Advanced appoints new Product Management and Digital Director

John Newbury’s vast experience in fire safety solutions

Advanced, a foremost provider of innovative fire safety solutions, has officially announced the enlistment of John Newbury in the capacity of Product Management and Digital Director.

Newbury, boasting a two-decade-long illustrious history in the fire industry, is set to infuse Advanced with his expertise in fire protection systems.

Over the prior seven years, Newbuy was an integral figure at Ramtech, an affiliate of Advanced’s Halma sister company, Orama.

His instrumental contributions led to the evolution of WES wireless fire and evacuation alarm systems.

In his tenure as Product Innovation Director, his passion for product strategy and innovation directed the firm towards notable accomplishments.

Advanced’s commitment to innovative solutions

Newbury commented on his appointment: “Advanced has a high-value brand, high-quality products, a global reach, and an exciting roadmap of innovation ahead.

“It’s the perfect time to join an amazing business.”

In his new role, Newbury will be exploring novel prospects for products, clientele, and sectors.

He will accentuate the critical role of a transparent product strategy in propelling commercial triumph.

His zeal for innovation perfectly synchronises with Advanced’s pledge to promote life safety via state-of-the-art solutions.

Regarding his plans at Advanced, he added: “What really excites me about the job is the team here.

“It’s still very early days, but I have already seen a culture across the business and an energy from the people that work for Advanced that I have not really experienced anywhere before.”

Antonio Telesca, Managing Director of Advanced, extended a warm reception to John, expressing: “His extensive experience and passion for innovation will undoubtedly drive our product strategy forward, ensuring that we continue to lead the market with our renowned fire safety solutions.”

IFSJ Comment

The inclusion of John Newbury into the ranks of Advanced underscores the company’s intent to continually evolve and refine their offerings in the fire safety domain.

With his vast experience and understanding of the industry, it can be anticipated that Advanced will further consolidate its position as a trailblazer in life safety solutions.

This move is a testament to Advanced’s resolve to integrate expertise and innovation, ensuring unparalleled service to their global clientele.

Salvy Vittozzi joins Advanced as regional sales manager for the South East

Advanced strengthens its team with a seasoned professional in fire safety

Advanced, a well-known player in the fire safety sector, has announced the appointment of Salvy Vittozzi as the regional sales manager for the South East.

With a history spanning more than 20 years in the fire and security sector, Vittozzi offers a vast reservoir of knowledge and skills to his new position.

Beginning his career as a fire alarm designer, Vittozzi developed a sharp expertise in crafting fire safety systems.

His designer background positioned him to adeptly navigate the ever-changing landscape of new technologies and industry benchmarks.

Throughout his career, Vittozzi collaborated with various entities, ranging from electrical wholesalers and manufacturers to installers, acquiring crucial insights and learning at every juncture.

Previous roles and contributions

Over the past ten years, Vittozzi played key roles as a regional sales manager for notable companies such as Fike and Apollo, a company related to Advanced.

He also contributed as a business development manager at Clarkson Safety.

Such roles not only enhanced his industry knowledge but granted him a profound grasp of client requirements and market tendencies.

In his fresh role at Advanced, Vittozzi will predominantly concentrate on reinforcing customer ties and leveraging client feedback to spearhead innovation in product creation.

Commenting on his role, Vittozzi said: “I am thrilled to join Advanced and feel honoured to align with one of the foremost open protocol panel producers. I am equally eager to reconnect with the Halma Group, a prime figure in safety, health, and environmental tech.”

Echoing the sentiment, Matthew Jones, Head of UK Sales for the UK & Ireland at Advanced, stated: “Welcoming Salvy Vittozzi to our brigade is a delight. Salvy’s expansive industry acumen, combined with his dedication to client contentment and novelty, meshes seamlessly with our organisational ethos and vision.

“We anticipate scaling new summits with his inclusion.”

Impact on a global scale

Advanced’s equipment plays a pivotal role in safeguarding eminent establishments and their inhabitants globally.

Prominent landmarks such as The Shard in London, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, and crucial transport junctions like the London Underground, stand testimony to Advanced’s reliability.

