East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service signs £11 million technology partnership with Telent

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsProjects

Telent agreement with ESFRS

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) has agreed a five-year, £11 million partnership with Telent to support the next phase of its digital transformation programme.

The partnership will cover technology supporting operational response and emergency communications, alongside IT services including critical networks, line of business applications and user devices.

Under the agreement, Telent will act as principal partner as ESFRS moves from a co-located data centre to a cloud-first environment within Microsoft Azure and application vendor provided cloud services.

Kev Pilkington, Head of IT Managed Services at Telent, said: “This contract award demonstrates that long-term transformation is possible when technology partners truly understand their customers’ mission and work collaboratively to achieve it.

“By keeping vital IT systems running 24/7, we help ensure that East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service can focus entirely on what matters most that is protecting lives, property and the communities they serve.”

Cloud-first scope and service resilience

The programme is intended to make critical systems faster, more reliable and more connected, with a focus on maintaining consistent emergency response.

Justine Cadogan, Assistant Director Digital, Technology & Change at ESFRS, said: “Our technology systems are central to how we serve and protect our communities.

“Continuing our partnership with Telent gives us the confidence that our digital infrastructure will remain secure, reliable and fit for the future, supporting our firefighters and staff in delivering the best possible service for the communities of East Sussex.”

The statement said the enhanced infrastructure will strengthen cybersecurity, improve performance and data access and streamline information-sharing across teams.

The agreement also includes co-developing ESFRS’s future IT strategy, with work to consider opportunities in automation and predictive analytics to support planning, coordination and resource management across the Service.

Work delivered since 2016

The award follows a public procurement process and builds on a nine-year partnership between the organisations, dating back to 2016.

The statement said Telent has modernised ESFRS’s IT infrastructure, migrated legacy systems and provided round-the-clock managed services across more than 75 IT service categories.

These categories include station end mobilisation, wired and Wi-Fi network management and end-user support for stations and front-line crews.

It also includes digitising previously manual and paper-based processes for fire safety visits, including a tablet-based application for Site Specific Risk Information visits.

Barry Zielinski, Strategy & Development Director for Network Services at Telent, said: “From an operational perspective, this award ensures our teams can continue providing the dependable, secure infrastructure that the Service’s front-line staff rely on every day.

“Whether it’s maintaining seamless communication between control rooms and crews or ensuring systems are always online, our focus is on enabling ESFRS to continue to deliver a fast, coordinated response across every incident as well as supporting the essential prevention work reducing the need for operational response.”

ABM expands engineering and maintenance services for London Fire Brigade properties

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsProjects

London Fire Brigade expands facilities contract across estate

ABM has expanded its facilities and engineering contract with London Fire Brigade to cover additional operational and support sites across the capital.

ABM confirmed that its existing contract covering the north region of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) estate has been extended from February to include locations in the south region.

The expanded scope includes LFB’s headquarters, operational support centre and 999 call centre.

The original contract began in January 2023 following a competitive tender process and covered 51 stations across the north region.

Services delivered under the agreement include mechanical and engineering work, plumbing, fabric maintenance and specialist trade support.

This also covers heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, critical systems, building management systems and fuel delivery infrastructure.

Scope expansion includes headquarters and emergency call centre

Claire Page, Head of Property at London Fire Brigade, said: “Ensuring our buildings and critical systems are reliable and resilient is essential to supporting our firefighters and teams as they serve Londoners.

“The work delivered to date clearly demonstrates the technical capability, rapid responsiveness and deep understanding of our operational environment required to support the wider estate.”

Richard Sykes, SVP and President of ABM UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be growing our partnership with LFB.

“Expanding this contract reflects the trust built through consistent delivery, strong collaboration and a deep understanding of the critical nature of London Fire Brigade operations.

“This is an important milestone for ABM and creates a strong foundation for a long-term partnership.”

ABM employs 15,000 team members across the UK and Ireland and provides facilities and infrastructure services across public and private sector estates.

