Hochiki to showcase FIREscape Nepto black range at Fire Safety Event

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Detection

See live voice sounder demonstrations at the Hochiki stand

Hochiki Europe will exhibit at The Fire Safety Event 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 28 to 30 April.

The manufacturer is the Innovation Theatre sponsor and will use stand E97 to showcase new products and systems.

Visitors can view the new FIREscape Nepto black range for the first time during the three day exhibition.

The stand features a live voice sounder demonstration and the company water leak detection range.

Specifiers and installers have the opportunity to see these systems performing in a practical setting.

The company is also introducing a new modular exhibition stand built with a lightweight aluminium frame and PVC-free graphics.

This reusable structure is designed to last for over 300 events across a 15-year lifespan.

Expert sessions on fire safety and water leak risks

Martin Green, Commercial Training and Support Manager at Hochiki Europe, will deliver three educational sessions in the Innovation Theatre.

The first session on Tuesday 28 April covers fire detection system compliance and the EN54 standard for building owners.

A second presentation on Wednesday 29 April focuses on reducing water damage risks to businesses in the United Kingdom.

The final session on Thursday 30 April provides a guide to fire safety in complex built environments.

Green said: “The sessions I’m delivering at the Fire Safety Event this year cover topics that matter to a huge range of people not only working directly in the fire industry, but also across multiple sectors right now.

“The seminar format gives us the chance to go deeper than we can in other settings, then continue those conversations face to face both on the stand and out in the wider world.”

Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director of Hochiki Europe, said: “The Fire Safety Event is one of the most important dates in our calendar and has been for a number of years.

“What makes it valuable is the quality of the people in the room.

“Specifiers, installers, consultants and building owners, all focused on the same thing.

“This year we are bringing new products, live demonstrations and a full programme of talks, but what we value most is the time we get to spend with customers and industry peers in the room.

“Understanding what they are working through, what is shaping the market right now and what they need from us.

“We come away every year with a clearer picture of where the industry is heading, that comes from the time spent face to face with the people who are navigating the same challenges every day.

“The fire safety sector is moving quickly and events like this are where you feel that progress most directly.”

The event is open from 10:00 to 16:30 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and closes at 15:30 on Thursday.

Elevation Academy Training Centre launches with Hochiki Europe support

by Featured NewsTraining

Elevation Academy Training Centre opens in Leeds

Hochiki Europe has marked the opening of the Elevation Academy Training Centre in Leeds, which will provide face-to-face training for between 30 and 40 professionals each month.

Hochiki Europe Regional Sales Managers Mick Hall and Nicholas Brammall attended the opening, where they met trainees and staff and handed out branded merchandise and test products.

The centre is based in Leeds and is intended to serve installers and contractors across Yorkshire and the north of England.

Training Centre courses and support

The current curriculum includes the Fire and Security Apprenticeship, Fire Training aligned to BS5839-1:2025, Fire Extinguisher training and the Experienced Worker Assessment.

The Experienced Worker Assessment is described as a route for professionals seeking formal recognition of skills developed over time in the field.

Hochiki Europe said it supports the centre as part of its wider training activity, which includes its own Hochiki Training Academy with online and in-class learning.

Hochiki Europe sets out training position

Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director, Hochiki Europe, said: “At Hochiki Europe, we have always believed that great fire safety begins with great people.

“Through our own Training Academy, we are committed to developing the skills and knowledge our industry depends on, and we are delighted to extend that commitment by supporting the Elevation Academy Training Centre.

“Investing in the people who protect lives is not something we take lightly.”

Elevation Academy is also planning a digital training platform, and Hochiki Europe said it is looking at how its online training offering could align with that work.

Hochiki Europe marks long service awards for 2025 employee milestones

by Featured NewsFire DetectionPeople

Hochiki Europe recognises staff at 2025 long service awards ceremony

Hochiki Europe has recognised employees across the business for reaching long service milestones at its Long Service Awards 2025 ceremony.

Managing Director Shinsuke Kubo presented awards to colleagues marking five, 10 and 20 years with the organisation.

The company said two employees were also recognised for reaching 25 years of service.

Those employees were Janet Smith and Paul Adams.

Hochiki workforce tenure highlighted

Hochiki Europe said long service remains a central feature of its workplace culture.

The company reported an average employee tenure of 6.89 years.

It said this sits above industry norms.

Hochiki Europe linked that longevity to internal culture and to retaining technical, engineering and market knowledge.

Teams represented across the business

The company said recipients came from functions including Production, Engineering, Quality, Research and Development, Sales, Marketing, Finance and Customer Support.

It added that long-serving staff help maintain continuity across the organisation.

Hochiki Europe said this supports product reliability and ongoing work on innovation and safety.

The company also said many award recipients contributed to product launches, market expansion work, technology advancements and the development of customer support operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Leadership comments from Shinsuke Kubo

Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director, said: “Our long-serving employees are the backbone of our organisation.

“Their experience, passion and deep understanding of both our technology and our customers enable us to deliver world-class fire safety solutions.

“I am incredibly proud of their dedication and am honoured to recognise their achievements today.”

Janet Smith on 25 years’ service

Janet Smith said: “What I love most about this industry is knowing that the products we build genuinely save lives.

“Hochiki Europe has always supported its people, encouraged growth and fostered teamwork.

“That is why so many of us stay for so long.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire detection manufacturers, this announcement highlights the role of long tenure in retaining technical and product knowledge across engineering, quality and customer support teams.

For contractors and system integrators working across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, continuity within supplier teams can affect how consistently product changes, technical queries and support processes are handled over time.

For consultants and equipment specifiers, the company’s focus on continuity and product reliability relates to how product ranges are supported through launch cycles and regional expansion work.

For procurement and facilities teams, the reported average tenure figure provides a reference point on workforce stability when assessing long-term supplier relationships for fire detection and alarm systems.

Hochiki technology supports sensitive fire safety installations in modern and historic sites

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProjects

Hochiki delivers integrated fire safety for heritage and commercial buildings

Hochiki Europe has been selected for two major projects enhancing fire safety in heritage and commercial settings across the UK and Italy.

The company’s technology has been installed in the refurbishment of 77 Grosvenor Street in London and at Villa San Carlo near Vicenza.

Each project demonstrates the use of Hochiki’s Latitude control platform and hybrid detection technologies designed to preserve architectural character while delivering advanced safety integration.

Hochiki systems protect London heritage offices

Fire and security specialists Cornerstone appointed Hochiki Europe to supply life safety systems for the renovation of 77 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair.

The six-storey, 50,000-square-foot office required a fire detection system that would integrate with building management while maintaining the historic building’s aesthetic.

According to Cornerstone, the Latitude fire detection and alarm control system was chosen for its flexible cause and effect programming, modular scalability and ability to manage multi-level configurations.

To complete the installation, Cornerstone deployed Hochiki’s Enhanced System Protocol (ESP) addressable devices alongside the FIRElink aspirating detection system.

The company said the FIRElink technology is suited to spaces with high airflow or decorative finishes, with capillary sampling pipes concealed within the structure to minimise visual impact.

Hochiki Europe explained that the Latitude platform’s integration capability allows live communication with wider building management systems (BMS), enabling real-time monitoring and coordinated response.

Patrick Anthony, Project Manager at Cornerstone, said: “We have a trusted relationship with the Hochiki team.

“Their systems and devices are reliable, help reduce false alarms and are designed to aesthetically fade into the background, exactly what this project needed and delivers complete peace of mind for the management team.”

The completed project provides full fire protection across all levels of the office, ensuring compliance with modern standards while maintaining the property’s architectural integrity.

Hochiki supports fire detection upgrade at Villa San Carlo

Hochiki Europe technology was also selected for Villa San Carlo, a 13th-century Italian estate converted into a hotel and retreat near Vicenza.

Installer Ciemme Electronic srl designed a hybrid system combining Hochiki’s hardwired ESP devices with its Ekho wireless range to meet strict preservation and safety requirements.

According to Ciemme Electronic srl, the hybrid setup allowed the team to protect all areas, including a chapel and outbuildings, without altering historic structures.

Matteo Cecchin of Ciemme Electronic srl said: “We were asked to respect every architectural detail while ensuring complete fire protection.

“After a careful study of the various environments and the challenges related to system design and installation, we chose the flexibility and performance of Hochiki systems; the wireless devices were particularly important for preserving the interiors: this system represents a perfect balance between safety and heritage preservation.”

Cecchin continued: “Hochiki’s Latitude system, combined with ESP devices and the Ekho wireless range, gave us exactly what we needed: smooth installation, reliable performance, and the ability to maintain the character of the Villa.”

Hochiki’s distribution partner An.Bo Technology supported the project through system supply and technical coordination.

Antonio Bozzato, owner of An.Bo Technology, said: “We have been working with Hochiki for a long time, and our customers appreciate the versatility and reliability of these products.

“The hybrid wireless system, in particular, is proving to be perfect for many applications, particularly in this case with the historical site of Villa San Carlo hotel.”

Hochiki Europe said the Villa San Carlo project demonstrates the adaptability of its fire detection systems to diverse architectural environments.

Technical and design integration across both projects

Both installations highlight the flexibility of the Latitude control platform for multi-zone buildings and heritage sites.

According to Hochiki Europe, the systems’ modularity allows for scalable configuration, integration with BMS infrastructure and compatibility with both wired and wireless detection technologies.

The use of ESP and Ekho ranges, combined with the FIRElink aspirating solution, enables coverage of complex sites where aesthetics and structural preservation are priorities.

Hochiki said these examples reflect the company’s continued work with installers and distributors to deliver solutions suited to high-spec offices, hotels and protected properties.

Integrated design and protection for complex sites

These projects demonstrate the practical application of modern fire detection technology in heritage and high-end environments.

The installations are particularly relevant for electrical contractors, system designers, fire engineers and facilities managers involved in retrofitting or preserving historic and premium buildings.

For engineers and specifiers, the projects provide insight into how hybrid systems using ESP, Ekho and FIRElink technologies can overcome wiring limitations while achieving complete coverage.

For property management and maintenance teams, the integration of Latitude panels with building management systems supports centralised control, fault tracking and compliance reporting.

Hochiki to demo FIREscape Nepto at the Fire Safety Event

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Hochiki Europe will be demonstrating its next generation of emergency lighting system, FIREscape Nepto at the the Fire Safety Event (FSE) at the NEC, Birmingham this month (25-27 April).

FIREscape Nepto brings with it a suite of new features and benefits to its FIREscape range, which launched in 2009, in a bid to revolutionise the emergency lighting market. 

The new system is BS 5266 compliant and is based around an addressable, emergency lighting control panel with addressable, self-contained LED-based luminaires and exit signs running on an extra-low operating voltage.

FIREscape Nepto is quick and easy to install as well as less costly to operate, with aesthetic enhancements and a range of new features including the ability to self-test and monitor itself and improved photometry and battery life.

The new system is also scalable thanks to its new networking capabilities and is backwards compatible with the existing panels and devices within the older FIREscape range.

The team behind the new design are also working on a cloud-based subscription service which is set to be released later this year. This service will enable remote access via internet enabled devices, providing system notifications and the ability to monitor and interrogate several client sites from anywhere in the world. 

Hochiki at FSE

Promising to be the best event yet, the Fire Safety Event features CPD-accredited seminars, networking opportunities and various live demonstrations and talks.

Hochiki Europe will be speaking in the Innovation and Regulation theatre on day two about what future technology might look like for the fire industry. Discussing how cloud computing will provide greater insight for both end users, installation companies, rescue services and legislators.

As well as FIREscape Nepto, Hochiki will also be showcasing its industry leading Analogue Addressable Fire Detection range, ESP Intelligent, their combined fire and emergency lighting system, FIREscape+ and their specialist fire detection technology ranges for Intrinsically Safe and Explosion Proof and their portfolio of Marine Approved products.

Commenting on the event, Nathan Hudson said: “We’re looking forward to visiting Birmingham and attending the Fire Safety Event, especially as this will be the first time our brand-new emergency lighting system FIREscape Nepto will be demonstrated in the UK.

“With the recent announcement about our £5.5million investment in the new facility in Kent, the future is exciting for Hochiki Europe and our customers. This event is a great opportunity to meet customers face to face and find out how we can help them with their life safety projects”

The Fire Safety Event takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from the 25-27 April and Hochiki Europe will be on stand 3a/D55 to demo its range of life safety products.

Hochiki fire detection devices deliver Dubai Metro safety boost

by Featured NewsFire DetectionMiddle East - Breaking NewsProducts

Installation of Hochiki life safety devices aims to reduce false alarms and help make the 75km long Dubai Metro transport network safe for passengers. 

Dubai is home to more than 3.3 million people, and the world’s longest driverless single metro line – the Dubai metro. It’s designed to take up to 13,380 passengers an hour on its green line, and 11,675 passengers an hour on its red line at peak time, the Dubai Metro is almost 75 km long and operated by RTA and Serco.

Under contract to the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority, the network is run by a team of 2,000 staff with 57 trains running at peak times. 

Dafoos Fire and Security were commissioned to run the fire detection installation project on the entirety of the Dubai Metro. Trusted as a market leader in the Fire Protection Industry in the United Arab Emirates, Dafoos specialises in providing end-to-end design, erection and commissioning and maintenance of both active and passive Fire Protection Systems, and partners with some of the best OEMs in the world, including Hochiki.

With tens of thousands of passengers using the network daily and the system itself operating in a hot and sandy environment, any false alarm could potentially cause mass disruption and cost the operator financially, especially during peak service times. The company’s Marketing Director, Vijay Chandran said about the project: “It was especially important as part of the life safety system design process to negate false alarms. Hochiki fire detection devices were chosen as they have a reputation for being the best in the market for their quality and their reliability when it comes to false alarm reduction. Our selection of Hochiki was confidently backed by the operators RTA and Serco” 

The Hochiki sensors were to be installed inside the metro and tram coaches. This is considered an extremely sensitive area with thousands of people transiting at a time, thus posing a higher chance of triggering false alarms. Any fire alarm trigger was programmed to send a command to the central station, and this would halt the operations within the entire network until the problem is rectified.

The Hochiki technical team also worked closely with the Dafoos team to negate the challenge of frequent dust build up in the chambers. It was advised that periodic maintenance of the sensors was moved from every 6 months to every two instead, which is customary practice for commercial buildings in the region. 

“Hochiki Smoke Sensors have been installed across the entire Dubai Metro and tram coaches; they have been functioning with minimal issues for the last three years. Periodic maintenance has been conducted in conjunction with Hochiki’s technical team recommendation. Our team would not hesitate to recommend Hochiki life safety systems and products to be used in other projects within the transport industry”.

Hochiki Europe launches Ekho fire detection range

by Featured NewsPassive

Life safety manufacturer, Hochiki Europe has launched a new range of hybrid wireless fire detection and alarm equipment. The Ekho product range is EN54-25 approved, RED compliant and takes hybrid wireless fire detection to new levels of reliability, flexibility and performance.

Using the latest in radio networking technology, the Ekho hybrid wireless system provides a robust ‘always on’ network of devices which can automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions – offering installers an unparalleled level of reliability.

Unlike other systems, Ekho’s wireless devices are not tied to specific expanders, instead, each device instinctively chooses its parent expander based on the strength of the signal pathway back to the translator, with expanders automatically forming a bi-directional mesh network for delivering information to the main control panel. In the event where an expander’s signal is compromised, the wireless field device will automatically find and connect to an alternative expander with the next strongest signal pathway – providing end users with enhanced safety benefits.

The range is extremely versatile, offering a selection of wireless sensor types, as well as I/O units, a sounder, a sensor/voice-sounder/VAD and a manual call point. Its simplified design ensures that products in the series are easy to install. While the faster commissioning process, which can be carried out off-site, saves installers time on projects.

Utilising hybrid wireless systems negates the need to install cables therefore guaranteeing minimum disturbance to surroundings during installation – making the range an ideal choice for historic buildings, remote or temporary sites and any project where the installation of fire cabling is too difficult, overly expensive or prohibited.

Future-proof with Ekho

Mark Jones, Export Manager at Hochiki Europe commented: “The digital age has affected every part of our lives and life safety is no exception. Our Ekho product range offers wireless solutions to a range of what can be complex project challenges. As with all Hochiki Europe products, the range is intelligent and ultra-dependable, offering users a future-proofed life safety system.”

For more information about Hochiki Europe’s Ekho range click here.

Education Roundtable: A lesson in life safety from Hochiki Europe

by Projects

Hochiki Europe has hosted a virtual roundtable in which experts discussed the pressing issues that surround life safety in our educational facilities. The online panel talk, available to watch online, comes as part of the manufacturer’s efforts to uphold high standards within the fire safety sector and support its industry partners in doing the same.

The experts on the roundtable comprised:

  • Paul Adams, Marketing Manager, Hochiki Europe, (Chair)
  • David Brant, Contracts Manager at Fisk Group
  • Chris Connor, Site Manager at The Campion School
  • Neil Eves, Systems Manager, Hochiki Europe
  • Will Lloyd, Technical Manager, Fire Industry Association

The group recently worked together installing a new life safety system at Campion School in Essex. The panel discussed the pressures education providers are facing in this new normal, but also some of the key factors that need to be taken into account when specifying and installing life safety systems in schools and universities. Highlights of the roundtable are available on YouTube, providing some key takeaways for installers, engineers and end users alike.

Paul Adams, Marketing Manager at Hochiki Europe said: “We are planning to regularly host these events to bring various stakeholders together and uncover the pressures they all face, to see how we can continue to support them with our offering.”

Full details on the Campion School project can be found here and you can watch the full roundtable below…

www.hochikieurope.com/

Hochiki Europe to host webinar on I.S. systems

by Featured News

Life safety manufacturer, Hochiki Europe is continuing its successful series of webinars, with an online session focusing on demystifying Intrinsically Safe (I.S.) systems. The webinar will take place on Thursday 20 August at 11am and is free-to-attend for those looking to enhance their knowledge and expertise of these integral life safety systems.

There is some confusion around the use of I.S. equipment due to the misconception that they are simply ‘bolt on’ products that can be added to life safety systems to provide protection in more dangerous environments. However, this is not the case and there are many instances where specially developed I.S. equipment is required due to the level of protection that they can offer and the hazardous nature of the environment in which they are to be used. Throughout the online session, experts from Hochiki will take attendees through the key issues, considerations and requirements, covering the technical makeup of I.S. devices, the different classifications of hazardous areas as well as common and uncommon applications where I.S. equipment would be best suited.

The host of the webinar, Rob Head, Commercial Project Manager at Hochiki Europe, said: “Helping our customers understand the place of I.S. equipment within the field of life safety technology is incredibly important due to the misunderstanding that currently surrounds them. With more buildings being left unoccupied or having fewer occupants, fire detection and prevention, particularly in hazardous environments, must remain ultra-dependable.

“So, if you’re an installer, facility manager, end user, life safety professional, or anyone responsible for hazardous environments looking to update your knowledge and expertise, join us on 20 August.”

Paul Adams, Marketing Manager at Hochiki Europe, added: “In this new, socially-distant world, webinars are an effective way of delivering vital training and technical information to our audiences helping ensure our industry remains in the know about the latest developments. Our previous sessions have received some really positive feedback and so we’re excited to see what this next chapter will bring.”

To reserve your place on this webinar, register here: https://www.hochikieurope.com/event/

For more information about Hochiki Europe’s I.S products, visit: https://www.hochikieurope.com/is.

Hochiki Europe appoints new lighting expert

by People

Hochiki Europe, the life safety manufacturer, has appointed lighting expert Ian Hill as emergency lighting business manager.

Hill brings a wealth of industry experience to the role, with a technical background covering business development, sales of life safety equipment and product development. Hill will combine his industry sales experience with his technical expertise to bolster Hochiki Europe’s growth in the global emergency lighting sector. As part of his new role, he will support the widening of the company’s emergency lighting offering and other exciting developments on the horizon.

Starting his career within the design department at Simplex Lighting, Hill has spent decades developing his skillset across a variety of roles with lighting manufacturers including Philips and Fagerhult. He then made the transfer over to emergency lighting during his tenure at Eaton Electrical Systems, previously known as Cooper Lighting and Safety.

Hill commented: “I’ve admired Hochiki Europe’s work and reputation for some time, so when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t turn it down. The company has contributed vastly to the advances made within life safety over the past few years, especially with products such as its FIREscape collection. Working in a company with such an international foothold is also incredibly exciting.

“With so much room for growth within their emergency lighting sector, we have a real opportunity to make a positive difference. I plan on working closely with both the sales and product development teams to further the scope and capabilities of our lighting product ranges.”

Tracy Kirk, general manager, sales and marketing, Hochiki Europe, added: “Recent events and inquires have shown how vital clear routes of escape can be in an emergency situation. Ian’s extensive experience of emergency lighting will ensure we are reaching more people around the world with our ultra-dependable, intelligent solutions, and our existing customers continue to benefit from the most sought-after innovations within the industry as well as an exceptional service.”