Ranger Fire and Security CEO named among UK’s Top 50 business leaders

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Ranger Fire and Security’s Mark Bridges named among UK’s Top 50 business leaders

LDC recognises entrepreneurial leadership in fire and security

Ranger Fire and Security CEO Mark Bridges has been named one of the UK’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025.

The list, compiled by LDC in partnership with The Times, celebrates driven entrepreneurs from across the country.

LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, said this year’s programme drew almost 700 nominations, representing founders and executives leading medium-sized businesses across a range of industries.

Now in its eighth year, the initiative highlights leaders creating employment, supporting communities, driving sustainability and growing internationally.

Collectively, the 50 recognised leaders operate from 67 towns and cities, employ nearly 10,000 people and generate a combined £1.2bn in revenue.

Ranger expands rapidly across UK and Ireland

According to the company, Ranger Fire and Security was launched in early 2024 to address what it described as a fragmented fire and security sector, where scaling and coordination can be challenging.

The firm aims to unify high-performing businesses under one structure, offering what it calls a “one-stop shop” for all fire and security requirements.

Since launching in February 2024, Ranger has acquired 11 companies with expertise spanning the entire fire and security market.

These acquisitions serve both private and public sector clients across the UK and Ireland.

Four new companies joined the group in 2025, including a third acquisition in Ireland, as the firm continues to grow its regional footprint.

CEO welcomes recognition from LDC

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “To be part of the LDC’s most ambitious leaders is a great privilege and I am honoured to be named alongside so many excellent leaders from a wide range of sectors.

“Launching Ranger, with a mission to become the one-stop shop for everyone’s fire and security needs, has been an incredible journey to date and I’m so proud of what the team has achieved, leveraging our shared industry knowledge to better serve customers, while creating opportunities to pool our resources and cross-sell across the entire Ranger Group.

“I’m now looking forward to building on what we’ve achieved to date, as we continue to grow our reach across the UK and Ireland.”

LDC praises 2025 cohort of business leaders

John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, said: “In the eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 we’ve had the honour of meeting some exceptional business leaders.

“This year’s cohort has shown drive and ambition in their growth journeys, proven remarkable resilience, and together they are making a real difference to their employees, the communities they work in and society at large.

“I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The recognition of Ranger Fire and Security’s CEO among the UK’s leading entrepreneurs highlights a consolidation trend within the fire and security sector.

For system installers, fire-protection contractors and procurement officers, Ranger’s acquisition-led approach signals a move towards integrated service models capable of delivering design, installation and maintenance within a single group.

Such consolidation can influence supplier selection, partnership opportunities and tendering processes across both private and public sector projects.

The company’s cross-sector expansion into the UK and Ireland also demonstrates ongoing demand for scalable, compliant fire and security solutions managed through unified frameworks.

Compliance Group strengthens leadership with new fire division appointment

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Compliance Group appoints new Managing Director for fire division

Compliance Group has announced the appointment of Scott McKay as Managing Director of its Fire division.

According to the company, McKay brings more than 25 years of experience in the fire and security industry.

He began his career as an apprentice electrician before moving into Fire and Security, gaining practical experience across a range of roles.

The company said McKay is recognised for his ability to deliver business growth and operational transformation.

His background includes managing profit and loss responsibility for both mid-sized and large-scale organisations.

McKay has led initiatives to consolidate multiple businesses under a single brand, streamline operations and create stable, growth-oriented enterprises.

Sarah Dixon, CEO of Compliance Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Scott to the Compliance Group leadership team.

“His track record of transforming business culture and delivering outstanding financial results speaks for itself.

“We are confident that his strategic vision will be a significant asset as we continue to expand our services and enhance value for our clients.”

McKay said: “I am excited to be joining Compliance Group and to lead its Fire division.

“I believe in empowering teams and fostering a culture of accountability to achieve outstanding results.

“My goal is to lead from the front, championing business transformation and driving sustainable growth to enhance the bottom line.

“I look forward to working with the team to build on their success and deliver innovative, best-in-class fire safety solutions for our clients.”

Leadership experience and growth focus

Compliance Group stated that McKay’s appointment marks a step in its plan to strengthen its fire safety business.

The company said his leadership approach centres on improving efficiency and long-term growth while maintaining service quality.

It added that McKay’s experience in overseeing diverse operations positions him to enhance the Fire division’s performance and market reach.

