How Sparta is helping to bridge the gap

Every time the phone rings, something new comes in for us to deal with, and that variety is one of the things I love about running the company.

For example, we were recently called in to protect a construction development at Queen Alexandra Bridge, in Sunderland. Our job was to deter people from climbing up the scaffolding and using it as a base to jump into the water below.

It breaks my heart to think that people are in such deep despair that they would contemplate taking their lives, but mental illness is a growing problem, made worse by the challenges presented by the pandemic.

I’m pleased to say that officers from our 24/7 response team were called twice within the last month after our CCTV systems picked up intruders. We immediately called the police, and the relevant action was taken.

Often, Sparta officers act as mediators between our clients and the police – providing assistance, nipping problems in the bud, and giving reassurance during difficult situations.

We see ourselves as important partners – bridging the gap.

OUR support was also required by the British Heart Foundation to secure a fundraising event based around the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

The challenge is a 24-mile hike, with a climb of 5,000 feet, and we were proud to support such a wonderful charity.

The fundraising capabilities of charities have been hit hard by the lockdown so it’s more important than ever that events like this are successful. Our task was to guard all the equipment, and I’m delighted that it went without a hitch.

EVENTS are really getting into full swing again and calls are coming in nearly every day, asking for our help in making sure they go smoothly.

One of the biggest events of the year is The Great Yorkshire Show and it was fantastic to see it back as a four-day attraction, with 26,000 visitors each day. It was a privilege to be asked to provide security at the event for a major exhibitor, and really rewarding because we’ve worked hard at Sparta to build up a growing presence in rural communities.

Many rural estates, farms and auctions now use our services up and down the country, so to be entrusted with work at something as prestigious as The Great Yorkshire Show illustrates that we must be getting it right in the countryside as well as urban areas.

WITH Sparta going through such a manic time, we are busy recruiting and screening the right applicants for the wide range of jobs we are signed up for – and that’s why an experienced and professional management team is so important.

Clients can ring at any time of day or night – like patients calling accident and emergency doctors when the need out-of-hours care – so the management team has to make sure we have the right resources and systems available for any eventuality.

We believe in providing quality combined with round the clock flexibility. Whatever you’re selling, customers will only come back if they get a quality product and first-class customer service, and that’s Sparta’s aim.

WE also try to do our bit for the local community and when Pat Chambers, charity manager for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, asked for our help, we couldn’t say no.

We’ve all been in awe of the heroes of the NHS during the pandemic, so we want to show our support.

Apologies if golf’s not your bag but we’ve agreed to hold a Sparta golf day at Close House Golf Club, near Newcastle, on August 26. Close House was opened by golfing superstar Lee Westwood in 2011 and he’s been officially attached to the club ever since.

You’ll notice the picture below of me and Lee at Close House and I’m told he spent weeks afterwards telling people he’d met a golfing legend called Francis Jones!

Seriously, the man is incredible. I recently watched him demonstrate his talents by stating he would hit an X marked on a tree. He then proceeded to effortlessly hit a five iron 250 yards and the ball hit the target, just as he’d promised – not once but three times!

I can’t promise that kind of standard on August 26 but I’m looking for 18 teams to each pay £400 for a four-ball entry, and I would welcome any businesses or individuals signing up by contacting Pat Chambers on 07770455651 or emailing her at pat.chambers1@nhs.net

All the proceeds will go to her amazing charity as a thank you to the NHS heroes who have seen us through these dark times with their skill and dedication.

SECURITY TIP

DOORSTEP crime is rife and can affect anyone, but it is often the elderly and vulnerable people who are targeted by rogue traders.

Bogus calls can claim to be from a range of organisations, including: the council, police, market research companies, utilities, and telephone companies.

Always ask to see evidence of identification and trust no one. They could be taking the opportunity to carry out surveillance on your property. If in doubt, keep them out and report anyone who is suspicious to the police.

It’s also a good idea to invest in cost-effective CCTV cameras to protect your home.

FINAL THOUGHT

AS a Christian, I always finish these columns with an extract from The Bible. This month, I’ve chosen James 2:14: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?"

We are being taught that it is not enough to merely have faith – if faith doesn’t lead to positive deeds, then it is worthless.

Thank you for your continued support,

Love, Francis.