Aico introduces Platinum Partner initiative to raise installer standards

by Featured NewsFire DetectionTraining

New UK scheme will identify firms meeting advanced compliance and training criteria

Aico has launched a new recognition programme, the company announced, with the first Platinum Partner to be revealed at Housing 2025 in Manchester from 24 to 26 June.

According to Aico, the Platinum Partner initiative expands on its existing Gold Standard Installer requirements.

The company said the scheme is designed for organisations that meet a set of advanced benchmarks in training, quality management and site collaboration.

It added that the initiative aims to support improved safety compliance and long-term industry partnerships.

The programme applies to the United Kingdom.

Strict criteria required for Platinum Partner status

To qualify, companies must already meet Aico’s Gold Standard Installer requirements and show further evidence of competence and quality assurance.

Aico stated that all Platinum Partners must have installers trained to City & Guilds 2426-01, with at least some members of the leadership team certified.

Other requirements include conducting joint site visits with Aico and clients, attending factory visits, holding ISO 9001 accreditation, and keeping an up-to-date copy of BS 5839 Part 6.

Firms must also demonstrate engagement with corporate social responsibility efforts involving Aico and take part in a yearly sustainability review.

Aico explained that these conditions are intended to ensure consistent quality, safety and transparency in life safety system installations.

Senior leadership and governance engagement required

One of the initiative’s defining features is the expectation that company leadership be actively involved in installation governance.

Aico explained that factory visits are mandatory for senior team members and said that certified training among decision-makers was essential to align organisational culture with compliance goals.

It added that participation from leadership would also improve communication between contractors and housing providers.

The company said this structure allows for ongoing dialogue about best practice and performance.

Aico highlights installer development and sector-wide impact

Steve Trafford, Aico’s sales director, said: “Introducing the Platinum Partner Initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to raising the bar.

“By recognising and supporting organisations that go above and beyond in training and quality, we’re not only promoting excellence but also enhancing safety standards across the industry.

“This is about building long-term partnerships that deliver real value to communities.”

Aico confirmed that the first Platinum Partner will be announced during the Housing 2025 conference in Manchester.

Trafford added: “We want this to set a benchmark that others aspire to.”

Partners to receive resources and collaboration opportunities

Aico said that companies recognised as Platinum Partners will benefit from exclusive resources, additional visibility and opportunities to work strategically with the manufacturer.

The company explained that this includes promotional support and closer alignment in future developments, particularly in the areas of sustainability and compliance.

It stated that the initiative also supports wider customer assurance efforts and aligns with national housing quality targets.

Aico introduces Platinum Partner initiative to raise installer standards: Summary

Aico has launched a new Platinum Partner scheme.

The scheme expands on the company’s existing Gold Standard Installer criteria.

It includes requirements for advanced training, ISO accreditation and collaborative work on sites.

To qualify, firms must hold BS 5839 Part 6, engage in CSR work with Aico, and complete a sustainability review.

Leadership involvement is required through factory visits and training.

The first Platinum Partner will be announced at Housing 2025 in Manchester from 24 to 26 June.

Sales director Steve Trafford said the initiative is intended to raise standards and promote safety across the UK.

Platinum Partners will gain access to exclusive resources and partnership opportunities.

All information in this article is attributed to Aico.

Aico celebrates 35 years

by Featured NewsPeople

Aico, the Shropshire based home safety brand are celebrating 35 years of producing domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide protection.

Founded in 1990, Aico has experienced growth and development, adapting to the ever-evolving market landscape. Since the beginning, Aico has cultivated a reputation for innovation, quality and excellent customer service, resulting in a portfolio of products and solutions that have set industry standards. 

In addition to products, education is a key part of home life safety and therefore is at the core of everything Aico does. This is reflected in its multiple award-winning CPD-accredited training courses which are designed to promote quality at every stage of the supply chain.

Aico designs products to simplify the creation of safer homes, this is demonstrated by the HomeLINK Connected Home Solution, which has grown to connect over 451,000 devices across the UK and 74,496 live gateway systems.

Education

These systems aim to support landlords and protect residents. It is also important that landlords keep informed about changing legislation to ensure they continue to stay compliant.

Aico has supported and empowered landlords to network, develop and learn through the development of the Social Housing Professionals Network (SHPN), as well as the SHPN roadshow.

As well as educating the supply chain, Aico has seen the value of developing the knowledge of the future.