Blackline Safety systems selected for Winter Olympics venue sweeps in Italy

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Blackline Safety equipment deployed for Olympic safety checks

A specialist team from the Belluno Provincial Fire Brigade equipped personnel with connected gas and radiation detection systems from Blackline Safety for Winter Olympics safety operations in Northern Italy.

The team is focused on nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological risks.

It is tasked with checking Olympics sports venue safety across the Milan-Cortina region before the public is allowed entry.

The devices are being used for pre-event venue sweeps and live event monitoring.

The aim is to safeguard athletes, spectators and staff from threats such as toxic gases and radioactive agents.

Devices, quantities and how they are being used

The Brigade is using 40 Blackline Safety G7c wearable gas detection devices.

The G7c devices monitor a range of toxic gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The team is also using six EXO 8 area monitors.

Half of the EXO 8 monitors include added Gamma radiation detection.

The team uses the devices to check for contaminants before doors open.

It also uses the technology to define boundaries around areas that could potentially be affected by gases or radioactive agents.

G7c detectors are worn by Brigade crew members inside venues during events.

They are also used outside in streets and the Olympic village.

Organisations involved and statement from Blackline Safety

The Belluno Provincial Fire Brigade is part of the larger Fire Department of Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, a division of the National Fire, Public Rescue and Civil Defence Corps of Italy (Dipartimento dei Vigili del Fuoco, del Soccorso Pubblico e della Difesa Civile).

Blackline Safety worked with Italy-based channel partner SWS (Safety Work Services) to provide the equipment.

Cody Slater, CEO and Chair, Blackline Safety, said: “The Olympic Games represent one of the most complex public safety environments in the world, making pre-event sweeps and active monitoring critical.

“Blackline Safety’s real-time connected technology is recognized worldwide for its ability to enhance personnel and public safety and save lives.”

The equipment was used by the Brigade team for checks before public entry and for monitoring during Olympic events.

Hochiki installs bespoke detection system at Willis Aviation’s Teesside base

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Hochiki case study at Teesside International Airport

A bespoke fire detection solution from Hochiki Europe has been installed at Willis Aviation Services’ maintenance base at Teesside International Airport, covering Hangars 7 and 8 across 45,000 m².

Hochiki said the project was delivered with local life-safety specialist Render Alarms, which designed and installed a tailored system built around Hochiki intelligent detection technology.

The site includes hangars, workshops and office space.

The case study described engineers working with high-value aircraft and potentially flammable materials.

System design and devices specified

The installation centres on Hochiki’s ESP intelligent fire detection system, described as offering open-protocol flexibility and performance aligned with the forthcoming BS 5839-1 2025 standard.

In office environments, adjustable smoke and heat detectors were specified, described as supporting reliable detection and reducing unwanted alarms.

In workshop areas, wall-mounted sounder beacons were installed to provide visual alerts in high-noise conditions.

For hangar voids, Hochiki’s FIRElink aspirating detection system was specified, described as using laser-based technology to monitor large areas with enhanced sensitivity and reduced maintenance requirements.

Render Alarms’ installation team used specialist design software to optimise the aspirating pipe network around the hangar’s structural framework, with the case study describing this as supporting coverage and compliance.

Luke Render, from Render Alarms, commented: “Hochiki’s bases are a gamechanger, one base fit all devices.”

The case study described sensors twist-fitting onto bases as part of the installation and commissioning approach.

Sprinkler upgrades schedule set in Manitoba health facilities regulations update

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProjects

Sprinkler upgrades milestones set in updated regulations

Updated fire safety regulations in Manitoba have been amended to align with a phased construction schedule for retrofitting health-care facilities with sprinkler systems.

The Manitoba government announced the change through Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

Asagwara said: “In 2020, the previous government changed the completion target without updating regulations or providing clear public communication,

“When we formed government in 2023 and became aware of that gap, we focused on protecting residents, supporting front-line workers and ensuring strong fire safety measures were in place at every site.

