iMist

What iMist does

iMist (legal entity I-MIST LTD) is a UK-based designer, manufacturer, installer, and servicer of high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems, founded in 2015 by Tony Sims (Managing Director) and Alex Pollard (Operations Director) and headquartered in Kings Hill, West Malling following a 2023 relocation from Hull. The company's core product, the proprietary STX12 system, suppresses fires using micro-droplets generated from mains water pressure at a flow rate of approximately 8 litres per minute versus ~51 litres per minute for traditional sprinklers, eliminating the need for stored water tanks. The portfolio includes the STN12 quick-response thermal-release nozzle, the STH12 stainless steel flexible hose (Warringtonfire-tested to EI 60 with Nullifire sealant), the trademarked Lumi-Mist / Lumi-Plugin integrated downlight nozzle, and a Category 4 equivalent system launched in 2024 that extends protection to buildings over 18 metres in height. The company is differentiated by an entirely in-house operating model (no subcontractors), 14,000+ cumulative UK installations across domestic, multiple dwellings, care homes, student accommodation, social housing, heritage, modular, and hospitality segments, and a regulatory first-mover position including LABSS Registered Details certification in Scotland and the first FPA UKAS-accredited BS 8458 test pass.

iMist operates a vertically integrated business model combining one-off hardware sales (STX12 system and Installation Components Box), professional installation services delivered by directly employed engineers, and recurring revenue from mandatory annual servicing contracts that underpin a 10-year product warranty. The optional iMist Monitoring Service (IMS) adds a WiFi-connected smart pump with real-time fault alerts and insurer-ready monthly reports, layering subscription economics on top of the install base. Pricing is quote-based rather than list-priced, supported by a free online instant estimate tool; the company emphasises that prices have remained unchanged since 2015. Go-to-market is sales-led and 100% direct, with no third-party resellers, targeting architects, developers, building control officers, housing associations, and end-homeowners via free CPD sessions, content marketing, and the website funnel. Geographic coverage is UK-wide (England, Scotland, Wales) via a completed depot network placing engineers within two hours of any site, with US market entry flagged as a strategic priority backed by a £4.5 million growth investment from Foresight Group in 2020/2021.

Name

iMist

Legal name

I-MIST LTD

Website

https://imist.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

iMist is a UK manufacturer and installer of high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems serving domestic and residential property markets. It sells proprietary STX12 hardware, in-house installation, and recurring annual servicing contracts, with 14,000+ installations across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fire Suppression Systems

NAICS

Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391)

SIC

Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems (Design/Install/Service/Testing) (BPABAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire Protection Piping & Sprinkler System Components (IMADALAJ), Monitoring & Control (Dosing Systems, Remote Monitoring, Sensors) (BPABAJAK)

Keywords

• Water mist fire suppression
• Fire protection systems
• Residential fire sprinklers
• Fire suppression installation
• High pressure water mist

Headquarters

HQ city

Kingston upon Hull

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems: Sale of proprietary fire suppression systems including pumps, nozzles, and components for domestic and residential applications. Systems are designed, manufactured, installed and maintained in-house.
2. Installation Services: Complete in-house installation services provided by directly employed engineers. Every project managed from design to installation to sign-off.
3. Annual Servicing and Maintenance: Ongoing servicing contracts required for warranty validity (10-year warranty subject to annual servicing). Includes system monitoring and maintenance.
4. iMist Monitoring Service (IMS): Optional smart pump upgrade providing real-time monitoring, early fault detection, and monthly reports for enhanced system oversight.
5. Installation Components Box: Sale of plumbing and electrical components required for installation. Offered as optional add-on to simplify sourcing for customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

iMist designs, manufactures, installs, and services proprietary high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems for domestic and residential properties across the UK. The core STX12 system uses up to 80% less water than traditional sprinklers and is delivered through a fully in-house team handling every stage from design and manufacture through installation and ongoing annual servicing. With over 14,000 UK installations since 2015, the company serves individual homeowners as well as developers, housing associations, care home operators, and student accommodation providers.

Product overview

iMist offers a unified high-pressure water mist fire suppression system (STX12) designed for domestic and residential properties across the UK. The portfolio centres on the STX12 system as the core product, comprising the STH12 flexible hose and STN12 nozzle components, all designed and manufactured in-house. The system is complemented by the iMist Monitoring Service (IMS) for smart pump connectivity, the Lumi-Mist/Lumi-Plugin for integrated downlight functionality, and an Installation Components Box for simplified procurement. The company provides end-to-end service including design, installation, and annual maintenance, all delivered by a fully in-house directly employed team. Every system is backed by a 10-year warranty tied to annual servicing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lumi-Mist: Integrated downlight nozzles combining high-pressure water mist with smart, clutter-free design. The Lumi-Plugin reduces ceiling clutter by integrating downlights with other ceiling-mounted features.
• iMist Monitoring Service (IMS)

