Smoke Screen Services Ltd is a small expanding company, it specialises in design, supply and installation of smoke ventilation systems.

Allan set-up SCS with a partner 13-years ago, in that time it has become a well known brand and a leader in its sector thanks to Allan’s vision and desire for constant improvement. He has embraced Knowledge Management (KM) and installed an IT system that encourages people throughout the company to share information on best practice. This has helped speed up work and made the company more productive. He ensures staff have the latest and most suitable tools and equipment to do the job and encourages staff to make the use of flexible working hours. Allan has nurtured a ‘blame free’ culture making sure people learn from their mistakes, giving everyone from shop floor to management confidence and the ability to share and learn from each other’s experiences. Allan studied the amount of time the company wasted on unsuccessful tendering and suggested working with strategic customers could be more profitable. Together with KM the partnership has had a major positive effect on the business as a whole. Allan communicated well with all his staff to make them aware of the advantages and received their support. He has initiated meetings with partners and suppliers in an attempt to change working practices and has enjoyed some success, which is an achievement in itself as the construction trade is not known to be receptive to change. Allan encourages and supports his staff through training and development and by setting clear business goals. Because of his approach, staff morale and retention is high. Allan has turned SCS into an award winning company that encourages all employees to support each other. Colleagues say Allan’s vision, innovation and charisma have made the company a success.