“Our government worked with health facilities and local fire officials to confirm interim protections while moving projects into active construction.”

Construction schedule and compliance dates across 194 facilities

The sprinkler installation requirement was established in legislation in 2015 for personal care homes, hospitals and health-care facilities, with a system-wide completion target of Jan. 1, 2026.

A $286 million fire and life-safety initiative fund was created in 2020 to support the work, with the regulatory framework not updated at that time to reflect the revised construction schedule.

The requirement for sprinkler installation remains unchanged, with the updated regulations setting milestones as work continues at hospitals, personal care homes and health centres.

The updated framework applies to 194 active health-care facilities, with work phased to keep sites fully operational during construction.

Site-specific compliance schedules are based on the scope of work required.

Construction activity has accelerated since 2023.

The Manitoba government said $73 million has been invested in the fire and life-safety initiative to date, with approximately $2 million spent prior to fall 2023 and more than $71 million invested since then to move projects into active construction.

A total of 117 hospitals, personal care homes and health centres are reported to have full sprinkler coverage.

An additional 41 sites are expected to reach compliance by the end of the 2026 to 27 fiscal year, bringing the total to 158 of 194 facilities completed.

The remaining 36 sites are scheduled for completion by Dec. 31, 2028.

Facilities awaiting upgrades are required to maintain enhanced interim fire safety measures including regular inspections, staff training, response planning and ongoing co-ordination with local fire services.

The updated regulations align legal requirements with the current phased construction schedule while sprinkler installation work continues across the province.

Fire Safety in Hospitality: Are UK hotels prepared for rising fire risk, Hyfire asks

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Hyfire explores the changing built environment, detailing why high-rise hospitality buildings require different fire safety approaches and installation methods

As UK hotels welcome record numbers of guests, one threat continues to grow quietly in the background: fire risk in increasingly complex buildings.

Ever since the lockdown was lifted, people have been excited to go out and travel as much as possible.

In 2025, 87% of adults in the UK took at least one holiday throughout the year, and 2024 saw the number of overseas tourists return to what it was pre-pandemic.

Because of this surge in popularity, the hospitality industry has become essential, both at employing a large number of people as well as ensuring the safety of guests and staff alike.

Fire is still one of the most dangerous risks for hotels in the country.

In 2023, almost 600 fires took place in hospitality buildings across the UK, resulting in injuries, damages and in some cases even death.

This risk must not be overlooked, which is why innovation and deployment of state-of-the-art fire safety measures are essential.

The Main Causes of Hospitality Fires

Fire safety always requires a bespoke strategy: no two buildings are the same.

It’s important to always consider the architectural shortcomings of the premise and the possible risk factors it may contain.

Hotels and hospitality buildings typically feature inhouse kitchens and restaurants, where unattended cooking equipment could be hazardous.

Furthermore, electrical fires due to faulty appliances are not to be underestimated.

Cleaning appliances, which most cleaning services deploy, also require attention and care.

In late December 2025, a fire broke out in the room of the Imperial Hotel located in Hove, East Sussex.

The fire brigade spent four hours tackling the flames and luckily only one person was injured and treated immediately.

After a careful investigation, it was determined that the cause of the incident was accidental due to a fault with an extractor fan.

This recent example perfectly represents how understanding the risks that come with operating such a facility can be the key to avoiding any future incident.

Embracing Innovation

The Imperial Hotel fire highlights how the urban landscape has seen significant changes in the past 50 years.

Nowadays, high-rise buildings rule cities’ skylines.

This massive shift in architecture comes with a unique set of challenges and guidelines that must be taken into account.

Wireless fire systems have increasingly emerged as a strong response to the complex layout of high-rise buildings.

Wireless devices could be installed anywhere, without the need for extensive cabling or intrusive work.

This allowed multi-storey structures to achieve maximum fire safety coverage which was more affordable and reliable.