Their products, revered for their efficiency, quality, and user-friendliness, find global resonance, from solitary-panel setups to expansive, multi-site networks.

Their wide-ranging product suite encompasses complete fire detection apparatus, multi-protocol fire panels, and even emergency lighting and evacuation alert mechanisms.

IFSJ Comment

The addition of Salvy Vittozzi to the Advanced team underscores the company’s commitment to excellence in the fire safety domain.

His vast experience and deep understanding of the industry make him a crucial asset, especially when navigating the evolving fire safety landscape.

His dedication to streamlining solutions and his focus on customer-driven innovation align with Advanced’s values.

It’s a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring the best minds work on crafting solutions for safer environments.

Historic British Pathé building now safeguarded by Advanced fire system

The former home of British Pathé, a landmark location, has newly implemented protection measures from Advanced.

Located at 142 Wardour Street, Soho, this prestigious building, once central to London’s ‘film row’, has undergone a comprehensive restoration and refurbishment project to develop multiple workspaces and retail areas.

360Fire was entrusted with the design and commissioning of this new Advanced fire alarm system, marking a significant step in ensuring the safety of its occupants.

360Fire and Advanced collaboration: an intricate project

For this intricate project, 360Fire collaborated with Mechanical Services Ltd, who fitted the building with four-loop Advanced MxPro 5 panels, a repeater panel, and Hochiki detectors.

These panels, chosen for their open-protocol nature, are seamlessly integrated with a voice alarm system.

This allows for a phased evacuation system, with specific procedures in place depending on the location of a potential fire.

Advanced’s innovative fire system features

Furthermore, the newly installed system boasts MxPro 5’s unique false alarm management capabilities.

Utilising the AlarmCalm feature on the MxPro 5 panels, the building’s safety measures can efficiently handle and manage potential false alarms.

Dividing the building into virtual areas independent of fire zones enables precise control of false alarm strategies, meeting the unique needs of each part of the building.

Chris Peart, Service & Commissioning Manager at 360Fire, stated: “The MxPro 5 panels were specifically selected due to their open protocol nature and flexibility.

“Advanced consistently represents the best solution for both the installer and the end user.”

In response, Advanced Sales Manager Ken Bullock commented: “I’m delighted Advanced has played a role in revitalising this iconic structure. This project aptly showcases the adaptability and features of the MxPro 5.”

The legacy and future of Advanced

The MxPro 5 is celebrated in the fire industry for being a leading multiprotocol fire system solution.

Globally renowned for developing intelligent fire systems, Advanced products are installed worldwide, catering to varying requirements, from single-panel setups to extensive multi-site networks.

IFSJ Comment

The former home of British Pathé holds significant historical value.

Its adaptation into a mixed-use space, while maintaining its historical essence, warrants state-of-the-art safety measures.

The chosen Advanced system, with its open-protocol nature and integration capabilities, underpins the importance of combining heritage with modern safety innovations.

The rise of remote fire panel monitoring

Advanced’s Digital Product Manager, Michael Dunbar, unveils the evolution of remote fire panel monitoring

Smart buildings are on the rise and with them comes increasingly sophisticated remote monitoring technology – with the fire safety industry being the latest to see new developments.

 According to Jupiter Research, the number of smart buildings globally is expected to rise from 45 million in 2022 to 115 million in 2026.

 This is welcome news for facilities managers (FMs) and fire alarm engineers who recognise the benefits and efficiencies remote monitoring can bring, including improved safety and time savings.

Efficiency

In recent years the IoT (Internet of Things) has enabled the collection of digital data from physical assets and processes, resulting in greater efficiency.

 Remote monitoring has significantly advanced the capabilities and efficiencies of FMs with the expansion of internet-connected devices making it possible to remotely communicate, collect and analyse data without being on site.

Following extensive customer research, remote fire panel monitoring platforms such as AdvancedLive have been designed specifically to meet the needs of FMs by combining fire system monitoring, instant notifications, and remote fire system control in one software.

 These subscription-based platforms allow users to both view and control elements of their fire system from any internet-enabled device, at any location.

