How long before we see the ‘Uberisation’ of the Fire and Security industry?

We are all familiar with Uber. The world’s largest taxi firm which doesn’t in fact, own a single taxi. Similarly, Airbnb, the largest provider of accommodation, that doesn’t own property. The media is currently centred on Pimlico Plumbers and the grey space that surrounds the UK’s booming ‘gig economy’.

So just how long will it be before someone enters the Fire and Security industry with an ‘Uberised’ model? and the industry is turned on its head. For years the Fire and Security sector has been reliant on sub contract labour for installation services. The rapid growth of the Uber model begs the question, how soon before the industry is solely reliant on sub contract labour? It’s safe to say the business model has considerable appeal.

Pros

Low overheads - organisations can reap the benefits of having reduced or even non-existent overheads. When we combine this with the growth of technology including the role of virtual assistants, we have entered a realm of overhead minimisation.

High profit - reduced overheads and a reduction in employee benefit payout, results in return. Pimlico plumber’s business model has seen a 2017 turnover of £35 million.

Staffing efficiency - Contracting can provide cost savings by only having staff as and when they are needed, a human form of inventory control.

HR issues - Contracting minimises the need for many HR services seen in conventional business models, contractors are ready and waiting to go.

It is important to consider that there are potential negatives to the business model:

Cons

A consistent quality of work - Do contractors provide the same consistent quality of work? this is hard to ensure. There may be an absence of training or standard practice compared to when directly employed by a business.

Accountability - Who would be accountable for a dissatisfied customer, the contractor? It is worth considering the complexities of the business models and current ‘grey’ legal regulation in this area.

The quality of the sub contractor - do they have the adequate structure, the correct insurance? These are questions that need to be answered.

The potential for industry development in the Fire and Security space is exciting, yet potentially turbulent. Companies should be aware of the growing business model and simultaneously a growing talent pool familiar with and even eager to work, within the gig economy.

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