A bespoke Hochiki Europe fire detection solution has been installed at Willis Aviation Services Limited’s extensive maintenance base at Teesside International Airport, setting a new benchmark for safety across specialist aviation environments. Spanning 45,000 m² of hangars, workshops and office space, Hangars 7 and 8 house multifunctional facilities where engineers work with high-value aircraft and potentially flammable materials, a combination that demands uncompromising fire protection. To meet these demands, Willis Aviation partnered with local life-safety specialist Render Alarms to design and install a fully tailored system built around Hochiki’s advanced intelligent detection technology. At the heart of the installation is Hochiki’s ESP intelligent fire detection system, offering open-protocol flexibility and future-proof performance aligned with the forthcoming BS 5839-1 2025 standard. Across office environments, adjustable smoke and heat detectors provide highly reliable detection while helping to reduce unwanted alarms, an essential factor in maintaining operational continuity. In busy workshop areas, wall-mounted sounder beacons deliver clear visual alerts in high-noise conditions, ensuring warnings are both seen and heard. For the expansive and structurally complex hangar voids, Hochiki’s FIRElink aspirating detection system was specified, using laser-based technology to monitor large areas efficiently with enhanced sensitivity and reduced maintenance requirements. Render Alarms’ installation team also utilised specialist design software to optimise the aspirating pipe network around the hangar’s structural framework, ensuring complete coverage and compliance. Luke Render, from Render Alarms, and the lead engineer on the project commented “Hochiki’s bases are a game changer, one base fit all devices. The sensors effortlessly twist-fit onto the bases, which significantly reduced the install and commission time, without compromising quality.” The result is a robust, intelligent fire safety solution that protects people, aircraft and infrastructure, while minimising disruption and supporting long-term operational resilience. As safety standards continue to evolve across aviation and industrial sectors, this project demonstrates how carefully specified, expertly installed detection technology can deliver confidence today and adaptability for tomorrow.Learn more about this story and the ranges featured.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ranger Fire and Security has today announced a £150 million funding package from Apera, a leading European private debt asset manager, to support the next phase of its growth and acquisition strategy. The funding will enable Ranger to significantly accelerate its expansion plans, with a focus on driving organic growth and acquiring high-performing, regulatory compliance driven, preventative maintenance-focused businesses in the fire and security sector and building on Ranger’s successful track record of bringing them together as part of a single integrated platform, enabling greater resource sharing, expertise and cross-selling opportunities. Apera is a leading private debt asset manager dedicated to supporting mid-market companies across Western Europe, having deployed approximately €4 billion since its founding. The investment will support Ranger’s ambition to build a fire and security platform that is truly national in scope. The partnership with Apera will build on a highly successful 2025 for Ranger, during which it completed six successful acquisitions across the UK and Ireland, strengthening its coverage and service offering across both countries. Earlier this month, Ranger announced its first acquisition of 2026, further expanding its footprint in the South West of England and bringing the number of Ranger businesses to 14. The funding will continue accelerating Ranger’s acquisition and partnership strategy as the Group looks to maintain its M&A momentum with a very active pipeline. Mark Bridges, CEO, Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Our new partnership with Apera marks a major milestone for Ranger, providing us with the firepower to take our growth ambitions to the next level. We’ve built strong momentum over the past two years, welcoming 14 high-quality businesses into the Group. “Our vision is to bring together the very best regional specialists into a single national platform that benefits customers, employees and business owners alike. Apera’s support will enable us to continue scaling at pace in the year ahead, while staying true to our focus on quality, service excellence and meaningful partnerships.” Paul Mahon, Partner, Hyperion Equity Partners, said: “Ranger has continued to grow at pace since its launch in 2024 – expanding from a handful of high-performing fire and security businesses to a Group that now has extensive coverage across the UK and a strong footprint in Ireland. “Securing this funding capacity from Apera is a clear endorsement of Ranger’s success to date and the opportunities that lie ahead. Our clear strategy, focused sharply on collaboration, integrated operational excellence and customer service, has put Ranger in an incredibly strong position to deliver further sustained organic and acquisitive growth and value in 2026.” Chris Roper, Partner at Apera, said:“Ranger is a leading maintenance-focused fire and security business that has created a highly innovative, well integrated platform. It has enabled regional businesses in the Group to collaborate, grow and provide a service to customers that is national in scope while bringing the key operational functions under the Ranger framework. Ranger has an impressive track record, coupled with its experienced management team and clear organic growth and acquisition strategy, made this a compelling opportunity for Apera. We’re pleased to be partnering with Ranger as the company enters the next phase of its expansion along with Hyperion.