With the introduction of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in 2018, Aico has accumulated 249 educational visits, including visits to schools and colleges, and students coming to Aico’s headquarters for the day.

These visits are there to inspire students and get them thinking about their future careers. This initiative has supported over 16,400 students, and most recently in 2024 over 3,259.

Additionally, the CSR team organised the volunteering programme which has accumulated 7,547 employee volunteering hours for 247 causes. This support is set to continue and grow along with everything Aico does.

Managing Director, Aico, Neal Hooper’s statement

Neal Hooper, Managing Director, commented on Aico’s longstanding success: “It has been an incredible 35 years of growth. We have doubled our turnover approximately every five years whilst providing life safety solutions to millions of homes.

“Our market leading technology is being developed into new areas, further establishing our position as the dominant European manufacturer.

“The fact that we have colleagues who have been with Aico for the whole of its history, as well as a senior team wholly promoted from within, demonstrates the quality and loyalty that we are blessed with.

“We would like to thank all our clients for the support since 1990, without which we would not be celebrating such a milestone following another record year. It is massively appreciated.

“And finally, to the millions upon millions of households protected by Aico, thank you for choosing the very best solutions, it makes us very proud. We will continue to strive to provide world-class quality, innovation, service, and education for the next 35 years and beyond.”

Commercial & Finance Director, Aico, Matt Small’s statement

Commercial & Finance Director, Matt Small, has been with Aico for almost 26 years and added: “I joined Aico as a warehouse apprentice back in 1999. Over the past 25 years, my role has evolved significantly, and my warehouse days are well behind me – thankfully, as I don’t think I could keep up these days!

“I’ve had the privilege of watching the company grow and transform over the last two and a half decades. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.

“The technology behind our products has advanced dramatically, with innovations like RF connectivity, launched in the mid-2000s, now commonplace.

“Today, 1 in 3 installations use RF interconnection, revolutionising how our systems operate. Similarly, multi-sensor technology has seen remarkable growth, with 1 in 3 alarms sold now being multi-sensors.”

Aico starts celebrations for their 35th anniversary: Summary

This year, Aico celebrates 35 years of providing life safety solutions, creating alarms and sensors. Aico’s Managing Director said that the milestone highlights their incredible growth as a company.

Cheshire West and Chester Council adopts Aico Ei3030 alarms for enhanced resident safety

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Cheshire West and Chester Council integrates new safety technology in housing stock

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) has adopted Aico’s Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Alarm as part of its housing stock upgrade and replacement programs.

As reported by Aico, the council is using these combined Optical, Heat, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms to enhance resident safety.

The Ei3030, launched in summer 2023, is becoming widely adopted in social housing due to its reliability and ease of use.

This advanced alarm integrates three sensors in one unit, providing accurate detection of both fire and CO, reducing the need for multiple devices.

The alarm also features Intelligent Dust Compensation and software that enables real-time data extraction and monitoring, facilitating proactive safety measures.

Future enhancements through Aico’s HomeLINK technology

CWAC’s adoption of the Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Alarm also opens the door for future integration with Aico’s HomeLINK Technology.

Should the council decide to make further improvements to its housing portfolio, this technology would allow for monitoring of issues such as damp, mould, and indoor air quality, as well as ensuring compliance.

The HomeLINK solution is powered by the Ei1000G Gateway, which collects data through Aico’s Environmental Sensors.

These sensors provide landlords with actionable insights, accessible through the HomeLINK Portal, to improve tenant safety and housing conditions.

Installation and training by Liberty Group

The installation of these multi-sensor alarms in Ellesmere Port properties was carried out by the Liberty Group.

Their team participated in Aico’s Expert Installer Training earlier this year, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to efficiently install domestic fire and CO alarm systems.

James Fishwick, Electrical Contracts Manager for Liberty Group, expressed satisfaction with the new alarms: “This is such a good alarm and ticks so many boxes in one go.

“We were keen to start fitting them as soon as our client gave us the new specification.

“We’re now starting to see them on others around the country as well. It’s a no brainer.”

Support and reliability of Aico’s products

Aico’s products, including the Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Alarm, are manufactured in Shannon, Ireland.

Each unit undergoes rigorous testing to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Aico’s network of 32 Relationship Managers across the UK is available to provide guidance and support for implementing Aico’s home life safety systems.

