We recently caught up with our Group Chief Executive Officer, Claire Owens, to discuss her vision for the company, the current industry landscape, how Alpine creates the right culture to ensure success, and the ways in which we’re geared up to tackle sustainability goals head on. 

You’ve now been here for more than half a year. What’s your vision for the company and how will you make it happen? 

Our aim is to become the leading fire detection and suppression specialist for complex environments and continue to be recognised for our technical excellence and ability to come up with innovate solutions. One way we’re planning on achieving this is through strategic acquisitions – a prime example being the recent acquisition of DAS Fire. Acquisitions like this help us expand our service offerings and build on the level of expertise and knowledge the team has. Another key focus will be investments into technology, our employees and sustainable practices to enable us to meet the evolving needs of our clients and maintain our strong market position. 

What issues are the industry currently facing and how are you addressing them? 

All organisations in our sector are facing a number of challenges which include changing regulations, the need to keep pace with technological advancements and the ability to maintain operational efficiency in a very competitive market. One of the most pressing issues however is the much-reported skills shortage which is a prevalent issue spanning engineering, manufacturing, construction and beyond. To address this we’re proud to have developed our ‘grow your own’ programme which gives talented engineering professionals of tomorrow the opportunity to learn on the job with us, develop their skills and find the niche that suits them. This ensures we have an adaptable, innovative team who can maintain our high standards of service as we continue to grow. 

What steps is Alpine taking to reduce its environmental footprint and improve sustainability? 

Sustainability is fundamental to everything we do here at Alpine. A key component of this, which is driving our mission to be greener and cleaner, is our Alpine Fire Campaign. The focus of the initiative – given that fire suppression systems require significant water usage – is to recycle and conserve water. As a result we’ve worked to develop solutions which minimise water consumption while maintaining maximum effectiveness. These systems reduce environmental impact and also offer environmental gains for our clients. We’re determined to continue to progress these technologies going forward. 

How do you ensure Alpine maintains a culture of innovation and continuous improvement? 

We know that our people are our strongest asset, and our seven core values are designed to foster a culture of creativity and instill a desire to keep learning. These values – People-Focused, Integrity, Teamwork, Customer Service, Humility, Expertise, and Dedicated – are embedded into everything we do, creating an environment which encourages collaboration and ensures a commitment to delivering high-quality fire suppression solutions. We also continuously invest in the professional development of each member of the team which ensures they never stop learning and have opportunities to rise through the ranks.  

And finally, the speed at which technological advancements are taking place means companies have to be agile and innovative. How does Alpine ensure it stays ahead of the curve? 

We’re experts when it comes to designing bespoke schemes and systems that are tailored to the unique needs of each client and are therefore used to embracing technological advancements to provide the most efficient and effective solutions possible. And because our team is constantly upskilling its knowledge and expertise, they’re always equipped to deal with the latest trends and infrastructure updates. A recent example is how we’ve integrated 3D scanning and laser technology into our design and installation processes, with these tools proving particularly valuable in complex or older buildings. The software allows us to capture precise measurements in challenging spaces which maximses accuracy and efficiency. We never settle for the status quo at Alpine, and are always looking at ways to optimise our procedures and practices to deliver the highest quality service for our clients.