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Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and e-scooters to industrial energy storage systems. While they’ve transformed modern life, they also present a unique fire risk. Traditional extinguishers often struggle with these fires – which is where the P50-AVD extinguisher comes in.

Advanced AVD Technology for Lithium-Ion Fires

The P50-AVD uses Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD), a certified extinguishing agent designed specifically for lithium-ion battery fires. It also works on Class A fires, including wood, paper, and textiles, and is safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V. With an operational temperature range of +5°C to +60°C, it’s built to handle real-world conditions.

Key Benefits

• Designed for lithium-ion battery fires
• 20-year corrosion guarantee
• 10-year manufacturing warranty
• Lightweight and easy to operate
• No annual engineer service required
• Durable aramid fibre construction
• Recyclable and long-lasting

Simple In-House Maintenance

Maintaining the P50-AVD is straightforward – no specialist engineer needed:

• Check the indicator (red = return to supplier).
• Ensure the tamper seal is intact.
• Wipe off dust and inspect the base.
• Test both gauges with the magnet.
• Confirm operational lifespan via colour-coded stud.
• Record inspection in the logbook.

This approach saves time and cost while keeping the extinguisher fully operational.

Ideal for High-Risk Environments

The P50-AVD extinguisher is perfect for:

• Battery charging facilities and e-scooter hubs
• Tech and electronics workshops
• Warehouses with energy storage systems
• Industrial sites using battery-powered machinery

Its lightweight, corrosion-resistant design ensures it’s easy to deploy wherever fire risk is highest.

A Smart Investment in Fire Safety

The P50-AVD provides:

• Effective suppression of lithium-ion and Class A fires
• Safe use on live electrical equipment
• Sustainable and recyclable materials
• Cost-effective, low-maintenance operation

For businesses prioritising modern fire safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, the P50-AVD is a clear choice.

Get Your P50-AVD Extinguisher in Northern Ireland

As Britannia Fire’s local distributor, we supply, commission, and support P50-AVD extinguishers across Northern Ireland. Contact our team today for a site survey, cost comparison, or advice on replacing existing extinguishers.

On Wednesday 25 March 2026, industry leaders, regulators and safety specialists will gather at ICC Belfast for The Responsibility to Protect: Life Safety, Security & Compliance in 2026.

Convened and sponsored by Diamond Systems, and delivered in partnership with ICC Belfast, the half-day conference will focus on the practical implementation of Martyn’s Law and the wider responsibilities facing organisations responsible for publicly accessible spaces.

The event is co-sponsored by Uptick and Fire Aware, reflecting a collaborative, industry-wide commitment to raising standards in life safety, security and compliance.

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Turning Legislation into Practical Action

With the introduction of Martyn’s Law, organisations across the UK are facing new and heightened duties around security, preparedness and public protection.

The Responsibility to Protect is designed to cut through complexity and provide clarity:

• What your responsibilities are
• What the law expects
• How to implement proportionate and effective measures
• How competence, accreditation and technology support safer outcomes

The conference will move beyond theory and focus on practical, operational delivery.

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Keynote Address from Figen Murray OBE

The keynote address will be delivered by Figen Murray OBE, whose campaign following the Manchester Arena attack led directly to the introduction of Martyn’s Law.

Her contribution will provide important context around the intent of the legislation and the responsibility carried by those managing publicly accessible environments.

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Contributions from Regulators, Emergency Services and Industry Leaders

The programme brings together a powerful line-up of speakers including:

• The Security Industry Authority
• PSNI
• Fire Industry Association
• National Security Inspectorate
• Axis Communications
• Ambient Systems
• The Emergency Group
• Nimbus
• Britannia Fire
• Uptick
• Fire Aware

Sessions will explore:

• Martyn’s Law implementation
• The role of regulators and enforcement
• JESIP and emergency response coordination
• Safe evacuation for all
• Voice alarm and communication systems
• Sustainable fire protection solutions
• Real-time compliance visibility
• CCTV and analytics
• Competence, accreditation and elevating standards

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion focused on raising standards and strengthening professional accountability across the sector.

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Who Should Attend?

