5 minutes with… John Greig

Being part of a wider group (Marlowe Fire & Security Group) has given us the privilege of acquiring and where appropriate integrating other businesses that we feel sit well within our portfolio. Whilst it’s always exciting for us, we also understand that integration can be a time of great change – for everyone involved, including customers, office and operational Team members.

Having been through this process many times now, we have a fine-tuned integration process led by an experienced team who work hard to ensure everyone is kept informed and supported, but today we’re hearing from an Engineer who’s been through the process recently to get his perspective on it all.

So, let’s meet John Greig, a Lead Engineer here, who has been through this process before.

5 minutes with… John Greig, Lead Engineer at Marlowe Fire & Security

What is your job title and role?

I’m a Lead Engineer for the minor works department, looking after Wales, West Midlands, East Midlands and East Anglia, managing seven Engineers.

What is minor works you may ask?
Well, it’s a department that carries out small installations or additions to commercial, residential or domestic properties.

What are your main responsibilities?

As Lead Engineer my role is multi-faceted. I’m responsible for ensuring that the Engineers remain up to speed with training, regulations and policies as they are ever changing! I also work closely with the scheduling team to ensure that parts are delivered ahead of time and that the Engineers diaries are used as efficiently as possible.

I am also the first port of call for any issues or challenges that may arise from either Engineers or our customers and for any technical reviews on quotations. This means I’m often jumping on the laptop to assess critical, urgent or standard technical reviews so we can quote for new jobs accurately. This means we get it right first time, everyone’s clear about the pricing and time allocated to install jobs and the customer is happy as they have clear expectations with minimum disruption on the project.

Whilst I’m still quite new to the role I’ve been an Engineer with Marlowe Fire and Security for 2 years so have fostered many good relationships along the way. I have over 15 years’ experience in the industry so I do what I can to pass my knowledge and experience to DRS, Account Managers and Engineers.

What is your main objective within this role?

My most important objective is to ensure that all our customers receive great service delivery. If there are incidences when that hasn’t happened, I try to establish the reasons why and work on changing practices to ensure it doesn’t happen again. I also support the Engineers with their professional development to ensure that they become multi-disciplined, therefore enabling wider products and services to be delivered to a high standard.

By working so closely with the Scheduling Team, it allows me to ensure that the Engineers’ workload is managed effectively and their parts are delivered in advance to minimise delays.

What jobs did you do prior to joining us? What prepared you for your role here?

My background is in projects and installation. In the past I have previously managed my own projects and installations. This included distribution of materials, resource and organisation skills to make sure all projects were completed on time or ahead of schedule. As my confidence and knowledge has developed over time, it’s allowed me to use those skills to manage other Engineers and promote new working practices within the teams I have worked in.

What’s the best thing about working at Marlowe Fire & Security?

Being part of a bigger team that all works towards the same goals and values. It has also been great to see the minor works department thrive and grow as it has and to be a part of that. I have been able to share my thoughts and opinions on changes to working practices which have always been respectfully considered, which has given me the confidence to develop my skills and knowledge over time.

What has been the highlight of your career at Marlowe Fire & Security over the years?

Around a year ago I was fortunate enough to be invited to install the intruder alarm in the home of the publisher who originally published the works of J.R.R Tolkien (Lord of the Rings creator). This was an experience I will never forget!
I’ve also been very committed to expanding and maintaining the minor works department into the team it is today, by being flexible and driven to move it forward.

Tell us about the integration of FSE into MFS?

I can clearly remember the initial meeting where the FSE team was gathered together and told we were being acquired by Marlowe. Naturally, there were some initial reservations about this but within the early months I saw the potential that laid ahead and the resources that Marlowe Fire & Security could provide to Engineers, as well as customers. Firstly the Marlowe Academy, which is the in-house training facility for Engineers and other operational staff. Secondly, the volume of Engineers around the country that could provide a quick and concise call-out ability and reduce the area of coverage for individuals.

Did you feel supported during the integration?

I felt that we were well supported and always kept abreast of future changes which were on the horizon. This made it a very seamless transition.

Tell us how your role changed post integration. What were you doing before vs. what you are doing now?

I was an installation/project Engineer dealing with any medium to large installs in the East Anglia and London regions. I also supported the service side as and when needed. My role changed from having to cover a vast area of the country to now being able to work closer to home. My work/life balance has vastly improved, and I have more time to enjoy my hobbies. My working role has changed as this is no longer staying away for extended periods of time. Before the integration, it was not unusual for me to be staying away from home for months at a time. Since integration has happened, I am usually only away for a few days at a time.

Are you working on any special projects that would be interesting to this interview?

Marlowe Fire & Security recently won the contract for a national hotel chain. I saw this as an opportunity to expand my skill set, so I managed to learn the installation of a highly specialised system (with a little help from a few system veterans – Karl Rudge, Connor Evans and Dan Gabblins) and am now responsible for overseeing minor work delivery on this contract.

What has been your greatest personal achievement?

This may come as a shock to some people, but I have a real fear of flying and heights which is still the case to this day. Around 6 years ago I went on holiday to France where I completed a bungee jump from the tallest structure in Europe!

What makes you most proud of your team/company?

On a daily basis I get to witness Engineers of differing lengths of service and experience, work together to achieve great end results. I am proud of the way all of the different departments work together to ensure that customers receive the best service.

Where were you born/where did you grow up?

Born in Scotland and have been in England since I was young.

Do you have any pets?

3 dogs and a cat…. for now!

What’s your favourite place in the world and why?

Of all the places I have visited so far I would have to pick Durness in Scotland because of its beautiful scenery, the people and the history it holds.

What’s on your bucket list?

To explore Japan!

Who are your fantasy dinner party guests – dead or alive?

Sean Connery, Billy Connolly, The Two Ronnie’s and Angela Lansbury.

What are the best things in life?

Food, family, health and happiness!

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