Hochiki Europe stalwart Graham Lowe announces retirement

As he steps into retirement, Lowe has offered a somewhat unique perspective on the remarkable transformations that have occurred within the fire detection industry and how Hochiki Europe in particular has adapted to remain at the forefront of developments.

Looking back on your tenure at Hochiki Europe, what are some of the most significant changes you’ve witnessed in the fire safety industry?

Graham Lowe: For those practitioners resident in the UK’s fire safety industry, the single most impactful change was undoubtedly the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Implemented on 1 October that year, this legislation established a robust framework for fire safety regulation across all non-domestic premises in England and Wales including workplaces and the shared areas of multi-occupied residential buildings.

The Fire Safety Order places the onus squarely on the ‘Responsible Person’ – typically the building owner, employer or whomever has control of the premises – to ensure fire safety compliance. This marked a significant shift from the previous reliance on annual inspections by the local Fire and Rescue Service. ‘Responsible Persons’ hold full legal accountability for fire safety within their buildings.

The impact on the fire industry was immediate. At the time, we witnessed a surge in demand from customers during the year of implementation. Notably, there was a discernible move away from fire detection products being sold directly over the counter. Instead, the focus shifted towards specialist fire alarm installers and integrators possessing the necessary expertise to design and implement compliant fire safety systems.

This development transformed the industry, placing a greater emphasis on professional fire safety solutions and risk management strategies.

What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time as managing director at Hochiki Europe?

Graham Lowe: During my tenure as managing director, I’m most proud of building a strong senior management team. This team brings together the experience, expertise and skills needed to propel Hochiki Europe forward.

The team harbours an exceptional sense of togetherness, which is crucial for the company’s continued development and success. Strong communication is central to our team’s operations and absolutely reinforced by a clear mission statement.

There are four key pillars that guide our growth: expansion, efficiency, value addition and employee engagement.

Expansion is all about strategically growing our market reach and influence.

Efficiency references continuous improvements for our operations to optimise performance. Value addition concentrates on delivering exceptional value for our customers and partners and employee engagement relates to fostering a positive and motivating work environment for our team.

One of the most important things we’ve done – and will continue to do – as a senior team is to invest in the company’s future. The acquisition of Apex House was a goal I’d been working towards for several years and one that facilitates further investment in our Gillingham production infrastructure. This will allow us to even better serve our customers here in the UK as well as those in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.

What challenges have you faced when leading Hochiki Europe over the years, and how did you and your team members overcome them?

Graham Lowe: My tenure as managing director hasn’t been without its challenges. Two major events stand out. The first was Brexit. Leaving the European Union ushered in a period of uncertainty, with new procedures and legal issues that continue to evolve.

While Brexit presented its own set of hurdles, nothing could have prepared us for the unprecedented global crisis that followed: the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latter exerted a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, with staff facing personal and professional difficulties. As a business, the most immediate challenge was the complete disruption of supply chains globally. Manufacturers around the world faced issues in terms of sourcing third party products and group-manufactured goods through to securing essential electronic components. Everything was affected. Shipping delays became the norm, further complicating business’ ability to meet their production demands.

For Hochiki Europe, overcoming these obstacles required a collective effort. Strong teamwork and clear communication were essential between the management team and staff. Our Human Resources Department played a pivotal role in ensuring the Health and Safety and general welfare of all employees during the pandemic.

Our focus wasn’t solely internal. We understood the importance of transparency with our customers. We kept them informed of the ever-changing situation, the actions we were taking to mitigate disruptions and when they could expect resolutions. This open communication fostered trust and helped us to maintain strong relationships throughout this challenging period. Indeed, this period served to establish a way of working that we continue to foster today.

How has Hochiki Europe adapted to meet the evolving needs of its customers across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa?

Graham Lowe: Hochiki Europe is committed to providing exceptional support for its customers around the world. That’s why we made strategic investments years ago in establishing Hochiki Middle East, the Hochiki India Branch Office and Hochiki Italia. These entities allow us to deliver enhanced local support, expand our reach to new customers and, ultimately, fuel global growth.

There have been positive outcomes of these investments for Hochiki Europe’s customers. They emphasise the company’s proactive approach to international support and the resulting growth opportunities.

Do you have any plans to remain involved in the fire safety industry in any capacity?

Graham Lowe: Having spent so long operating in the sector, I have no doubt that I will retain my interest in the fire safety industry. It will be difficult to let go of that association.

What advice would you give to young professionals interested in a career in fire safety?

Graham Lowe: My advice to young professionals entering the fire industry is simple. It’s a secure and standards-driven field with consistent demand. However, in order for professionals to truly thrive, remaining updated on the latest developments is crucial. Those entering the sector should consider specialising in a specific area in order to become an expert.

That’s why Hochiki Europe is heavily invested in the future of the fire industry through the Hochiki Training Academy, which provides ongoing education and training opportunities, ensuring that our industry colleagues have the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

The fire safety industry offers not only stability, but also the profound satisfaction of serving to protect lives and property. By constantly improving fire safety measures, we contribute to the well-being of communities worldwide. Our hope is that the Hochiki Training Academy empowers individuals to become valuable assets in achieving this essential goal.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience at Hochiki Europe?

Graham Lowe: Looking back on my time at Hochiki Europe, it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I started as a regional sales manager and steadily progressed to the role of managing director. This experience has fostered immense personal and professional growth.

One of the greatest privileges of my career has been collaborating with our diverse team members: the true Hochiki family. Together, we’ve had the opportunity to work alongside exceptional customers from all over the world and experience different cultures. This cross-cultural collaboration has been a source of immense pride and learning.

Finally, what are you most looking forward to in your retirement?

Graham Lowe: Retirement promises exciting new beginnings. I’m looking forward to tending to my garden and pottering about in the greenhouse, enjoying quality time with my wife and family and, hopefully, fitting in some regular rounds of golf.

After 50 years of dedicated work, it’s time to unwind and relish this well-deserved next chapter.

*All of us here at Fire Safety Matters and Western Business Media join the entire team at Hochiki Europe in wishing Graham all the very best for his well-deserved retirement

**Further information is available online at www.hochikieurope.com