SESS Ltd was established in 1987, and was originally set up to provide a rack safety inspection service that was totally unbiased, as the company did not carry out repairs of any type and had no connection with any manufacturer or installer. This was the very first company of its kind. Its aim was to provide the client with not only a totally unbiased view, but as much information and support as possible. The Head Office is located in Cramlington, Northumberland. Our team of Inspectors cover all of the UK, Ireland, Europe, Carribean and North America.
WLN – As a leading supplier in the Warehouse Safety (Racking) category, what has the last year been like for your business? How about for the rest of your sector?
Business has been truly phenomenal, we have been in a position to employ more staff to cope with the increase. More and more clients understand their responsibilities in terms of taking ownership of their equipment and look to have external inspections carried out. I believe there is a fair upturn in business in our industry generally.
WLN – What are your best-known products and services?
We are known primarily for our inspections and inspection and maintenance training courses.
WLN – What makes you the first choice supplier in your field?
Our independence is key to our business. More and more clients understand the benefits of independent inspection: we have no vested interest in finding damage in their warehouses, therefore they take comfort in the fact that our reports give an accurate account of our findings. Our coverage is also key as a number of our clients have multiple sites based around UK, Ireland and Europe.
WLN – What changes have you made to your core offering in the last year?
As a business, we are always trying to improve the service we provide to our customers. Customer requirements vary dependent on the type of warehouse facility they run. We try to encompass their requirements whilst remaining in the realms of our guidelines.
We provide as much information as possible, along with management information. Our service does not finish once the inspection has been completed, our Technical Department is available to assist with any issues the client may have during the year, at any time.
WLN – What new products and services have you introduced?
Whilst we do not carry out repairs to racking, we are always looking for products that will enhance safety in the warehouse. Currently we are promoting a unit called Collision Sentry. This unit clamps on to the corner of a racking upright, and the sensor will detect if there is two way activity as in an operative working in the aisle and a fork lift truck operating in the adjacent aisle. This rather inexpensive item eliminates two-way collisions. A number of our clients have purchased these and are delighted with the results.
WLN – What industries are your customers in?
We have a very diverse customer base, from blue chip organisations to small sites with one or two bays of racking. We will inspect any type of storage equipment in any warehouse environment, regardless of the type. This includes bespoke and fabricated racking.
WLN – How do your products and services help customers become more efficient, greener or work safer?
The environment is of importance to us. We encourage our clients to accept their reports electronically or they can take advantage of using our on-line portal to view their reports. This results in a tremendous saving of paper.
WLN – Can you tell us about some of your customers and the work you do for them?
Client confidentiality is paramount to us. But in general terms, across the board, we ensure their racking systems stay safe with our inspections and enhanced by the training of their operatives to carry out their own internal basic intermediate inspections.
WLN – What were your company’s biggest achievements in the last 12 months?
Our biggest achievement was to have an additional training course accredited by IOSH. We are the only company in the world to have rack inspection courses accredited by this body. One of our inspection courses is also approved by SEMA. We are privileged to have two highly respected organisations giving our courses their seal of approval!
WLN – Are you currently investing in the business, taking on staff or going into new markets or countries? If so, how’s it going?
Yes, we have employed a further 11 staff in the last 12 months, seven internal staff and four new rack safety inspectors. Our work in Europe is increasing steadily.
WLN – What are you doing to bring on new talent and raise skills levels in your company?
The work we carry out is quite niche. We are keen to encourage internal staff to undertake NVQ’s at various levels.
Mentoring is also given to those who chose to increase their knowledge in some of our specialist areas. A number of our internal staff have eventually become rack safety inspectors. Externally our Inspectors all take the SARI (SEMA Approved Rack Inspector) qualification. Our inspectors who carry out training also hold the CIEH – Level 2 Professional Trainer Certificate. Other qualifications include NEBOSH.
WLN – What are the major issues facing the Warehouse Safety (Racking) category as we go forward? How is your company addressing them?
There is a significant rise in the building of larger warehousing facilities, with much higher racking installations. This means that operatives need to be vigilant in terms of protecting their racking systems and SESS inspectors are carrying out an increased number of high level safety inspections.
WLN – Will you be exhibiting at any major trade shows in the coming year?
Yes, we will be exhibiting at the IOSH Safety & Health Expo at the ExCel next year.
WLN – What other big news from SESS can our readers look forward to reading in Warehouse & Logistics News in 2017?
We hope that our new innovative rack inspection system which is nearing completion will be ready to launch during 2016 and will be a huge benefit to our clients.
30 years ago (August 1987) SESS became the first company to provide Independent Rack Safety Inspections. In 2017 we are celebrating being the market leader in this field covering all of the U K and Europe. Can we take this opportunity to thank all of our Customers, many of whom have been with us since 1987 for their support. We look forward to the next successful 30 years.
SESS LTD
01670 736 444
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