Fire compliance margins rise with end-market focus and early engagement

by Featured NewsResearch

Compliance report sets out market structure and performance gaps

A new analysis from OC&C Strategy Consultants outlines how fire compliance businesses can improve margins in a competitive UK market.

The report says the sector is attracting strong investor interest, driven by regulation, structural demand and a fragmented supplier base.

It says more than ten private equity-backed platforms are pursuing buy-and-build strategies across the sector.

Performance varies across operators, with leading businesses achieving EBITDA margins 5 – 10% higher than the industry average through clearer strategy and execution.

End-market focus is identified as a key factor, with social housing and data centres able to support stronger pricing due to complexity, regulation and service sensitivity.

Defence and healthcare are also highlighted as specialist environments with higher barriers to entry, where operators that meet vetting, clinical or security requirements can secure higher-margin contracts.

Compliance sales approach and delivery models shape outcomes

The report says earlier customer engagement can reduce reliance on competitive tenders that compress margins.

It highlights seminars, surveys and proactive business development as routes to build relationships before formal procurement begins.

Surveys and fire risk assessments are increasingly used as entry points that lead to remediation work and long-term maintenance contracts.

Disciplined bidding and stronger cost data are also identified as important for avoiding underpriced tenders in a fragmented market.

Selective subcontracting remains part of scaling capacity, with operators advised to deliver around 60 – 80% of work in-house while using subcontractors for larger projects and geographic coverage.

Matt Flood outlines strategic choices for operators

Matt Flood, B2B Partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants, said: “Fire compliance is an attractive market for investors, but performance varies significantly between operators.

“The strongest businesses are those that make deliberate choices about where to specialise, how they win work and how they scale delivery, rather than trying to compete across every part of the market.”

Flood added: “Many providers rely heavily on competitive tenders, but the most successful operators are engaging customers earlier.

“Surveys and compliance assessments can act as a commercial entry point, helping operators build relationships and expand into remediation and long-term maintenance work.”

Sequoia protection bill advances fire resilience measures in forests

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Bipartisan sequoia legislation advances with focus on fire risk reduction

The US House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Save Our Sequoias Act by a voice vote on 16 March in Washington, DC, advancing legislation focused on the protection and conservation of giant sequoia trees.

Megafire Action comments on the House passage and said the bill would support coordination between federal, state, tribal and local land managers through shared agreements and the codification of the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition.

The bill would create a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment to identify wildfire risk reduction treatments in the highest-risk groves and track the progress of scientific forest management activities.

It would also declare an emergency to speed environmental reviews and consultations, retain scientific analysis, allow the National Park Foundation and National Forest Foundation to accept private donations and establish a reforestation strategy for areas destroyed by recent catastrophic wildfires.

Fire measures and Senate companion bill

The legislation also directs the Department of the Interior to implement a Giant Sequoia Reforestation and Rehabilitation Strategy supported by new specialised programmes and funding.

Matt Weiner, founder and CEO of Megafire Action, said: “Today’s vote is a major win for forest health.

“The Save Our Sequoias Act builds on successful action USFS took to ramp up the pace and scale of resilience work after losing 20% of our iconic sequoia groves to extreme wildfire in 2022.

“The Giant Sequoias Land Coalition has made incredible progress and this bill will help finish the job and save these iconic forests.

“Like the Fix Our Forests Act, which would take a similar approach to expediting resilience work on federal land, the Save Our Sequoias Act is bipartisan, targeted, and essential.

“We urge the Senate to maintain this momentum and get these complementary reforms across the finish line without delay.”

In the wake of the House vote, a Senate companion bill was introduced later that day by Senators Alex Padilla and John Curtis.

Fire legislation alongside Fix Our Forests Act

Megafire Action also linked the bill to the Fix Our Forests Act (S. 1462), which is awaiting consideration by the full US Senate.

The group said both bills have bipartisan support and noted that the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry advanced the Fix Our Forests Act on a bipartisan basis in October 2025.

