John Allam, Operations Director Amthal fire & Security
What does ‘Fire protection’ mean to you?
When we started Amthal, we launched just as a security company, and established our strapline as ‘protecting what’s precious.’ As we began to embrace fire protection, I believe the same sentiment applies.
What’s your all-time favourite movie?
Home Alone (the original!)
If you weren’t in the fire industry – what would you be doing and why?
I would be a Farmer as I love the countryside, being outdoors (whatever the weather,) and driving tractors.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Someone once told me that you don’t need to know everything, but instead to surround yourself with people who have their own specialisms. Everyone has their own interests and it’s great to learn from them.
Describe yourself in three words?
Passionate, enthusiastic, driven. But it does depend who you ask!
What makes you excited about the future of the fire industry?
It’s increasing prominence, especially with the new fire legislation, focussing on the provision of systems for early warning of fire, extinguishing of a fire and accessible routes from buildings to escape a fire.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to spend more time mentoring, and learning myself new ways of installing, especially as systems grow smarter. Alternatively, driving my tractor!
What did you do before this job?
I left school and did a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) course in motor mechanics, before working at a Land Rover dealer as a mechanic for 4.5 years. It’s around then I started Mobile Discos too.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your CV?
I once did a fire walk just to see if my feet would melt! I am also supporting a three peaks challenge in 24 hours, providing all the transport for the team.
What is one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban?
I would make Friday night drinks compulsory and would ban paperwork! I am not an admin person (my wife will agree!) and so being stuck in the office for this is the worst.
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Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@firebuyer.com
