Since starting with our business in 1999, Karen has specialised in passive fire protection and technical insulation, accumulating expertise and seeing the industry evolve in both areas, giving her a unique perspective which she uses to support customers. In this blog, we talk to Karen about her vast experience, professional development and the importance of relationships.
Whether a specialist contractor, main contractor, housebuilder or builders’ merchant, in depth familiarity of our manufacturer partners and their products, as well as a trusting relationship with customers allows Karen to ask pertinent questions so that the right passive fire protection solutions are supplied as required or specified.
Karen credits much of her learning and expertise through dedicated supplier training. Karen comments: “Attending supplier training and with leading brands in specialist areas such as passive fire protection is invaluable. The training includes product demonstrations and updates which are particularly helpful when learning about practical applications. Visits to manufacturing plants is very good too for that insight into how products are made and gaining valuable hands-on application experience.
“Understanding product features and benefits, and the specific detail often associated with specialist products, means I can support customers more effectively. It ensures I ask the right questions so that I can fully understand project needs and identify if for example, ancillary products are required or if I need to provide guidance on a system approach.
“Ongoing training combined with longstanding experience is very important, allowing customers to place their trust in my support. I’m looking forward to further developing my knowledge in passive fire protection going forward.”
Karen expands: “My experience in both passive fire protection and technical solutions helps me to take a more holistic approach to project support. Fire protection projects often also require support in other areas such as pipework, so my knowledge across both areas is beneficial to customers.
“The type of support will vary too depending on project type. For example, my work can range from supplying a fire protection contractor on a national infrastructure project through to supporting an interiors contractor with an office refurbishment or an office to residential conversion project for a façade contractor. The diverse range of projects I’m involved in not only reflects the variety in my day-to-day work, but also the importance of experience and knowledge across product areas and applications.
“Since I joined Encon, I have seen attitudes to passive fire protection shift, and particularly since the Grenfell Tower fire. Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, more clearly defined specifications now ensure different products work together to provide an effective solution. Similarly, there has been a growing trend towards a system approach so different system elements work together as the manufacturer intended.”
One thing that hasn’t changed during Karen’s career is the importance of relationships with both customers and manufacturers, which remain key to effectively supporting customer projects.
Karen explains more: “There is no substitute for strong, trusting relationships in this industry and I thrive in meeting customers and suppliers and putting names to faces. In-person meetings help me understand customers’ project requirements on a deeper level so I can give them the support they need, while working closely with suppliers allows us to share technical knowledge which can be passed on to customers.
“We hosted our inaugural Burning Wisdom Fire Protection Showcase at East London last year, and it was a fantastic opportunity to build a rapport with customers and suppliers and participate in training and sharing knowledge. The positive feedback we received from the event demonstrated how valuable these days are for our sector.
“Without the strong, trusting relationships with our suppliers and customers, it would not be possible to provide the level of service we pride ourselves on.”
Karen’s vast experience in passive fire protection has given her a comprehensive understanding of the sector, directly benefitting her customers. Karen’s technical knowledge and strong relationships allow her to offer unmatched customer service to customers at our East London branch, helping provide them with the solutions and support they need.
For support with your next passive fire protection project, email eastlondon@encon.co.uk or call 0208 526 8440.
East London also benefits from a Trade Counter, providing customers with the flexibility and convenience of collections. Visit the trade counter at:
Encon & Nevill Long East London
Binary Park,
Choats Road,
Dagenham,
RM9 6RJ
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