AI Issue 12 2017

Acquisition International - December 2017 39 HornerSalus Ltd are an event safety consultancy that provides advice, guidance, documentation and other services to various creative industry clients from live events, fashion, design, hospitality and sports. We spoke to Chris Horner to find out a bit more about the company and the services it offers. stablished in 2010, HornerSalus has since flourished and today the firm supports and assists a wide variety of clients, ranging from large industry leaders to sole traders, as well as various other companies and organisations, including venues, nightclubs, charities, art galleries, production houses, trusts, property developers, museums and start-ups. To support these clients, the firm works hard to ensure excellence and offer them the very highest standard of service. Chris tells us more about his business and the ongoing strategy that has contributed to the company being named Best for On-Site Safety Management in the UK in the 2017 Global Excellence Awards. “As a niche consultancy, we have a non-typical approach to health and safety which is often met with intrigue, as new clients can be quick to judge based on the typical health and safety officer stereotypes. However, we are always very thorough and the team are able to communicate effectively with businesses such as venues, corporates, individuals, security firms, designers and local authorities, to ensure cohesive understanding. Fundamentally, at HornerSalus, we overcome any issues when faced with ominous challenges from our clients, as opposed to taking the easy route and simply saying no.” Thanks to this client focused approach, communication is key to the success of the company, and as such Chris is eager to go into further detail about this and the other techniques that he believes are essential to achieving success in the industry, discussing customer service, experience and constant training. “Customer satisfaction is vital in the events industry, as word of mouth is key and typically leads to strong relationships, which can then become self- promoting. Ensuring sustained performance levels with a mindset of only being as good as the last Company: HornerSalus Ltd Contact Name: Chris Horner Telephone: 020 8954 6333 Website: www.hornersalus.com Keeping You Safe E 1711AI87 project really helps to define our output, and keeps us refreshed whilst always looking for ways to improve the services we offer. Having the requisite knowhow to provide best service to our clients, old and new, is certainly high up there in terms of what should be provided, and as such we are regularly improving our knowledge base, attending training courses and preparing ourselves for changes in regulation and practices.” Additionally, maintaining and building relationships are prerequisites for the team when approaching a new project and client. Chris ensures right from the start that the outcome meets the needs of everyone involved, and as such he is keen to highlight his belief that is it important to listen and understand expectations of others. “Throughout every project, we always aim to develop a one to one and personable relationship with new clients. We meet with them, listen to their requirements and work with them to identify a suitable solution, being mindful of their budget and any other constraints. Furthermore, we pride ourselves on being accurate with timelines and deliverables, whilst constantly being accountable and transparent, leaving the client free to enjoy their event safe in the knowledge that they are in capable hands.” Looking to the future, HornerSalus, is keen to build upon its current success and grow even further. As such, the future looks exceptionally bright for the company, as Chris proudly concludes. “Since inception, we have grown organically, working at our own pace and making each project our own. The plan was never to be a certain size or have a certain turnover, but to continue to support our existing clients and the new ones we acquire every week with a great service. There is a huge amount of enjoyment in the work we do, as there are almost always results to be achieved, whether that be a successful event, design installation, licence renewal, fashion show, venue capacity increase, car launch, ISO achievement or a one off never done before stunt. If the majority of our work was to provide policy documents for example, or to review a host of third party credentials then I am sure we would not have the same sense of achievement! Lastly, we have been very lucky to be part of many high-profile projects and continue to be.” “...maintaining and building relationships are prerequisites for the teamwhen approaching a new project and client.”