BauWatch UK - Profile
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perhaps with your grandchildren, and know that you have done something for the greater good, for future generations.
“Haniel specialises in entrepreneurial business that can grow very quickly. They are particularly skilled at identifying technological spaces and leveraging them, which is why they acquired BauWatch,” says Alexis.
“We’re a new player, but it’s great to be able to say that we are backed by such a massive and profitable parent company,” adds Head of PMO, Nicola Newall. “Haniel are very proactive in talking about how they invest and how they want us to grow, and CEO Thomas Schmidt is incredibly passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Basically, it’s a really good company and it is refreshingly modern.”
“Haniel has invested in getting everything right to begin with,” continues Alexis. “This has enabled us to have our own delivery fleet and drivers, rather than use external subcontractors. We have also recruited staff ahead of requirement – not too far – but they have become busy very quickly.”
The Haniel connection is undoubtedly useful, but BauWatch is not the only provider of CCTV monitoring equipment. How do you differentiate?
“We say that we switch on so that you, the customer, can switch off,” says Alexis. “Our clients should be confident that they are not going to be disturbed by thieves, vandals or other intruders. What we do is offer a solution to such problems. We also have an app, so that customers can see what our cameras are picking up.”
Our clients should be confident that they are not going to be disturbed by thieves, vandals or other intruders
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And what sort of support do you provide once the towers are installed?
“We always speak to clients first, to understand what they need protecting and when, then we program the computer to do that. During that time, the cameras are armed and the AI is acting. Computer analytics determine any false alarms, then the clip is sent to an agent at the UK control centre to be assessed – the response time is less than 60 seconds.”
BauWatch towers are hired rather than bought, although the company might consider sales further down the line. What sort of towers are UK customers renting?
“Solar Duo towers are increasingly popular – they are quite unique, in having a methanol fuel cell on board. Battery power and fuel level are monitored remotely and the towers can work around the clock, even when it isn’t sunny. They can run for up to six months, autonomously.”
You market the current range of BauWatch towers, but are there any new products planned or in development?
“Yes, we have a new product coming out in about a month called ‘The Cube’ It’s a slightly smaller version of our solar towers. It’s still no lightweight, but it will be able to run for 12 months autonomously.”
BauWatch UK is a relatively new brand in the UK and is not yet a year-old. How is the word spreading? Commercial Marketing Executive (and apprentice) Kim Webb picks up the question:
“We have a sales team covering the whole of the UK, but we also have a charity referral
scheme in place. When an existing customer refers BauWatch to someone else – either another site that their company owns or an entirely new account – the referee receives a week’s free hire period of a GreenLight tower and we’ll gift 5% of the tower price to one of three charities that the existing customer can choose. They are Lighthouse, Mind and Make-a-wish.”
Speaking of customers, who has been using BauWatch towers in the UK so far?
“Right now in the UK, we are trading with Barratt, Bovis, Taylor Wimpey, Costain, Balfour Beatty, Churchill Retirement Living, Wilmott Dixon, Morgan Sindall, Langdale and Tesla – that one really has the potential to really roll out,” says Alexis.
Lastly, not quite a year into the UK market, what’s the mission going forward? Alexis gets the final word:
“I think the opportunity is there for us to be the number one provider in temporary security in the UK. Last year was about getting established, finding the right team and proving the concept. This year is grow, grow, grow. The German division got to 2,500 towers in five years, but I don’t see any reason why we can’t get to 5,000 towers within seven or eight years.”
Which is where we leave it. My thanks to Alexis and his team for an illuminating visit, and to Louise Smith, who arranged the meeting and literally couldn’t get a word in edgeways. Be sure to keep an eye out for BauWatch towers on UK sites in future.
Or it might just be that they are keeping an eye on you… n
SILENT SENTINEL Prevention is usually better than cure – and often cheaper. Find out about BauWatch UK and the full product range at
www.bauwatch.co.uk
July/August 2022 - Executive Hire News 23
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