Part One: The Summer Rush Problem
Another academic year nearly done and the Summer holidays are almost here. But whilst your pupils are planning their six weeks off, there is something important you need to sort out before September arrives.
Every year, we see the same thing happen. Come late August, schools across the UK suddenly remember they need their fire safety systems checked and certified before the new term. The phone starts ringing off the hook, appointment diaries fill up overnight, and suddenly everyone is in a panic trying to get the same service at the same time.
Why Summer Actually Makes Sense
Think about it – during term time, getting any major work done is a nightmare. You are trying to schedule engineers around lessons, playtime, assemblies and everything else that keeps a school running. Half the time, they cannot get to the areas they need to check because there is a class in session or the corridor is full of children.
But during the Summer break? It’s a different story entirely. Our engineers can actually do their job properly. They can test every detector, check every panel and inspect every inch of your fire safety system without having to work around your timetable. They can take the time to do things right, rather than rushing because the next lesson’s about to start.
It is not just about convenience either. When we are not constantly stopping and starting around school activities, we can spot problems that might otherwise get missed. That dodgy detector in the year 6 classroom that has been playing up? We can properly investigate it. The control panel that has been giving occasional false readings? We can actually trace the fault without twenty interruptions.
The August Scramble
Here is what happens when schools leave it too late. August rolls around, and suddenly every school in the area realises they need their fire safety sorted. Our phones go mad. Schools that have never called us before are suddenly desperate for immediate appointments. The ones that book with us regularly are competing with new customers for diary slots.
The result? Schools that planned ahead get their pick of appointment times and dates. They get our full attention and our best service. Schools that wait until the last minute? They are lucky if they can get squeezed in at all.
And it is not just about availability. When everyone wants the same service at the same time, costs go up. Emergency callouts cost more than planned maintenance. Rush jobs cost more than properly scheduled work. Schools that wait often end up paying premium rates for what should be a routine service.
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