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Diamond Systems was proud to be part of the Women in Fire Safety Awards 2025 in London – an evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible achievements of women across the fire safety industry.

Our Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, was delighted to be a guest of Gavin Skelly of Fire Aware, and honoured to speak at the opening of this year’s ceremony. Having won UK Woman of the Year in 2024, Angela was invited back to reflect on what the award had meant to her, to the team at Diamond Systems, and to the wider industry.

She shared how the recognition pushed her to grow in three ways:

• Upskilling herself – by stepping into the technical space, enrolling on the FIA’s Fundamentals course, and passing the Level 3 exam with 96%.
• Helping others – launching Diamond’s education and compliance division, training over 150 delegates, and hosting a seminar on BS 5839-1:2025 to raise standards. She also praised organisations such as Fire Aware and the FIA for leading the way in raising competence across the industry.
• Putting herself in the spotlight – mentoring young women, contributing to podcasts and blogs, and showing visible female leadership in fire and security.

Speaking about her experience of being the only woman in the room at many industry events in Northern Ireland, Angela reminded the audience:

“Representation matters. We belong in the room. Step forward. Use your voice. Don’t wait to be perfect before you speak up. Be a lamp, a lifeboat, or a ladder — light the way, lift others up, and help lead this industry forward.”

Angela also spoke passionately about the importance of raising competence across the sector. From engineers to directors, she stressed that “if we are serious about raising standards, every one of us has to keep learning, keep challenging ourselves, and keep pushing forward.”

The evening was a celebration of talent, dedication, and leadership – qualities that will shape the future of fire safety. Angela added:

“The Women in Fire Safety Awards shine a light on the people driving real change in our industry. It was inspiring to see so many women recognised, and I’m proud that Diamond Systems continues to play its part in promoting female leadership within the sector, raising standards, and keeping people safe.”

At Diamond Systems, this commitment is at the core of everything we do. Based in Belfast, we are one of the few independently owned NSI Gold-accredited companies remaining in Northern Ireland, with a 37-year track record of protecting people, buildings, and businesses. Our engineers hold the latest FireQual qualifications, and we continue to set the bar for competence and reliability across the UK and Ireland.

We would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions, congratulate the organisers Chloe and Kate, and to thank organisations like the FIA and Fire Aware for continuing to champion competence and collaboration across the sector.

While in London for the Women in Fire Safety Awards, our Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett, spent a morning with the team at Uptick, the UK’s leading job management software for the fire and security sector.

Uptick has been a major part of Diamond Systems’ journey over the past year. Since moving across to the platform in Autumn 2024, it has become an integral tool in how we manage our operations and deliver service excellence to our clients.

During the visit, Angela sat down with Ellis Allen, UK and Ireland Head of Customer at Uptick, to discuss:

• Why Diamond Systems chose Uptick
• The onboarding experience and support provided
• The benefits the platform has delivered to our business and clients
• How our collaboration is helping to keep people safe

A video of their conversation will be live soon on Uptick’s LinkedIn page – definitely worth watching for anyone interested in how technology is transforming service delivery in the fire and security sector.

We’re grateful to Ellis and the Uptick team for such a warm welcome in London and look forward to continuing to build on this strong partnership.

The updated edition of the UK’s key fire detection and alarm standard, BS 5839-1:2025, came into effect on 30 April 2025. One of the notable updates is the introduction of a recommended label for fire alarm control and indicating equipment (CIE) where the system is connected to the fire and rescue service.

What Has Changed

Under BS 5839-1:2025, it is now recommended that a clear notice is displayed on, or directly next to, any fire alarm panel that transmits fire signals to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) or the fire and rescue service.

A typical wording example is:

FALSE ALARM NOTICE
This fire alarm has an active connection to the fire and rescue service.

This update aims to raise user awareness of the system’s signalling pathway and help reduce false alarms — a growing concern for both fire and rescue services and duty holders.

Requirement vs Retrospective Application

• The notice is a recommendation within the standard — it is not a statutory legal requirement.
• The change is not retrospective. Existing systems installed to previous editions of BS 5839-1 do not have to add the label, but we recommend it.
• New installations, alterations or extensions carried out after April 2025 should follow the latest standard, including this new labelling recommendation.

Why It Matters

• Improved awareness: Users can see immediately that a false activation will notify the fire and rescue service.
• False alarm reduction: Reminds anyone operating or testing the system to follow correct procedures.
• Good practice & compliance: Although not mandatory for older systems, adding the notice demonstrates alignment with the latest industry guidance.