The event is aimed at those carrying legal, moral and professional responsibility for public safety, including:

• Facilities managers
• Premises owners
• Venue operators
• Estates teams
• Health & Safety professionals
• Education campuses
• Local authorities
• Transport hubs
• Healthcare providers
• Hospitality and retail operators

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A Shared Commitment to Safer Public Spaces

Speaking ahead of the conference, Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, said:

“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and venues like ICC Belfast have a vital role to play in leading best practice.

This conference brings together the people shaping policy, technology and standards to ensure our public spaces are safer, more inclusive and better prepared for the future.”

Angela Bennett, CEO of Diamond Systems, added:

“Martyn’s Law represents a significant step forward in how we approach safety in publicly accessible environments. This conference is about turning legislation into practical action, while also looking ahead to how innovation, competence and sustainability support better safety outcomes.

By bringing together policy leaders, safety professionals and technology experts, we aim to support those with responsibility for public spaces to understand their obligations, share best practice and implement proportionate, robust safety measures.”

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Event Details

The Responsibility to Protect
25 March 2026
ICC Belfast
8.30am – 1.30pm (registration from 8.30am)

Tickets are available via Eventbrite, with early booking recommended.

Martyn’s Law – officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – is coming, and it will fundamentally change how educational institutions approach safety and security. With full implementation expected by April 2027, schools, colleges, and universities need to act now to understand their responsibilities and prepare effectively.

Martyn’s Law isn’t just about physical security – it’s about planning, preparation, and protecting lives.

Who in Education Will Be Affected?

Martyn’s Law applies to any educational setting where people gather, but the rules differ depending on the type of institution:

Early Years, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools & Further Education Colleges

• Schools accomodating more than 200 people fall under a “standard tier” of duties, even if large assemblies or events bring many people together.
• The emphasis is on proportionate planning and preparedness, not heavy-duty infrastructure.
• Schools should focus on:
  • Lockdown, invacuation and evacuation procedures
  • Emergency communication plans
  • Staff training for crisis response
• Even smaller schools who fall outside the scope (less than 200 people) benefit from documenting basic procedures.

Higher Education Premises

• Higher Education premises may fall under standard or enhanced tier, depending on campus size and student numbers.
• Enhanced tier requirements apply to premises where 800 or more people may reasonably be expected to be present, and may include:
  • Formalised risk assessments tailored to each site
  • Appointment of a Designated Senior Individual to oversee compliance
  • Detailed documented emergency and security plans
  • Potential for additional security measures like CCTV, controlled access points, or monitoring, depending on risk

Key Requirements Under Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law focuses on practical, risk-based measures to protect people, rather than turning educational institutions into fortresses. Key requirements include:

• Risk Assessment
  Understand the specific threats to your site and the potential impact.
• Emergency Preparedness Plans
  Document procedures for lockdowns, evacuations, and invacuation.
• Staff Training and Awareness
  Ensure staff know their roles during a crisis and can act quickly.
• Proportionate Security Measures
  Implement safeguards that match the scale and risk level of your institution.

Start now – documenting and practising these procedures today can save time and stress later.

Why Acting Now Matters

Martyn’s Law isn’t just another policy, it will be a legal obligation. Waiting until the law comes into force could leave schools and universities scrambling to comply, potentially putting staff, students, and visitors at risk.

By preparing in advance, institutions can:

• Reduce vulnerabilities
• Strengthen emergency response
• Ensure compliance and avoid penalties
• Demonstrate commitment to staff, students, and parents

You can find further information on how Martyn’s Law will affect education settings here.

Learn More at Our Conference

To help you get ahead, we’re hosting a conference dedicated to Martyn’s Law, life safety, and compliance:

The Responsibility to Protect: Life Safety, Security & Compliance in 2026

🗓 25th March 2026
🎟️ Reserve your place now

What you’ll gain:

• Insights into Martyn’s Law and how it could affect your organisation
• Practical guidance to help comply with legal duties
• Real-world examples and expert advice on safety, security, and compliance

Most workplaces still rely on traditional steel fire extinguishers without giving them much thought. While they are effective, they also bring ongoing servicing costs, regular replacements and a significant amount of environmental waste.

Britannia Fire’s P50 Fire Extinguisher was designed to address these issues directly. It offers a safer, longer-lasting and more cost-effective alternative to standard steel extinguishers. Across Northern Ireland, more businesses are now choosing the P50, and the reasons are clear.