The appointment forms part of Compliance Group’s wider strategy to expand its safety and regulatory compliance portfolio.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Scott McKay’s appointment to lead Compliance Group’s Fire division holds practical relevance for contractors, system installers and compliance managers.

His background in integrating fire and security operations could influence how the company develops future services in design, installation and maintenance.

The emphasis on streamlined business structure and growth-focused leadership may lead to expanded service capacity for clients requiring fire-safety compliance and inspection support.

For professionals involved in procurement or partnership with Compliance Group, the leadership change may signal operational and organisational adjustments in the company’s fire division over the coming year.

Classic Fire + Life Safety’s plan to rebuild from within

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Classic Fire + Life Safety prioritises people in next phase of growth

Classic Fire + Life Safety has announced a renewed focus on integration, culture and long-term planning under new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Farren.

The company, which began in 1985, has become one of Canada’s largest fire protection providers through multiple acquisitions and a national rebrand.

Farren joined the organisation in early 2025 and has since visited nearly all locations, meeting about 900 of its 1,000 employees.

He said the company’s rapid expansion had created strong engagement but also revealed the need for deeper cultural alignment.

Mike Farren, CEO at Classic Fire + Life Safety, said: “We’ve put people together but haven’t fully brought people together.

“It tells me we still have some important work to do.”

Five-year plan aims to strengthen alignment

According to the company, a new five-year strategic plan will focus on clearer communication, leadership accountability and alignment across business units.

Farren said his priorities shifted after meeting staff nationwide.

Mike Farren said: “Through my travels, I saw the potential of uniting our offices, departments and teams – truly aligning our people.

“This has become a top priority and one that will affect everything we do.”

To support this goal, Classic Fire + Life Safety has established a cross-functional Integration Committee.

The company said the committee will guide the unification of acquired firms, focusing on employee well-being and inclusive planning.

Farren said this approach would help build trust and a stronger sense of belonging across the organisation.

Mike Farren added: “We’re taking a closer look at what it takes to build something people want to be part of.”

Growth continues with cultural focus

Farren confirmed that Classic Fire + Life Safety will continue acquiring companies but within new cultural and geographic guidelines.

Mike Farren said: “We’re still looking at successful fire alarm and sprinkler companies – but now we’re going even deeper than that.

“If a company doesn’t align with our five-year plan, it just won’t make the cut.”

He explained that recurring revenue streams such as inspections, service calls and maintenance contracts will be central to future growth.

Farren said: “In today’s world, we need to double down on what’s recurring.

“It’s how we maintain the business through good times and bad.”

The company’s installation division will remain active, particularly for industrial projects, but Farren stressed the importance of selective bidding.

Mike Farren said: “We need to stay focused on the work we’re good at.

“We have an excellent installation group, but we don’t need to take on every opportunity.”

Building shared standards and culture

Farren said he aims to raise internal standards and reinforce a shared company identity.

He described a scenario he uses to communicate this idea to staff.

Mike Farren said: “I tell staff to imagine you’re walking through a hotel with your family.

“You see a fire extinguisher with a Classic inspection tag.

“You should feel proud of that.

“And when our technician comes around the corner to inspect it, their uniform and the way they conduct themselves should reflect who we are and what we stand for.”

He said the company’s goal is to create a sense of ownership and pride across all levels of the organisation.

Mike Farren added: “It lifts the low watermark.

“It sets the tone for what we expect internally from each other and what our clients can expect from us.”

Preparing for long-term maturity

Farren credited the former leadership team for positioning Classic Fire + Life Safety for this stage of development.

He said his role now is to help the organisation mature into a people-first business.

Mike Farren said: “If we think like a 300-million-dollar company, that’s where we’ll stay.

“But if we start thinking like a billion-dollar company, we begin making the bold decisions that get us there.”

He added that the company’s next steps involve building structure around its existing strengths rather than changing direction.

Mike Farren concluded: “The team’s done a lot, and Classic has come a long way.

“Now we need to start thinking and operating like the company we want to become.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Classic Fire + Life Safety’s updated integration strategy highlights how organisational culture and workforce engagement influence performance in the fire protection industry.

For fire-protection contractors, installers and service providers, the company’s emphasis on recurring revenue streams underlines the growing importance of inspections, maintenance and long-term service agreements.

For fire engineers, facility managers and system designers, Classic’s alignment and quality focus may affect how multi-site clients are served and how acquisition-driven firms sustain standards across regions.

