Sound Bites
SOUND BITES: ERA appoints smart security manager amid strategic product development drive
ERA, the long-established UK home security specialist, has appointed Chris Ecclestone as its new Smart Security Product Manager as it looks to expand its footprint in the rapidly evolving smart home sector.
Ecclestone brings a wealth of cross-sector experience from the defence, automotive, and engineering industries, positioning him to lead ERA’s smart product development with an emphasis on consumer usability and integration. His appointment marks a strategic push by ERA to align its offering with shifting homeowner expectations and the growing appetite for connected home technologies.
“The demand for smart security tech in the home is rapidly growing and there is still a lot of room for growth in the market,” Ecclestone said. “Rather than adding extra tech for the sake of it, we’ll bring through the right technology at the right time, with the end user always in mind.”
ERA, which traces its heritage back to 1838, has evolved from manufacturing traditional locks to offering a portfolio of smart security devices, including video doorbells, app-controlled alarm systems and connected door locks. The firm’s focus now is to build on this base, ensuring its products are not only innovative but also accessible and compatible with other smart home ecosystems.
“We’re making smart security products that work,” Ecclestone added. “It’s about adapting to consumers’ growing requirements in terms of compatibility and integration with other smart products in the home.”
His consumer-centric vision echoes wider industry trends. According to Mintel, 48% of UK adults now own at least one smart home device, with security products among the most popular. ERA’s challenge will be to remain competitive in a market increasingly shaped by tech giants and nimble disruptors alike.
Welcoming his new role, Ecclestone highlighted the collaborative culture at ERA: “Everyone in the team has been absolutely lovely… we’re all learning from each other and I’m excited for the future of our smart security offering.”
As smart home adoption accelerates, ERA’s next phase under Ecclestone’s guidance may prove pivotal in solidifying its place in the future of domestic security.