A More Sustainable Fire Extinguisher Option

Unlike traditional steel units, the P50 is manufactured using a composite body. This makes it extremely durable and completely resistant to corrosion.

Steel extinguishers can weaken over time due to rust, dents and general wear, especially in harsher environments. The P50 avoids these problems entirely, helping organisations reduce waste and improve sustainability.

Key sustainability benefits of the P50 fire extinguisher include:

• A tough composite body that will not corrode or rust
• A 10-year service-free lifecycle with no annual engineer servicing (inspections can be carried out in-house)
• A 20-year overall lifespan, with factory refurbishment at year 10
• PFAS-free foam options, supporting environmental compliance – read more about the latest PFAS regulations and their impact on firefighting equipment in our recent blog here
• Fewer replacements over time, significantly reducing waste

For organisations focused on ESG goals and environmental responsibility, the P50 is a strong long-term solution.

Lower Lifetime Costs Compared to Steel Extinguishers

While the P50’s environmental benefits are important, it is often the cost savings that first catch the attention of businesses.

With traditional steel fire extinguishers, ongoing costs typically include:

• Annual servicing by a certified fire extinguisher engineer
• Replacement parts and maintenance costs
• A higher number of units due to lower fire ratings
• Full replacement every few years

The P50 removes most of these expenses. Instead of annual engineer servicing, it requires a simple yearly visual inspection carried out by the responsible person on site.

Thanks to higher fire ratings, fewer extinguishers are often required across a building. In practice, many organisations see lifetime savings of around 40-60% compared to traditional steel extinguishers.

Fully Certified and Compliant in the UK and NI

With its innovative design, the P50 fire extinguisher is fully certified and compliant with recognised UK safety standards.

It meets EN3 requirements and carries BSI Kitemark, UKCA and PED approvals. Each unit is clearly labelled with step-by-step instructions for completing the annual visual inspection and comes with access to the Britannia Fire App.

This ensures businesses remain fully compliant with Northern Ireland fire safety legislation, while reducing ongoing servicing costs.

Ideal for Harsh and Demanding Environments

The P50 performs exceptionally well in environments where steel extinguishers often struggle. Because it does not corrode, it is particularly suitable for:

• Food production and processing facilities
• Agricultural and rural environments
• Coastal locations exposed to salt air
• Warehouses and logistics centres
• Manufacturing and industrial sites
• Cold rooms and outdoor installations

There is no rust, no flaking paint and no gradual weakening of the cylinder over time.

A Smarter Long-Term Fire Safety Investment

The P50 fire extinguisher allows businesses to improve fire protection, reduce environmental impact and cut long-term costs in one simple move.

It is reliable, easy to maintain and built to last significantly longer than traditional steel extinguishers, making it a smart investment in modern fire safety.

Interested in Switching to the P50 Fire Extinguisher?

We supply, commission and support P50 fire extinguishers across Northern Ireland. If you would like a site survey, cost comparison or advice on replacing your existing steel extinguishers, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.

Every workplace has fire risks. Having trained people who know exactly what to do can make all the difference in an emergency. That’s where Fire Warden Training comes in.

A Fire Warden isn’t just there to point at the exit. They play a key role in fire prevention, routine checks, and managing evacuations safely and calmly.

What is Fire Warden Training?
Fire Warden Training gives designated staff the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to a fire incident. It’s suitable for single-site businesses, multi-site organisations, and teams of all sizes.

What’s covered?
Our Fire Warden course includes:

• Common causes of workplace fires and how fire spreads
• Fire classifications and correct extinguisher selection
• Fire Warden roles and responsibilities
• Daily and weekly fire safety checks
• Emergency procedures and evacuations
• Assisting vulnerable persons
• Practical fire extinguisher use

Why it matters
Even with alarms and detection systems in place, people are the most important factor in a fire emergency. Trained Fire Wardens help:

• Reduce risk through regular checks
• Keep evacuations calm and controlled
• Ensure staff, visitors, and vulnerable persons get out safely
• Support your legal duties under NI fire safety legislation

This isn’t a box-ticking exercise. Proper Fire Warden coverage improves real-world safety.