Diamond Systems’ Approach

At Diamond Systems, we have already adopted the BS 5839-1:2025 update:

• All new fire alarm installations and upgrades will include the recommended label as standard.
• Our maintenance teams check that the label is present and legible during routine servicing.
• We advise clients who wish to bring their systems in line with the latest best practice, even if no upgrade works are planned.

Keeping up to date with standards is a vital part of maintaining safe and compliant premises. If you would like advice on how BS 5839-1:2025 affects your fire alarm system, our team is here to help.

👉 Contact Diamond Systems for expert guidance on fire detection, alarm signalling and compliance.

This September, our Business Development team travelled to London for DSEI UK, the world-leading defence and security exhibition held biennially at ExCeL.

DSEI is unlike any other event – a global forum where governments, national armed forces, industry leaders, and academics come together to explore the latest innovations shaping the future of defence and security. The sheer scale and energy of the exhibition is something that needs to be experienced in person.

Representing Northern Ireland on the Global Stage

It was fantastic to see Northern Ireland so well represented at DSEI, with a superb Invest Northern Ireland stand showcasing the strength and diversity of companies from across the region. From advanced manufacturing and engineering to cyber security and communications, local firms stood shoulder to shoulder with global players.

As members of ADS Group NI, Diamond Systems is proud to be part of this ecosystem, supporting aerospace and defence clients with trusted, cyber-secure, and fully accredited life safety and security solutions.

Building Connections and Sharing Expertise

Throughout the event, our team met with existing clients, industry partners, and new connections from across the defence and security community. These conversations underline the importance of collaboration and innovation in keeping people, assets, and infrastructure safe in a fast-changing world.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Diamond Systems, our focus is on helping organisations protect what matters most. We back this up with the highest industry standards, including ISO 9001 certification for quality management and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation for cyber security. Combined with our NSI Gold status, these accreditations demonstrate our commitment to delivering excellence, compliance, and peace of mind for every client.

Ready to Strengthen Your Security?

From critical infrastructure to high-security environments, we provide tailored fire and security solutions designed around resilience, compliance, and innovation.

If you are ready to strengthen your organisation’s life safety and security, our team would be happy to have a confidential conversation about your needs. Get in touch.

This September, our Joint Managing Director Angela Bennett and Business Development Consultant Robert Hutchinson were honoured to be invited to a special event at Stormont, hosted by ADS Northern Ireland, to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

The event brought together representatives from across the defence, aerospace, and security sectors, alongside political and civic leaders, to reflect on the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of “The Few” who defended our skies in 1940. It was a poignant reminder of the price of freedom, but also a celebration of the innovation and resilience that continues to characterise the UK’s defence and security industries today.

Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future

The Battle of Britain holds a unique place in history as a turning point in the Second World War. Hearing the stories retold in Stormont’s historic setting was both moving and inspiring. It reinforced the importance of continuing to invest in technologies, partnerships, and skills that protect people and communities in today’s world.

A Strong ADS Network

As members of ADS NI, we value the opportunities these events provide to connect with peers, partners, and clients across the sector. They are a chance not only to reflect on our shared history, but also to look ahead – working together to deliver security, resilience, and innovation across Northern Ireland and beyond.

Our Role at Diamond Systems

At Diamond, our mission is clear: to help organisations protect what matters most through high-quality, cyber-secure, and accredited fire and security solutions. With ISO 9001 certification, Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, and NSI Gold status, we provide assurance, compliance, and peace of mind for clients across aerospace, defence, and beyond. Get in touch if we can help protect your business.

Holidays are over and August has flown by, and what a month it’s been for Diamond! Our teams have been busy delivering fire and security solutions across hospitality, pharmaceuticals, and social housing schemes. For our pharmaceutical client, we’ve installed an aspirating fire detection system – the gold standard for ultra-clean environments where early detection is absolutely vital.

We’ve also secured fresh projects in aerospace, defence, and energy storage, continuing our track record of supporting safety-critical sectors. Some of this work will see us back in England, where we’ve successfully delivered before. At the same time, we’re supporting GB-based partners with their Northern Ireland sites, alongside our usual packed schedule of service contracts.

And big news – we’re gearing up for a Northern Ireland-wide rollout of extinguisher replacements on behalf of a UK partner for a major retail chain. A large-scale programme that underlines the confidence others place in Diamond to deliver at scale.

Training and Knowledge-Sharing

Training has been in full swing too. Paul Doherty and I delivered a fire warden course, and we’ve just launched our autumn training dates. It’s fantastic to see organisations really investing in their teams’ fire safety knowledge.

We also hosted the brilliant Nimbus team in Belfast. Their innovative connected fire alarm technology is a game-changer, and we’re rolling this out to our engineers and clients.

