Growing fire and security firm launch new franchisee in Manchester

An IT and engineering professional with international experience has become the manager of a fire and security’s new Manchester franchise.

Mohammad Salim Iqbal, 30, is heading up Jackson Fire & Security’s expansion into Manchester and will be putting his extensive technology knowledge to use, particularly on the security services.

The launch of the Manchester franchise further strengthens Jackson Fire & Security’s foothold in the north west. The firm also has franchisees in Warrington, Liverpool, the Wirral, and Bolton.

And Salim, who studied electrical engineering at National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences in Pakistan, is looking forward to transferring his skills to the fire and security industry.

He said: I have worked for a large international company as well as smaller businesses, in both large and small team structures, and the varied nature of those organisations will stand me in good stead.

“My roles required me to be switched on to technology developments, and ensuring the clients had the best possible solutions for their business needs, as well as making sure it was future proofed. This will give me an edge, especially on the security side.

“For example, CCTV is no longer just a camera recording a certain space. It’s much more sophisticated including accessing live footage on mobiles, as well as forensically analysing film to quickly and easily identify the incident.”

And after spending two years in London, Salim is excited by the prospect of building a Jackson franchise in ‘the capital of the north’.

“The training aspect has been very in-depth and thorough, including time spent with key people across the business from engineers and project managers, to marketing and back office support,” he added.

“I’m looking forward to getting out and about to meet new people and building relationships. The north is the place to be for business, particularly with the progress and development of the Northern Powerhouse. I view Manchester as the capital of the north and the opportunity to help Jackson Fire & Security expand into this city was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“In addition, my brother Kas runs a manned guarding business, Agile Guarding Services, which is an SIA (Security Industry Authority) and Safe Contractor approved company. The company provides manned guarding, key holding and alarmed response services throughout the North West of England.

“Therefore, there are lots of avenues for working together on projects to provide clients with a comprehensive fire and security solution.”

Jackson Fire & Security employs 43 people across its franchises in the north west, North Wales and Cheshire, Guildford, Teesside, Walsall, Cambridge, and Leeds.

Formed in 1991, the company has built a reputation for quality, reliability and service and is NSI gold-accredited for fire and security systems.