 They also provide users with day-to-day reassurance that their fire system is working as intended, with instant notifications to alert them of critical incidents and status changes, and secure access methods to keep their data safe.

Information from their fire system is stored in the Cloud and presented in software accessed via any internet-enabled device.

 The software is simply connected to the fire panel using an internet connection and a BMS interface.

Accessibility

Critical to the design of these platforms was ensuring that FMs could use the software easily.

 Although modern fire panels are often simple to install and configure, research uncovered that FMs, other Responsible Persons and first responders do not find fire panels as easy to use as engineers, especially when a stressful incident is under way.

As a result, AdvancedLive was designed to be intuitive and simple to use.

 A huge benefit is the option to access the fire panel via the software by using familiar tools, such as a mobile phone, PC or tablet, removing the need to use the panel to control the system.

Fire system monitoring

The role of the FM has increased exponentially as buildings have become more sophisticated.

 Remote monitoring is therefore vital to provide the efficiencies required to monitor fire safety systems quickly and easily whenever a user needs to – even when they are off-site.

 Designed with users in mind, AdvancedLive’s intuitive dashboard offers a host of features, showing device status and duration of isolations and enablements with clear colour coding for easy identification of Fire, Fault, Isolation and Ok.

Monitoring can be viewed either by a map or list to suit a company’s needs and budget and ensures accessibility for all users regardless of the device they are using.

 Larger sites may benefit from a floor plan option, with a full-screen, colour-coded map for easy identification of zones, panels, device location and status.

It is easy to navigate the floor plans with pinch-to-zoom and to plot new and unmapped devices by simply dragging them to the required positions.

 A clear view of first and second-stage investigation countdown maximises available response time, where set up on a fire system.

 It is also easy navigate different floors for quick identification of the areas needing attention.

Instant notifications

During fire incidents, information is vital.

 Instant notifications mean that the FM or other Responsible Person are the first to know of an incident.

 Users miss nothing with status-change alerts sent during incidents to quickly show first and subsequent detections, investigation delay start and end points as well as reset actions.

Remote monitoring platforms can be accessed from any internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world, giving users reassurance that they will be the first to know about any problems, no matter where they are.

Remote control

Remote fire system control offers significant time savings, allowing users to make changes on the software without needing to be at the panel.

 It is possible to remotely acknowledge and extend the fire alarm investigation period (where set up on your fire system), and users can avoid unwanted alarms by remotely isolating devices before resetting the system at the panel.

Crucially, users can only control a fire panel if they have permission to do so.

 With data security more important than ever, the latest software gives admins complete control over who can access their system.

 Flexible login methods to offer fast, secure access without the need to remember yet another password but also an automatic link timeout for added security.

 Actions taken by individuals are stored in a comprehensive log, allowing traceability and compliance.

Fire alarm engineer

Remote monitoring platforms also benefit engineers.

 Traditionally, if an engineer wanted to gain knowledge of how a fire system has been operating, they could only access the limited information stored in the event log.

 With the latest remote monitoring technology, all the data is hosted in the Cloud.

 This gives engineers the benefit of a real-time view of a fire system, as well as access to historical views of data.

 This insight can then be used to predict potential issues, improving both fire safety and system efficiency.

It is possible to view a panel’s complete device history, including when the device was last activated, isolated, tested and enabled, allowing engineers to troubleshoot the problem remotely or diagnose issues in advance to save time if a site visit is required.

 It is also possible to identify trends and potential issues, enabling better service and maintenance planning, and allowing preventive action before issues escalate.

Future

As remote fire system monitoring develops, there is huge scope for both FMs and engineers to benefit.

 Not only will data be increasingly used in reports for compliance but also for intelligence and predictions.

Although the initial market for these platforms has been large complex sites, smaller businesses will also benefit in the long-term.

 This will be useful where a business owner is also in charge of the facilities management and is not able to always be on site.

Time, efficiency, reduced false alarms and improved safety are just some of the benefits remote fire panel monitoring offers.

As we move towards a rise in smart technology this is only the start of the digital transformation of fire safety systems in our buildings.

To find out more about AdvancedLive, go to www.advancedco.com

Advanced welcomes new Managing Director, Antonio Telesca

Advanced, a global leader in fire protection solutions, has appointed Antonio Telesca as its new Managing Director.