Industry Leadership

August was also about giving back to the industry. I joined the judging panel for the Women in Fire Safety Awards – the calibre of entries was inspiring – and I can’t wait to be back in London this September to give the opening address as last year’s UK Woman of the Year.

Looking further ahead, I’ll be joining a panel at the NI Safety Group conference in November, alongside the Security Industry Association and our client The Odyssey, to discuss Martyn’s Law. Figen Murray will also be presenting – her story is one that stays with you and she is incredible. If you are responsible for safety within a venue, you will not want to miss it. For a quick introduction, here’s a helpful video: Martyn’s Law overview and what you need to know | ProtectUK.

Growth and Development

Diamond is growing! We’ve appointed a Junior Sales Executive who will join us in October to strengthen our safety products and training division, and we’re delighted to welcome Josh, our new apprentice, who has just started his journey with us. Building the next generation of talent is something I’m really passionate about.

And in between all the projects and planning, there’s been plenty happening personally too – from sharing my first podcast interview (thanks for all the lovely feedback) to being on the inaugural A320neo flight to Rome – in August Steve and I enjoyed a cruise round the Greek Islands with our families, which was amazing! We also squeezed in a ladies’ wellness day at Lucille Cassidy’s retreat and rounded off the month in style with the most special of evenings at the ICC Belfast with Van Morrison and Ronnie Wood. Huge congratulations to Rob McConnell and the brilliant team at ICC Belfast on delivering such a fresh, world-class concept that truly elevates the concert experience.

September is my favourite month of the year and it is shaping up to be another packed month of networking and industry events – with two trips to London for DSEI and the Women in Fire Safety Awards, followed by the IoD Annual Dinner here in Belfast. Lots of opportunities to connect, share ideas, and keep building momentum!

Angela

We’re delighted to welcome Josh as the newest member of the Diamond Systems team. Josh joins us today as he begins his Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Fire and Security Systems at SERC – a four-year programme that combines classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.

Josh was really excited to get started. From his very first day, he will also begin our in-house Diamond Development Programme, a structured 90-day onboarding plan developed by our Joint Managing Director, Angela Bennett to give apprentices a strong foundation in their careers. The programme covers everything from health and safety, company culture and values, through to the essential technical skills needed to start working as a fire and security engineer.

“Having a thorough induction is so important – especially when it’s a young person’s first full-time job. It ensures that new starters feel part of the team, know what’s expected of them, and get the right support to grow in both skills and confidence.” – Angela

We have employed apprentices for many years at Diamond, but Josh is the third apprentice to go through the Diamond Development programme:

• Chris Bradford was the first, and he has just successfully completed his apprenticeship and qualified as an engineer after four years.
• Cameron Jones followed, starting last year. He is progressing brilliantly, having won Apprentice of the Year at SERC Newtownards, and is now moving into his second year.
• Now, Josh begins his journey – and we’re confident he will thrive just as much as his predecessors.

Josh brings with him valuable experience from part-time work in customer service and decorating, as well as strong teamwork and leadership skills from playing and coaching football. These qualities will stand him in great stead as he builds his technical knowledge and grows into his new career.

At Diamond, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of engineers, investing in their development, and giving them the tools to succeed. We’re very excited to see Josh’s journey unfold and to support him every step of the way.

Welcome to the team, Josh!

We’re thrilled to announce a major new investment in cutting-edge technology at Diamond Systems! We’re embarking on a transformative journey with new software that will redefine fire and security management for our customers and our team.

Introducing Uptick: Optimising Fire & Security Management

Our first major investment is in Uptick, a purpose-built, cloud-based job management software designed specifically for the fire and security industry. Uptick brings a host of efficiencies for our internal team and offers a powerful platform for customers to engage with their fire and security assets more seamlessly than ever before.

Through Uptick’s dedicated customer portal, clients will have access to a comprehensive overview of their fire and security assets across their entire portfolio. They can:

– View detailed engineer reports and invoices
– Access defect reports for full transparency on any issues
– Analyse spending patterns
– Approve remedial works, in just a few clicks

With Uptick, we’re aiming to enhance customer experience by offering complete visibility and easy access to all asset data, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making and improved safety outcomes.

The Next Level with Nimbus: Simplifying Compliance and Remote Fire Safety Management

Our commitment to innovation continues with an investment in Nimbus, a cutting-edge software platform that simplifies fire safety management across multiple premises. Nimbus integrates seamlessly with fire panels from all major manufacturers, offering unparalleled visibility for premises managers and building owners.

With Nimbus, our customers will be able to:

– Ensure compliance through easy tracking of testing and maintenance activities
– Access real-time updates on the status of fire systems across their properties
– Respond swiftly to potential fire hazards, thanks to 24/7 remote access and instant alerts

This level of access means that managers can make informed decisions in moments, responding to urgent safety needs and maintaining high standards across all their properties.

