National Firefighter PPE Framework appointment sees Ballyclare chosen across multiple PPE and service categories for UK fire and rescue services
Ballyclare has been selected as a preferred supplier on the National Firefighter PPE Framework, a new procurement initiative designed to provide modern firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and related services to the UK’s approximately 50,000 firefighters.
The National Firefighter PPE Framework, managed by the Kent and Medway Towns Fire and Rescue Authority, aims to streamline procurement processes for fire and rescue services while providing access to high-quality PPE ensembles and maintenance services.
Following a competitive tender process that included technical assessments, cost evaluations and practical user trials, Ballyclare secured selection across several categories, including Managed Services, Structural Firefighting PPE, Lightweight Firefighting PPE, Structural Firefighting Boots, and Cleaning and Maintenance.
The company’s submission included a next-generation version of its Xenon structural firefighting ensemble, designed to provide protection during structural firefighting operations. The ensemble incorporates a three-layer fabric construction, reinforced elbow and knee protection, and fire-retardant phosphorescent tape intended to improve visibility in low-light environments. The garment has also been engineered with durable seams, stitching and fabrics to withstand operational demands and repeated cleaning cycles.
Also selected under the framework was Ballyclare’s newly developed lightweight hybrid jacket and trouser ensemble for technical rescue and wildland firefighting applications. The garment is designed to meet the relevant EN standards for both operational environments and features flame-retardant fabrics intended to provide protection against blood-borne pathogens, chemicals and particulates while maintaining wearer comfort.
Through the framework, Ballyclare will additionally supply two fire boot models from its Tuffking range, which are used by fire and rescue services across the UK.
The company will also provide cleaning and maintenance services through the framework, offering a seven-day turnaround service for the collection, cleaning, repair and return of firefighting kit. Ballyclare said the service will be delivered in partnership with a professional cleaning provider operating facilities at multiple locations across the UK.
Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire & Security at Ballyclare, said: “We are delighted that our services have been selected through such a competitive process and that our kit has been recognised for its technical performance, wearer comfort and overall value for money. Our success reflects the strength of our product innovation, our deep understanding of the fire sector, the agility of our company as a UK-based SME and the expertise of our teams across design, manufacturing and service delivery.
“Ultimately, this is about making sure the UK’s firefighters have kit they can trust when it matters most, and we’re proud to be delivering that on a national scale.”
The framework is intended to simplify procurement for fire and rescue services while ensuring access to compliant PPE and support services through approved suppliers. Ballyclare’s appointment positions the company to support fire and rescue organisations across the UK through the framework’s procurement structure.