In an emergency, our fire protection systems and equipment are often the first line of protection afforded to some of society's most vulnerable people. This is not a responsibility to be undertaken lightly. Our standards, accreditations and conduct are all intended to exceed the minimum requirements of the Fire Protection Industry. We aspire to emulate best practice as it evolves, and employ consultants to ensure that our senior management is kept appraised of technical developments, changing standards of compliance and potential legislative developments. This sense of responsibility extends to all of the stakeholders in our business. To date, this has consisted of our suppliers, our Board of Directors, our customers and our staff.
In order to deliver a great service at a competitive price, the Company's core strategy has been to build durable long- term relationships with these stakeholders. We are committed to building strong bonds with our suppliers based upon mutual respect, good communications and a strong payment profile. Since the appointment of a new Managing Director, Michael Knight, in February 2006 the current Board of Directors has authorised a capital injection in order to best equip our people for the challenges of their roles. This has allowed work to proceed on the introduction of a new management information system and a centralised database, both scheduled for implementation early next year.
We take responsibility for developing the careers of our dedicated and highly qualified engineering and administrative staff, some of whom have been with the Company for 25 years. In 2008 we will be submitting an application for ‘Investor in People’ accreditation. We offer flexible work practices that enhance the work/life balance of our staff and, above all, we recognise that we need to keep them informed of the Company's direction and to encourage their input in the running of the business.
We focus on understanding our customers' requirements, as laid out in their initial service agreements, and strive to meet their performance targets, as measured by preordained key performance indicators (KPI). In our experience, the most efficient way to provide outstanding customer service is to develop a rapport with administrators and their site representatives. Such a rapport can only be built on the free exchange of high quality management information, good channels of communication, mutual respect and a commitment to respond constructively to clients' needs.
The sophistication inherent in the Fire Protection Industry has evolved beyond all recognition since the incorporation of UK Fire in 1973; UK Fire has successfully evolved with it. The Company has constantly adapted in order to respond to the changing needs of our clients. At the beginning of the 21st Century, with concern about environmental degradation mounting, we are determined to recognise that the local community and wider world also have a stake in the way in which we conduct our business.
We recently introduced new energy-saving technologies at our Ashwellthorpe factory and have sought to introduce low emission vehicles into our car and van fleets. Our Environmental Management System now sits at the heart of the business.