Protec Fire Detection
Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd is the UK's largest privately owned fire detection and security systems provider, manufacturing proprietary Algo-Tec 6000PLUS fire alarm panels, aspirating detection systems, and suppression products. It delivers turnkey design, installation, and maintenance to enterprise, government, and institutional customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1969
- HeadquartersNelson, United Kingdom
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Protec Fire Detection does
Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd, trading as Protec Fire Detection, is a UK-based vertically integrated provider of fire detection, security, and life-safety systems, headquartered in Nelson, Lancashire, and operating for over 55 years under continuous private ownership. The company self-describes as the UK's largest privately owned fire detection and security firm, with evidence of corporate affiliation to Bosch via support-portal branding ('Protec a Bosch company') and Bosch-based authentication infrastructure. Its core technology stack centres on the proprietary Algo-Tec 6000PLUS protocol used in its addressable fire alarm panels (6500 and 6100 single-loop panels) and 6000PLUS sensor range, complemented by aspirating smoke detection systems (Cirrus HYBRID, ProPoint PLUS, and the more recently launched Cirrus CCD), motorised infrared beam detectors (FIREBEAM70 covering 7-160 metres at IP65), gas detection, voice evacuation and public address, accessible (disabled refuge) systems compliant with BS 8629, emergency lighting, sprinklers (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, foam), water mist, gas suppression, kitchen fire suppression, and integrated security systems (CCTV, access control, intruder detection). A Client Support Portal and Protec Cloud platform provide technical documentation, BIM families, software/firmware, and ticketing.
The company serves a diversified base of enterprise and government customers across multiple regulated verticals including commercial buildings, education (e.g., Laurus Trust Schools on a programme valued at approximately £40M), rail and transport (Crossrail Elizabeth Line across 8 stations, 6 portals, 2 depots and 21 cross-passages; Manchester Airport; Dublin Airport T2), custodial (HMP Berwyn, HMP Brixton, via a Custodial Division formed in 2002 in partnership with the Ministry of Justice), data centres, food processing (Kellogg's, Warburton's, James Hall / SPAR), stadia and leisure (Olympic Stadium, Liverpool Arena), Ministry of Defence, and emerging net-zero and nuclear energy segments. Recent landmark installations include the Palace of Westminster. Revenue is generated across three streams — equipment supply (hardware sales), turnkey installation and project management (professional services spanning design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning), and ongoing service support and maintenance under multi-year contracts (managed services including PPM and 24/7 reactive call-out). Pricing is quote-based and project-specific, with multi-year maintenance contracts providing recurring revenue.
Go-to-market is delivered through a national network of dedicated field sales engineers and regional representatives engaging specifiers, installers, and end users directly; an export division reaches 50+ locations worldwide through partners such as D+H Polska in Poland and dedicated Australia/New Zealand operations. Marketing and channel build-out centre on CPD-accredited training, case-study content, social (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook), and a flagship regional trade-show series ('The Event') rolling out across Manchester (September 2024), Leeds (May 2025), and Birmingham (2026). The company maintains key third-party certifications including LPCB LPS 1014, LPCB LPS 1048 Level 4 (the highest installer tier for sprinklers and fixed suppression), LPCB LPS 1204 for gas extinguishing, NSI Gold for security, ISO 9001, and BSI quality/environmental/OHS management certifications, all of which are gating credentials for most UK government and institutional tenders.
Protec Fire Detection firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Protec Fire Detection
- Legal name
- Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd
- Website
- https://protec.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1969
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd is the UK's largest privately owned fire detection and security systems provider, manufacturing proprietary Algo-Tec 6000PLUS fire alarm panels, aspirating detection systems, and suppression products. It delivers turnkey design, installation, and maintenance to enterprise, government, and institutional customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Protec Fire Detection industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fire Detection Systems
- NAICS
- Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Security Systems Services (56162), Building Inspection Services (54135)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Testing, Inspection, Maintenance & Compliance Services (NFPA/Local Code) (HSAHAFAG), Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems Integration (BPAKAGAF), Fire Detection & Suppression Systems (HDABAKAI)
Keywords
Where Protec Fire Detection is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Nelson
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Protec Fire Detection business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Equipment Supply: Manufacture and supply of fire detection control panels, sensors, aspirating detection systems, beam detectors, sounders, and ancillary devices under the Protec brand.
- Installation and Project Management: Full turnkey installation services including system design, equipment supply, installation, testing and commissioning for fire and security systems across commercial, institutional and industrial sectors.
- Service Support and Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance contracts and 24/7 reactive call-out services ensuring systems remain compliant and operational. Includes PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) service contracts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom project-based pricing for enterprise clients |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Protec Fire Detection product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Protec Fire Detection provides full design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, and service capability for fire detection and security systems. Its portfolio covers addressable fire alarm panels (6500 and 6100) using the proprietary Algo-Tec 6000PLUS protocol, aspirating smoke detection (Cirrus HYBRID, ProPoint PLUS, Cirrus CCD), beam detection (FIREBEAM70), voice evacuation, gas detection, emergency lighting, security systems, and suppression solutions (sprinklers, gas, water mist, kitchen fire suppression). Delivered as turnkey projects and ongoing PPM/maintenance contracts for enterprise and government customers.
