An expanding Wilford Company is set to grow further with the coming arrival of services on Nottingham’s extended tram network.
FSE Fire Safety Systems Ltd, which provides fire-fighting products and services to businesses, has plans to increase its headcount by 14 staff over the next three years, as it takes advantage of the increased connectivity the new tram line will deliver.
FSE celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and currently employs 32 people. The company also has plans to employ two apprentices over the next 12 months.
Stuart Rye, Managing Director at FSE, says: “We’re a growing company, so why wouldn’t we be positive about the increased opportunities the new tram line will bring?
“Nottingham’s traffic problems have been well-documented, but the chance for us to hop on the tram to get into the city centre for business meetings or even lunch gives us a whole host of new options. It also means we’ll be able to attract the best staff.”
Tim Lamb, Director of the Company’s Security Division, added: “I’ll be able to use the Wilford tram stop to go into central Nottingham to undertake meetings with FSE clients, which will be more convenient, economical and environmentally friendly than using my car.”
Michelle Blanchard currently works in the company’s customer services department and lives on the north side of the city. She said: “I’ll now be able to increase my part-time hours with the company as by using the tram I’ll spend less time travelling and stuck in traffic after dropping my little girl off with the childminder.”
Stuart added: “As we enter our second decade of trading, we’re in a great position to push forward with our expansion plans. The tram coming straight past our front door is the icing on the cake.”
Phil Hewitt, Chief Executive of NET concessionaire Tramlink Nottingham, said: “The expansion of the tram network will create an easy-to-use and reliable cross-city transport link that will help people to access jobs across Nottingham.
“From the start of the project, creating employment opportunities for local people has been a key priority.
“Hundreds of local people have also been employed by contractors working on the construction of the new lines to Chilwell and Clifton, and over 115 operational staff have been taken on by NET ahead of the expansion of services. We also expect many more jobs to be created in the wider economy and we are delighted to see
FSE Fire Safety Systems Ltd. become one of the first local firms to take advantage of the city’s improved transport infrastructure. We wish them every success in the future.”
Councillor Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see a local company such as this one embracing the coming of the tram extension and realising the benefits this will bring to staff and customers as well as aiding their further expansion.
“Creating and encouraging economic growth along with easing congestion have always been key elements to the NET Phase Two expansion, and the management and staff of FSE Fire Safety Systems Ltd can see how the new services will help them to make their lives better and help their company to keep growing. I wish them every success.”
Pic shows (l to r): Tim Lamb, director of the security division at FSE, NET Marketing Manager Jamie Swift, FSE managing director Stuart Rye and Michelle Blanchard of FSE beside one of the new Citadis trams that will help bring staff and clients to their Wilford HQ.