Martin Lee, Head of Business for Hyfire, comments: “Wireless fire safety systems are increasingly being adopted for their flexibility and ease of installation, particularly in complex or challenging building environments such as hospitality.”

The Royal Ship Hotel Case Study

Today, wireless fire safety solutions [such as Hyfire’s Taurus system] have been deployed in all types of buildings.

They have been especially beneficial in the hospitality industry.

When the Royal Ship Hotel, a Grade II listed building located in the heart of the old market town of Dolgellau, needed to upgrade its outdated fire safety system, it managed to do so without interrupting day-to-day operations through the power of wireless technology.

According to the installer, a conventional hard-wired installation would have taken 6 weeks, but, because of the use of a wireless fire system, the project was completed in only one week.

The power of such innovative technology can be extremely beneficial in safeguarding the hospitality industry going forward, especially considering the rising number of tourists and the growth margin of the entire sector.

Ultimately, as the hospitality sector continues to grow and welcome record numbers of guests, fire safety cannot be treated as a box-ticking exercise but as a core responsibility.

Proactive risk assessment, staff training, and the adoption of modern solutions like wireless fire systems all play a crucial role in protecting lives, property and business continuity.

By investing in robust, forward-thinking fire safety strategies today, hospitality providers can ensure that memorable guest experiences are defined by comfort and care, not by preventable emergencies.

IRIS 2002 warehouse adopts Hochiki Latitude and ESP fire detection system

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Fire detection installed across IRIS 2002’s warehouse operation

IRIS 2002 SRL has enhanced fire safety across its warehousing operation using Hochiki Latitude fire control panels networked with Hochiki ESP intelligent fire detection and alarm devices.

Hochiki said the work covered a three floor 6,600 sqm garment warehouse within a wider 9,000 sqm facility serving the Italian luxury fashion industry.

The installation was delivered by Hochiki Italia distributor DSA Technology SRL working with authorised installation specialists EM Sistemi Di Sicurezza.

The design included a dedicated hanging garment section with an overhead trolley system and a loading platform.

System design for open plan layout and signalling

The open plan layout created a signalling constraint where the absence of structural columns limited traditional Visual Alarm Device placement in parts of the warehouse.

The team specified Hochiki YBO-BSB2 base sounder beacons mounted beneath ESP intelligent sensors to provide combined audible and visual warnings.

The base sounder beacons provide 51 EN54 approved audio tones and a high intensity flash to support signalling in environments with high background noise.

The ESP addressable sensor range was selected for use across large mixed warehouse zones and for features intended to reduce unwanted alarms, including automatic drift compensation and variable sensitivity.

Latitude fire control panels were installed across all three warehouses, with the system monitored from a single control station.

Hochiki described a remote monitoring option intended to give facilities and health and safety teams 24/7 access to system status and real time visibility of panel conditions.

Installation feedback from the delivery team

EM Sistemi Di Sicurezza said: “The flexibility of Hochiki’s system made the design and installation process easy.”

DSA Technology SRL said: “Configuration and programming were extremely simple, reducing commissioning times. The user interface is clear and intuitive, ensuring immediate and safe management of the system for end operators.”

The case study presented the project as an example of an addressable fire detection and alarm system for a high throughput logistics environment.

Forza Doors wins £500,000 fire doors package at 105 Victoria Street

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Fire doors package for 105 Victoria Street

Forza Doors has announced it will supply fire doors, washroom doors and panels as part of a £500,000 package at 105 Victoria Street, Westminster.

The company outlined the scope as covering all fire doors, washroom doors and panels for the development.

The scheme is being delivered by contractor Skanska for developer BGO.

The mixed-use development is described as a 500,000 sq. ft scheme opposite Westminster City Hall, with 15 floors of office space, ground-floor retail and a two-storey basement.

Project specifications and quoted comments

The development is described as the UK’s largest fully electric, net-zero office development, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, EPC A and WELL Platinum.

It is also described as set to become the UK’s largest 100% electric net zero office in operation as well as build.