Products and services

• STX12 Water Mist Fire Suppression System The core proprietary high-pressure water mist fire suppression system for domestic and residential properties, using up to 80% less water than traditional sprinklers. Mains-fed, no stored water required, designed and manufactured in-house, and installed by directly employed engineers.
• Lumi-Mist / Lumi-Plugin Integrated Downlight Nozzles Integrated downlight nozzles combining high-pressure water mist with LED downlighters to reduce ceiling clutter, available in RAL colours for aesthetic integration into modern interiors.
• iMist Monitoring Service (IMS) Smart pump monitoring system providing early detection for electrical faults, real-time system alerts, monthly reports, and historic data for insurers. Connects via WiFi for continuous system oversight.
• Installation Components Box Pre-packaged plumbing and electrical components required for fire suppression system installation, sold directly through iMist to simplify procurement for customers.
• Fire Suppression System Installation Service Complete in-house installation service delivered by directly employed iMist engineers, with a dedicated project manager assigned to each installation from design through to sign-off.
• Annual Servicing and Maintenance Recurring annual servicing and maintenance contracts required to keep the 10-year warranty valid, including scheduled service reminders and proactive maintenance performed by in-house directly employed engineers.
• Category 4 Equivalent Water Mist System Water mist fire suppression system engineered to provide Category 4 equivalent performance, enabling protection of residential buildings over 18 metres in height such as high-rise social housing tower blocks.

Quantifiable outcome

• Uses 80% less water than traditional sprinklers (8 litres per minute vs 51 litres per minute)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• NullifirecoreTechnology or Integration · 12 December 2024Collaboration with Nullifire on fire-stopping solutions for iMist STH12 hose penetrations. The FS709 HP Intumescent Sealant tested with iMist hose achieving up to 60 minutes fire resistance (EI 60) when installed according to approved detailing. First in industry to test water mist pipework with fire-stopping material.
• Fire Protection Association (FPA)coreTechnology or Integration · 28 September 2022iMist was the first company to pass the FPA's UKAS accredited BS 8458 Annex C residential and domestic watermist system test. FPA is the first UKAS-accredited fire testing facility in the UK for this standard. iMist helped the FPA gain their UKAS accreditation during the process.
• UKAScoreTechnology or IntegrationUKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) provides independent accreditation for fire testing facilities. FPA gained UKAS accreditation for BS 8458 testing with iMist's assistance.
• LABSScoreTechnology or IntegrationiMist is the only water mist system for domestic and residential projects to hold LABSS Registered Details certification in Scotland. The certification enables fast-tracking of projects as Building Standards has already assessed and approved the system.
• LABC / LABC CymrucoreTechnology or IntegrationLABC certification enables streamlined approvals for iMist systems in England and Wales domestic and residential projects.
• BSIcoreTechnology or IntegrationBSI certified iMist for ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2022 (Environmental Management), and LPCB ISO 9001 certifications.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Marioff: Carrier-owned manufacturer of HI-FOG water mist fire suppression systems, the most established global water mist brand. Direct technology peer to iMist, though Marioff is concentrated in industrial, marine, and commercial applications rather than UK residential.
• Johnson Controls: Global fire and building safety incumbent (post-Tyco merger) that offers the AquaMist residential and commercial water mist product line. Direct competitor in the residential water mist category with substantially greater financial, distribution, and brand resources.
• Viking Group: US-headquartered manufacturer of fire sprinklers, water mist systems, and suppression products with established distribution across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Direct technology and channel peer in water mist fire suppression.
• Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Long-established US manufacturer of automatic sprinklers and water mist fire suppression systems serving commercial, residential, and industrial markets. Direct technology peer with overlapping residential and light commercial water mist offerings.

Emerging players

• Firetrace International: Specialist manufacturer of water mist fire suppression for enclosures, cabinets, and small/commercial applications. Comparable as a water mist specialist focused on targeted use cases, though smaller scale and narrower application set than iMist's residential focus.

Broad incumbents

• Chubb Fire & Security: Major UK fire and security services provider (part of API Group) with nationwide installation and servicing infrastructure. Broad incumbent in the same UK fire protection market that iMist serves, with significantly larger resources and broader product portfolio.
• Wormald (Jensen Hughes): Established UK and global fire safety services brand (now part of Jensen Hughes) offering design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems. Broad incumbent competing for the same UK commercial and residential fire suppression projects.
• Marlowe Fire & Security: UK provider of fire safety, security, and compliance services to commercial and residential customers through a multi-brand portfolio. Broad incumbent in the UK fire protection services market with overlapping customer base in social housing, care homes, and property management.
• Honeywell Building Technologies: Global building technologies division of Honeywell offering fire alarm, detection, and suppression systems (including Notifier and other fire brands). Broad incumbent in fire and life safety with the resources to bundle fire suppression with broader building automation offerings.

Others

• Fike Corporation: US-based manufacturer of fire protection and explosion suppression systems serving industrial, commercial, and process safety markets. Adjacent/ecosystem peer — comparable in fire suppression product breadth and engineering depth though focused on different end markets.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about iMist