How many Fire Wardens do you need?
It depends on your building size, layout, staff numbers, and shift patterns. As a rule, most workplaces need at least one per floor or department, plus cover for absences.

Fire Warden Training in Northern Ireland
We deliver Fire Warden Training across Northern Ireland, either onsite at your premises or at our training facility. Practical, straightforward, and suitable for all staff levels.

If you’d like further info or a quote for your organisation, get in touch.

PFAS-containing firefighting foams are under increasing scrutiny in Europe due to environmental and health risks. Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland follows EU chemical rules under the Windsor Framework, meaning NI businesses must comply with the latest EU PFAS restrictions. New guidance has just been released by the Fire Industry Association, the largest fire safety trade association in the UK.

Northern Ireland Follows EU PFAS Rules

Under EU REACH and POPs legislation, the use of PFHxA and related PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams is being restricted. For Northern Ireland, the key points include:

• Training and Testing: From 10 April 2026, C6 foams used for training and testing are restricted above defined PFHxA limits (i.e., ≥25 ppb for PFHxA (and salts) or ≥1,000 ppb for the sum of PFHxA-related substances), except where releases are fully contained and safely disposed of.
• Public Fire & Rescue Services: Similar restrictions apply from the same date, except COMAH (Seveso III) sites.
• Civil Aviation: C6 foams for airports and aviation use will face restrictions from 10 October 2029.

The restriction limits the amount of PFAS in firefighting foams as follows:

PFAS shall not be placed on the market or used as of 23 October 2030 in firefighting foams in a concentration equal to or greater than 1 mg/L for the sum of all PFAS.

Specific portable extinguisher extended use derogations cover:

New (extinguishers placed on market for the first time):

• AFFF/FFFP fire extinguishers: phased out by 23 October 2026
• Alcohol-resistant foam variants: phased out by 23 October 2027

Existing extinguisher stocks (already in service):

• All foam fire extinguishers – 30 December 2030

PFAS Management Requirements

From 23 October 2026, any use of PFAS-containing foams must follow strict management guidelines:

• Only use on Class B (flammable liquid) fires
• Minimise environmental emissions and human exposure
• Implement a PFAS-containing foam management plan with annual reviews
• Maintain records for at least 15 years
• Label all stocks of unused foam and waste appropriately
• Ensure separate collection and safe disposal of unused foam, PFAS waste, discharged foam, firewater run-off and wastewater (including from system cleaning).

These measures ensure compliance while helping reduce environmental impact and health risks.

What This Means for Northern Ireland Businesses

For companies and facilities in Northern Ireland:

• Compliance is mandatory – PFAS rules from the EU apply directly to NI
• Phased deadlines give time to replace existing foam safely
• Planning for PFAS-free alternatives now is wise to future-proof fire safety strategies
• Staying proactive reduces regulatory risk and aligns with sustainability goals

How Diamond Systems Can Help

At Diamond Systems, we support Northern Ireland businesses in transitioning away from PFAS-containing foams and ensuring fire safety compliance. Our team can:

• Audit current firefighting foams
• Recommend PFAS-free alternatives such as the P50 Eco-Foam from Britannia Fire 
• Provide guidance on phased replacement and regulatory compliance

Thinking about updating your fire safety equipment or reviewing compliance? Get in touch with our team today for expert advice and a site survey.

Download the full FIA Guidance Note here.

The festive season is a great time of year, but it also brings added fire risks in the home. With lights, candles, extra cooking and decorations, the risk of a house fire increases. This simple Christmas fire safety guide will help you keep your home and family safe.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Good fire safety starts with working alarms.

• Install smoke alarms on every floor.
• Fit CO alarms if you have fuel-burning appliances.
• Test alarms weekly and replace batteries or units as needed.

Christmas Lights & Electrical Safety

Festive lights look beautiful, but they’re a common fire hazard.

• Check all cables and plugs for damage.
• Avoid overloading sockets or extension leads.
• Turn off lights before bed or leaving the house.
• Swap older lights for LEDs, which run cooler.
• Keep cables away from heat sources and walkways.

Candles, Fires & Heaters

Candles and decorations can pose a significant fire risk.

• Keep candles away from trees, wrapping paper, and curtains.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Consider using LED flameless candles.
• Keep portable heaters clear of soft furnishings.
• Ensure fireplaces and chimneys are properly maintained.