The building is described as including an urban farm with community allotments and a multi-purpose arena intended to be available to local schools for sports games and events.

Emma Foster, principal at BGO, said: “Forza Doors have successfully supplied veneer doors throughout 105 Victoria Street, delivering a high-quality finish that combines durability with refined design detail.”

Will Hunnam, managing director at Forza Doors, said: “This is exactly the type of project where our technical authority, design expertise and sustainability leadership come together.

“We’re proud to contribute to a Grade A development in the capital at a time when there’s increasing pressure on developers to upgrade ageing office stock to meet occupiers’ demands for best-in-class working environments.”

The scheme was designed by architect Kohn Pederson Fox alongside interior architect Henning Larsen.

Forza Doors said the doors for the building will be manufactured in its West Sussex facility using FSC-certified timber.

Harmony Fire joins four-year NHC Procurement Active Fire Framework arrangement

by Featured NewsPassiveProjects

Harmony Fire appointment to active fire framework

Harmony Fire has been appointed to the £100 million NHC Procurement Active Fire Framework under a four-year deal.

The firm was appointed to Lot 1 – Fire Products Supply and Installation, Lot 2 – Consultancy and Lot 3 – Servicing.

Lots awarded and scope of services

The deal covers consultancy, supply and installation, servicing and fully managed services.

Harmony Fire was selected to deliver consultancy services alongside the design and installation of fire detection, smoke control, sprinkler systems and emergency lighting.

Within Lot 3, it was appointed for sprinkler, misting and emergency lighting maintenance, plus fire servicing and maintenance and minor and remedial works.

Lee Goodenough, Director at Harmony Fire, said: “Partnering frameworks continue to provide public sector organisations with a highly efficient and fast-tracked pathway to procuring essential life safety works.

“Our appointment to the NHC Procurement Active Fire Framework demonstrates our national capability as a full service life safety specialist, positioning Harmony Fire at the forefront of fire safety consultancy, design and delivery and maintenance solutions.”

Framework access and other partnerships

NHC Procurement has over 500 member organisations, including organisations that manage social housing tenancies, NHS Trusts, education institutions, other public sector bodies and charities.

The Active Fire Framework is intended to help member organisations engage and procure life safety projects with sector specialists that have met quality assurance and competence standards.

Harmony Fire said the appointment follows recent frameworks with Fusion 21 and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), as well as its reappointment to the CHIC Fire & Building Safety Framework and a place on the NHS Shared Business Services framework.

Harmony Fire also listed Guinness Partnership, Notting Hill Genesis, Places For People and Hyde as framework partners.

Exxon Mobil site upgrade uses over 800 Hyfire wireless fire devices

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800 devices, six weeks: Hyfire Taurus installed at Beverkae House

Vipond installed more than 800 Hyfire Taurus wireless devices at Beverkae House at Exxon Mobil, according to a case study published by Hyfire.

The work took place at the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) in Scotland, operated by ExxonMobil Chemical.

The case study says the aim was to upgrade the site’s fire safety system while keeping day-to-day operations running.

Installation approach and project timeline

Hyfire said the site was running on a Hyfire Static system before the upgrade, which supported a transition to the Taurus wireless network.

Vipond installer John Currie said: “This project was both vast and highly sensitive, as leaving the plant without a working fire alarm system would have been incredibly dangerous.

“Hyfire’s incredible versatility and ease of installation allowed us to seamlessly upgrade their system without interrupting day-to-day operations.”

Installers downloaded the system configuration from the previous system and checked for channel crossover during the Taurus installation.

More than 800 devices were installed in six weeks.

Why Taurus was selected for this site

Hyfire described Taurus as suited for larger sites with high reliability, low false alarms and long battery life.

The case study added that Taurus can support sites with many devices and more complex buildings.

Vipond’s installation used Taurus devices across the plant, the case study said.

The case study presented the project as a site-wide upgrade delivered within the existing operating environment.