Telesca’s impressive career spans various industries including aerospace, lighting, and fire safety.

Originally from Italy, he has worked in several countries such as Holland, France, Finland, and Indonesia.

Such international experience provides him with the necessary cross-cultural insights vital for Advanced’s global expansion.

He is now based near Advanced’s main office in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, having moved there with his family.

Starting in aeronautical engineering, Telesca sharpened his technical abilities and gained comprehensive knowledge of intricate systems.

His career trajectory later shifted to the lighting and fire detection sectors.

Here, he took on senior roles, contributing notably to the growth of renowned brands like Philips and Schneider Electric.

Telesca has consistently demonstrated an adept understanding of product value, supply chains, and the overall market.

One notable accomplishment was leading a major manufacturing unit in Indonesia.

As Advanced’s new leader, Telesca aims to motivate teams, boost innovation, and improve customer interactions.

His vast experience combined with his knack for merging technical expertise with business strategies promises to be invaluable for Advanced’s ongoing growth.

Telesca shared his thoughts on the appointment: “I am excited to join the exceptional team at Advanced and lead this dynamic organisation into the future.

“With a passion for innovation, a commitment to learning, and a collaborative spirit, I am confident that we will build upon the company’s legacy of excellence and drive new achievements.”

Advanced’s global impact

Advanced systems safeguard numerous esteemed buildings and their residents globally.

They protect landmarks such as The Shard and 22 Bishopsgate in London and significant sites like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the London Underground.

About Advanced

Dedicated to developing intelligent life safety solutions, Advanced is firmly set on paving the way for a safer tomorrow.

Their commendable performance, top-tier quality, and user-friendly products are favoured worldwide, ranging from single-panel installations to expansive, multi-site networks.

Advanced’s comprehensive product line encompasses complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management, and even emergency lighting and evacuation alert systems.

Ownership of Advanced resides with the FTSE 100 company, Halma PLC – a conglomerate of life-saving tech enterprises aiming for a safer, cleaner, and healthier future for all.

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of Antonio Telesca to the role of Managing Director at Advanced signals a strategic move for the company.

With his diverse background, ranging from aeronautical engineering to the lighting and fire detection industries, Telesca brings a multi-faceted approach to leadership.

Coupled with his extensive international experience, Advanced is set to bolster its global presence and continue its tradition of excellence.

It’s an exciting time for the fire protection solutions sector, with innovations and collaborations becoming ever more crucial.

Telesca’s commitment to fostering these attributes provides optimism for Advanced’s future trajectory.

Roscam residents gain enhanced fire safety with Advanced protection panels

Revamped fire safety measures in Roscam apartments

Leading manufacturer of fire protection solutions, Advanced, has equipped Roscam, County Galway, Ireland’s residential buildings with its intelligent fire panels.

Eight apartment blocks within Roscam now have advanced protection, specifically through the use of Advanced’s Go, the company’s latest single-loop fire alarm control panel.

The task of system replacement and upgrade was undertaken by Securecom Claddagh Ltd, a trusted provider of fire and security services, which ensured each three-storey apartment block received a Go panel.

Efficient integration for comprehensive coverage in Roscam residences

Each building now has a Go panel installed close to the main entrance, ensuring the hallways and landlord areas are covered.

These panels have been seamlessly integrated with Apollo detectors, and a fire-specific remote monitoring device from CSL that communicates with an alarm receiving centre.

This ensures that the necessary key holders are promptly notified in case of any alarm trigger.

Securecom Claddagh Ltd has been utilising Advanced’s fire panels for its various projects for several years, acknowledging their simple programming, consistent site-wide standardisation and their ability to allow effective technical support from Advanced during any faults or unwanted alarms.

Jason Small, Director at Securecom Claddagh, said: “Advanced supplies fantastic equipment, which is very reliable and offers the same interface whether installing a Go panel on a small site or using an MxPro 5 fire panel for a larger networked site, such as a hotel or factory.”