Christmas Cooking Fire Safety Tips

Cooking-related fires spike during Christmas, so it’s important to be extra careful in the kitchen.

• Never leave pans unattended.
• Keep tea towels, packaging, and decorations away from the cooker.
• Be extra careful if tired or after a drink.
• Clean ovens and hobs regularly to reduce grease fires.

Plan Your Escape

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Having a clear plan is key for home fire safety.

• Keep hallways and stairs clear.
• Know where keys are kept.
• Agree on a meeting point outside.
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the escape plan.

Stay Safe This Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s important to be mindful of the extra fire risks at this time of year. A few simple checks can make a big difference in keeping your home and family safe.

For more advice on keeping your home safe this festive season, visit the NIFRS website or contact Diamond Systems. Our team is happy to provide expert tips and guidance to help protect your home.

Fire safety law in Northern Ireland requires building managers and “responsible persons” to make suitable arrangements for everyone’s safe evacuation. Key legislation includes the Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (NI) 2010, which place a legal duty to plan for all occupants, including those with disabilities or mobility impairments.

Ensuring everyone can exit safely isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal requirement.

Why It Matters

Responsible persons must plan for people with:

• Mobility impairments
• Sensory disabilities (hearing or vision)
• Cognitive or learning difficulties

Failing to do so could put lives at risk and lead to enforcement action.

Key Elements of a Safe Evacuation

• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs): Tailored plans for anyone who may need help.
• Evacuation chairs: For safe stair descent; staff must be trained, and chairs maintained.
• Disabled refuge areas: Safe zones for waiting if immediate exit isn’t possible.
• Buddy system: Staff know who needs help and what to do.
• Accessible routes & signage: Exits, corridors, and doors kept clear and usable.

Keeping Plans Effective

Review plans whenever:

• New staff or visitors join
• Building layout changes
• Equipment or hazards change
• After drills or practice evacuations

Regular training ensures staff are confident and procedures work in practice.

How We Can Help

We provide a full service for evacuation safety, including:

• Supply & servicing of evacuation chairs and disabled refuge systems
• Training for staff on safe and effective use
• Assistance with PEEPs and evacuation procedures
• Staff training and evacuation drills tailored to your premises

Contact our team for more information or a quotation – we’ll help ensure your evacuation plans are safe, compliant, and practical for everyone.

2025 has already been a landmark year at Diamond Systems. We’ve welcomed a record number of new fire and security maintenance clients across Northern Ireland and beyond – and when we ask them why they made the switch, the feedback is remarkably consistent.

In an industry where reliability, compliance and fast response times matter more than ever, organisations are choosing partners who take safety seriously, communicate clearly, and resolve issues without delay.

Here are the top five reasons more companies are turning to Diamond as their trusted fire and security partner.

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1️⃣ One Partner. One Point of Contact. Zero Runaround.

A growing number of clients come to us after becoming frustrated with juggling multiple fire and security providers — one company for alarms, another for CCTV, another for extinguishers, and yet another for monitoring. Add in several different ARC contacts, and simply getting a straight answer can become a full-time job.

At Diamond Systems, we remove that noise completely.

You get one high-performing partner, one accountable point of contact, and a dedicated team who knows your sites, your systems, and your people. You’re not phoning a generic call centre or explaining your issue over and over again.

We take ownership. We take pride in resolving issues quickly and properly. And most importantly, we care — because this is life safety, not just another service call.

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2️⃣ Industry-Leading Response Times (Verified by NSI Gold Audits)

Slow or unreliable responses are one of the biggest reasons organisations switch to us. When something goes wrong with fire or security systems, every minute counts.

Our NSI Gold audits — conducted independently and rigorously — show that Diamond consistently exceeds the 90% benchmark for four-hour emergency response.

⭐ Our 4-hour response rate is consistently above NSI’s audited standard.

This isn’t a marketing line; it’s verified performance. When you need an engineer, we’re there. It’s one of the reasons we hold one of the strongest reputations in the region for reactive response.

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3️⃣ Planned Preventative Maintenance Completed On Time

Another theme we hear repeatedly: PPM visits that slip month after month, leaving clients exposed, non-compliant, and frustrated.