Leadership approaches like Farren’s people-first model could shape how large fire-protection companies integrate operations and maintain consistency after mergers.

The milestone moment for NEBOSH’s Michael Adamson scholars

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyPeople
Image Left to Right: Drew McLaren, Daniel Akpesiri Vote, Andy Shenstone (NEBOSH CEO), Louise Adamson, Adaora Ogbu and India Lambley

Six NEBOSH scholars graduate as first Michael Adamson recipients

First Michael Adamson scholars mark milestone graduation

Six health and safety professionals have become the first Michael Adamson Scholarship recipients to graduate with a NEBOSH Diploma.

The graduates – Daniel Vote, India Lambley, Drew McLaren, Courtney Bayne, Adaora Ogbu and Munachimso Nduchegwo – each achieved a NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management professionals.

Their graduation took place at the University of Warwick on 22 September, alongside hundreds of fellow Diplomates from across the world.

The scholarship was established in 2021 to support the professional development of aspiring health and safety practitioners.

To date, 74 people have received funding through the Michael Adamson Scholarship.

The programme was created in memory of Michael Adamson, who died in a preventable workplace accident in 2005.

His sister, Louise Adamson, sits on the selection committee, holds a NEBOSH Honorary Diploma and continues to campaign for improved workplace safety.

Scholarship opens doors to international careers

Courtney Bayne, one of the first recipients in 2021, now works as Health and Safety Team Leader at Dundee City Council.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed studying for my NEBOSH Diploma, as it explored a wide range of health and safety topics.

“The wide-ranging content was not only interesting but also directly applicable to my role, allowing me to confidently integrate new knowledge into my everyday work practices.

“This made the learning experience both rewarding, valuable and has allowed me to progress in my health and safety career.”

Munachimso Solomon Nduchegwo, awarded a scholarship in 2023, has since moved from Nigeria to the UK.

He recently completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh under the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship.

He said: “Studying for the NEBOSH Diploma has been an exceptionally rigorous and enlightening experience.

“It allowed me to critically analyse complex health and safety systems, evaluate risk management strategies, and develop evidence-based solutions that enhance organisational safety culture.

“The depth and structure of the Diploma have not only strengthened my technical competence but also sharpened my strategic thinking, preparing me to make a meaningful contribution in any professional health and safety role.”

L-R: Andy Shenstone (NEBOSH CEO), Courtney Bayne, Munachimso Solomon Nduchegwo and Louise Adamson
Image Left to Right: Andy Shenstone (NEBOSH CEO), Courtney Bayne, Munachimso Solomon Nduchegwo and Louise Adamson

Graduates highlight personal and professional growth

India Lambley, a 2023 recipient and now Health and Safety Officer for Enicor in the recycling industry, said: “Studying for the NEBOSH Level 6 Health and Safety Diploma has pushed me to think more strategically and has sharpened my problem-solving skills.

“The course deepened my understanding of risk management and legal responsibilities.

“In my new role as health and safety lead, I am now more confident when implementing safety initiatives.”

Drew McLaren, awarded a scholarship in 2022 and now Health and Safety Manager for Eden Springs, said: “The NEBOSH Diploma has certainly been a challenge – it requires a lot of disciplined studying and late nights.

“Balancing the course alongside my role and family life hasn’t left much free time, but the knowledge I’ve gained has been invaluable.

“It has not only helped me grow as a safety professional but has also allowed me to support my workplace in making positive steps towards improving our safety management and culture.

“I’ll continue to use what I’ve learned throughout the rest of my career and to influence and support my colleagues along the way.

“I truly can’t thank NEBOSH and the Michael Adamson Scholarship enough for the opportunity they’ve given me.”

Scholars bring new expertise to leadership roles

Adaora Ogbu, a 2023 scholarship recipient, is now Assistant Director of Factories in the Occupational Safety and Health Department at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Headquarters.

She said: “Completing the NEBOSH Diploma was both a challenging and rewarding journey.

“The programme has given me the technical depth and confidence to take on complex health and safety challenges, including my recent role as the National Coordinator and Principal Auditor for the 2025 Nigeria’s Safe Workplace Intervention Project & Awards, where I applied my new knowledge to design the criteria and tools used to select the awardees.

“It has also been pivotal in advancing my career as a freelance ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, strengthening my credibility and opening doors to opportunities where I can contribute to building safer and more sustainable workplaces, both locally and internationally.”

