Midland Fire Shortlisted for Fire Safety Installation Company of the Year 2025
The team is thrilled to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for Fire Safety Installation Company of the Year at the FSM awards following a fire detection system upgrade for Nottingham City Council Homes. This award category recognises the skills and quality of work carried out when installing a fire safety system.
Whatever the outcome of the award, we’re proud to have done our part to improve the safety of thousands of residents across our local area.
Let’s take a closer look at the project that led to our shortlisting.
Following a tragic fire that resulted in the death of a resident in Nottingham, our team was commissioned by Nottingham City Council Homes last year to upgrade the fire alarm systems in over 1,500 properties at more than 50 locations across the city. Fire safety needed to be urgently looked at throughout the council’s housing stock to make sure that similar emergencies didn’t happen again and that residents could sleep soundly knowing they were safe from the risk of fire.
We started the work in July 2024, and within eight months everything was complete. Our team was faced with several challenges along the way, but we worked efficiently together with Nottingham City Council to make sure the highest standards were achieved, ensuring full compliance with the latest fire safety regulations and minimal disruption to the residents along the way.
“This has been an extremely demanding project but one which we are all very proud of. Through fantastic collaboration between our organisation and Midland Fire, we have successfully completed this project to ensure that residents remain safe within their homes.
We have received positive feedback from our residents and colleagues regarding the standards provided by Midland Fire and their personable approach.”
Graydon Peacock, Electrical Manager, Nottingham City Council Housing Services
Nottingham City Council Housing Services
Nottingham City Council Housing Services (NCCHS) look after 25,000 council homes across the city, which makes up around a fifth of all Nottingham households. They’re invested in their local community, handling the upkeep of all their housing, offering advice on the cost of living and homelessness, and helping people find affordable places to live. Making sure that people are safe in their own homes is one of their fundamental responsibilities, which is why they approached us last year for professional help to reach their fire safety goals.
Fire alarm installation and upgrade for Nottingham City Council
The project
The primary goal of this project was to upgrade the existing fire alarm systems for Nottingham City Council Housing properties to category LD1. This is the highest level of protection for domestic properties recommended under BS 5839-6. The quality of the systems were to be ranked at Grade D, containing one or more mains-powered detectors, each with a tamper-proof standby battery supply.
The challenges
This was a huge job, and at its peak, eight teams were on duty at once to ensure that the project could be completed within the timescale. That meant coordinating multiple staff and fire alarm engineers as well as being mindful of the residents that we were working around.
Some of the most significant challenges revolved around the following:
Tenant coordination
With over 1,500 appointments scheduled, we worked closely with tenant liaison officers to plan visits at mutually convenient times. We also sent reminders 24 hours in advance to reassure residents about the upcoming work, and we made sure we minimised any disruption while we were there. Resident feedback afterwards said that our engineers were respectful, tidy and efficient, taking the time to explain the installation process and address individual concerns.
Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs)
In many properties we discovered asbestos-containing materials, particularly in textured ceilings, which required careful handling. All of our team wore PPE from then on and underwent Category B Asbestos training to safely manage these areas so that they knew the handling and disposal protocols to keep themselves and residents safe.
Electrical upgrades & consumer unit replacements
As part of the fire alarm upgrade, we installed the latest Aico 3000 series fire detection systems. However, the new system introduced a potential DC load that rendered the existing circuit protection inadequate. This meant we had to replace many RCDs with Type A models and fit new consumer units where the new RCDs were incompatible. We made sure that all electrical upgrades were carried out in a single visit for minimal disruption.
Carbon monoxide & wireless interlinks
We found that many properties with gas boilers were missing carbon monoxide detectors. So we installed Aico Ei3030 multi-sensor and carbon monoxide alarms, combining smoke, heat and CO detection in people’s homes. These alarms were wirelessly interlinked using the Ei3000 wireless interlink module, reducing the need for visible cabling and containment within residents’ homes.
A range of integrated technology
Our engineers had training from Aico so that they were clear on how to set up the different devices and where to site them. Once installed, our engineers explained to residents what the systems do and how to use them, as well as answering any questions. We also set the systems up to integrate with the client’s cloud-based management system and the landlords’ addressable fire alarm systems.
Project outcome
Despite the challenges, our team successfully completed the project within the designated time frame in collaboration with Nottingham City Council. The two teams held a strong working relationship, and the positive feedback that came from the residents highlights the project’s success.
The work carried out has significantly improved fire safety across the region, ticked all the compliance boxes and, most importantly, has given families in Nottingham peace of mind. All in all, the project has been a great example of our unwavering commitment to safety, quality and looking after our local community.
A note on domestic fire alarm system categories
Want to know a bit more about domestic fire alarm categories? We’re happy to oblige.
In the UK, domestic fire alarm systems fall into three categories based on the level of fire protection they offer – LD1, LD2 and LD3. In short, the higher the category, the more protection it provides.
Fire alarm grades, on the other hand, indicate the system’s quality and range from A to F2, with Grade A being the most advanced, using multiple technologies for full coverage. Each LD category is paired with a grade to offer the right balance of protection and system reliability bespoke to the property’s needs.
Here are the domestic fire alarm system categories at a glance:
LD1: Maximum Protection
LD1 provides the highest level of protection with detectors installed throughout all areas. Most suitable for high-risk premises like hotels and care homes, they’re designed to give the earliest possible warning for safe evacuation.
LD2: Additional Protection
LD2 offers additional life protection but is not as comprehensive as LD1. Detectors are placed in all escape routes, plus rooms with a high fire risk, like kitchens or electrical rooms. They’re designed to detect fires early enough to protect life without full building coverage.
LD3: Standard Protection
LD3 provides the minimum level of protection recommended under BS 5839. Detectors are installed only in escape routes such as hallways and staircases. These systems are suitable for small properties where escape is quick and easy.
Looking for fire alarm installation in Nottingham?
We provide fire risk assessment and life safety solutions in Nottinghamshire as well as the surrounding cities, towns and villages across the Midlands, for both domestic and commercial settings.
At Midland Fire, we’ll work with you to plan and deliver the optimum life safety solution for your premises, including ongoing maintenance, support and fire safety training. At Midland Fire WE PROTECT.
For more information and a free consultation contact Midland Fire Security Services Ltd.