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy completes comprehensive remediation and fire safety upgrade of South Shields residential development. Wednesday 21st January – Perega has completed a comprehensive fire safety upgrade at Sinclair Meadows in South Shields. Originally built in 2012 as one of the UK’s first carbon-negative residential schemes, the 12-flat block has been remediated following a fire in February 2024 caused by a fault in the solar PV array. While the fire destroyed a quarter of the roof and caused extensive water damage to three flats, Perega’s initial surveys identified broader risks. The original larch cladding, timber shingles, and compromised fire-break strategies necessitated a full safety overhaul. Working to a 26-week programme, Perega project-managed the replacement of the combustible roof with a non-combustible Metrotile system and installation of compliant fire breaks in all roof voids and external walls. The remediation included stripping the fire-damaged flats back to the timber frame to restore fire compartmentation and installing new mechanical and electrical systems, including heat-recovery units. The project successfully modernised the building’s safety profile while maintaining its functionality and original timber-frame structure. Darren Parkin, Senior Technician at Perega, said: “The Sinclair Meadows project presented a unique opportunity to not only repair the fire damage, but fundamentally improve the building’s safety. Our assessment revealed risks beyond the immediate damage, and we worked closely with Bernicia to implement solutions that meet current standards. Delivering this transformation within 26 weeks required careful coordination, and I’m proud of the team’s achievement.” The completed works provide residents with a safe, modern living environment that addresses original construction vulnerabilities. For more information on Perega, please visit: perega.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new specialist company, Millars Pumps, is bringing innovative Italian fire safety solutions to the UK construction market, as the exclusive distributor of Idroelettrica Spa fire pumps and controllers. Developers, contractors and fire protection engineers across the country will have access to high-quality, Italian fire pump solutions, along with dedicated customer service from a knowledgeable, UK-based team. Idroelettrica is a leading Italian manufacturer renowned for its commitment to quality and precision in the manufacture of fire pump-set and pump-house equipment. It offers cost-effective, bespoke solutions and options that meet a wide range of international, European and British industry standards including FM, NFPA, EN, and BS. The recent expansion of its manufacturing and in-house testing facilities in Modena ensures swift delivery times along with robust quality control.   The launch of Millars Pumps responds to growing demand for reliable fire pump solutions in both new-build and retrofit projects across the UK, driven by stricter fire safety standards and planning requirements. As more commercial sites and high-rise residential buildings upgrade or install sprinkler, water mist and hydrant systems, Millars Pumps will support contractors and specifiers with compliant, reliable and space-efficient equipment. Along with its wide range of end suction, split case, vertical turbine and submersible pumps and associated equipment, Millars Pumps will introduce Firebox.  Idroelettrica’s flagship solution, Firebox is a ‘plug-and-play’ pre-fabricated pump room which arrives complete and ready to install. An efficient and cost-effective alternative to constructing a traditional pump house, Firebox is fully customisable to clients’ specifications and space requirements. The innovative design means that all sides can fully open, providing 360° access for easy maintenance, inspection, or future upgrades. Giovanni Vaccari, Sales Export Manager at Idroelettrica Spa, comments: “The launch of Millars Pumps in the UK is exciting news for any company looking to install or upgrade fire pumps for sprinkler or water mist fire protection systems. Our wide range of fire pump solutions, such as Firebox, are designed to be long-lasting, convenient to install and easy to maintain. “The combined expertise of Millars Pumps and Idroelettrica will ensure UK customers are fully supported at every stage of the process, from specification through to delivery, installation and maintenance.” To find out more call 01842 790100 or visit www.millarspumps.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

In response to the evolving demands of the UK’s built environment sector, a new collaboration has been announced between the Fire Protection Association (FPA), UL Solutions, and PartB Outlined in the release of the joint paper, Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing, the collaboration aims to deliver independent, impartial, and transparent fire safety testing at a time when regulatory scrutiny, innovation, and accountability are reshaping the construction landscape. The UK construction sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the Building Safety Act, the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and a growing emphasis on compliance, traceability, and competence. With the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act, stakeholders across industry are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that every component and product used in construction meets rigorous fire safety standards. Recognising the urgent need for reliable data and impartial testing, the FPA, UL Solutions, and PartB have joined forces to offer a robust solution. The FPA, the UK’s national fire safety organisation, will provide a secure and confidential environment for fire safety tests to be undertaken for clients of UL Solutions and PartB through their independent fire testing laboratory. The independence of the FPA means that tests will be carried out in an impartial manner, at arm’s length from the client, as well as ensuring intellectual property and proprietary data are protected. The initiative is a direct response to the challenges highlighted in the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, which