law


She added: “Fire safety is very much a cottage industry that Amanda has a deep knowledge of. We always feel we are in a safe pair of hands.”


Strong relationship


Paris Smith’s relationship with Churches Fire has gone from strength to strength since then. With Brockwell as the key point of contact, other services provided by the firm include working with partner Laura Trapnell on GDPR issues, partner Chris Holliss on business dispute resolution work, and partner Clive Dobbin on employment issues.


The Horizon investment was completed in 2017 and the new stakeholder in the business has also been happy to retain Paris Smith as Churches’ main law firm. “It’s nice that they have also kept with us rather than insisting on using their own London-based lawyers,” said Brockwell.


The relationship with Churches is based on Paris Smith being open and transparent with its client. Brockwell said: “They challenge us on things, which is the sign of a strong relationship and they are always very fair to deal with.”


Staff focus


Rapid growth since 2017 has seen Churches’ turnover increase from £3.5 million to £42m. “We currently have five acquisitions in the pipeline,” said Hayes.


The workforce is now over 450, with over half of them technicians and around 50 project managers, fire risk assessors and designers. Most staff are based at the company’s head office in Chandler’s Ford with a team of account handlers at its other main office in Dinnington.


Churches has taken a ‘Google-style’ approach to the modern design of its head office, so staff feel motivated, relaxed and looked after. “We make our office space pleasant to work in. A lot of our people spend a lot of


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time on the road, which can be quite lonely, so having a welcoming office environment is important,” said Hayes.


The original directorate is still heavily involved in the business along with the new wave of directors. “It is a great collaborative environment of experience and new skills that will keep us moving quickly,” said Hayes.


The company’s expansion has seen it recently strengthen the leadership team. It has set up an M&A department, led by M&A director Stephen Riley and integrations director Simon Burns. Charlie Haynes was appointed CEO in May 2019 and David Chennell joined more recently as CFO.


“We’re really pushing into new areas, especially in security and fire doors. We are now a top-three provider and probably one of the fire safety industry’s fastest growing integrators,” said Hayes.


Churches’ customer-centric approach is typified by the service it offers when products need to be replaced. “Most competitors charge for the parts plus the labour cost. We have a set price, however long it takes to swap out the parts. This not only streamlines our business but it gives our customers real transparency in what we do,” notes Hayes.


Mutual respect


A similar caring approach and attention to detail is what keeps Churches’ relationship with Paris Smith so strong. “The secret of our successful relationship is understanding their business goals and drivers, as well as their culture,” said Brockwell.


For Hayes, the approach of Brockwell shines through. “It’s unusual for businesses to have women in senior positions and I think we pave the way for others, which Amanda does through her professional work and in mentoring her colleagues. She clearly cares about her profession as well as her clients,” said Hayes.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – MAY/JUNE 2020


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