When I was first approached about joining Adept, I’ll admit it — I had never heard of them. Not a clue. But after reluctantly agreeing to meet the Board and hear their vision, something clicked. The ambition, the drive, and the determination to transform the business into a force for good was magnetic. I walked away from that meeting knowing this was a journey I needed to be part of. Little did I know just how much of a journey it would be!
The Early Days: Chaos with a Capital “C”
Let’s be honest, the early days were a bit of a mess. Systems were archaic (or nonexistent in some cases), most people were on casual contracts, and structure? What structure? It was clear that Adept had the potential to be something extraordinary, but there was a lot of work to do to get there. We had to start with the basics — building a foundation that not only worked but could grow with the business.
Transforming Employment Practices
One of the first things we tackled was employment practices. Casual contracts were swapped out for secure contracts that gave employees stability and a sense of belonging. We took the bold step of becoming accredited as a Real Living Hours Employer, ensuring that everyone working with Adept had not just fair pay but fair hours, too. It was about more than compliance; it was about doing the right thing for our people.
This commitment to fairness and inclusion led to us being recognised by the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter — a badge of honour that validated everything we’d been working towards. It wasn’t just a tick-box exercise; it was about creating a workplace culture where everyone could thrive.
Getting the Structure Right
With our employment practices on the right track, it was time to tackle the bigger picture. Building the right structure for the business was essential. We reorganised teams, brought in talented leaders, and put systems in place that could support the business as it grew. It wasn’t easy — we made mistakes along the way — but each challenge made us stronger and more determined to get it right.
Moving Office and Building a Hub for Excellence
A huge milestone in our journey was moving to a new office. It wasn’t just about needing more space; it was about creating a place that reflected who we were becoming. Alongside this, we invested in building a brand-new CCTV Control Centre — a state-of-the-art hub for incident management and national operations. This wasn’t just a step up; it was a giant leap forward, positioning Adept as a leader in technology-driven security solutions.
Taking the Business National
As the structure, systems, and culture came together, so did our ambition. What started as a regional business began to grow beyond its roots. We took Adept national, expanding our services across the UK while staying true to our values. It wasn’t just about growth for the sake of growth; it was about creating opportunities, making an impact, and showing that ethical business practices can drive success.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. From the chaos of the early days to being recognised as leaders in employment standards and security innovation, the journey has been nothing short of transformative. And while we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, we’re not done yet. The future is bright, and we’re ready to take on whatever challenges and opportunities come our way.
To anyone reading this who’s considering a partnership with Adept, all I can say is this: if you want a team that puts people first, embraces innovation, and has the courage to do things differently, we’re the right fit for you. Here’s to continuing the journey and making an even bigger impact together!