Daniel Akpesiri Vote, a 2024 recipient and now Senior HSE Consultant for Seplat Energy, said: “Winning the Michael Adamson Scholarship and completing the NEBOSH International Diploma deepened my risk perception and gave me practical tools from risk assessment, job hazard analysis, incident investigation and safety leadership.

“I’ve used these skills to strengthen our permit to work process, improve contractor engagement and secure senior-management approval for critical controls; delivering measurable reductions in incidents and greater site resilience.

“Equipped with NEBOSH Diploma insights, I’m now driving practical controls and stronger leadership conversations to prevent workplace harm.”

Why one firefighter called the FDNY “a perfect fit”

by Americas - Featured NewsFeatured NewsPeople

Join FDNY Podcast explores career paths and personal stories in firefighting

FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast titled “It’s a great platform for me in my life.”

The episode, released on Monday 29 September 2025, continues the series’ focus on career paths within the Department.

The Join FDNY Podcast was established in 2023 to highlight the diverse experiences of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, fire protection inspectors, cadets and civilian employees.

The podcast aims to inspire potential recruits by showcasing the personal stories and professional journeys of those serving in the largest fire department in the United States.

Episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres

The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who served with the FDNY for nearly 30 years.

During the interview, Torres discussed his career progression from Engine 302 in Queens to Rescue 4, where he worked for 16 years before retiring in 2021.

He spoke about the support he received early in his career from the FDNY Hispanic Society, an organisation that he continues to serve as historian.

Luis Torres, retired FDNY Lieutenant, said: “Getting on right away, I joined the Hispanic Society, which gave me a trampoline more or less of help, mentorship within the fire department.”

“It helped me to learn from others who had been through the process and gave me a sense of belonging in the department.”

Torres explained that the Hispanic Society continues to preserve its history dating back to 1962, supporting members and sharing lessons with new recruits.

Luis Torres added: “We put together paperwork, information and photos from back then and organise it for the next generation to understand what we’ve been through and how we unite with the department.”

Sharing lessons across generations

Torres reflected on the experience of serving in his local community and seeing his son now working in the same firehouse.

He described this as a personal highlight of his career and a continuation of his family’s connection with FDNY.

Luis Torres said: “It was an honour to be in Rescue 4, seven blocks from where I grew up most of my life.”

“My son now works there too, which means a lot to me because he was born and raised in that same area.”

Torres encouraged all new recruits to find mentorship through the Department’s affinity groups.

He said: “I would recommend any individual, no matter if they’re Hispanic or not, to reach out to the fraternal organisation that represents them and join.”

Focus on mentorship and giving back

The episode also highlighted the Hispanic Society’s ongoing role in supporting mentorship and community engagement.

Torres explained that its work includes charitable initiatives such as toy and turkey drives, as well as events that bring together members from across different FDNY organisations.

He said: “You want to feel like you can give back after joining a great organisation like the fire department.”

“That’s where the organisations come in, because they support the community and each other through events and drives throughout the year.”

Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown praised Torres for his commitment to mentoring new firefighters and preserving the Department’s cultural history.

Captain Lee said: “Lieutenant Torres is very impressive, even after retirement, still wanting to give back just like he did on the job.”

Captain Brown added: “Every conversation he has is teaching, and it’s important for everyone to pick up on the lessons he shares.”

Additional feature on Chief Mike Meyers

The episode also revisited a previous conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers.

Meyers discussed his 34-year career and his advice for new recruits entering the FDNY Academy.

Chief Mike Meyers said: “Enjoy every day that you’re here and enjoy all the people around you.”

“I’ve never had a bad day on this job, not one day, not going through academy, not going through flips. I enjoyed every single one.”

Meyers reflected on the variety of experiences he has had during his career, from deployments to major incidents to leading training for thousands of firefighters and EMTs across New York City.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Join FDNY Podcast offers a detailed insight into the structure and culture of one of the world’s largest fire departments.

Its focus on recruitment, diversity and career progression may be of interest to fire service leaders responsible for workforce planning and training.

Senior officers and training coordinators can observe how FDNY uses public-facing communication to attract and support candidates from varied backgrounds.

The discussions about mentorship, affinity groups and intergenerational service highlight approaches that contribute to firefighter retention and engagement.

Fire training institutions may also find value in the perspectives shared by Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who described the importance of consistent learning and maintaining physical fitness through all stages of a firefighting career.