Advanced’s Go panels: A boon for fire safety in Roscam and beyond

Neil Parkin, the North Sales Manager for Advanced, remarked: “Our Go fire panel features the same interface as our other Advanced fire panels, which means fire and security providers are familiar with how they work, ensuring quick installation.

“The Go provides sophisticated Advanced configuration but with a single loop making it ideal for small or standalone projects, like the Roscam apartment buildings, that still want robust fire protection to offer real peace of mind.”

With a wide range of applications from restaurants and guesthouses to small offices and shops, the Go panels have proven to be cost-efficient while providing maximum functionality, even for small-site budgets.

Furthermore, they offer compatibility with three leading detector protocols, providing wired and wireless options, as well as greater freedom over design and maintenance provider costs.

IFSJ Comment

The replacement of an ageing fire alarm system with Advanced’s new-generation Go panels in Roscam apartments serves as a model case of technology enhancing safety standards.

These advancements and their effective implementation could encourage similar upgrades in residential complexes worldwide, contributing to global fire safety improvement.

Matthew Jones Appointed as Head of Sales for Advanced in the UK and Ireland

Life safety solutions manufacturer Advanced has appointed Matthew Jones as Head of Sales for UK and Ireland as it continues to accelerate growth across its fire protection and emergency lighting ranges in the region.

Jones brings to the role extensive knowledge of Advanced’s products and customer base, having spent the last four years as the company’s Emergency Lighting Business Manager.

Prior to this, he managed a large part of the fire detection product portfolio for fellow Halma company, Apollo.

Since joining Advanced in 2019, Jones has headed up its emergency lighting function, successfully delivering a strategy that has driven sales and revenue growth for the department and forming close links with new and existing customers.

Strengthening Customer Relationships and Enhancing Collaborative Partnerships

In this newly created role, Jones will build on these relationships as the company seeks to work more collaboratively with its partners in the UK and Ireland.

Jones, who is also studying part-time for an MBA at the University of Portsmouth, said: “During my time working at Advanced I have seen first-hand the quality, breadth, and reputation of our life safety solutions – from fire protection to emergency lighting and evacuation alert systems – so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase them on a wider scale.

!I look forward to working closely with customers across the UK and Ireland to show them what else we can do and how we can greater support their businesses.”

Advanced Sales Director, Mike Cottam, said: “The UK and Ireland region continues to be a key area of focus for us, and we have been very successful in building our business in the region to date. T

“he creation of this role represents both our continued investment in this market and our commitment to adapt to customer needs, allowing us to provide an even better service.

“Matthew’s appointment means our customers will continue to benefit from the expertise of our regional sales team, while also enjoying the additional advantages that come with a closer, more collaborative partnership.”

Advanced’s Global Impact: Protecting Prestigious Properties with Life Safety Solutions

Advanced equipment protects prestigious properties and their occupants around the World.

From skyline-dominating landmarks, including The Shard and 22 Bishopsgate in London, and iconic international treasures such as Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, to vibrant transport hubs like the London Underground and Abu Dhabi Airport.

As a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent life safety solutions, Advanced is committed to creating a safer future.

A reputation for performance, quality and ease of use see Advanced products specified globally, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks.

The Advanced product portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction solutions as well as emergency lighting and evacuation alert systems.

Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

Heineken Cork Brewery benefits from Advanced remote fire panel monitoring

Heineken Ireland has upgraded its fire protection system with Advanced fire panels and AdvancedLive remote monitoring. The new system is helping to reduce false alarms, improve safety and provide peace of mind for the brewery’s employees and customers.

The Heineken Cork Brewery was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest breweries in Ireland. The brewery produces a variety of beers, including Heineken, Murphy’s Irish Stout and Kaliber. The brewery employs over 400 people and is a major tourist attraction in Cork.

The brewery’s previous fire protection system was nearing the end of its life and was no longer meeting the brewery’s needs. The new system, which was installed by TEE Fire Safety Solutions, includes seven Advanced MxPro 5 panels and 1,055 devices, including cutting-edge Hochiki Ekho wireless detectors. The system also includes Patol linear heat detection and Wagner air sampling equipment.

