I4S video: Richard Jackson on the Gate Safe Campaign

2012 heralds the 65th Anniversary of one of Kent’s most successful and renowned independent businesses: Jacksons Fencing.

The company was originally established back in 1947 by Ian Jackson and his father Harry to provide chestnut stakes and fencing to local farmers.

Fast forward to 2012 and Jacksons Fencing designs, manufacturers and installs a wide range of security fencing and access control products for the residential and commercial sector, supplying both the domestic and international markets.

In 1982 Richard Jackson, the current CEO and son of Ian Jackson, masterminded the company’s entry into the security market with the development of a design and manufacturing facility for steel fencing and gates and the creation of a new division serving commercial clients.

The company’s expansion represented an opportunity to target a new customer base as the business began to produce steel fencing, gates and other innovative access control products specifically designed to cater for a wide range of applications: from Government departments to commerce and industry.

As well as continuing to service the agricultural and equestrian sector, Jacksons’ clients base now spans a wide range of additional industries, including residential, schools and colleges, mental health, prisons, high security Government sites (including MoD locations and Embassies), commercial developments and data centres.

Expansive product range for customers

The company’s product range now includes residential fencing and gates and associated garden products, commercial security fencing and access control products, environmental (acoustic) fencing and gates, equestrian and agricultural fencing and gates, playground and sports fencing, security toppings, detection systems, crash fencing and gates, bollards and secure storage.

In addition to this extensive portfolio the company also boasts an impressive reputation for the design and manufacture of bespoke perimeter security/access control solutions to deliver a tailor-made response to any residential or commercial application. Examples of the company’s bespoke service can be viewed throughout the UK and abroad, and include the entrance gates to Butterfly World near St Albans, a new bedroom for ‘Jums’ the elephant (at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent) and a four-metre high acoustic gate to span a nine-metre opening for a major supermarket chain.

In a suppressed economic climate where businesses are failing by the day, to what does Richard Jackson attribute the company’s continued success and expansion?

“Within Jacksons,” he said, “there has always been – and will continue to be – an overriding commitment to the delivery of exceptional quality. Quality not just in terms of the high calibre products that feature in the Jacksons portfolio but also in relation to the experienced and dedicated customer care and service for which we’re renowned.”

He continued: “As an independent family-run business we always strive to go the extra mile to ensure our customers – either trade or consumer – enjoy a positive and favourable experience of the Jacksons brand, and we will continue to make this a major priority.”

Building on the heritage

The CEO went on to state: “Our quality heritage extends to the durability and lasting legacy associated with our products, courtesy of our unique 25-year guarantees across our timber and steel ranges. We believe that – especially in current times – customers need to be sure that any investment they make in their outdoor space/perimeter security, represents a well considered and cost-effective solution.”

For Jackson, the extended life span of the company’s products has other important implications, too.

“In relation to our timber products, ‘buying once’ also represents a responsible approach to sustainability by minimising the environmental costs. These established principles combined with the company’s commitment to innovation and diversification have helped to drive the business forward.”

In a year when the British brand is being actively promoted, it’s certainly heartening to hear of a Kent-based British company that designs, manufactures and installs high quality goods benefiting from the ‘buy British’ campaign.

What’s happening with Gate Safe?

In fitting tribute to a business which has always placed its customers in the highest regard, Jacksons is also putting something back into the industry by way of the pioneering Gate Safe campaign.

Founded by Richard Jackson, and to date totally funded by the company, Gate Safe works tirelessly to raise the standard of safety in relation to automated gates following the tragic deaths of two young children in separate automated gate accidents in 2010.

Already commended by the Health & Safety Executive, the Gate Safe campaign is attracting the attention of a number of industry bodies (including RoSPA) and key influencers involved in the installation of powered gates.

Most recently, local MP Damian Collins has also expressed an interest in Gate Safe’s work and has added his support to the initiative.

Watch Info4Security’s exclusive video interview with Richard Jackson (below) for additional detail.