The fire and security engineering sector is undergoing a quiet but significant shift, as employers increasingly favour multi-discipline engineers over single-discipline specialists to manage the growing complexity of modern building systems.

As fire safety regulations tighten and insurers place increasing emphasis on risk management, choosing the right fire alarm system has become a critical decision for owners and managers of commercial properties across the UK.

As organisations rethink how they protect people, property and information, Electronic Access Control Systems (EACS) are rapidly replacing traditional locks and keys across offices, hospitals, schools and industrial sites.

The recent UK school evac chair debate in late 2025 centred on a Parliamentary debate sparked by Lucas Vezza-O'Brien's petition after his personal experience being left behind, pushing for mandatory chairs & training.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released an updated version of Fact File 38, setting out clear guidance on end-user responsibilities for arranging effective Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) in line with the NFCC Policy on False Alarm Management.

Making sure your service provider turns up on time, does what they say they will and provides reports on time can be a job in itself, see below how SS Systems manages fire and security maintenance contracts so our customers receive a hassle free service delivery.

A bit of year end fun from SS Systems to see the old year out and the new year in. If you think fire alarms, CCTV, and security systems are dull pieces of hardware, think again, because the world of safety tech is full of quirky history, bizarre inventions, and genuinely hilarious moments. From 18th-century night watchmen clacking wooden rattles through the streets, to chicken-powered fire detectors, to NASA’s zero-gravity extinguishers, the evolution of safety equipment has been anything but ordinary.

Season's Greetings From SS Systems - Season’s greetings from all of us and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We would like to thank everyone involved with our company including our employees, customers, suppliers and people who have been involved in projects and related activities.

Businesses specifying intruder alarm control panels face a crowded market. Two systems that commonly come up in commercial tender lists are Honeywell’s Galaxy family (including the Flex and Dimension ranges) and Texecom’s Premier Elite series. Both are aimed at professional installers and commercial customers, but they target slightly different priorities. Below is a practical comparison of features, strengths and common trade-offs for business and commercial applications.

Commercial CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) systems are video-surveillance solutions used by businesses to monitor activities across their premises. They help enhance security, deter crime, support operations, and provide evidence when needed.

Integrating fire and security systems creates a more efficient, coordinated safety infrastructure. During emergencies, connected systems can automate responses such as unlocking exits, directing cameras, and guiding first responders with real-time data. Centralised monitoring improves situational awareness by allowing staff to view alarms, CCTV, and access control from a single dashboard.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 it is a legal requirement that all employers / responsible persons ensure that all employees are provided with adequate fire safety training. There is no difference between Marshal & Warden, both are frequently used to describe the same role they undertake, it's the same meaning, different word. You should have a fire warden in your workplace for every 50 people. Other spaces may be found to be at a much higher risk of a fire. In such a case, you may require one warden for every 15 to 20 people but review your FRA to help determine the quantity required.