The new system is monitored remotely by AdvancedLive, which provides instant notification of fire events and allows for remote troubleshooting. The system has already helped to reduce false alarms by 50%.

“We are delighted with the new fire protection system,” said Enda Buckley, Commissioning Engineer at TEE Fire Safety Solutions. “The Advanced panels are easy to use and provide excellent protection for the brewery. The AdvancedLive remote monitoring system gives us peace of mind knowing that our fire system is always being monitored.”

“Heineken Cork is a great example of a business seeing real benefits from remote panel monitoring,” said Neil Parkin, Advanced Sales Manager for Ireland. “Not only have false alarms been reduced thanks to a system upgrade, when they do occur, they can now be dealt with quickly and with minimal disruption, without the expense of keeping a trained individual on site at all times.”

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. The company’s products are used in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies.

Image credit William Murphy licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Middle East and Africa sales team expansion for Advanced

Fire protection solutions company Advanced has appointed Business Development Manager Sargunan Sellamuthu as part of its growth plans in the Middle East and Africa.

Sellamuthu comes to Advanced with nearly a decade of fire industry experience, most recently working as a Sales Manager, successfully handling UAE sales for a European safety systems manufacturer. Prior to that he worked in several engineering roles.

In his new position, he will draw on his sales experience and fire safety expertise to help grow Advanced’s presence from his base in the UAE, as part of its progressive expansion strategy across the Middle East and Africa.

Commenting on his new role, Sellamuthu said: “Advanced is always good at reading market needs and responding with technically sound innovations. This partnered with the longevity of our products provides the ‘X factor’ and I’m excited to show more customers the value our products add.”

Sellamuthu represents Advanced’s second appointment in the region, after Sasi Kumar, Commercial Manager – Middle East & Africa, launched the company’s plans to accelerate growth in the territory.

Speaking about the appointment, Kumar said: “I am delighted to welcome Sargunan to my team and continue our growth across the Middle East and Africa. As a company we are committed to expanding our presence in the region, working closely alongside our existing distribution partners in Oman and South Africa, and actively seeking new relationships in the rest of the area. Sargunan’s wealth of industry experience puts us in an excellent position to grow our market share.”

The Art of Banksy Exhibition gets protection from Advanced and Hyfire

North west installers Fire Queen Limited combined an Advanced Go fire panel with wireless devices from Hyfire to protect artwork at The Art of Banksy exhibition, housed in a temporary venue at Media City, Manchester. 

The Fire Queen team were given just a week to survey, specify and install a BS5839-1-2017-compliant fire system to protect the exhibition, which housed a range of the street artist’s most iconic works.

Using a combination of the Advanced Go Quick Edit tool and the Hyfire Taurus app, combined with active support from the teams at both brands, it was possible to deliver a system in record time that met all the requirements of the event organisers and their insurers. 

Jan Myatt, Operations Manager at Fire Queen said: “We are familiar with carrying out wireless installations within realistic timescales, but the secrecy that surrounds anything to do with Banksy meant that this was really short notice.

“Luckily, thanks to our long-standing partnerships with Advanced and Hyfire, and in-depth knowledge of what their products can deliver, we were able to design and install the system in record time. It was a real team effort and we’re so grateful to both teams for their knowledge and support.” 

Mark Piert, Regional Sales Manager – North West at Hyfire, commented: “When the call came from Fire Queen, it was action stations. The good thing is that Hyfire devices are designed to work seamlessly with Advanced panels, and this is exactly the sort of installation where wireless comes into its own, so we were able to devise a suitable system in a matter of days. When you’re safeguarding artworks worth millions, as well as the people in the building, you feel a sense of responsibility, but we have 100% confidence in our product and its ability to deliver.” 

Phil Calvey, Sales Manager at Advanced added: “This is a great example of close collaboration to deliver on a complex and urgent brief. It’s so exciting to be protecting an internationally significant event like this and the fact that we were able to deliver the system so rapidly shows the level of support and expertise offered by all involved. The Go panel is the latest addition to our panel portfolio and as a single-loop, non-networkable panel it’s ideal for smaller, standalone installations, offering all the desired performance, quality and ease of use in locations where multi-panel networking is not required.”