Halma plc - Experts & Thought Leaders

The University of Southampton, a multi-campus estate with a research institution, has recently enhanced its fire safety provision for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through a pioneering paging system installation. Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels, integrated with the ESPA Pager Interface, form the core of the new solution delivered by Premier Fire Security and Scope Communications, providing targeted alerts and improved accessibility across the university. Traditional audio alarms With over 200 Advanced panels deployed across the site, including two networks of 30–40 nodes and a growing number of extinguishing panels, the university required a solution that could deliver precise, location-specific fire alerts to individuals without relying on traditional audio alarms. The ESPA 4.4.4-compliant Pager Interface from Advanced provided the ideal bridge between the fire detection system and Scope’s PageTek Pro Mk2 transmitter and EPOCBLUM pagers. The system is configured so that each building or group of buildings triggers a distinct pager address. This ensures that only relevant alerts reach the end user, reducing confusion and improving response times. Users can manually program their pagers to activate or deactivate specific locations, with password protection for added security. For nighttime safety, Scope’s pillow pad and nightstand accessories ensure that alerts are received even while users are asleep. Dedicated paging group Chris Chance, University of Southampton Contract Manager at Premier Fire Security, explained: “We’ve worked closely with Scope and Advanced to create a system that’s not only reliable but incredibly flexible. The ability to configure pagers for any location means we can reduce hardware stock and improve coverage across the entire campus. It’s a huge step forward in inclusive safety.” The installation also includes a dedicated paging group for engineers, janitors, security, and fire marshals, who receive diagnostic and fault messages from the Advanced network. This group can also trigger fire messages for specific locations, enhancing operational control and coordination. Enhancing operational control Rob Baker, Head of Technical Support at Scope Communications, added: “This project demonstrates how powerful the ESPA interface can be when paired with our paging technology. The system ensures that alerts are both accurate and accessible, and we’re proud to support Premier Fire Security in expanding this solution across the university.” The long-term vision is to roll out the paging system to all student halls, allowing pagers to be reconfigured for use anywhere on campus. This approach not only improves safety but streamlines inventory and reduces costs. Delivering tailored fire alerts Salvy Vittozzi, Regional Sales Manager for the South East at Advanced, commented: “This installation is a great example of how our ESPA Pager Interface can be used to deliver tailored fire alerts in complex environments. It’s rewarding to see our technology helping to make campuses safer and more inclusive for all users.” By combining Advanced’s robust fire panel technology with Scope’s innovative paging solutions, the University of Southampton now benefits from a highly adaptable, inclusive fire safety system, one that’s already being expanded to meet the evolving needs of its diverse community. Intelligent fire systems As a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems, Advanced products are specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. The Advanced portfolio includes complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management and reduction systems, as well as emergency lighting. Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC – a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

Fire protection solutions manufacturer, Advanced, has launched its brand-new remote monitoring platform, allowing users to view and control elements of their fire system from any internet-enabled device, at any location. AdvancedLive provides users with day-to-day reassurance that their fire system is working as intended, with instant notifications to alert them of critical incidents and status changes, and flexible secure access methods to keep their data safe. AdvancedLive subscription  Available on a subscription basis to Advanced panel customers in the UK and Ireland, the platform can be accessed from any internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world, reassuring users that they will be the first to know about any problems no matter where they are.  Text alerts notify users of fire events as they occur and as they evolve allowing for safer, informed decision-making to maximise safety, minimise disruption and ensure the fastest possible response time. Features  Larger sites may benefit from a floor plan option, with a full-screen, colour-coded map view showing zone Designed with the user in mind, a host of features are available via an intuitive dashboard showing device status and duration of isolations and enablements with clear colour coding for easy identification.  Larger sites may benefit from a floor plan option, with a full-screen, colour-coded map view showing zone and device location and status. Navigate easily with pinch-to-zoom and plot new and unmapped devices by simply dragging them to the required positions. Data security With data security more important than ever, AdvancedLive makes it easy to add and remove users, set permissions, and view user status, giving admins complete control over who can access their system.  Individual user actions are stored in a comprehensive log for total traceability, while automatic timeout adds an extra layer of security. Real-time device status Device history flags trends and provides useful insight to help predict and prevent potential issues Real-time device status information helps users keep on top of servicing and makes compliance easier. Test dates and times are logged so it's easy to see which devices are due for inspection.  Meanwhile, device history flags trends and provides useful insight to help predict and prevent potential issues. Flexibility  Advanced Interim Managing Director, Faye Bartlett, said, “We know our customer's value having the flexibility to manage their fire systems quickly and easily at a time and place that suits them, so I’m delighted we can offer a solution that allows them to do just that.” Faye Bartlett adds, “AdvancedLive delivers the same reliability and ease of use you’d expect from an Advanced product, without compromising data security.” Performance, quality, and ease Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control Advanced is a pioneer in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Advanced’s reputation for performance, quality, and ease of use sees its products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks.  Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control, false alarm management, and emergency lighting. Fire protection and life safety products  Advanced is owned by FTSE 100 company Halma PLC. Its fire protection and life safety products protect an array of prestigious and high-profile sites around the globe across a wide range of sectors. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. AdvancedLive is currently available to Advanced fire panel users in the UK and Ireland only.

Mid-market private equity investor, LDC has backed the management buyout (MBO) of Texecom from FTSE 100-listed technology group Halma plc. Texecom management buyout LDC’s significant investment will support Texecom’s existing management team, led by Managing Director, Jim Ludwig, to build on its market-renowned position and international presence, through developing new products, enhancing its digital services and exploring complementary acquisitions. The investment was led by LDC’s Head of Yorkshire Dan Smith and Investment Directors, Will Scales and Leigh Daveran. As part of the transaction, Dan Smith and Will Scales will join Texecom’s Board as Non-Executive Directors. Meeting complex electronic security needs Our customers’ electronic security needs are becoming more complex than ever" Jim Ludwig, Texecom’s Managing Director, said “Our customers’ electronic security needs are becoming more complex than ever. By prioritising innovation, both organically and through acquisitions, we will continue to provide market-renowned products and services to our clients, so that they feel safe and can get on with their day-to-day lives.” Jim Ludwig adds, “We’re thrilled to have an investor that is as excited about our business, and the customers we serve, as we are. Our new partnership with LDC gives us the support and financial firepower to build on our legacy and achieve our ambitions. With the team’s help, we will continue to grow market share in the UK and in key overseas markets.” Widening Texecom’s global footprint Dan Smith, Head of Yorkshire at LDC, stated “Texecom’s international footing and its reputation for quality, innovation and technical capability means the business is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the evolving global security market. We’re excited to support Jim and his ambitious management team to realise Texecom’s future potential.”