About ASTEC

ASTEC (Aerial & Satellite TEChnology), which was formed in Essex in 1992 by Steve Staples, carries out HIGH QUALITY installations of TV aerial and satellite systems to domestic and communal dwellings in the south east of England.

In 1997 Steve became nationally recognised when he won the prestigious "CAI Installer of the Year" award, the ultimate acknowledgment of the high quality of his installation work.

In the same year, he won the "CAI Aerial Rigging Competition" at the annual "CAI Roadshow", where he also received his Installer of the Year Award in an official presentation ceremony.

The Rigging Competition was an annual event, where aerial installers from all parts of the UK competed to install a standard aerial system against the clock.
The quality of the work was every bit as important as the speed, as there was a time penalty for each part of the installation that did not comply with the official CAI codes of practise.

In 1998 he was pipped at the post and squeezed into the runner up place by a very determined challenger but he reasserted his dominance in 1999 by beating all comers, to win the coveted first prize of a Promax spectrum analyser, which was added to his arsenal of sophisticated technical equipment, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service.

His achievements did not go unnoticed by the general public in the south east. Such was the prestige of his award, that he was featured on the regional TV news program carrying out an aerial installation. The customer was interviewed during the feature and expressed her complete satisfaction with the quality of his work.
The newspapers also carried the story, publishing it on their front pages, with pictures of Steve at work on a typical high quality installation.

And YES he did it again in 2000 winning another Promax spectrum analyser to add to his collection! His flawless installation was completed in a record 10 minutes 7 seconds!!! and no penalties. A worthy millennium champion.

In 2001 Steve was pushed into 3rd place by two determined challengers, who knew full well, that if ever they were to win, Steve was definitely the man they had to beat. Although not occupying his usual placing, he was satisfied in the knowledge that his competitive spirit over the years, had helped to maintain standards within the trade. He was reassured in this when it was announced that he had been short-listed for the "CAI / ASTRA Satellite Installation of the Year" that year.

The event unfortunately, is no longer held but Steve is not too disappointed, as he excels at every installation he performs for his customers, his infectious enthusiasm ensuring that all the other members of his staff deliver the same high quality standards.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Steve went on to complete the rigorous CAI City & Guilds SMATV & IRS* Networks Distance Learning Course 3456-01, passing it with distinction. The course is designed to intensely scrutinise and test a candidate's theoretical knowledge and practical ability to the full.

To obtain his qualification Steve had to successfully complete ten academic modules, which he did, obtaining an overall average of 92% , then attend a two day practical exam in Aldershot, followed by a final exam test paper. This now means that Steve's status within the CAI and the industry in general, is greatly enhanced by officially making him a CAI SMATV/IRS APPROVED INSTALLER.

Steve went on to complete the "City and Guilds 2218" in support of his NVQ level 2 which has now also been attained by each member of the ASTEC installation team making ASTEC the first FULLY qualified RDI (Registered Digital Installer) Company, not only in Essex, but in the whole of the Country.

ASTEC AERIALS is now officially a CONSTRUCTIONLINE registered company. CONSTRUCTIONLINE is the UK's register of pre-qualified local and national construction and construction-related contractors and consultants.

Steve believes that in today's competitive commercial arena that it is important to strive to be the best, not just claim to be, especially if customer satisfaction is to be achieved and maintained.