Diamond’s PPM completion rate consistently exceeds NSI’s 90% benchmark — and again, this is independently verified as part of our NSI Gold accreditation.

We combine technical excellence with transparency. Through our client portal, you can view:

✔️ Upcoming PPM due dates
✔️ All service reports and invoices
✔️ Defect and remedial reports
✔️ A complete asset list with inspection history

It’s lean, streamlined, and built to put you back in control — no more chasing for paperwork, updates, or answers.

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4️⃣ 24/7 Engineering Support & Remote Technical Help

The old “man in a van” model simply can’t meet today’s expectations. Modern fire and security systems demand round-the-clock attention, monitoring, and support.

Because we operate as a fully accredited NSI Gold company with a dedicated engineering team, we provide genuine 24/7 cover — not a voicemail, not a subcontractor.

Our remote diagnostics allow us to resolve many issues instantly, without waiting for a site visit. Faster resolution, reduced downtime, and lower disruption for your organisation.

When something goes wrong, you want expertise immediately. That’s exactly what we deliver.

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5️⃣ Competence, Experience & True Professional Standards

With almost 40 years in business, Diamond Systems has grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s most respected specialists in fire and security.

Our team holds FireQual certifications across system design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, and verification. Every recommendation we make — whether for a repair, a replacement part, or a site upgrade — is grounded in competence and compliance.

We don’t cut corners. We don’t guess. And we never compromise on safety.

This is why so many organisations — from councils to private sector operators to multi-site estates — trust Diamond with the systems that protect their people, property, and business continuity.

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✨ “We felt the Diamond difference from day one.”

That’s the line we hear most from new clients. They value:

✔️ Clear communication
✔️ Rapid response
✔️ Competent engineering
✔️ Transparency at every stage
✔️ A partner who genuinely cares about keeping people safe

In a market crowded with providers, professionalism still stands out. And clients recognise it immediately.

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Ready to switch to a smarter, more reliable fire & security partner?

If your organisation is ready for a partner who brings clarity, speed, competence and care to your fire and security systems, we’d love to speak with you.

Get in touch to arrange a consultation or request a competitive maintenance and monitoring proposal.

Diamond Systems — protecting people, property and peace of mind for almost 40 years.

Every month, our Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, shares an insight into leadership within fire and security…

As we move into the final stretch of 2025, November has been a month of contributing to the wider business community – through sharing best practice, volunteering, mentoring, and continuous learning – while also laying the groundwork for a confident and ambitious 2026.

NI Safety Group Annual Conference – Martyn’s Law in Focus

We began the month exhibiting at the NI Safety Group Annual Conference, where one of the key themes centred on Preparing for Martyn’s Law and strengthening venue safety.

It was an honour to spend time with Figen Murray OBE, initiator of Martyn’s Law and a truly inspirational person. I also had the privilege of taking part in a panel session alongside Figen, Tony Stafford from the SIA, and Jenny Penrose from our longstanding client, Odyssey Trust. Together we shared practical insights on improving security and emergency preparedness across all sectors.

If you missed it, the full write-up is available here: NISG Annual Conference Highlights.

Projects & Technical Delivery – What the Team Has Been Working On

It has been a busy and productive month across our Projects, Compliance and Maintenance teams, with activity spanning NI and beyond.

New Fire & Security Installation Delivered

We handed over a new fire and security installation for a leading aerospace and defence manufacturer. Extensive pre-configuration was completed in The Vault to minimise downtime and disruption on site.

Enhanced Security for Several MLAs

In response to the current threat environment, our security team has also been delivering enhanced protection measures for several MLAs, ensuring their homes and constituency spaces are as secure as possible.

BESS Site – South of England

Members of our technical team visited a large Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site in the south of England, where we will be commissioning a high-end fire detection system early in the new year. This project draws together our expertise in specialist detection and critical infrastructure protection.

Upgrade Works at a Belfast Community Facility

Closer to home, we upgraded ageing life safety and security systems at a long-established Belfast community centre – bringing the building up to modern standards and improving overall resilience.

Maintenance Across NI

Our service engineers have been busy as always, maintaining systems right across Northern Ireland – from university colleges and factories to offices and entertainment venues.