According to Megafire Action, that bill would modernise management policies, streamline permitting for high-priority safety projects and establish a Wildfire Intelligence Center to improve inter-agency data sharing.

The group said it wants the Senate to pass both bills as part of longer-term forest resilience planning.

Gear Wash announces 14th facility with new California opening

by Featured NewsPPE

Gear Wash expands in California

Gear Wash has opened a new facility in Santa Fe Springs, California, marking its second location in the state and its 14th facility nationwide.

The company announced that the site will provide National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant personal protective equipment (PPE) care for fire departments in the Santa Fe Springs region.

California’s adherence to NFPA cleaning and repair guidelines is a legal mandate and the new facility will offer cleaning, inspection, repair and alteration services for PPE.

Gear Wash cites demand from fire departments

Taylor Burke Gilman, President of Gear Wash, said: “Thanks to strong partnerships with major departments like LA County and San Francisco, we’ve seen firsthand the growing need for reliable, compliant PPE care throughout California.

“This expansion helps us be closer to the people we serve.

“It means tighter pickup routes, faster turnarounds and the capacity to serve everyone—from the largest departments to volunteer agencies.”

Gear Wash said it also provides temporary gear rentals so departments can continue operating while equipment is out for service.

Gilman added: “What makes Gear Wash different is that we’re tied directly to the people who build modern turnout gear.

“Our connection to Fire-Dex keeps us close to the design and performance intent behind the gear, so we can identify issues faster and make smarter repairs.

“We see and service more gear than anyone, from every manufacturer regardless of the label, so we know what ‘normal’ wear looks like versus early warning signs that something more serious is wrong.”

The opening gives Gear Wash a second California base as it expands its PPE care network in the state.

Alerter Group to launch fire alarm devices for hearing loss at Birmingham event

by EvacuationFeatured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Fire alarm devices to be shown at Birmingham event

Alerter Group will launch its next generation Deaf Alerter devices at The Fire Safety Event, which runs from 28 to 30 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

The company confirmed that the redeveloped devices, designed to provide fire alarm notifications for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, will be displayed on Stand J36 in Hall 4.

The new devices are rechargeable and include a larger LCD backlit screen for improved readability.

Notifications sent to the devices can also be delivered to Bluetooth-connected smart phones.

Fire alarm system compliance and product details

Alerter Group stated that the Deaf Alerter systems are compliant with BS 5839-1:2025 and use a National Roaming feature.

This allows the devices to receive notifications in any UK building displaying the Deaf Alerter sign.

BS 5839-1 Section 18 covers the special requirements for fire alarm warnings for people with impaired hearing.

Section 18 is described as the minimum acceptable standard by industry experts and is considered safe to use.

Company background and wider product range

Alerter Group has 25 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing radio-based emergency communication systems.

Its product range also includes Refuge Alerter, a wireless Emergency Voice Communication System enabling two-way communication between building management and refuge points.

New Fire Cadets branch supports youth development and safety awareness in Gateshead

by Featured NewsTraining

Fire Cadets branch opens in Gateshead

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has launched a new Fire Cadets branch at Gateshead Community Fire Station, where the first cohort of young people has joined the programme.

TWFRS said the new branch delivers a Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2024-2027 action to increase the number of Fire Cadet branches from four to five, with one in each local authority area.

The programme supports young people aged 11-17 by helping them build life skills, confidence and awareness of fire safety, road safety and water safety.

Opening night included drill yard demonstrations, classroom activities and chances for guests to meet cadets and instructors.

What the programme includes

The Fire Cadets programme offers personal development and teamwork, alongside opportunities to build self discipline and leadership, with a route into volunteering and possible future careers in the fire and rescue sector.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson said: “Launching the new Fire Cadets branch is a key step in our commitment to early youth engagement and community safety.

“The programme gives young people the chance to grow in confidence, develop life skills and experience the teamwork that sits at the heart of our Service.

“By supporting young people at this stage, we can help create safer communities and encourage the next generation to understand the vital role of the Fire and Rescue Service.”

