Watchu Security celebrates 15 years with new Hautapu home
Cambridge firm Watchu Security is celebrating 15 years of business – a milestone that coincides with the development of their new customdesigned premises in Hautapu.
Founded by Cambridge locals Justin Fisher and Adrian Holmes in 2007, Watchu has grown to a team of more than 30 people, with three sites across New Zealand. The business delivers integrated security solutions to clients around the country and is one of New Zealand’s leading providers in the security technology space.
Watchu Co-Founder and Director Justin Fisher says the business is fortunate to provide security solutions to blue-chip New Zealand businesses with a strong focus on long-term relationships.
“We support our clients closely. Our clients are the key contributor to our longevity,” said Justin. Later this year, construction will begin on Watchu’s new Hautapu premises, a custom-designed facility that will support the business through their next phase of growth.
The duo believe Cambridge is the ‘prime position’ from which to drive the future of the business.
“It’s great to see how Waipa has evolved into a hub of commercial and social opportunity. Waipa and especially Cambridge are now true leaders in work, live, play and lifestyles – all on our back doorstep,” says Justin.
The new premises will feature a customer experience centre, larger open-plan offices, and a large tech space for the team to test and develop security systems.
“We look forward to showcasing some state-of-the-art products. We’re also expanding our engineering workshop by 300 percent to allow us to manufacture multiple gates and security accessories at the same time,” Justin said .
Reflecting on their past, they both agree the business has experienced ‘massive change’ over the last 15 years.
“Naturally any business around for 15 years morphs and grows into something barely recognisable from where it started – it’s the same at Watchu,” comments Justin.
“However, even from the start we knew what we wanted to offer our clients a full security package,” adds CoFounder and Director Adrian Holmes.
“We have added extra services over the years to achieve this, such as inhouse gate manufacturing and data and fibre cabling infrastructure, and we’ve grown our abilities in CCTV and access control.
“As our clients’ businesses grow, we’ve adapted our services and expertise to support this and meet their security needs.”
Adrian says he feels Watchu has done well. “We’re constantly looking to learn and improve from our team and upskilling wherever possible as a result of the industry changing significantly over this time, with advancements in technology and data use we always need to keep our finger on the pulse and stay close to the front of the business.”
As a result of these changes, Justin says Watchu is not just a security business anymore.
“We are lucky to have such a great team which is how we have been able to grow to where we are now. Our technicians and engineers are highly skilled, and the admin team help to harness that; providing the service that Watchu is now renowned for.” “We can’t thank them enough” they both agreed.
Adrian says the design and construction of the new premises has “taken a village.”
“Aaron Guerin and the team at LAD Architecture helped take our ideas and put them on paper. Matt Mudgway at Savannah Construction also had key input, showing us the best ways to utilise the site and the team at Cogswell Surveys continue to be integral to the project.
“The groundworks have begun with Curin Contractors getting the site ready for KiwiSpan to erect the shed later this year and Savannah Construction all lined up to build the offices.
“We are a local business, born and bred, and are proud to support local,” adds Adrian
Justin and Adrian acknowledged how they have played a part in thousands of projects like this over the past 15 years, implementing security solutions across New Zealand for all sorts of businesses. “Now we have the opportunity to create a practical, comfortable space for us to thrive in which will help us grow and maximise our potential.
“We now have the scale, the expertise, the resources – and soon, the premises. All we can say is: watch this space!”