Riders become business partners

Christie Intruder Alarms made history in March 2005 when they signed a formal partnership agreement with the Riders Junior School in Leigh Park in the presence of Havant's MP, David Willetts, the then Mayor of Havant, Councillor Mrs June Fulcher, and other dignitaries.

Riders Junior School's Headmaster, John Dean and Chair of Governors, Andy Martin, wanted to reward achievement but didn't have a budget. They decided to follow the funding path undertaken by secondary schools and specialist colleges, but never before by a Junior School, by seeking a business partner to fund the achievement awards.

So they approached CIA and Barrie Christie was very happy to say yes, not only because Riders was the very first school where CIA installed monitored intruder and fire alarms but also because he is committed to education and training.

"I see it as a win-win situation," Barrie said. "It is good for us as a local business champion to give help, advice and some financial commitment. From the school's perspective, our help will support the great work John Dean, the Governors, the staff and parents are doing to raise standards and achievement in Leigh Park's young people."

The children's achievement will be measured on individual merit, and a boy and girl from each of the eight classes will be rewarded with books in the autumn and spring while the lucky 16 summer term achievers will be treated to a half hour helicopter flight over Portsmouth in a Squirrel B3 helicopter.

Both CIA and Riders are confident that this is just the start of a strong and productive partnership between the school and the company.

Click to read about the achiever's first flight

Click to read about CIA winning The Don Allen Award for Employer of the Year