called for impartial testing to restore trust in the sector and empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, reduce remediation costs, and demonstrate a commitment to best practice. Speaking on its launch, FPA chief executive, Dr Gavin Dunn, said “This new collaboration addresses a critical gap in the construction sector: the need to test and certify the fire performance not just of individual products, but increasingly also the interfaces and combinations of systems that often present the greatest fire safety risks. “Leveraging the FPA’s independent testing capabilities, UL Solutions’ certification expertise, and PartB’s engineering insight, offers a holistic approach to fire safety validation for the whole UK built environment sector.” UL Solutions brings over 130 years of global expertise in testing, inspection, and certification. Their work enables manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements and gain market access through trusted certification schemes. Their collaboration with the FPA allows for comprehensive testing of building products and systems, including wall assemblies, fire doors, and joint systems, supporting both UKCA and CE-marking requirements. “Fire safety is a shared responsibility that demands depth of expertise across the built environment ecosystem,” said Karine Johnfroe, vice president and general manager of the UL Solutions Built Environment group. “We are proud to work alongside organisations like the Fire Protection Association to provide the thought leadership, guidance and solutions needed to meet evolving fire safety challenges. This collaboration enables UL Solutions to deliver our trusted and independent science-based testing rigor to help protect lives, property and communities.” PartB has evolved into a leader in pragmatic fire safety solutions. Their approach combines real-world experience with engineering judgement, offering clients innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional remediation. PartB’s approach has demonstrated that compliance can be achieved through engineered solutions, often avoiding invasive and expensive fixes while maintaining safety integrity. Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer explained their position, saying: ‘We are proud to announce the publication of this white paper. It marks a significant progress in enhancing collaboration to ensure proper testing and compliance measures. By sharing these insights, we aim to promote safer building environments and strengthen our commitment to innovation and technical excellence in fire risk mitigation, in a proportionate and responsible manner’ As the built environment continues to innovate and adapt to new regulations, this collaboration ensures that fire safety remains at the forefront. By providing reliable, independent data, this approach supports a safer, greener, and higher-quality future for UK buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ARC Building Solutions (ARC), the market leading provider of passive fire protection and thermal solutions for the built environment, has secured a significant investment from LDC, the leading private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group. Based in Leeds, ARC manufactures certified and tested cavity barriers, offering up to four hours of fire integrity, alongside thermal insulation products that support fire safety and energy efficiency. Its technical system solutions enable residential and commercial property developers to create safer, more sustainable spaces for people to live and work. Founded in 2008, ARC has achieved consistent, long-term growth, supported by strong demand for safety critical and environmentally sustainable solutions. LDC is backing ARC’s management team, led by CEO Neil Weeks, and will support the business’ growth strategy. This is underpinned by investment in increased production capacity, enhanced systems, and sales and support teams to continue to deliver a market leading service to its customer base.    The investment was led by LDC’s Yorkshire team, including Investment Director, Will Scales, Partner and Head of Yorkshire, Dan Smith, and Investment Executive, Connie Smith. Following the investment, Will Scales and Dan Smith will join ARC’s board as Non-Executive Directors, alongside Kevin Sargeant who joins as Non-Executive Chair. Kevin brings nearly 30 years of board experience, including former roles at Volution, Ventilair Group, Nuaire, Flexicon and Aqualisa. Newable, the specialist UK SME investor who has supported the growth of the business since 2019, will reinvest alongside LDC. Neil Weeks, CEO of ARC, said: “This is an important milestone in our mission to help the built environment to deliver more safe and sustainable buildings. We’ve known the LDC team for some time and are confident that with their backing, we will have the firepower and strategic support we need to scale our growth and continue to deliver for our customers.” Will Scales, Investment Director at LDC, added: “ARC has built an exceptional reputation for developing innovative, high-performance building safety products that are trusted by customers, and the business has an exciting future ahead. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, we have deep heritage in the built environment, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Neil and the team as they turn their ambitions into reality.” In the last decade, LDC has invested £660m into 35 industrials businesses, with a combined enterprise value of £1.9bn. It has made successful investments across key sub sectors including building products, automotive, aerospace, chemicals, packaging, manufacturing, and energy and renewables. In May 2024, LDC invested in Integrated Doorset Solutions (IDSL) Group, the leading testing, inspection, certification and compliance business in the fire door sector.  Newable and the ARC management team were advised by Momentum Corporate Finance and CMS. LDC was advised by RSM, Shoosmiths, Dow Schofield Watts, PMSI and Collinson Grant. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals