Many will already be familiar with the friendly face of Roman Cooper – Executive Director of security and fire system specialists, Allcooper Group.
In this edition of our series of Leader Profiles, we find out a little more about the man himself and his time at the forefront of the Gloucestershire-based security provider.
From running cables to running the show
Since his family’s business was founded in 1987, Roman has been ever-present.
“Allcooper was the brainchild of my father, Gary and older brother, Gerard. Gary had retired from a long career at Unilever, whilst Gerard was a qualified electrician who had experience of fitting alarms. I was just leaving school at the time, and decided to take up the offer of an apprenticeship after enrolling on an electrical engineering course at Gloucestershire College. You can just imagine what it was like being an apprentice to my own brother!”
Roman has never looked back, and with over 30 years’ experience in the industry under his belt, including over a decade working ‘on the tools’, he has become an expert in all things electronic security and innovative technology. He is also a graduate of the University of Gloucestershire, having been one of the first to complete their MBA in business.
Now as Director and co-owner of Allcooper Group with Gerard, Roman proudly helps to oversee the running of the business, which employs three generations of the Cooper family and over 100 staff overall. Turnover continues to grow year-on-year.
“We’re really proud of how far the business has come over the years. Our ethos has always been all about hard work, satisfying our customers and growing organically through recommendation. Even though the industry has changed dramatically over the years, that’s still very much the case today.”
Passionate for Gloucestershire business
Roman has a big enthusiasm for doing business in Gloucestershire, where he has become a well-known character. This is demonstrated by a 7-year term on the board of GFirst LEP, where he has helped influence many positive initiatives for the local business community including the launch of The Growth Hub and the subsequent Growth Hub network across the county.
“Championing business in Gloucestershire has always been important to me. There are just so many fantastic companies and people doing business here. I’ve recently stepped down from my role at GFirst, which I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of. I can tell you that the future looks really bright for the county and I’m pleased to still be a part of it with Allcooper.”
As someone who’ll embrace almost any challenge put in front of him, Roman recently oversaw Allcooper’s move into a new central-Gloucester HQ. Located just a drop-kick away from Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium, the site on Kingsholm Road has been completely redeveloped. Roman was influential in its transformation from a former car dealership into a modern, bespoke facility from where the company can continue to flourish.
Encouraging apprenticeships
As a former apprentice himself, Roman has always been an ambassador for the apprenticeship route. As well as offering young people the chance to forge a career in the security industry with Allcooper, he has helped implement a dedicated ‘security systems apprenticeship’ in partnership with SGS College. In 2015, he was recognised for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeships’ at the Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Awards.
What you may not know
Roman lives in the Gloucestershire village of Frampton On Severn with his wife, Dawn and their three sons, Murray, Monty and Windsor. The family are always involved with their local community, with Roman a member of the village committee responsible for organising fundraising events such the annual World Elver Eating Championships and Sheep Races!
An avid sports fan, Roman follows Gloucester Rugby and Chelsea FC, finding time to support his teams between taking his sons to football training and the local Army Cadets group.
