PSG backs Uptick to expand global fire protection software

by Featured NewsSafety

PSG funding to accelerate Uptick’s fire protection software growth in North America

Uptick has announced a strategic investment from PSG to support the company’s growth in fire protection software markets, with a focus on expansion in North America.

According to Uptick, the funding will be used to enhance product development and support its wider international presence.

The company said it is currently used to help manage fire protection in over 1.6 million buildings worldwide.

The announcement was made on 9 June 2025 and reported by Uptick.

PSG is a growth equity firm that partners with software and technology-based services companies.

Uptick platform supports fire and safety job management

Uptick’s software is designed for service providers working in fire safety, security, and HVAC.

The company explained that the software allows for scheduling, inspection, preventative maintenance, compliance documentation, and payment processing to be managed in one digital platform.

The firm said that this platform helps field service professionals reduce paperwork, increase job volume, and support faster communication between office and field teams.

Uptick added that its customers operate across Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.

The software is used to manage systems in commercial buildings, including fire detection and suppression systems, safety equipment, and building compliance tools.

CEO says partnership will support sector-wide digital transformation

Uptick Founder and CEO Aidan Lister said the investment would support the company’s goal of modernising how life and safety systems are managed.

Aidan Lister said: “Our customers maintain the life, health and safety systems that we all live, work and play in.

“We have an incredible opportunity ahead of us to help digitise and transform an entire industry, and we are so excited to have partners that see and support our vision and growth ambitions.”

He added that Uptick sees potential for digitisation to improve consistency, compliance and operational speed across safety-critical sectors.

PSG outlines global opportunity for safety platform development

Tanner Austin, Principal at PSG, said the investment reflects confidence in the platform’s potential to expand into high-demand markets.

Tanner Austin said: “We believe that Uptick’s outstanding team and purpose-built solutions uniquely positions Uptick to scale rapidly amidst increasing global demand for fire safety, security and facility compliance services, particularly in North America.

“We are thrilled to partner with Aidan and the Uptick team to support their vision to improve building safety across the globe.”

Austin explained that North America represents a key area of expansion due to regulatory drivers and the increased demand for digital compliance tools.

Artificial intelligence will be integrated into Uptick platform

The company said that further development will focus on integrating artificial intelligence to automate tasks and improve operational insights.

Uptick reported that these AI features will help service providers identify recurring issues, schedule inspections more efficiently, and streamline workflow planning.

The firm said the platform’s continued evolution will support compliance reporting and reduce time spent on administrative tasks.

Uptick added that the platform will remain adaptable to the differing regulatory requirements of each country it operates in.

PSG backs Uptick to expand global fire protection software: Summary

Uptick has received investment from PSG to support global expansion.

The company said the focus of growth will be North America.

Uptick provides job management software for fire protection, safety, and HVAC sectors.

The platform includes tools for scheduling, inspection, compliance tracking, and payment.

Uptick is currently used in over 1.6 million buildings worldwide.

The investment was announced by Uptick on 9 June 2025.

Uptick CEO Aidan Lister said the funding would help digitise the safety sector.

PSG Principal Tanner Austin said the partnership would support scale-up in high-demand markets.

Uptick reported it will expand AI functions in its platform.

These features are intended to improve workflow efficiency and compliance accuracy.

Ranger Fire and Security acquisition expands reach across Scotland

by Breaking NewsSafety

Acquisition strengthens Ranger’s Scottish operations

Ranger Fire and Security has acquired Inverness-based IRN Security, according to an announcement published by Ranger Fire and Security.

IRN Security, established in 2011, delivers CCTV, fire alarms, intruder detection and access control services, with operations in Aberdeen, Glasgow and the Highlands.

The company will continue to trade under its current name, and its leadership team will remain in place.

Ranger Fire and Security said the acquisition supports the Group’s goal of expanding maintenance services throughout Scotland.

It added that the move complements its 2024 purchase of Motherwell-based Secureshield.

Ranger says staff and management to remain in post

Ranger Fire and Security explained that all existing IRN Security staff will retain their current roles following the acquisition.

The company stated that IRN’s founders will join Ranger’s senior management team, supporting ongoing growth and strategic planning in Scotland.

The firm said the integration of IRN and Secureshield will allow it to deliver cross-delivery services across Scotland more effectively.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “The addition of IRN Security to the Ranger Group marks a significant step in the expansion of our services across Scotland.”

He continued: “With their strong regional presence, technical excellence, and a leadership team committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience, IRN Security is a natural fit for Ranger, complementing and improving the services offered by other Group businesses.

“IRN Security’s joining the platform alongside our platform in Scotland, Secureshield, gives Ranger the unique ability to deliver high-quality, integrated fire and security solutions to customers across Scotland through our integrated cross-delivery of service model, enabling us to not only be more efficient, but to deliver an even better service for our customers.”

Company highlights IRN’s client base and technical capabilities

According to Ranger Fire and Security, IRN Security’s clients include healthcare providers and educational institutions.

The business has developed what Ranger described as a strong local reputation, with a focus on recurring revenue through long-term maintenance contracts.

John Hunter, Regional Chairman and Managing Director of Secureshield, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome IRN into the Ranger Group.

“The business and team are well known to me and have an excellent reputation.

“I see real benefit in IRN and Secureshield working closely together across Scotland to cross-deliver services and can’t wait to formally begin working with the team.”

Kenny Smith, Director of IRN Security, said: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group is a fantastic opportunity for IRN Security that will benefit both our team and our customers.

“We know John and Billy Hunter from Secureshield well and, knowing their characters and approach, that was a strong pull to join the Group too.

“Mark and the team have made such great progress that it was an easy decision to join and between IRN and Secureshield we now have the geographical footprint and resources to offer a true turnkey solution for Scotland.”

Acquisition follows wider Ranger growth activity

The company stated that the deal with IRN builds on a period of active acquisition.

According to Ranger Fire and Security, it has purchased eight businesses in the fire and security sector since 2024.

It explained that these purchases have enhanced its capability in areas such as detection and alarm systems, extinguisher maintenance and passive protection.

The company launched in early 2024 with support from Hyperion Equity Partners.

Malcolm MacDonald, Director of IRN Security, said: “IRN has a bright future and with access to an extensive network of expertise and resources, we’re well-positioned to expand our service offering while continuing to operate with the same local knowledge, trusted relationships, and high standards that have helped make us such a success to date.

“We look forward to collaborating with Secureshield to ensure that we are providing our combined customer bases with an even more efficient service.”

Ranger Fire and Security acquisition expands reach across Scotland: Summary

Ranger Fire and Security has acquired IRN Security.

The information was reported by Ranger Fire and Security.

IRN Security was founded in 2011 and is based in Inverness.

The company also operates in Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Its services include CCTV, fire alarms, and integrated security systems.

IRN Security’s clients include NHS sites and universities.

Ranger said the IRN team will remain in place.

The acquisition follows Ranger’s earlier purchase of Secureshield in 2024.

Both businesses will work together across Scotland.

The IRN brand will be retained.

Ranger said the acquisition increases its total headcount to over 230.

The company said IRN’s founders will join Ranger’s senior management.

The deal builds on eight previous acquisitions by Ranger since 2024.

Ranger launched in Q1 2024 with support from Hyperion Equity Partners.

UKTC gain funding from Scottish Enterprise towards £2.5M project

by Breaking News

United Kingdom Testing Centre (UKTC) has received a grant award from Scottish Enterprise of £835,000 towards an expansion project totalling £2.5 million that will extend its premises and create a new furnace capable of testing structures up to 5m high.

In increasing the size of its factory UKTC will create around 20 new jobs taking the team to 38 employees as well as improving its energy efficiency and bringing services in-house that it currently sub-contracts to a European supplier.

Employment and Investment Minister, Tom Arthur’s statement

Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “Since 2007, Scotland’s productivity rate has grown by 1.1% a year compared to 0.4% across the UK.

“Our draft budget for 2025-26 aims to build a more productive economy, setting out more than £320 million for our enterprise agencies who are tasked with helping businesses to grow, scale and become more productive.

“In the last financial year alone, Scottish Enterprise marked its best performance on jobs and capital investment. This included securing and safeguarding more than 16,700 jobs and unlocking £1.9 billion of capital investment spend.”

Managing Director of Productivity and Business Growth, Scottish Enterprise, Rona Allison’s statement

Managing Director of Productivity and Business Growth at Scottish Enterprise Rhona Allison said: “UKTC’s expansion highlights what’s possible when a company commits to growth and innovation.

“We know that those businesses that focus on investing and expanding through either new equipment or premises by creating room for further growth in turn create higher value jobs, improve sustainability and profitability in the process.

“This investment helps increase UKTC’s productivity and brings benefits to the construction sector supply chain as well as supporting a safer built environment. The project also highlights how Scottish Enterprise can work with businesses to boost productivity and the economy.”

UKTC’s background

UKTC provides a vital test lab service to passive fire protection product manufacturers in the construction industry with rigorous analysis of building materials from doors to wall panels and building membranes to determine and certify their suitability for use in different applications.  

The company was established as a response to demand for high-quality fire testing services following tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 that was caused by flammable building material and has led to increased scrutiny around the safety of buildings.

Head of Technical, UKTC, Andrew Hutchinson’s statement

Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical at UKTC said: “The construction industry is facing growing demand for fire testing, which is why we are investing in a new test hall to expand our services for both existing and new customers, while also creating new jobs as we grow.

“The safety of materials used in homes and buildings is critical, and at UKTC, we remain committed to the protection of lives and assets.

“Our planned extension, set to be completed next year, will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace. This would not have been possible without the support from Scottish Enterprise. Upgrading our facilities will enable us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing in the UK.”

UKTC has secured funding from Scottish Enterprise: Summary

UKTC has obtained a grant award of £835,000 towards an expansion project that will extend its new premises.

Managing Director of Productivity and Business Growth at Scottish Enterprise Rhona Allison said the expansion highlights what’s possible when a company commits to growth and innovation/

Wardour Secure Networks launches fire and security division in the UK

by Featured NewsSafety

Wardour Secure Networks’ new division offers expanded fire safety solutions

Wardour Secure Networks Ltd has announced the launch of Wardour Fire and Security, a new division aimed at providing comprehensive fire and security solutions across the UK.

As reported by Wardour Secure Networks, the new branch will offer fire extinguishers, advanced fire systems, and CCTV alongside its current range of security and automation solutions.

Simon Pell, Director of Wardour Secure Networks Ltd, explained the reason for the expansion: “Since we launched in 2007, the needs of our customers have evolved and so too has our business.

“Having moved into the security space in recent years, we were getting a substantial number of requests to offer fire solutions alongside our CCTV, door entry and swing gate solutions.”

Increased demand for fire safety services in the UK

The creation of Wardour Fire and Security was driven by growing customer demand.

According to Pell, the company has invested in joining the British Fire Consortium and acquiring necessary qualifications, including the EAL Level 3 BS5839 Alarm Technician certification.

This move is intended to make Wardour Secure Networks a complete provider of fire and security services.

The company aims to meet the increasing need for safety measures.

In the year ending March 2024, Fire and Rescue services in England responded to 138,977 fires, while UK police forces recorded over 234,200 burglaries.

These figures, though gradually decreasing, underscore the importance of comprehensive fire and security systems.

Comprehensive fire and security offerings

Wardour Fire and Security’s services include fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and advanced fire protection tailored to customer needs.

The company also continues to offer security systems such as CCTV, alarms, door entry systems, and automated swing gates.

All solutions are designed to meet British Standards and provide reliable protection for both residential and commercial clients.

The combination of fire and security services positions Wardour as a one-stop provider, ensuring customers receive dependable, professional protection.

Each service is customised to address specific concerns and enhance overall safety.

Focus on industry compliance and customer safety

The launch of Wardour Fire and Security comes as part of the company’s commitment to upholding industry standards and ensuring customer safety.

The new division’s services align with British Standards, ensuring that all fire and security solutions are compliant with regulations.

The company’s investment in professional certifications reinforces its focus on delivering high-quality safety measures that can effectively protect properties across the UK.

Pell stated: “We made the decision as a business to invest in the necessary training and industry qualifications to become a one-stop shop for our clients’ fire and security needs.”

Wardour Secure Networks launches fire and security division in the UK: Summary

Wardour Secure Networks Ltd has launched a new division, Wardour Fire and Security, which will provide comprehensive fire safety solutions in addition to its existing security services.

The new branch will offer fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, CCTV, and automation options, all tailored to meet customer needs.

Director Simon Pell stated that the company had seen increased demand for fire safety services and has invested in certifications such as the EAL Level 3 BS5839 Alarm Technician certification.

The new division aims to provide customers with complete fire and security protection, meeting British Standards for safety.