Exclusive Q&A with Jim Foster, Access Security Products

Jim Foster, Managing Director and Business Owner of Access Security Products (ASP), is relishing a post-pandemic marketplace.

What makes Access Security Products stand out in such a competitive marketplace?

We have a great culture at ASP. Whether you are an employee, partner or client; we’re honest and approachable. We appreciate that other distributors may have a competitive edge in some areas however, we won’t be beaten on service.

We pride ourselves on finding the correct solutions for our customers and always go the extra mile, after all how many businesses would open on a bank holiday to deliver products for that last minute breakdown?

Product-wise we like to offer something unique; our maglocks for example available in special finishes, from brass to anthracite grey giving that extra touch to the finished job. We offer bespoke metal solutions, our in-house designers can provide drawings for customised intercom posts, security consoles, protective rain covers and more.

We are the official UK import partner for Farfisa Intercoms giving us a unique competitive edge when providing door entry solutions.

Our Farfisa Installer partnership project in the UK which recognises and rewards installers has been a hit. We offer programming of Farfisa DUO-BUS kits before they leave us which saves time spent on site by engineers.                                                 

How has the distribution market changed over the past two years?

The impact from COVID-19 was instantly noticeable with our workload shrinking by 75% overnight however by mid-May we started to see the recovery. By June, we had adapted to the new normal which, for us, included large orders of our touch free exit devices, which we’d been promoting over the more traditional exits for a few years pre-covid and had plenty of stock to fulfil orders received.

All in all, despite the slower months in 2020 our industry has bounced back well. Away from the product side of the business the major battle has been with the rising cost and component availability. By early 2021, the industry accepted that prices were on the rise and the normal responsive next day delivery services could not always deliver.

We are however growing and are grateful to be part of a robust, thriving industry that has bounced back bigger, better and are ready to go from strength to strength.

How important is your partnership with Farfisa?

ASP have over 20 years of technical experience with Farfisa products, making us fully equipped to lead the UK market in the supply and support of Farfisa products and installation partners. 

In April 22, ASP signed a new comprehensive distribution agreement with Farfisa.

This will enhance the existing partnership and provide a secure framework on which to continue building the Farfisa brand across the UK in the coming years. We have a great working relationship with Farfisa Italy, they are extremely happy to support us when needed, and we are grateful to have them as backup with any bizarre technical queries we may get. 

Now COVID-19 restrictions have eased, we look forward to visiting our Farfisa colleagues in Ancona, Italy, to further strengthen our partnership and learn of new developments for the next year.

We are proud to be leading the UK supply of Farfisa products. We know we have the full support of Farfisa and their values match ours – to supply quality products and aftersales support to our clients.                                                                                                                        

Can you tell us more about Farfisa’s Astro Monitor?

The stylish new Astro monitor received positive comments at its launch at The Security Event earlier this year.

Visitors were impressed by the fresh design, satin finish, enhanced functionality, and ease of assembly and use. The design is particularly refined with the aim of offering maximum ease of use with large keys, ergonomic handset, luminous signals, with simple and intuitive icons. 

Astro is available on BUS wiring for DUO systems.                                                            

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

An exciting year lies ahead for Access Security Products and its partners. We are constantly looking to improve our product knowledge and have various staff training days diarised with suppliers enabling us to deliver the best service, support, and advice to customers. Following the success of last year’s BBQ trade day, we are pleased to announce that it will be returning this year on 18 August 2022.

The event was a huge success bringing together suppliers, customers and friends in a relaxed environment whilst raising funds for Cavernoma Alliance UK, a charity close to the hearts of all at ASP.            

This article was originally published in the July edition of International Security Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.