From their very first trading day in 2010, when a small PLP Fire & Security Ltd team put all their own money into a start-up venture with no outside funding, the company took off.

It was quickly winning contracts all over the UK and staff were working flat out, seven days a week.

It was a real challenge of using what limited assets were to hand, and that included just one van.

Prudently the small team took time to have regular meetings to work out a priority job schedule. Being in an industry with endless regulatory administrative demands, they met the challenge.

Based at Sutton-at-Hone, the company supplies, installs and maintains all types of fire safety equipment as well as carrying out fire risk assessment and training.

The company took the initiative to register with the independent Fire Engineering Association (FEDA) Safe Contractor Scheme and then work towards BAFE accreditation which meant long hours, but was worth the effort and made the company work more efficiently.

Apprenticeship programmes for fire alarm engineers are few and far between and one of the company’s most rewarding decisions was to employ a young local person. With the help of North West Kent College the intention is to continue to train the young man after his probationary period.

There are also some high profile jobs on the company’s portfolio such as the Excel conference centre, The Shard, Chelsea Harbour and Emirates cable cars.

Director Paul Bennet said: “If PLP were to stand out from any other company it would be the total team dedication.

“Each work site is different and every customer needs a different level of fire safety measures.

“Development and professionalism is imperative to successfully run the company and win tenders and we succeeded.”

• Every business entering the Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, supported by the Messenger, gets a free profile in our papers and online. The deadline for entries has now closed and the winners will be announced soon.