It was a case of first things first when a Burnley firm celebrated a proud 21st ‘birthday’…For Alert Fire and Security invited their first-ever customer as special guest to help blow out the candles on the milestone anniversary!

Current managing director Trevor Shanley’s opening job on launching his business back in 1994 was to fit a house alarm for husband-and-wife, Dave and Barbara Bradshaw, at their home in Ighten Hill.

“Trevor was just a teenager back then, but a young man destined to do well and we have watched with interest how Alert has developed over the years,” said Dave. “I used to work with Trevor’s dad at British Telecom in Burnley and was only too pleased to be able to help him get things going all those years ago. Barbara, who then worked as a secretary at Burnley College, also typed up his first business plan.”

Trevor and his wife, Nicola, also a director of the company, were joined at the celebration by other customers, along with staff from the Burnley branch of The Prince’s Trust, from which Trevor won a £2,000 start-up grant.

“I have always retained a strong connection with the Prince’s Trust and it was fitting that we went back there for our 21st. We also used Leanne Cawtherley, of the Sweetest Thing Bakery - another business started with help from the Trust - to provide our birthday cake.

“In business you are always thinking about the future, so it was nice to take a little time just to look back and reflect. Alert has come a long way since 1994 and I am very proud of our standing and reputation within the industry.

“It was great to see some old friends and particularly pleasing to hear that the alarm I fitted for Dave and Barbara all those year ago is still working fine!”