From Stores to Strategy

Celebrating Growth at HF Fire & Security

At HF, we believe our greatest strength is our people. While we take pride in our technical expertise and nationwide reach, it is the dedication and internal growth of our team members that truly defines the “HF Way.”

Today, we are thrilled to spotlight a familiar face in a brand-new capacity. After 12 years of contributing to various departments across the group, Darren Massey has recently stepped into the role of Contract Manager for HF Fire & Security.

Having started in our Edinburgh stores and navigated the fast-paced environment of the Service Desk, Darren brings a unique, 360-degree understanding of our operations to our Key Accounts. We sat down to discuss the new role, the importance of long-term loyalty, and what the future holds.

The Interview

What do you do at HF Fire & Security? I’ve recently stepped into the role of Contract Manager. My primary focus at the moment is looking after our “Key Accounts,” ensuring our long-term client agreements are executed to the standards HF have become known for. This involves overseeing project delivery, managing client relationships, and ensuring that our high standards for safety and service are met across every contract. After years of managing the Service Desk, I’m looking forward to working directly on our client partnerships.

What are your first impressions of working in the new role? I’ve been at HF for over 12 years now, but my “first impressions” of the new role are all about the shift in perspective! I’ve noticed how much more strategic I need to be. The culture at HF has always felt like family, but in this new position, I’m seeing just how much trust the company places in its people to take ownership of their work.

What does your ideal workday look like? An ideal day starts with a clear plan but leaves room for the unexpected – which happens a lot in this industry. It’s all about balance, ensuring the clients are happy while making sure our engineers have everything they need to deliver.

What led you to this career? I actually started at HF in the Stores Department, dealing with the ordering and receipting of all materials for our Edinburgh office. I moved onto the Service Desk for HF Electrical (Edinburgh) and as HF Fire & Security was formed out of the work we did in HF Electrical, my responsibilities increased, eventually moving over fully to the Fire & Security Division. That experience was invaluable; it taught me how to handle pressure and how to communicate effectively. Moving into Contract Management feels like the natural next step and I am looking forward to the challenge.

What energises you at work? Seeing a project go from a warehouse order to a fully commissioned system gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

What advice would you give to your teenage self? Be patient and keep showing up. When I was younger, I might have wanted things to happen overnight. But looking back, the experience I have gained has helped prepare me for this next step. Every role, no matter how small it feels at the time, is a building block for the future.

What is something about yourself that you’re proud of? I’m genuinely proud of my longevity at HF. In an era where people jump from job to job every couple of years, I’ve stuck by a company I believe in and worked my way up from the stores to a management position. It’s proof that hard work and loyalty still pay off.

Looking Ahead

Darren’s journey is a testament to the career paths available at HF for those with the drive to succeed. As our Fire & Security division continues to expand, having a Contract Manager who understands the “nuts and bolts” of the warehouse as well as the complexities of client strategy ensures that our “Key Accounts” are in the best possible hands.

Please join us in congratulating Darren on this well-deserved promotion!