Francis Jones, who has built The Sparta Security Group into a leading facilities management company, explains why his faith as a Christian plays such an important part in the way he does business

AS I look back on the past 12 years, I make no apology for stressing the important role my faith as a Christian has played in helping me to build a successful business.

Some people may find it a strange thing to talk about in the context of business – and I understand that – but God’s been the driving force right from the start. I’ve put my trust in him and reaped the dividends.

What God teaches us is to follow a path of being caring, fair, honest and to do the best we possibly can in our dealings with others – and they are the principles I try to apply not just in my personal life but in business too.”

I vividly remember finding God because it was the day my life changed. I was a professional boxer at the time, going under the name Fearless Francis Jones – one of the best in the business – and a fellow boxer asked me to join him at church.

I rejected it at first, but I eventually went along and listened to a sermon about Jesus, and how he died a very painful death for all of mankind’s sin. The preacher asked people to identify themselves who believed, and I found myself raising my hand and accepting Jesus into my life. This was back in 2007 and since then, this has been a life-changer.

I went on to launch Sparta after my boxing career ended and I’ve done my best to embed my Christian beliefs into the way he I run my business.

It hasn’t been plain-sailing by any means, but I turn to God all the time and ask to him for answers when challenges arise, and I thank Him for what he has done. To the unbeliever this may sound bizarre, but God is a spirit who hears – answers prayers!

The Northern Echo:

There have probably been times when we’ve lost business because of my beliefs but, if anyone doesn’t want to take me on board just because I’m a Christian, I see it as their loss. I stand by my faith.

Over the past year, Francis I’ve enjoyed writing this online column for The Northern Echo and I’ve always ended it with a Bible reference that I find relevant to whatever subject I’m writing about.

People ask whether there a conflict between Christianity and striving to make profits. After all, The Bible says (Mark 10:25) that “it’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into the kingdom of God."

Oh, I want to make money – there’s nothing wrong with that – but I want to do it in the right way. I want to do it with integrity, by giving people value for money, and never selling them short.

It is a fundamental belief that I share with my wife Rachel, who is also the company’s Financial Director. And, with Sparta continuing to grow and attract new customers across the North of England and beyond, it has served us well.

The Northern Echo:

God is the number one provider of security.  He has a voice and tries to communicate with people daily, but the majority are not interested, nor wish to give Him any of their time.

“Of course, people don’t have to share my belief in God but, He has helped me tremendously and continues to do so. And if I can point someone to a faith in Jesus then it will be a benefit to your life and business.

I invite you to visit this website: www.darlingtonvineyard.church

God bless, Francis.

A belief in providing a quality service

FRANCIS Jones knows he can never rest on his laurels in business – so he continues to invest in the technological advances.

The latest investment is in the ‘Residential Security Services’ arm of the businesses, with state-of-the-art cameras designed to keep neighbourhoods safe.

The cameras are placed within a household perimeter and can distinguish between the movement of a dog and a human intruder.

Anti-social behaviour, domestic harassment, and bullying are all areas that can be tackled with the use of the cameras, backed up by random patrols, and detailed reports sent to police. Monitored panic buttons can also be installed in homes to provide additional reassurance, with the residential services starting from as little as £35 per week.

It is another example of how Sparta is evolving all the time and every time the telephone rings, a new challenge comes in.

For example, the company was recently called in to protect a construction development at Queen Alexandra Bridge, in Sunderland. The directive was to deter people from climbing up the scaffolding and using it as a base to jump into the water below.

“It breaks my heart to think that people are in such deep despair that they would contemplate taking their lives, but mental illness is a growing problem, made worse by the challenges presented by the pandemic,” says Francis.

“I’m pleased to say that officers from our 24/7 response team were called twice within a month after our CCTV systems picked up intruders. We immediately called the police, and the relevant action was taken.

“Often, Sparta officers act as mediators between our clients and the police – providing assistance, nipping problems in the bud, and giving reassurance during difficult situations. We see ourselves as important partners – bridging the gap.”

Sparta’s support was also required by the British Heart Foundation to secure a fundraising event based around the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - a 24-mile hike, with a climb of 5,000 feet.

“The fundraising capabilities of charities have been hit hard by the lockdown so it’s more important than ever that events like this are successful. Our task was to guard all the equipment, and I’m delighted that it went without a hitch,” says Francis.

With the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, events have been getting into full swing again over the summer, with Sparta taking calls for assistance nearly every day.

Event support included providing security at The Great Yorkshire Show, which returned to the calendar as a four-day attraction, attracting 26,000 visitors each day.

“It was a privilege to be asked to provide security at the event for a major exhibitor, and really rewarding because we’ve worked hard at Sparta to build up a growing presence in rural communities,” says Francis.

“Many rural estates, farms and auctions now use our services up and down the country, so to be entrusted with work at something as prestigious as The Great Yorkshire Show illustrates that we must be getting it right in the countryside as well as urban areas.”

Sparta also tries to do its bit for the local community and when Pat Chambers, charity manager for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, asked for help, Francis couldn’t say no.

He agreed to hold a Sparta golf day at Close House Golf Club, near Newcastle, at the end of August, with proceeds going to the charity.

“It was a thank you to the NHS heroes who have seen us through these dark times with their skill and dedication,” says Francis.