Dean Caplin, Managing Director of Scion Communications Limited, discusses developments in the fire and security industries and his biggest fire protection tip.
Please introduce yourself and your background.
I started my career within the cabling distribution business in sales, working my way up to becoming Sales Director, 14 years later. I was lucky enough to be supported by an amazing team and a fantastic Managing Director who helped me develop my skills to become a sales professional.
Then, in November 2002, my wife and I formed Scion Communications Ltd, supplying and installing telephone systems and network cabling services across the South of the UK.
As we grew the business, it became clear that expanding our portfolio in the fire & security industry was essential, so we strengthened our offering and built a great team to develop our business further, growing year-on-year to become the successful business we are to date.
The next fantastic decision we made was to become part of Ranger Fire and Security, where we work closely with the other industry experts in the team to help us service and support both existing and new customers across the country.
What have been the biggest innovations for fire protection the past 10 years?
Smart fire and intruder detection systems that use the internet have been the best development to help fire solutions become more intelligent. Detection systems now provide the earliest notification of any incident, allowing us to react quickly.
We are also seeing more AI technologies emerging, which will only improve over time and, as long as they are used correctly, have the potential to keep us all much safer.
What is your favourite thing about working in the fire and security industries?
Being able to use our knowledge and experience to keep people as safe as possible. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside a team of such brilliant staff as they all do their best to protect customers and their properties every day.
What is the best opportunity which has come about because of your involvement in industry?
The best opportunity for me has been the chance to set up my own business and through it help employ local people, all while working to keep people as safe and secure as possible. Providing an excellent service that’s helps keep us all safer is the best reward anyone could ask for.
What is your biggest fire protection tip?
The single biggest fire protection tip I can give is never think it won’t happen to you. Do the right thing and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and action the findings.
Describe your perfect weekend.
The perfect weekend would be spending time with my amazing wife and family enjoying each other’s company, laughing and joking around in our games room with a lovely cold glass of Pinot Grigio.
If you were not working in the fire and security industries, what would you be doing?
That’s a tough one as I am where I want to be but if I wasn’t, I would want to be in the fire brigade still helping to keep people safe.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Dedicated, resourceful and helpful.