Carl Traynor, Aico Relationship Manager for Merseyside, highlighted the benefits of the combined unit: “As a former electrician and compliance manager myself, I was used to fitting multiple alarms to cover both smoke and CO.

“I was always particularly cautious around the migration factor, where CO can be produced in one room or even an adjacent property and have devastating consequences on another.

“This combined unit is ideal to mitigate these risks.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council adopts Aico Ei3030 alarms for enhanced resident safety: Summary

Cheshire West and Chester Council has integrated Aico’s Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Alarms into its housing stock as part of its safety upgrade programs.

These alarms, launched in summer 2023, are gaining popularity in social housing for their reliability and ease of use.

The council’s adoption of this technology allows for potential future integration with Aico’s HomeLINK system, which provides comprehensive monitoring and safety insights.

The installation was carried out by Liberty Group, whose team underwent specific training for this purpose.

Aico continues to provide reliable and well-supported safety solutions, with all products manufactured and rigorously tested in Shannon, Ireland.

Fire safety updates for Northern Ireland discussed at the Ask Aico roadshow

by EventsFeatured News

Overview of the Ask Aico Northern Ireland Roadshow

The Ask Aico Northern Ireland Roadshow, an event dedicated to discussing upcoming changes in fire and carbon monoxide safety regulations, recently concluded its tour across Northern Ireland.

Spanning from April 22nd to May 2nd, the roadshow made stops at 12 different locations, including a notable visit to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast.

This initiative comes in response to proposed updates to the Private Tenancy Regulations and Building (Amendment) Regulations – Part E (Fire Safety) aimed at enhancing tenant safety across the region.

Proposed changes to safety regulations

The main focus of the roadshow was to inform various stakeholders about the significant legislative updates that require private rented homes to install specified numbers of heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms that adhere to British Standards.

These changes are designed to align Northern Ireland with the fire safety measures already established in other UK jurisdictions.

Roadshow impacts and engagements

Throughout the roadshow, Aico personnel engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders, including electrical contractors, landlords, letting agents, and tenants.

The discussions centred around the implications of these changes for property compliance and safety standards.

Notable sessions addressed the legislation for private rented dwellings and the use of smart sensors to detect environmental hazards like damp and mould.

“The Ask Aico Northern Ireland Roadshow was a valuable experience that allowed us to connect directly with various industry players,” said Duncan Orr, Relationship Manager at Aico.

“From distributors and installers to landlords, letting agents, and even tenants, our team had the opportunity to educate them about the upcoming changes to building regulations and private rented dwellings legislation.

“This proactive approach ensures property owners, contractors, and residents are fully aware of their obligations and are empowered to maintain compliance.

“Our state-of-the-art mobile unit allowed attendees to see first-hand how Aico’s products can help them meet the new regulations and ultimately create safer living spaces.”

IFSJ comment

The Ask Aico Northern Ireland Roadshow represents a proactive effort to educate and update stakeholders across Northern Ireland about critical fire safety and carbon monoxide regulations.

By providing direct access to expert advice and demonstrating compliance solutions, Aico plays a pivotal role in enhancing safety standards in the region.

Such initiatives are essential for ensuring that the changes in legislation lead to improved safety outcomes for all residents.

Aico unveils “The Great Escape – Shop Aico to Go!” promotion for 2024

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Aico announces a new promotional campaign

Aico has recently launched a new promotion named “The Great Escape – Shop Aico to Go!” for the year 2024.

This campaign is designed as a gesture of gratitude towards their supply chain for their continuous support in the previous year.

Details of the promotion

The promotion offers a chance to win a variety of prizes, including trips to global destinations such as Las Vegas, Dubai, and various locations in Europe, as well as vouchers for days out across the UK.

To participate, distributors and installers are required to purchase Aico products between January 1st and February 29th, 2024.

Distributors can enter by scanning their invoices, while installers can use codes found on selected products.

The promotion increases the chances of winning with the purchase of more Aico products.

Experiences offered in the promotion

Participants have the opportunity to win holidays and city breaks to destinations like Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife, and Dubai, famed for its modern architecture.

Additionally, the promotion includes trips to European cities such as Barcelona and Disneyland Paris.

For those looking to explore the UK, there are prizes like short stays in the Lake District and London.

Aico is also offering vouchers for various activities within the UK, catering to a range of interests.