Compliance Services

We also completed numerous Fire Risk Assessments across Northern Ireland, and delivered another Fire Warden Training Course – we were delighted to score 10/10 from all attendees!

ISO 9001 Quality Audit – NSI Visit

Our annual ISO 9001 quality audit took place this month, carried out by NSI. Upholding high standards is part of who we are, and the audit once again validated the strength of our systems and processes.

A special thanks to Julieann, our Operations Manager, whose meticulous work ensures our continued compliance and quality assurance.

Leadership, Governance & Growth

November brought a wealth of leadership and governance-focused opportunities for me.

IoD Private Dinner

I attended an intimate IoD dinner with leaders from across Northern Ireland. Martin Tierney shared superb insights into leadership, lean practice, and his experience in a world-class family business. Seating Matters continues to set a global example in operational excellence.

IoD Directors’ Bootcamp

Later in the month, the IoD Directors’ Bootcamp provided a timely refresher on directors’ duties and good governance – particularly relevant as we prepare to appoint a Non-Executive Director in early 2026. Much of the discussion mirrored the reflections shared at the earlier IoD dinner on the value of a strong board in a growing family business.

Crescent One – Distilled (The Foundation)

I attended Distilled, hosted by The Foundation, at Crescent One- an inspiring evening exploring leadership, purpose and tackling complex business challenges with clarity.

The fireside chat with Sarah Schaefer, Jo Hopkins, and Brendan Gallen, chaired by John McKee, was excellent.

• Sarah shared valuable learning from Wrightbus and her earlier roles
• Jo offered fascinating insights from elite sport and high-performance coaching
• Brendan highlighted findings from The People Advantage and the role of purpose in unlocking performance

The evening closed with a whiskey tasting with Master Distiller Graeme Millar from McConnell’s Irish Whisky, accompanied by music from The String Ninjas – a brilliant event all-round.

NI Chamber President’s Banquet

I’m looking forward to attending this week’s NI Chamber of Commerce President’s Banquet as a guest of Danske Bank. This year’s theme celebrates The Open Championship in Portrush – a special event that I had the privilege of attending in July with some of our clients.

Three-Year Vision Finalised

A major milestone this month was putting the final touches on our new three-year vision during our board meeting. It is ambitious, strategic, and firmly rooted in our values.

We’ve placed strong emphasis on clarity of roles, responsibilities and accountability as we prepare for our next phase of growth. I’m excited to present the full vision to the wider team in early December.

Investing in the Team

LinkedIn Masterclass with Kerry Hall

We hosted a fantastic LinkedIn training session with Kerry Hall, helping the team strengthen both their personal and professional online presence. Expect to see more from us on LinkedIn as these insights are put into practice.

Community, Schools & Giving Back

Wallace High School Careers Fair

This week Ian and I went back to Wallace High School – our old school – to exhibit at their Careers Fair. Supporting young people as they explore future paths feels more important than ever. The engagement from the pupils was fantastic, and encouraging to see so much interest from the young women there. It was great to catch up with my A Level English teacher, who was a big part of why I studied English at Queens University Belfast.

SistersIN Mentoring Programme

This month I was delighted to begin my mentoring journey with SistersIN, meeting my mentee, Isha from Methodist College, for the first time. Helping young women build confidence and feel supported as they navigate future opportunities is something I feel deeply passionate about.

Wellbeing & Personal Growth

Somatic Breathwork with Ben Gadd

I took part in a somatic breathwork session led by Ben Gadd – a deeply emotional experience that brought forward memories and connection to friends on the other side of the world. A powerful reminder of the importance of pause and presence.

Lucille Cassidy’s Winter Reset

I’ll be closing out the month with Lucille Cassidy’s Winter Reset – a restorative blend of reformer pilates, yoga, hot-and-cold exposure, and journalling. A perfect way to create space and intention before the busy festive season.

Looking Ahead – Preparing for 2026

Behind the scenes, a significant amount of work has been focused on goal-setting, planning, and strengthening accountability structures. This month has been about building the right foundation for thoughtful, sustainable growth.

Our purpose remains unchanged: to help people understand how to protect what matters most. But how we deliver that, through leadership, innovation, technology, and education – is evolving in all the right ways.

Until next month,

Angela