Councillor Gary Haley, Vice Chair of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the new cohort of cadets as they begin their journey with the Service.

“Fire Cadets provides young people with valuable skills, positive opportunities, and a sense of achievement, while also supporting community safety across Tyne and Wear.

“Seeing this new branch open in Gateshead reinforces the importance of engaging with young people early and helping them build strong foundations for the future.”

Wider youth engagement work

TWFRS said the Fire Cadets programme forms part of its wider youth engagement work, which also includes schools education programmes and the SafetyWorks! interactive learning centre.

Motorola Guardian Hub command centre connects multi-agency fire response

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsProjects

Command centre links three fire services

Fire and rescue teams in Norfolk, Suffolk and Hertfordshire are using Motorola Solutions’ Guardian Hub command centre platform to support joint incident management across more than 100 stations and a population of over 2.5 million people.

Motorola Solutions said the cloud-based system allows the three fire and rescue services (FRSs) to jointly manage 999 calls, dispatch crews and track incidents during mutual aid scenarios.

The platform is designed to support each agency’s daily operations and enable collaboration across the lifecycle of an incident at short notice.

Bringing control room operations into a shared hub means the three services can work more closely during major incidents.

The system also removes the need for each FRS to maintain separate IT systems, which the company said could reduce duplication and ease pressure on call handlers during busy periods.

Darren Cook, assistant chief fire officer at Hertfordshire FRS, said: “Emergencies aren’t restricted by borders, and our responses shouldn’t be either.

“Working closely with Norfolk and Suffolk is already leading to more efficient and effective responses, and the chance to share knowledge on how we’re using this new technology has been incredibly valuable.

“Within hours of the hub going live, we saw the benefits, as Suffolk FRS operators took calls and managed dispatch for Hertfordshire FRS during a large structure fire incident.”

Command centre supports mutual aid and training

The company said the shared hub gives neighbouring FRSs visibility into ongoing incidents and supports closer coordination during periods of high demand.

Scott Norman, deputy chief fire officer at Norfolk FRS, said: “During extreme weather events and major fires, it’s crucial that we can share call handling and frontline resources with neighbouring FRSs.

“The system gives us visibility into our partners’ ongoing incidents to mobilise our own crews faster and respond more effectively.

“Ultimately, we can provide a better service for our community, when and where they need it.”

Jon Lacey, chief fire officer at Suffolk FRS, said: “Our work can often be a matter of life or death – we needed a system which would hit the ground running and enable entirely new ways of working with our neighbouring FRSs.

“Motorola Solutions fit the bill perfectly.

“The Hub model has already proven its value with call handlers able to manage extremely high call volumes and allowing each FRS to seamlessly provide additional support when needed.

“We’ve also found unexpected benefits, such as allowing all control room staff to take part in planned training exercises, without disrupting active operations.”

David Shorland, U.K. and Ireland sales director, Motorola Solutions, said: “Fire and rescue services are there for their communities, but the pressure they face continues to grow.

“Guardian Hub gives services a better way to connect, coordinate and respond.

“With agencies increasingly required to do more with less, we’re providing a resilient, scalable model to help serve and protect communities.”

Barking project prompts sprinkler warning from Business Sprinkler Alliance

by Featured NewsIncidentsIndustry Comment

Sprinkler strategy and building use

A multi-storey industrial building in Barking has been cited by the Business Sprinkler Alliance (BSA) as an example of how a compliant fire strategy can still restrict building use.

Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance, said the development was designed as a multi-storey industrial and warehousing scheme and described as a pioneer project, yet most of it remained empty two years after completion.

The building was presented as flexible workspace with tall ceilings, roller shutters and vehicle access to upper levels.

Only a small fraction of the available space has been let. The issue was linked to the fire strategy.

The sprinkler system was designed for industrial use rather than storage use.

Flammable materials can therefore only be stored to a height of around 1.2 metres.

In units capable of accommodating storage at much greater height, that restriction limited the range of occupiers the space could support.

Barking and Dagenham Council described the sprinkler system as having been “value engineered” to “balance cost, compliance and anticipated use”.

