Trading since 1979, it's fair to say we've seen it all. From businesses struggling with lost keys and shared fobs to schools wrestling with safeguarding obligations and commercial premises facing insurance claims because their access control couldn't prove who was on site when something went wrong.
Here at Blake Fire & Security Systems, we're a family-run business based in Southend-on-Sea. Over the past four decades, we've helped hundreds of organisations across Essex and London transition from reactive, problematic access control to systems that actually work for them. And the transformation? It's often more dramatic than people expect.
We often hear this when we arrive for a site survey: "Well, it works... sort of." That phrase tells us everything we need to know. Poor access control isn't just inconvenient - it's costing your business money, time and sometimes reputation.
When systems are outdated, poorly managed or not fit for purpose, the problems don't announce themselves dramatically. They creep in gradually, persistently and expensively. Lost keys mean emergency locksmith call-outs. Shared fobs mean you've no idea who's actually on site. Forgotten codes lead to staff locked out whilst contractors walk freely in restricted areas. Without proper tracking, theft investigations become impossible, and compliance checks become a nightmare.
After forty-plus years installing and maintaining access control systems across Essex and London, we can spot the warning signs a mile off. Here's what typically prompts businesses to call us:
One of the subtlest warning signs? When your staff start creating workarounds. Propping doors open. Sharing fobs. Bypassing the system because it's "too difficult". These well-intentioned shortcuts completely undermine your security - and increase your liability in the eyes of insurers and regulators.
Access control has evolved dramatically - and as NSI Gold accredited installers, we're proud to work with the best manufacturers in the business. We're Gold installers for Paxton and accredited partners with Fermax and BFT, which means we can offer you genuinely smart, secure and user-friendly solutions.
'Net2 Entry is so easy to use. It's useful for Reception staff to be able to see who is trying to enter before letting them in. We have peace of mind that the children are safe and only authorised people are in the building at all times.'
– Trudi Manicom, Business Manager, Chalkwell Hall Junior School
Today's systems offer capabilities that simply weren't possible even five years ago. Mobile credentials mean staff use their smartphones to access buildings. Biometric authentication provides security without the risk of lost fobs. Programmable access means your cleaning team can only enter certain areas during specific hours. Cloud-based platforms let you manage everything remotely and update permissions instantly.
Crucially for businesses with hybrid work patterns, multiple contractors or flexible schedules, modern systems are responsive. Temporary passes, scheduled entry permissions and instant revocation all reduce risk whilst maintaining operational flexibility. And because everything's logged automatically, audits become less stressful and far more accurate.
Blake Fire & Security Systems holds:
We've held accreditations like these for nearly two decades because we believe your business deserves professional protection.
When we design and install access control systems, it's never just about the kit. It's about compliance, and compliance affects everything from your insurance premiums to your legal obligations.
Several key standards must guide every installation. BS EN 60839 defines performance and design standards for electronic access control systems. Any system logging user data must comply with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Fire safety regulations require access systems to fail-safe in emergencies - they must never hinder evacuation. And NSI or SSAIB certification ensures you're working with installers who follow best practice in design, installation and maintenance.
Insurance Impact: For larger premises or those with high-value stock or sensitive information, many insurers insist on specific standards. Meeting these from the outset makes renewals easier and reduces the chance of claims being denied due to inadequate security infrastructure.
One of the most common concerns we hear: "Will upgrading mean weeks of disruption?" The short answer is no - not when it's properly planned and installed by people who know what they're doing.
Here's how we typically manage the process:
Our Access Control Manager, Mat Finch, and his team assess your current system, identify security risks and understand your staff movement patterns. We've been doing this since 2008, and we know what works.
We select access control points and permissions based on your actual needs, not off-the-shelf assumptions. Every business is different, and your system should reflect that.
We design systems to meet all relevant compliance requirements and plan installations around your operations to minimise downtime. Often, we can work outside normal hours if that suits you better.
Your team receives straightforward training to ensure the system is used correctly and confidently. We explain things in plain English, not technical jargon.
With our maintenance contracts, you're never left struggling. We're a local, family-run business - we're not going anywhere, and your guarantee will be honoured.
For larger sites, upgrades can often be phased. This means you can start with the most critical entry points or areas and roll out new infrastructure gradually. We'll help you create a roadmap that spreads costs and avoids overwhelming your internal teams.
We carry substantial stock at our Southend headquarters, and we work closely with local suppliers like our Fermax partner in Basildon. This means quick turnaround - we've often started work the next day when clients need urgent solutions. Other suppliers like BFT offer very fast delivery too, so you're not waiting weeks for equipment.
'As one of the world's leading manufacturers of video door entry and access control systems, Fermax is pleased to be associated with Blake Security as an accredited preferred installation partner in the Essex and North London Region. Blake Security has the technical know-how and professional approach that we look for when accrediting our installation partners.'
– Steve Nuttall, General Manager, Fermax UK
Once the new system is up and running, the reduction in support calls and admin hassle often pays for itself within months.
We're big enough to cope with complex Access control installations across schools, factories, care homes and commercial premises throughout Essex and London. But we're small enough to care - you'll speak to the same people, and our engineers are polite, trustworthy and fully qualified.
Our track record speaks for itself:
We only use quality equipment from trusted manufacturers because we value reliability over false economy. Your system needs to work when you need it. And we don't want to keep returning to fix problems - that increases running costs for you and wastes everyone's time.
One of the major advantages of working with Blake's is that we're a complete one-stop shop. Access control doesn't exist in isolation - it should integrate seamlessly with your CCTV, fire alarms and intruder detection systems.
Because we install and maintain all of these systems, we can ensure everything works together perfectly. Need your access control to provide roll call data in an emergency? We can do that. Want your CCTV to record when certain doors are accessed? Done. Require time and attendance tracking integrated with your access system? No problem.
And because we're part of Blake Contractors Ltd, any electrical or building work required for the installation can be handled in-house without sub-contractors. That means better coordination, clearer communication and accountability under one roof.
We work with hundreds of schools across Essex and London, and we understand that safeguarding isn't just a compliance issue - it's about protecting children.
A professionally designed access control system allows reception staff to control who enters the school building. Visitors can be granted temporary access. Staff can be restricted to certain areas during specific time periods. Pupils can be prevented from exiting certain zones during school hours.
This level of control goes a significant distance towards satisfying Ofsted over your safeguarding arrangements. And with access rights managed digitally, there's no risk of lost keys or staff forgetting to collect them back from contractors.
We're proud to be Gold installers for Paxton, and their Net2 access control system has received "Secured by Design" accreditation from the Police. This national crime prevention initiative only awards accreditation to products meeting established security requirements.
The high standard of manufacture and finish makes Paxton a great brand to work with. The software is powerful but simple to use, and the system is easy to add on to in the future. That means your initial investment isn't wasted as your business grows or changes.
If you're still dealing with poor access control - keys going missing, people getting locked out, permissions that are hard to manage - it's time to consider what it's really costing you. Not just in money, but in time, stress and potential risk.
And more importantly, how much smoother things could be with a reliable, compliant, modern system that simply works.
Contact Blake Fire & Security Systems to discuss your requirements. Call us on 01702 447800. We'll conduct a thorough site survey and design a system tailored to your business needs.
Whether you need a full system overhaul or a phased upgrade, you'll get the support, compliance and confidence you need to keep everything secure and straightforward.
Because when access control is done right, it's one less thing for your Responsible Person to worry about.