Alex Garmston, Marketing Manager at Aico, commented: “The Great Escape – Shop Aico to Go! promotion is our way of showing appreciation to our valued supply chain partners for their unwavering support throughout 2023.

We’re excited to see the grand prizes being won, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with our supply chain in 2024.”

IFSJ Comment

The “The Great Escape – Shop Aico to Go!” promotion by Aico represents a strategic move in the fire and safety industry to enhance engagement and loyalty among supply chain partners.

This campaign underscores the importance of recognizing and rewarding the contributions of distributors and installers in the industry.

Such initiatives not only foster strong business relationships but also encourage active participation and increased sales.

Moreover, this promotion highlights the growing trend in the industry to combine business objectives with rewarding experiences, enhancing the overall appeal of participating in such campaigns.

Aico launches the Skills Hub: A new educational portal for electricians

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Aico Launches the Skills Hub: A New Initiative for Electricians

Aico, a leading provider in fire and carbon monoxide detection, has announced the launch of The Skills Hub.

This new initiative is designed to provide electricians and installers with up-to-date industry knowledge and skills.

The Skills Hub marks a significant step in Aico’s commitment to education within the fire safety sector.

expanding educational horizons

The Skills Hub, certified by the Fire Industry Association (FIA), brings together a variety of training providers to offer a diverse range of courses.

These courses are aimed at equipping industry professionals with the necessary skills to ensure safety in the workplace.

This collaborative effort includes providers such as City Electrical Factors (CEF), Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), Ratio Electric, and Zemper.

Aico’s role in professional development

Aico’s involvement in The Skills Hub extends to delivering their Expert Installer training scheme.

This program is specially designed for Electrical Contractors, focusing on the correct installation of domestic Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems.

Aico’s commitment to professional development in the industry is evident through their daily nationwide CPD-certified training courses and the recently introduced City & Guilds certified course in Oswestry.

The inaugural Skills Hub event

The first Skills Hub event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Aico’s Centre of Excellence in Oswestry.

The event promises an engaging experience with five training sessions, each led by a leading expert in the field.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and participate in various educational activities.

Andy Speake, Aico’s National Technical Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “The Skills Hub is a fantastic initiative that we believe is crucial for equipping professionals with the latest industry knowledge and skills.

We are delighted to have CPD certification from the Fire Industry Association (FIA), which further underscores the Skills Hub’s significance as a valuable resource for industry professionals.

We are proud to collaborate with some of the sector’s leading training providers.

We look forward to welcoming attendees to our first-ever Skills Hub.”

IFSJ comment

The launch of The Skills Hub by Aico represents a significant advancement in the field of fire safety and electrical installation.

By bringing together various training providers and offering CPD-certified courses, Aico is not only reinforcing its commitment to professional development but also enhancing the overall safety standards in the industry.

This initiative is particularly important given the evolving nature of fire safety technology and regulations.

The Skills Hub stands as a testament to Aico’s leadership in the sector and its dedication to ensuring that professionals are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills.

Such initiatives play a crucial role in maintaining high safety standards and adapting to new challenges in fire safety and electrical installation.

Aico enhances resident safety in housing stock in Brentwood

by Featured NewsProjects

Plans for trial fitting 40 homes with upgraded life safety devices

Brentwood Borough Council has acknowledged the need to upgrade life safety products across its housing stock. Following discussions with Carol Burton, Interim Corporate Manager – Technical Services, the council will be launching a new trial that involves outfitting 40 properties with Aico’s enhanced heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, home management gateways and environmental sensors throughout the borough.

Aiming for compliance with British Standards

This initiative will modernise the home life safety systems in line with British Standard BS5839-6 and BS50292. Properties involved in the trial will be chosen based on diverse factors, and their performance will be closely monitored before, during, and after the implementation of these upgrades, to ensure the wellbeing of the residents.

Brentwood Council utilises smart home technology for safety

By employing Aico’s connected home solution, Brentwood Borough Council will be able to connect every alarm in a property to a central portal, aggregating the data into a simplified report. These insights will facilitate preventative actions and proactive maintenance of the installed fire alarm systems. This remote management capability will not only save valuable time for the local authority but will also reduce call out costs and enhance their care for residents.

Borough council leading in tenant safety with innovative products

This approach will position Brentwood Borough Council at the cutting edge of tenant safety, thanks to the use of Aico’s innovative and reliable products. Aico is set to assist the council throughout this process, offering continuous training and support to maximise the potential benefits of this scheme.

