Midland Fire – An SME working with other small businesses to deliver exceptional service
This week is Small Business Week! Organised by Entrepreneur’s circle, the event aims to highlight the work of small businesses contributing to the local and national economy.
A staggering 99.9% of the entire business population in the UK are SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). An SME is defined as a business with fewer than 250 employees and includes both micro businesses (1-9 employees) and sole traders.
Without small businesses the UK economy would simply not exist.
Midland Fire Security Services falls into the SME category. We are currently hovering around the 50-employee mark and we couldn’t have done this without the exceptional people in our business and the SMEs we work in partnership with.
A bit about our history
Originally started by Gary Sillito in 1999 as a sub-contractor to Honeywell / Gent – Midland Fire has built a reputation for quality of workmanship and reliability. Word has spread and the company grew organically, taking on more staff while maintaining quality through accreditations and training.
Over the past 10-15 years, Gary has passed the torch to the next generation of the Sillito family. Dan, Jack and Luke Sillito followed in Gary’s footsteps having become competent Life Safety Engineers in their own right. As of 2022 Gary officially retired from the business making his sons the new Managing Directors of the company.
Continuing our support for other SMEs, in 2025 Midland Fire began the move to its new headquarters on Hawkins Lane in Burton On Trent – Where all works were completed by over 20 local suppliers and contractors (You can read more about the new head office by clicking here).
Fast forward to 2026 and Midland Fire have officially become a Honeywell Platinum Partner – The highest award given to Honeywell / Gent / Notifier installers. The company has also become lead contractor on many sites throughout the East and West Midlands.
Over the past 10 years the team has grown from 25 skilled fire alarm engineers to a team of 50 multi-disciplinary electrical contractors. The next generation of the Sillito family are also getting involved and looking to join the business as apprentices.
Commitment to the local area
As part of the commitment to the local area Midland Fire have supported local charities including the Burton Albion Community Trust and sponsoring several local sports teams. This commitment is extended into the communities Midland Fire operates in across the Midlands.
Apprentices have also been a big part of the business. With many long-term engineers joining the company from college-age. The company has strong links with Burton and South Derbyshire College and other local apprentice providers.
Supporting other local businesses
Midland Fire frequently work in partnership with other main contractors and sub contracts to deliver on projects. Examples include Altitude Safety who have been a key part of service delivery at Aston University and a local Burton-based brewery. The Leicester branch of Summers-Inman helped us deliver for Walkers Snack Foods. Trent Safety Services who support our fire extinguisher servicing/commissioning. Copsewood Fire protection who support our sprinkler / wet dry risers / hydrants service.
Although a majority of our client work is completed by Midland Fire staff, any contractor working with the company is hand-picked for quality and reliability of service. Ensuring we maintain high standards throughout the region.
Looking for a local Fire Alarm Service for your business?
Please give Midland Fire a call on 01283 741000 or email: info@midlandfire.com and we’ll come back to you with a competitive quotation.