FDNY releases new podcast episode exploring career paths: Summary

The Fire Department of New York released a new episode of the Join FDNY Podcast on Monday 29 September 2025.

The podcast, established in 2023, highlights the experiences and career paths of firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, inspectors and civilian employees.

The latest episode features retired Lieutenant Luis Torres, who discussed his 29-year career, mentorship through the FDNY Hispanic Society and his continued role as its historian.

Torres reflected on serving in Queens and the pride of seeing his son now working in the same firehouse at Rescue 4.

Podcast hosts Captain Randy Lee and Captain Andrew Brown commended Torres for his ongoing mentorship and dedication to preserving FDNY’s history.

The episode also included a conversation with FDNY Chief of Training Mike Meyers, who reflected on his 34-year career and offered advice to new recruits entering the academy.

This article contains information from the following source: Join FDNY Podcast

Johnson Controls funds community college programme for fire protection and HVAC careers

by Featured NewsPeopleTraining

Why Johnson Controls’ education funding matters for future fire protection professionals

Fifth year of the partnership programme announced

Johnson Controls has announced the fifth year of its Community College Partnership Program, providing $3 million in funding to 30 community colleges.

The company said the programme aims to expand career pathways in technical fields including fire protection, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R), security and digital technologies.

Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer at Johnson Controls, said: “The Community College Partnership continues to empower institutions to equip students for success in the skilled trades.

“It also creates real career pathways and drives meaningful progress in closing the skilled trades gap across North America.”

The initiative builds on previous rounds of funding launched since 2021.

Programme impact and key outcomes

According to Johnson Controls, the programme has awarded funding to colleges across North America since its inception.

In the 2024–2025 school year, 554 students received scholarships.

The company said that 4,998 students have enrolled in participating programmes to date and that 1,046 have graduated, with further completions expected as multi-year courses conclude.

Johnson Controls employees recorded 846 volunteer hours during the 2024–2025 school year through mentoring and classroom involvement.

The company said the programme supports workforce development by providing clear routes into employment in high-demand fields.

Focus on high-demand technical roles

The Bureau for Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that HVAC-R mechanics and installers are projected to see 8% employment growth and approximately 40,100 job openings per year through 2034.

Johnson Controls said the Community College Partnership Program helps address these workforce needs by collaborating with nonprofit colleges to strengthen teaching in HVAC, fire protection, security and digital systems.

Each college receives a grant renewable for up to three years to grow academic programmes and expand student access.

The company expects to have donated up to $15 million by the end of 2026 to support education in these disciplines.

Local engagement and 2025–2026 award recipients

Johnson Controls said that funding for the latest cohort prioritised colleges in areas where the company has a strong customer and employee base.

It added that employee volunteers play a key role as mentors and guest educators, giving students access to professional networks and hands-on learning opportunities.

The 2025–2026 award recipients include Kennedy King College in Chicago, Suffolk County in New York, Montgomery College in Maryland, Lone Star College in Texas, the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland, Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Georgia, Milwaukee Area Technical College in Wisconsin, Sinclair Community College in Ohio, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina and George Brown College in Ontario.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Johnson Controls Community College Partnership Program directly affects the development of skilled workers in fire protection and related technical disciplines.

For fire-protection contractors, system installers and engineering consultants, the initiative contributes to a more qualified labour pool trained in installation, maintenance and safety compliance practices.

Building services engineers and facility managers benefit from the programme’s emphasis on modern HVAC and fire-protection technologies that align with current safety standards.

For training officers and technical educators, the model provides a framework for integrating industry expertise into vocational education.

By supporting students in both HVAC and fire protection, the programme helps maintain workforce capacity in areas critical to building safety and system reliability.

Johnson Controls funds community college programme for fire protection and HVAC careers: Summary

Johnson Controls has announced $3 million in new funding for 30 community colleges under its Community College Partnership Program.

The programme, launched in 2021, is entering its fifth year and focuses on developing career pathways in HVAC, fire protection, security and digital technology.

The company reported 554 scholarships awarded and 4,998 students enrolled to date, with 1,046 graduates from participating colleges.

The Bureau for Labor Statistics projects 8% growth for HVAC-R jobs through 2034, which the initiative aims to help meet.

Johnson Controls plans to contribute up to $15 million by 2026 to expand access to technical education.

Ten community colleges across North America will receive 2025–2026 funding, supported by employee mentoring and local engagement.

This article contains information from the following source: Johnson Controls