James Bailey is one of our most experienced engineers having installed over 50 sites for us from gyms and trampoline parks to restaurants and pubs. He’s a perfectionist and all-round great guy, so let’s find out what motivates him as a Project Engineer for Control Group.
What is it like when you arrive on site to start an install?
My first visit to site is usually for the site survey, the client at this stage usually has a lot of questions about how we will integrate all of our systems so I talk them through this explaining all the different benefits of what our install offers, such as remote access to CCTV footage. We also discuss the drawings of the site layout and decide if any improvements can be made. When I am on site for system commission the client and the staff have a mixture of nerves and excitement (sometimes they’re tired as well!) because us going in usually represents the end of a long period of planning and they are near to launching their new venture, be that a fitness centre, restaurant, retail space or trampoline park to name but a few. Meeting the client is the most exciting part of the install. I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and asking them about what they do and what they have already achieved - I find that really interesting.
What kit to you install? What functions to each of these serve?
The kit that we install helps protect the premises and the people inside from any harm, that may be anything from physical harm to theft. We install NVR media servers to monitor the site. These cameras are IP based and use the latest technology to provide the clearest images. Clients can download an app or software which allows them to view the images remotely from a phone or PC. An alarm system is installed which integrates into the NVR, this allows the alarms to go through to one of our monitoring station so that out of manned hours the client has the confidence that any issues which may occur will be dealt with quickly and professionally.
I also install AV systems which can include things like a virtual jukebox so the client has full control over the music that plays in their premises. It’s a great bit of kit because they can set playlists for different times of the day depending on how busy their business might be or the mood they want to create. In gyms, one of our areas of particular expertise, I install a separate music system into the studio that allows the instructors to bring their own music and playlists whether that be from a phone or CD. We also provide a microphone for the instructors who like to be heard. We provide all the cardio machines with TV and internet so members can watch TV or catch up on Facebook gossip while they work out. Trampoline parks must ensure they are able to manage claims, risk and liability so we install tailored CCTV storage systems. These can provide up to 12-months of backups which is proving invaluable to the operation of our clients’ trampoline parks. The IT equipment we provide allows includes wireless access points which allow staff to work on mobile devices. Lots of the sites I install are part of multi-site operations. In these cases, we install a wireless access point for our clients’ customers, the password for the customers’ wi-fi is the same for all sites so that their device will automatically join the wi-fi if they use a different site. This is true for gyms, trampoline parks, anywhere!
Do you have to work with other trades when you’re installing a new system?
Sometimes, yes I do and as I have now been at Control Group for almost two years I have built good working relationships with the other vendors on our large accounts. I keep in close contact with all parties through the project to ensure the install goes as smoothly as possible.
How does a site look when you’ve finished?
The sites always look fantastic when they are finished, because everyone involved works to a very high standard. Especially trampoline parks, the colours, equipment, lighting and signage make every one feel really dynamic. The security equipment and CCTV cameras aren’t intrusive either, they’re discreet, the sites always look great!