Empowering Customer Control and Safety

By adopting both Uptick and Nimbus, Diamond Systems is equipping customers with unmatched control and transparency over their fire and security systems. These investments not only elevate the safety of building occupants but also set a new standard for the fire and security industry in Northern Ireland.

Stay tuned as we roll out these transformative tools, enhancing the way our clients manage and monitor their fire safety and security systems with Diamond Systems—your trusted partner in life safety and security. Get in touch about moving your maintenance over to Diamond if you would like to enjoy the benefits of Uptick and Nimbus.

We’re pleased to announce our autumn schedule of fire safety training workshops, designed to help employers, managers, and staff meet their legal duties while building confidence to keep people safe.

Delivered in small groups of just 8 delegates per session, these workshops are highly interactive, practical, and tailored to give you the knowledge you need to apply straight away in your workplace.

All bookings are managed via Eventbrite – links below:

Upcoming Courses

16th September, 9.00am – 11.30am
Fire Compliance Essentials
A small-group, interactive workshop designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps for managing workplace fire safety.
👉 Book your place

23rd September, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Fire Warden Training
3 hours to gain the confidence, skills, and legal awareness to protect lives in your workplace.
👉 Book your place

23rd October, 9.00am – 11.30am
Fire Compliance Essentials
A small-group, interactive workshop designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps for managing workplace fire safety.
👉 Book your place

11th November, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Fire Warden Training
3 hours to gain the confidence, skills, and legal awareness to protect lives in your workplace.
👉 Book your place

25th November, 9.00am – 11.30am
Fire Compliance Essentials
A small-group, interactive workshop designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps for managing workplace fire safety.
👉 Book your place

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Why Choose Our Training?

• Small groups (max 8) – ensures plenty of interaction and discussion
• Delivered by fire safety experts with decades of experience
• Focused, time-efficient sessions (2.5–3 hours) packed with practical takeaways
• Certificates of completion for your compliance records

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⚠️ Places are strictly limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.

👉 Don’t leave fire safety to chance – book your place today and give yourself peace of mind that your team and premises are protected.

Diamond Systems is proud to have played a key role in the delivery of the brand-new St Ronan’s College in Lurgan, County Armagh – a £58.5 million, state-of-the-art campus that brings together three separate school sites into one modern, purpose-built facility for around 1,750 students.

Working as a specialist subcontractor to Nugent, on behalf of principal contractor Glasgiven Contracts, we supplied and commissioned the fire detection and alarm system, including class change, assist call and emergency voice communication (refuge) system, and installed a full suite of intrusion detection and video surveillance cameras across the extensive new campus.

Our Scope of Works

The scale and complexity of the project required robust, future-proofed systems that would meet the needs of a large, multi-building education environment. Our package included:

 

• Fire Detection & Alarm System – Kentec Taktis analogue addressable panels with Hochiki ESP protocol detection and alarm devices, providing open-protocol, fully addressable coverage designed to BS 5839-1 M/L4, BS 7273-4 and BS 7273-6 standards, with enhanced protection for high-risk areas such as data hubs, boiler rooms, and electrical distribution spaces.
• Emergency Voice Communication (Refuge) System – Enabling safe evacuation for all building users in line with BS 5839-9.
• Assist Call – Managing safety alarms across the site in line with BS8300:2
• Class Change – Providing automated notifications to students and staff of upcoming class changes, reducing disruption and improving time keeping.
• Intruder Alarm – Integrated to provide out-of-hours security, linked to a 24/7 remote monitoring station.
• CCTV System – High-definition video surveillance for site-wide coverage and safeguarding.
• Preventative and Corrective Maintenance – Providing ongoing support to ensure all systems remain fully operational and compliant.

A Campus Built for the Future

The new St Ronan’s college offers inspiring specialist classrooms for science, art, drama, technology, music, ICT, business, and home economics, alongside a dedicated sixth-form centre, a spacious double-height dining hall, and extensive sports facilities – from grass and synthetic GAA pitches to a fitness suite, sports hall, tennis courts, and a chapel.

For Diamond Systems, delivering this project was about more than installing systems – it was about ensuring that this flagship education facility is protected by reliable, intelligent, and integrated life safety and security infrastructure that will serve staff, students, and visitors for decades to come.

Collaboration at Scale

We’d like to thank Nugents, Glasgiven Contracts, and all members of the design and delivery team for their collaboration throughout the project. This was a true team effort, requiring careful coordination to meet programme milestones while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship.

St Ronan’s is a landmark educational development for Northern Ireland – and we’re proud that our technology and expertise will help keep it safe and secure every day.