Carol Burton said: “Brentwood Borough Council are looking forward to working with Aico. Installing the home management gateway and environmental sensors will complement the fire and carbon monoxide alarms we have already installed. This modern technology will empower our tenants to see in real time how their home is performing and will help Brentwood Council identify properties that are most at risk, enabling proactive measures and preventative maintenance of our assets.”

Proactive council embraces new system for tenant wellbeing

Matt Golding, Regional Specification Manager, praised the council’s readiness to adopt the new system: “It’s great to be working with such a proactive and keen Council who have embraced the concept straight away and can see the benefits of the home management system, not only making them more effective in their housing management but also supporting the health and well-being of their tenants. We will work closely together to ensure the right advice and training is supplied and engage with the residents to let them know fully how this can benefit the environment they live in.”

UK Association of Letting Agents partners with Aico

by Featured NewsProducts

The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) has partnered with Aico, a manufacturer of choice for life safety products.

UKALA is a professional association that supports letting management agent members to be successful, stay compliant and provide a high-quality service. The organisation represents members’ interests across the UK, works constructively with various government departments and sits on many committees and policy input bodies.

Recent legislative changes now require all rented accommodations in England to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted to a fuel-burning appliance. In rented domestic premises, a category LD2 fire detection system must be installed within the residence. A Category LD2 system, as defined by BS5839-6 2019, means that mains-powered alarms with a sealed tamper-proof battery backup should be installed in the living areas and escape routes, with a heat alarm in the kitchen, and all alarms should be interlinked.

Tony Boyle, National Sales Manager at Aico, said of the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with an organisation like UKALA, which strives to improve standards in the private rental sector through professional development and provision of information and help.

“In a climate of constant regulatory change, it is clear UKALA does a fantastic job of keeping its members up to date with the latest requirements for compliance and improving the safety of residents. With over 4 million privately rented homes in England alone, it’s encouraging to see organisations like UKALA improving standards within the sector.”

Aico products are supplied to the UK’s professional electrical distribution network. UKALA members can procure Aico products through these channels through an agreement set up separately by the organisation.

Anthony Lock, Director of UKALA, added: “We aim to give letting agents a package of benefits from client money protection insurance, help and information through to commercial benefits. UKALA members can enjoy access to all of Aico’s carbon monoxide, smoke and heat detector products that conform to the latest legislative changes through the appropriate professional electrical distribution channels. The partnership with Aico is an important safety-related addition to the benefits we offer UKALA members, and we are delighted to be working with them”.

Aico celebrates 30th anniversary

by Events

Aico recently celebrated 30 years of renowned market presence in Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) protection solutions.

Incorporated in 1990 in Oswestry, Shropshire, United Kingdom, Aico has grown over its 30-year history, with the growth being marked by the move to a new, bespoke head office.

The new 7-acre site came as a necessity as Aico’s growth and success has seen significant expansion to the team and operations. The new building provides a bold welcome to company visitors and passing traffic.

More than half of the overall site is taken up with landscaping, paying homage to the wider county’s famous green countryside, which is a key theme throughout the new build, aiming to preserve current eco-systems and encourage wildlife to flourish.

The building was designed to facilitate the company’s key goal of a healthy work environment with employee wellness to the fore. Multi-functional rooms make space for the company’s core people development practices and team building, something Managing Director, Neal Hooper attributes to being the strength of the company.

Aico MD, Neal Hooper said, “We have a passion for developing people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. Each member of Aico understands that this new site is theirs and for their teams’ infrastructure to grow and develop in for years to come.”

At the beginning of the year, the Lion Quays Resort in Shropshire played host to an event marking the special occasion, with employees treated to a surprise guest speaker in the form of footballing legend Kevin Keegan. Mr. Keegan took to the stage to congratulate Aico on its 30-year anniversary and regaled staff with anecdotes from his impressive career.

Reiterating Aico’s ethos of Education, Quality, Service and Innovation, Mr. Keegan spoke of the importance of teamwork, attitude and commitment.

Technical Advisor for Aico, Dave Jennings has an impressive 26-year career with the company. He commented, “I started my career with Aico in 1994 and seeing the company’s growth over the past 26 years has been incredible. Aico has advanced and expanded and it’s great to see the new apprentices coming in now so that Aico has a future for generations to come.”

/www.aico.co.uk/