The Invest Plymouth Team recently sat down with Harvey Melvin, Chief Executive Officer of Ventro Group.
Based in Plymouth, Ventro Group is a leader in fire safety, known for their comprehensive fire protection solutions. Ventro ensures critical systems are maintained to the highest standards, with major projects like Derriford Hospital and Beckley Point showcasing their expertise as a trusted partner in various sectors.
Join us in celebrating Ventro Group's dedication to creating safer environments and their ongoing contributions to Plymouth's vibrant community.
What is the name of the company and how long have you been in Plymouth?
Thank you for the opportunity. We are Ventro Group, and we have been proudly based in Plymouth since the company’s inception in 2013.
What is the sector that you specialise in?
Ventro provides a comprehensive range of fire safety services across the UK’s built environment.
In 20 words, how would you describe the business?
A nationwide leader in comprehensive fire safety solutions with proven expertise, extensive experience, and a strategic presence across the UK.
Do you supply to Plymouth/SW/UK-wide/overseas?
While our headquarters are in Plymouth, we operate UK-wide, with nine regional offices ensuring we deliver the best possible service to our clients.
What would you say was your best-selling service?
Our planned preventative maintenance (PPM) services for all fire safety systems (Active and Passive) are very popular with our clients due to the peace of mind that comes with our service delivery. We are the most accredited fire safety company in the UK giving our clients great reassurance that they are fully compliant and in safe hands with the Ventro Group.
What would you say is the best thing about doing business in Plymouth?
Plymouth offers a fantastic work-life balance, nestled between Cornwall and Devon, with some of the UK’s most breath-taking scenery.
Beyond the natural environment, Plymouth boasts three universities, providing a highly skilled workforce and attracting talent from around the world.
And what of the future … where do you see Ventro in 10 years time?
We are on an incredibly strong growth trajectory organically as our Clients continue to trust Ventro Group with their compliance needs. Our recent acquisition of Dorset Fire Protection marks our intention to grow through acquisition too to further strengthen our engineering base, offer local coverage on a national scale to our clients and further build on our operational capabilities. We are actively exploring additional acquisitions as well as expanding into international markets.
And how about yourself … how long have you worked at Ventro and what is your role?
As a founding director and Chief Executive Officer, I’ve been driving Ventro forward since its inception in 2013—where does the time go!? We are very excited about the journey ahead and want to continue working and growing with our clients into the future.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and countryside/coastal walks. One of the great advantages of being based in the Southwest is having access to some of the world’s most stunning natural environments.
If you could have a business lunch with anyone who could significantly influence you/the business, who would that be and why?
This is a great question! There are some very inspirational people in the fire safety community that are shaping the future of fire compliance such as Sir Ken Knight and Dame Judith Hackitt so they would definitely be top choices.