The system complied with fire safety regulations, went beyond the guidance in fitting the sprinklers and passed the required checks before sign-off.

Business Sprinkler Alliance sets out wider concern

Roche said the case showed how fire engineering strategies can shape what can be stored, how space is used and whether a building remains commercially viable.

He wrote that fire engineering strategies are often agreed early and then rarely revisited.

He also said further value engineering can alter the long-term use of a building even when a strategy is later updated.

In this case, the property is reported to need an additional £2.2 million to allow it to be used in the way intended.

Roche also referred to other examples including schools with atria that cannot hold events and large warehouses with clear heights that cannot be protected with ceiling-only automatic sprinklers.

He said: “A building that cannot be let because its fire strategy restricts its use is not a success.

“A development that requires millions of pounds of remedial work shortly after completion is not a success.

“A scheme that looks right, feels right, but functions incorrectly has failed at a fundamental level.”

He added: “If a building looks like a warehouse, is marketed as a warehouse and is priced as a warehouse, then it should be able to operate as one.”

The Business Sprinkler Alliance said it would continue to argue for fire safety approaches that place protection, resilience and continuity alongside life safety.

C-TEC confirms Birmingham showcase for lockdown and evacuation systems

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Detection

C-TEC at Fire Safety Event 2026

C-TEC will exhibit a range of life-safety systems at The Fire Safety Event (FSE) 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham from 28 to 30 April.

The company will be on Stand 4/F30 with CAST-powered systems and other products for fire safety, evacuation and communication.

The range includes new Lockdown Solutions described as monitored, battery-backed, multi-message systems for schools, theatres and other commercial and public venues.

The systems are designed to help venues comply with Martyn’s Law and include PA/VA solutions for larger projects.

HUSH-PRO will also be shown as a fully monitored BS 5839-6 Grade C residential fire alarm system for flats, apartments and other domestic settings.

EVAC-ALERT is described as a BS 8629:2019+A1:2023 compliant evacuation alert system designed to assist the fire and rescue service evacuate part or all of a building in an emergency.

C-TEC systems on display at Stand 4/F30

ZFP CAST will be presented as a touchscreen-controlled one to eight loop fire alarm system compatible with CAST-PRO combined fire detection and alarm devices.

ENVISION is a cloud-based Fire IoT remote access, data management, commissioning and maintenance solution compatible with C-TEC’s CAST-powered systems.

FASTCONVERT is described as a retrofit solution for converting a multi-zone conventional fire system to an addressable CAST system using existing wiring.

C-TEC will also display its SigTEL disabled refuge system, its AlertBuddy moveable deaf person’s alert system and Quantec-Pro next-generation call system.

Brian Foster, C-TEC’s UK Sales Manager, said: “The Fire Safety Event is now the industry’s key event.

“We’re looking forward to showing all our latest innovations at this year’s show including our new range of lockdown alert systems and our multi award-winning CAST-PRO combined detection and alarm devices.

“If you’d like to learn how our systems can help you grow your business, come and see us on Stand 4/F30.”

CitroTech announces wildfire prevention partnership with All Terrain Fire Support

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

Wildfire prevention partnership announced for US agencies

CitroTech has announced a strategic partnership with All Terrain Fire Support to support wildfire prevention work for federal, state and military agencies in the United States.

CitroTech said the agreement is intended to help protect infrastructure and reduce wildfire risk using its fire inhibition product alongside All Terrain Fire Support’s operational work with government and defence customers.

The companies said the partnership will initially focus on US federal and military opportunities.

It may later expand across the Western United States.

CitroTech said as much as 275,000 gallons of product may be needed to cover each square mile of terrain or active munition zones.

The company said its product is recognised by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice programme and has been tested to UL Greenguard Gold standards.

Product details and operational scope

CitroTech said its product is designed to help prevent ignitions and protect assets before and during wildfire events.

The company said the partnership combines its fire inhibition technology with All Terrain Fire Support’s government and defence relationships.

