Stephen Goodridge, SEC Business Development Manager, Record UK talks market needs, being nimble and breaking the mould.

Can you tell us about why you joined Record UK and your day-to-day role?

I joined Record two years ago to take on the role of turbo-charging our security entrance control portfolio of speed gates, turnstiles, security revolvers, portals and one-way exit lanes.  I am by nature a ‘big picture’ sort of guy, so I was attracted by Record being an established brand name in the UK for Pedestrian Entrance Solutions and being wholly owned by ASSA ABLOY (which has over 53,000 employees worldwide).

My focus is on enhancing our presence as a trusted provider of pedestrian security products in the UK, but I also have an important role within the ASSA ABLOY Group to help and assist my colleagues around the world. I do everything from initial sales contacts, specification, and consultancy to helping project managers and making sure our processes are fit for purpose.

How would you describe Record UK’s approach to product development?

Record has a reputation within our sector of quickly bringing quality, complicated products to market very reliably and very quickly.  For example, during COVID we were asked by one of our key accounts, Tesco Stores, to develop an electronic queuing solution. Time was of the essence of course as everyone was trying to build one. We developed our solution from concept to initial pilot in just six weeks. So, our approach is very much focused on market needs, being nimble and entrepreneurial and breaking the mould. Our new Impression speed gate with its variable length pedestal is a perfect example. We developed that from scratch in just seven months because we already own so much relevant technology and have all the design, engineering, testing and production processes in place. We’re very lucky. It’s not so easy for others.

What key challenges has Record seen in today’s market?

It has been a challenging two years.  With the geopolitical and economic situation, the market has faced significant challenges. Recruiting the right people has been tough. Good people, not least engineers and experienced sales staff are in high demand. But we focus on our culture and aim to create an environment where people can thrive. We regularly see people coming back to us when they find the grass isn’t greener.

What have been the biggest moments of 2023?

2023 has been a big year for us. We have established ourselves as a trusted manufacturer of pedestrian security products in the UK market. We have seen installations across the country from Sumburgh in the Shetland Isles to Exmouth Leisure Centre on the south coast.  It has been pleasing to see how many excellent reference sites we have.  One of our proudest moments has been the entrance solution for the 2022 new gym of the year, Luxe Fitness in Bristol.

What are Record UK’s plans for 2024?

What is certain is that 2024 is going to be another exciting year for Record. As part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, we shall be continuing to extend our portfolio of Security Entrance control products and to widen our security certification credentials.  Our new speed gate, the Impression, was launched last month and we have some exciting plans for developing on an already exciting base. Watch this space!

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