Established in 1996, from a garden shed, ClearView was initially set up to provide bespoke security solutions to the law enforcement market as a specialist CCTV equipment manufacturer. The owners, Chris Wilson and Paul Main, focused on manufacturing, servicing and installing specialist systems for the Police like video interview recorders and systems to decode evidential CCTV footage. Chris built the systems and Paul spent his time on the road, pitching ClearView’s products to police constabularies.
ClearView became a recognised name within the security industry thanks to their specialist security products and services. When the company recruited more staff, they moved to a larger commercial premises in Writtle Road, Chelmsford where they thrived, expanding their fire and security products and increasing their customer base.
In 1996 ClearView designed its first Police video interview recorder system “PaceNet”. This was followed by the world’s first universal Digital CCTV replay system in 2001. This enabled the Police and courts to replay any digital CCTV format on one system, saving a vast amount of time and police resource.
Following the company’s installation of one of the UK’s first (black and white) IP cameras, they slowly transitioned from an analogue technology business to digital/IT. As they grew, they got involved in larger CCTV systems like Thurrock and Basildon’s borough-wide projects. Clients wanted more than just cameras, which led to the incorporation of access, intruder and physical security into the portfolio.
Over time, the service business became increasingly significant due to the number of systems being maintained. ClearView’s product portfolio has continued to develop with the additions of fire safety and Passive Fire Protection.
In 2001, the company purchased their 2,000m² premises located on the Widford Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, turning a mechanical engineering workshop into a two-story bustling hi-tech office with the capability to design, manufacture and test security products and systems.
During 2014, ClearView designed their bespoke, award-winning ANPR system, GateREG. This has been widely adopted by the public sector and blue-chip companies who have benefited from using vehicle data to monitor and manage visitors.
ClearView has always operated to the highest standards, achieving and maintaining ISO 9001: Quality Management, ISO 45001: Health and Safety and ISO14001: Environmental Management. Staff are security cleared to the highest standards in compliance with BS7858. Our certification and accreditations level is assured through external annual auditing, which allows us to continually improve our performance and offer only the best products and services. With the recent employment of our HSQE Manager Sophie, ClearView remains one of the highest accredited companies within the fire and security industry. Sophie has also implemented thorough processes and put ClearView on the path to become NetZero by 2050, in align with the Science Based Targets Initiative. See our full list of accreditations here.
Since 1996, ClearView has received several company awards and recognition from various organisations, which testify to the quality of our products and services, our technical innovations, and the company’s growth.
ClearView has built many lasting relationships with various industry-leading clients across the UK, providing fire and security services and products. The company operates across market sectors including law enforcement, government, local authority, NHS, commercial, marine and rail. Over the last year ClearView has drastically expanded our major projects clientele, particularly within the construction Industry, across London and surrounding county’s.
Supporting the local community and charities is something ClearView has always been passionate about. We are committed to providing our support through our participation in charity sports events and active participation in local community charities and national fundraisers. Over the years ClearView has carried out many corporate social responsibility projects and participated in charity events and supported local charities such as a free security system install for the Sanctus Homeless Shelter and more recently CHESS homeless shelter. See our charity involvement here. We support our client Megaflatables every festive period, purchasing a Christmas tree, to contribute toward their Great Ormand Street fundraiser.
Every year, since 2005, the company gets a team together to take place in the Race 4 Business, raising money and awareness for St Helena Hospice. This brings businesses together to take part in a 5k race around Chelmsford and fundraises for a fantastic course. Last year we had our biggest turnout in runners, contributing and supporting the event and this year our goal is to surpass last year’s success and make an even greater impact.
In the past year, ClearView has undergone a transformative journey, marked by a comprehensive rebranding initiative and the exciting launch of our revamped website! Led by our Marketing Manager, Kyla, and collaborating with Reach Digital, we’ve dedicated ourselves to enhancing user experience with a sleek and intuitive interface, ensuring seamless navigation through our array of services. Amidst these efforts, we’ve not only refreshed our digital presence but also invested in upgrading and expanding our fleet. As part of our commitment to the new brand identity, we proudly unveil a fresh design for our company vans, aligning perfectly with the essence of our rebranding endeavours.
Due to significant growth of the company and its departments, in 2023 ClearView has undergone a organisational transformation. The company now operates with three Directors, each responsible for their own departments – Service, Projects, and Fire. With the introduction of these new roles, each business unit has a defined set of core responsibilities:
- The Service Team is committed to delivering exceptional customer support and maintenance services, ensuring that clients receive prompt and effective assistance whenever needed.
- The Projects Team focuses on planning, executing, and managing a diverse range of projects, tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each customer.
- The Fire Team is dedicated to enhancing fire safety solutions and products, ensuring that businesses and individuals have access to state-of-the-art fire protection systems.
While the three business units have distinct roles, ClearView emphasises the importance of collaboration among teams. The company’s culture fosters a collaborative spirit where the Service, Projects, and Fire teams work closely together to provide comprehensive support to all customers. This integrated approach allows us to offer a holistic and customer-centric service that sets it apart in the industry.
With these organisational transformations, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. The company is dedicated to enhancing its offerings, expanding its reach, and staying at the forefront of its industry.
We have revamped our company values to align with the positive changes we have implemented, these include:
- Honesty and Integrity
- Loyalty
- Solution Driven
- Professionalism
- Passion
We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 28 years. We would like to thank all our loyal customers, staff, technology partners and suppliers that have helped us achieve year-on-year growth and look forward to the business’s future expansion and development.
I’m very proud to have been involved with ClearView from the very beginning. Watching the company evolve and develop through the years has been rewarding, exciting and fun! It has also been satisfying seeing staff progress and develop in their careers and in their personal lives. One of the reasons we’re still around after 28 years has been our ability to successfully adapt and change to our environment – whether it be new technology, changes in legislation or a global pandemic! I continue to be excited about ClearView’s ambitious growth plans under the leadership of Abi, Alan and Luke our three departmental Directors – supported by a fantastic team. – Chris Wilson, Chairman and Business owner.
