Running a busy automotive business means managing more than vehicles and customers. Staff need access to different areas, activities often overlap, and the security system must work around the way the business operates.
For Rallysports Automotive in Colchester, Essex, its existing intruder alarm was no longer meeting those needs.
With a busy service centre, an automotive training academy and up to 100 used cars for sale on site, Rallysports needed a modern, manageable security system that could accommodate two businesses sharing the same premises.
Lenz Security provided a tailored commercial intruder alarm installation, upgrading the existing system with smarter controls, independent security areas, remote monitoring and ongoing technical support.
The result was a more practical alarm system that suited the business’s daily operations, installed on time without disrupting its work.
The Client: Rallysports Automotive
Rallysports Automotive operates a substantial automotive site incorporating a vehicle repair workshop, detailing area, training academy and office accommodation.
The academy helps train the next generation of mechanics, while the wider site supports a busy service operation and used vehicle sales.
With two businesses operating from the same premises and approximately 20 people requiring building access, managing security was not straightforward.
The company needed a system that would accommodate different working patterns without making everyday access unnecessarily complicated.
The Challenge: An Outdated Alarm System That No Longer Met Business Needs
Rallysports Automotive’s previous security system had become outdated.
According to Lenz Security’s assessment, earlier installation and maintenance providers had also experienced difficulties identifying the causes of faults when problems occurred.
For a business with several operational areas, this created practical challenges.
The workshop and training academy did not always need to be secured at the same time. Staff needed appropriate access to their respective areas, and the business owners wanted better visibility and control over the alarm system.
Rallysports considered three security providers before making its decision: a sole trader, a national company and Lenz Security.
The company felt that Lenz offered the right balance between independent, personal service and the technical expertise needed for a modern commercial installation.
As the client explained:
“Andy was very honest in his approach, he broke down what we needed right there and then to get us to a better level of security, while also talking about long term and future investments if we wished to scale up.”
Rather than recommending a generic solution, Lenz Security assessed how the site was used and identified a practical upgrade that could meet its immediate requirements while allowing for future development.
The Solution: A Tailored Texecom Elite Intruder Alarm System
Lenz Security installed a Texecom Elite intruder alarm system, upgrading the site’s existing security arrangements while making use of suitable existing cabling and devices.
This approach allowed the team to modernise the system without unnecessarily replacing every part of the previous installation.
The upgrade included several features designed around Rallysports Automotive’s operational requirements.
Independent Alarm Areas for the Workshop and Academy
One of the most important improvements was dividing the alarm into two independently controlled areas.
The workshop and training academy could now be armed and disarmed separately, allowing each business to manage its own security arrangements.
This was particularly valuable on a shared site where different teams could be working at different times.
The client described the benefit simply:
“They set our security system into two zones, so the two businesses could access what they needed to in harmony with each other.”
Instead of having one alarm arrangement dictate access across the entire building, the system could accommodate the different activities taking place on site.
Smart App Control and Remote Alarm Management
The new alarm also introduced smartphone connectivity.
Business owners can use the app to arm and disarm the system remotely and receive push notifications about alarm activity.
They can also check who has been setting and unsetting the alarm.
For Rallysports Automotive, this has made day-to-day management considerably more convenient.
If the owners are unsure whether the alarm has been set after closing, they can check and take action through the app rather than returning to the premises.
This is a practical example of how a smart business alarm system can help owners manage security alongside their other responsibilities.
Easier Operation and Improved User Accountability
The upgraded system provides clearer information through its LCD display, helping users understand system messages and identify potential issues.
It also supports key fobs as an alternative to entering alarm codes.
For a business with approximately 20 people requiring access, this provides a more manageable approach to day-to-day alarm use and helps with reviewing system activity.
Remote Monitoring and Police Response Arrangements
As part of Rallysports Automotive’s insurance requirements, the installation included remote monitoring through an Alarm Receiving Centre, with police response arrangements.
This provides an additional layer of alarm management beyond notifications sent directly to the business owners.
The precise response arrangements depend on the monitoring service and applicable procedures, but the important point for Rallysports was that the upgraded system could support its insurance-related security requirements.
Installation Without Disrupting a Busy Automotive Business
A commercial intruder alarm installation in an active workplace requires careful planning.
At Rallysports Automotive, the Lenz Security team worked around the activities taking place across the site.
According to the installation team, the project went smoothly, was completed on time and caused no disruption to the business.
That mattered for a site where workshop operations, training and other activities needed to continue.
The project demonstrated that upgrading an existing commercial alarm system does not necessarily require significant interruption to normal operations.
Ongoing Support: Why the Relationship Did Not End at Commercial Intruder Alarm Installation
For Rallysports Automotive, the quality of support after the commercial intruder alarm installation was just as important as the equipment itself.
During the initial period, Andy and Charlie from Lenz Security helped staff become familiar with the new system, answering questions by telephone and visiting when necessary.
The client particularly valued having a local team it could contact directly.
Lenz Security has continued to service and maintain the alarm since installation, including replacing sensors when required.
The system’s smart connectivity also allows Lenz Security to carry out weekly health checks and remotely investigate certain issues.
A Friday Afternoon Problem Resolved Remotely
One example shows the practical value of this ongoing support.
At around 5pm on a Friday, Rallysports Automotive contacted Lenz Security because a device fault was preventing the alarm from being set.
Rather than leaving the team unable to secure the premises at the end of the working week, Lenz Security remotely isolated the affected device so the system could be set.
A follow-up visit was then arranged to resolve the underlying issue.
This was a useful demonstration of why remote support can be so valuable for businesses relying on their intruder alarm every day.
It also reflects an important part of Lenz Security’s approach: providing assistance when a system needs attention, not simply installing equipment and leaving the customer to manage alone.
The Results: Greater Control, Easier Management and Continued Confidence
The upgrade has given Rallysports Automotive a security system better suited to the way its premises operate.
The main benefits include:
- Independent security areas: The workshop and academy can manage their alarm settings separately.
- Remote control: Owners can check, arm and disarm the alarm through a smartphone app.
- Better visibility: Notifications and system activity information help users understand what is happening.
- Appropriate monitoring: The installation supports the business’s specified insurance-related monitoring requirements.
- Less disruption: The original installation was completed around the site’s activities.
- Ongoing technical support: Remote assistance, servicing and maintenance continue beyond installation.
Perhaps the clearest measure of customer confidence is what happened next.
After several years of working with Lenz Security, Rallysports Automotive acquired another site and asked the team to provide security for that building too.
That repeat instruction reflects the value the customer places on the working relationship.
What Rallysports Automotive Says About Lenz Security
The client’s feedback highlights the importance of clear advice, reliable support and a security provider that understands the business.
“I wouldn’t think twice about recommending Lenz, they are a local reputable company who are honest, professional and care about their customers.”
Rallysports also praised the team’s approach to maintenance and replacement work, describing Andy and Charlie as professional and reliable, with transparent and fair pricing.
For a business that originally wanted a more suitable system and a dependable local security company, that ongoing relationship has become a significant part of the project’s success.
Looking for a Commercial Intruder Alarm Installation?
Every commercial property operates differently.
A workshop, office, training facility or shared business premises may have different access arrangements, opening hours and security requirements.
At Lenz Security, we take time to understand how your premises are used before recommending an appropriate solution.
Whether you need to upgrade an outdated burglar alarm system, improve control over different areas of your building or arrange ongoing maintenance, our team can help you explore the options.
Contact Lenz Security to discuss a commercial intruder alarm installation, system upgrade or maintenance requirements for your business.