Awareness led by Michelle Chapman from ‘We Are Thrive’.

Theresa – our Office Manager – who organised the session explained that ‘It’s so important to look after your team and ensure they are given the correct ‘tools’ for work, and not necessarily just hand-held ones’

In recent years, there has been a surge in positive attitudes about well-being in the workplace initiatives. Sygma recognises that supporting wellbeing in the workplace is vital if a business wants to progress and recognise that the way employees think and feel has a direct impact on everything from productivity to communication. Promoting good mental health is one of the most important steps to improving an organisation.

As well as the training session the team were given a factsheet of resources and phone numbers of who they can contact for additional support. One of the key organisations that can support is Mind – www.mind.org.uk as they explain ‘Smart employers know that organisations perform better when staff are healthy, motivated and focused. Research consistently shows that when employees feel their work is meaningful and they are valued and supported, they tend to have higher wellbeing levels, be more committed to the organisation’s goals and, importantly, they perform better too’.

Sygma have recognised this fact for a long period of time and we are proud of our employee retention rate with over 50% of our people exceeding their 10 year anniversary and this continuity of staff is key to being able to provide the best possible service to our customers, many of whom have supported Sygma from the very earliest days.

As part of our commitment to employees Sygma also conducts an annual, anonymous, employee engagement survey to ensure that staff can feedback both good and bad experiences without fear of negative repercussions. Anonymous surveys help managers get a clear picture of how their teams work, think, and feel, and can help them find patterns, fix problems, and communicate more honestly, openly, and effectively with everyone involved. This results in employees feeling understood, engaged, and appreciated.

We know that if we have a happy, motivated and engaged team at Sygma then this will help to maintain and improve our excellent customer service reputation, which year on year sees Sygma grow its Security and Fire businesses, based upon recommendations and introductions from existing satisfied customers. It is always a privilege to be recommended and we never take it for granted – we will approach this year as we did 18 years ago – as though it is our first day in business and we are setting out to forge a reputation for being the best Security and Fire business in the UK!

We look forward to an exciting 2020 and wish all of our customers a safe and prosperous one!

It’s been a busy Summer 2019 here at Sygma – May brought two new members to the Sygma team, Lee Ridgwell joined our team of Engineers and Mandy Wilson joined the admin team in the office. June was a busy month for our sales team getting out to see customers, and our engineers were at HQ for a toolbox talk. A time for tea and bacon rolls while the team learnt about Lone Working and PPE in a session led by health and safety consultant, Drew Hillyard of SMS UK. Health and safety is of paramount importance to Sygma and we, therefore, hold regular training meetings to reinforce this amongst team members. Topics covered often include essential training items such as RAMS, PPE and Working at Height.

July 2019 saw members of the Sygma team invited to Jardine’s Charity Day in aid of Whizzkidz. Sygma is very proud to support the Jardine Charity Day. The team had the chance to handle birds of prey and we captured some great photos.

Whizz-kidz.org.uk mission is to transform the lives of thousands of disabled children and young people in the UK who are waiting for a wheelchair that fits their young lives. They aim to provide them with the vital equipment, support and life skills they need, when they need them, giving them the chance to develop their full potential.

Sygma have continuously provided Jardine Motor Group with CCTV, intruder alarms, access control, perimeter security for more than 70 sites nationwide for over twelve years now, making them one of our largest clients. Sygma also provide a 24/7 comprehensive service and maintenance contract across those sites. The great news was that from the 1st July 2019, Sygma Fire also won the tender to provide installation and maintenance services across the group.

In July we also welcomed Harry, a work experience student for two weeks, who was able to see all parts of the business, including flying a drone under supervision from one of our experienced pilots.

In August, the office team were very grateful for the air conditioning on the hot days! Especially as the team have been having continual training on our service software system.

So, we entered September with lots of celebrations; wedding congratulations, work anniversaries and birthdays! We are doing our bit for the planet with our recycling box, our hybrid vehicles and we have our first fully electric vehicle on order.

Our apprentices, Glen and Harry start back with their regular college days this week, which is exciting. At Sygma we believe it’s incredibly important to nurture young talent and the feedback over the past twelve months for both of these guys has been phenomenal.

Getting ready for Autumn and the darker nights…Maintain Your System.

Regularly servicing and maintaining your security system will help to ensure its reliability, while reducing or eliminating any potential downtime. This is why you should consider the service and maintenance programmes available from Sygma Security. For more information contact us on 0800 743 6728.

24/7 Service

Remember that Sygma offer a complete service regardless of what day or time it is. Our main switchboard number is manned 24 hours a day*.