About Us
Orion Lightning Protection was the brainchild of Justin Gale and Jason Harfield. The pair initially formed a partnership in 2002, due to finding themselves increasingly frustrated with the direction the industry was taking. There was talk in the industry about a new standard being implemented, and they saw this as an opportunity to create a new, forward thinking company.
Together having 40 years of experience both designing and installing lightning protection systems, having a good working relationship with some of the most influential people in the industry, Orion took its first steps.
The idea behind Orion LP was to start a company that would keep abreast of improvements to the standards in lightning protection. The new standard would be the biggest shake up of the industry in 20 years, and Justin and Jason wanted to become a part of the new wave of companies and individuals, pushing the new way of thinking towards lighting protection.
Initially the pair started out providing the labour themselves and overcame the potholes associated in the starting of a new business. Gaining a good client base and providing quality service both in installation and in the design of new systems to architects, builders and electricians as well as local councils, Orion LP moved forward.
In 2005, Orion lighting protection became a limited company. In the same year Orion LP were also granted membership of atlas (the nationally recognised federation for the lightning protection industry). Knowing the new standard would be a more complicated affair, the pair began attending seminars and gaining as much knowledge as possible, before the standard went live.
Today, Orion lightning protection ltd employs over 20 members of staff, including an office team. With 5 members of these staff being related, Orion is becoming a family affair. Both Justin and Jason became accredited to the new standard BSEN 62305, with Justin passing with a distinction. Jason has also become a committee member for atlas. In addition to this, Orion has gained investors in people recognition in 2008, and have been accredited to Construction Line, Britannic safe sit and CHAS.
In august 2008, they introduced a test division into the company that would deal with an ever growing need for lightning protection tests. Employing paul wren to manage this side of the business, it quickly became an important side of the company, and is growing month on month.
Orion Lightning Protection ltd is now one of the leading companies in the south of England, advising architects, builders, electricians and councils. Implementing the new standard with a great working knowledge, and a forward thinking attitude, it aims to become one of the biggest and most successful lightning protection companies in the south.