The announcement links the arrangement to wildfire readiness and environmental compliance requirements facing US military and government agencies.

CitroTech said the initial scope includes bases, training grounds, active munition zones and nearby communities in high-risk fire zones.

Executives outline focus of agreement

Wes Bolsen, CEO of CitroTech, said: “This partnership marks a fundamental shift in how we can help government agencies approach wildfire prevention and protection of mission-critical infrastructure.

“Legacy fire retardants were built for a different set of expectations.

“Today, agencies must navigate a much more complex landscape, balancing escalating fire risk with environmental stewardship and regulatory scrutiny.

“Together with All Terrain, we are advancing unprecedented access to solutions built for this reality, offering safe, durable protection across bases, training grounds, active munition zones, and surrounding communities in high-risk fire zones.”

Chris Dusa, President of All Terrain Fire Support, said: “All Terrain has spent years working alongside government and military organizations in high-risk environments.

“As a Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, we understand directly the intricate challenges these agencies face.

“CitroTech represents a true step-change for fire inhibitors and long-term fire retardants in the United States.

“In uniting our unique capabilities, we are enabling seamless, scaled adoption of a solution that meets advanced environmental standards while delivering top-tier protection.”

The companies said the agreement is aimed at government and military customers facing wildfire risk across large operational sites.

UK fire sector report outlines four drivers of organic growth

by Featured NewsResearch

Fire sector growth drivers outlined in new report

DC Advisory and Fairgrove have published a report on how operators in the UK fire and security sector are pursuing organic growth in a competitive market.

Titled Igniting Growth: Organic Levers for UK Fire & Security Services, the report is based on interviews with CEOs of private equity-backed businesses and sets out the strategies being used to improve performance, scale operations and strengthen margins.

It says the UK fire and security sector remains highly fragmented, with more than 3,000 businesses working across active fire, passive fire and security services.

The report links continued investor interest in the sector to regulatory requirements, recurring inspection cycles and long-term service contracts that support stable revenue streams.

Recent growth is tied to regulatory change following the Grenfell Tower fire, including the Fire Safety Act 2021, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

Those measures have increased compliance requirements and led to higher levels of inspection, remediation and maintenance activity across the built environment.

The sector is expected to grow at around 6% to 7% annually through to 2030.

Organic growth moves higher on the agenda

The report states that investors are placing greater emphasis on organic growth and operational performance, even as buy-and-build strategies remain common.

DC Advisory and Fairgrove identify four pillars behind that shift: commercial engine, commercial discipline, people model and operational leverage and productivity.

It describes increasing contract penetration and recurring revenue as central parts of current growth strategies.

Operators are focusing on cross-selling services across fire and security portfolios where appropriate.

They are also prioritising up-sell work such as remedial works and lifecycle upgrades.

The report says up-sell activity can generate between £1 and £3 of additional work for every £1 of planned maintenance activity, depending on the asset base and contract structure.

It adds that winning new business remains difficult because of high customer retention and procurement barriers, particularly in the private sector.

Service quality and long-term client relationships are presented as the main drivers of sustained growth.

Technology and workforce pressures shape performance

The report says technology is becoming a larger factor in improving operational performance without major capital investment.

Field service management platforms are being used to improve scheduling, engineer utilisation and job reporting.

Digital tools are also being used to improve response times and customer experience.

The report says some providers are starting to use more automated and self-testing systems in higher-spec installations.

That change may reduce routine maintenance workloads and increase margins through higher-value service activity.

Recruitment and retention of engineers are identified as a constraint on growth across the sector.

Companies are expanding apprenticeship programmes, recruiting from adjacent industries and investing in in-house training academies to increase workforce capacity.

Retention measures such as improved benefits and referral incentives are also being used to reduce churn and protect productivity.

The report adds that better parts management, route optimisation and technician scheduling can improve first-time fix rates, reduce unproductive time and raise jobs per engineer per day.

DC Advisory and Fairgrove say firms that pair operational discipline with technology use, workforce development and customer retention are expected to perform more strongly as the market matures.