We are thrilled to announce that Nicki Prater, the Managing Director of CDS, has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Business Manager of the Year Award by Women in Fire Safety. This recognition underscores Nicki’s exceptional contributions to our company and the broader fire safety industry.
Nicki’s Journey in the Fire Industry
With an impressive career spanning 20 years, Nicki Prater has made significant strides in various sectors, including Bids, Facilities Compliance, Procurement, and Operations. Her wealth of experience and deep understanding of the fire industry have been pivotal in driving CDS’s growth and maintaining high standards of safety and compliance. Nicki’s strategic vision has expanded our market presence and secured key partnerships, solidifying CDS’s reputation as a leader in the field.
Exemplary Leadership and Dedication
Nicki’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her work. She consistently goes above and beyond for our team, putting in additional hours to ensure that every deadline is met and every project is thoroughly understood and executed. Her leadership extends beyond her professional duties; she actively promotes fire safety awareness and best practices, fostering a culture of safety within and outside the company.
Innovations and Achievements
In the past year, Nicki has spearheaded several initiatives that have transformed our business operations:
- Implementation of SharePoint: Nicki successfully integrated SharePoint across the company, revolutionising our administrative processes. This platform has centralised our data, streamlined document management, and enhanced collaboration, leading to greater efficiency and transparency.
- Enhanced Training Systems: Recognising the need for improved training processes, Nicki introduced IHASCO, a new training system that ensures complete compliance and effective staff management. She also established a schedule for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course days, ensuring our staff stay up-to-date with industry standards and practices.
- Adoption of Innovative Technology: Nicki has been instrumental in integrating advanced fire safety technology, such as the Honeywell Gent’s Self-Test system and Drax Technology’s SafeVue at the University of Leicester. Her active participation in these projects has ensured effective service and maintenance, demonstrating her commitment to innovation and excellence.
Nicki’s impact on CDS has been profound. Her efforts have not only improved our administrative and training processes but also fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. She consistently meets and exceeds our Key Performance Indicators (KPI) targets, maintaining a remarkable 97%-100% achievement rate. Nicki’s dedication, strategic expertise, and inclusive leadership style make her a deserving candidate for the Business Manager of the Year Award. She embodies the qualities of a great leader—driven, open-minded, and collaborative.
We are incredibly proud of Nicki Prater and her contributions to CDS and the fire safety industry. We look forward to celebrating her continued success and wish her and all the finalists the very best of luck at the Women in Fire Safety Awards.