Product overview
Protec Fire Detection is a comprehensive life safety systems provider offering a broad portfolio of fire detection, security, and suppression products. The core product line includes digital addressable fire alarm systems built around the proprietary Algo-Tec 6000PLUS protocol, featuring the 6500 and 6100 single-loop control panels paired with an extensive 6000PLUS sensor range (optical, heat, multi-sensor, and combined variants with integrated sounders and visual alarm devices). The aspirating detection portfolio includes ProPoint PLUS, Cirrus HYBRID, and Cirrus CCD systems for early warning in challenging environments. Supporting the fire detection range are voice evacuation/public address systems, accessible systems (disabled refuge alarms), evacuation alert systems, gas detection, emergency lighting, and portable fire extinguishers. The company also provides complete suppression solutions including sprinkler systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, foam), water mist, gas suppression, and kitchen fire suppression. A dedicated Client Support Portal delivers technical documentation, BIM families, and support services. All products utilize open protocol options for third-party compatibility.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Protec Academy: Training academy for employee development and apprenticeship programs
- Protec Cloud
- The Event
Products and services
- Fire Detection Systems Digital addressable fire alarm systems built on the proprietary Algo-Tec 6000PLUS protocol, including the 6500 and 6100 single-loop control panels and the 6000PLUS optical, heat, multi-sensor and combined sensor range with integrated sounders and visual alarm devices, supplied to commercial, industrial, government and education customers across the UK and export markets.
- Aspirating Detection Systems (Cirrus HYBRID, Cirrus CCD, ProPoint PLUS) Continuous air-sampling aspirating smoke detection systems that draw air through pipe networks to detect smoke particles at very early stages of fire, used in challenging environments such as cold storage (operating down to -25°C), high-ceiling spaces, server rooms and critical infrastructure where conventional point detection is unsuitable.
- Voice Evacuation / Public Address Systems Voice evacuation systems integrated with public address capabilities for effective emergency communication, mass notification and evacuation management in commercial, transport, education and stadia environments.
- Accessible Systems (Disabled Refuge) Disabled refuge alarm and emergency voice communication systems that enable two-way communication between evacuation points and building management for occupants who require assistance during evacuation, used in commercial, residential and public buildings.
- Evacuation Alert System BS 8629-compliant evacuation alert systems designed for high-rise residential buildings and other structures where fire and rescue service control of evacuation signalling is required.
- Gas Detection Systems Gas alarm systems for detecting hazardous gases (combustible, toxic and refrigerant) in commercial kitchens, plant rooms, laboratories and industrial facilities.
- Emergency Lighting Systems Emergency lighting systems that provide illuminated escape route signage during mains power failure, integrated with fire detection systems for building-wide evacuation compliance.
- Portable Fire Extinguishers Trade-only range of portable fire extinguishers including Commander, Commander EDGE and Contempo models distributed via partner CheckFire to fire safety trade customers.
- Sprinkler Systems Bespoke mechanical fire suppression sprinkler systems including wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, foam and hose reel designs, installed by LPCB LPS 1048 Level 4 certified installers across commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.
- Security Systems Integrated electronic security solutions comprising CCTV, access control and intruder detection systems, designed to integrate with fire detection and evacuation systems across enterprise and government sites.
- Gas Suppression Systems Fixed gas fire suppression systems for protecting server rooms, data centres and sensitive equipment where water-based suppression would be damaging; Protec is an LPCB LPS 1204 approved installer.
- Water Mist Systems Low-pressure water mist fire suppression technology supplied in partnership with VID FIREKILL, delivering effective fire protection with reduced water consumption for applications such as plant rooms and heritage buildings.
- Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems Specialised automatic fire suppression systems for commercial kitchen environments, addressing the specific risks associated with cooking oils and grease fires in hospitality and food service operations.
Quantifiable outcome
- Aspirating detection systems operating at temperatures as low as -25°C for cold storage protection
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Protec Fire Detection
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Protec Fire Detection technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Protec Fire Detection partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major project and flagship.
- D+H PolskacoreInternational network partner responsible for installation and distribution of Protec fire detection products in Poland. D+H Polska installed systems at KNAUF Industries Poland facility and other Polish projects.
- Axis CommunicationscoreIndustry leader in video surveillance supplying network solutions that integrate with Protec's security systems. Featured as exhibitor at The Event Leeds showcasing integrated security solutions.
- Bi3 (Business Insight 3)coreSecurity and business information solutions provider combining global technology with in-house expertise for bespoke solutions. Exhibitor at Protec's The Event showcasing integrated security offerings.
- VID FIREKILLcoreGlobal leader in low-pressure water mist technology headquartered in Denmark. ISO 9001 and 14001 accredited manufacturer providing fire suppression solutions that complement Protec's detection systems.
- CheckFirecore100% trade-only supplier of fire safety products including Commander and Commander EDGE extinguishers, Contempo range, and ancillary products. Trade partner for Protec distribution.
- HirschcoreLeading high-security access control solution provider, established 1981, securing government-grade sites in UK, Europe and US federal agencies. Exhibitor at The Event showcasing integrated access control solutions.
- BAM Construction Northwestmajor projectMain contractor for Laurus Trust school projects valued at approximately £40 million. Protec provided life safety systems as subcontractor.
- Bowker Limitedmajor projectM&E contractor for James Hall Distribution Centre project where Protec was employed to provide full fire detection solution.
- Transport for London (TfL) / CrossrailflagshipClient for Crossrail Elizabeth line project - one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. Protec delivered fire detection and protection across 8 stations, 6 portals, and 2 depots for the new railway line.
- NorBain Security DistributioncoreSecurity distribution company where Buzz Coates, industry panelist at The Event, has worked for 20 years. Distributes CCTV, access control and intruder detection products.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Protec Fire Detection competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kentec Electronics: UK-based manufacturer of analogue addressable and conventional fire alarm control panels, serving the same installer/specifier channel with a comparable product-and-service model. Closest like-for-like competitor in the British fire detection market.
- C-TEC (Computionics Limited): UK manufacturer of fire alarm panels, disabled refuge systems, and voice evacuation, with strong presence in education and commercial buildings — directly overlaps with Protec's primary segments.
- Apollo Fire Detectors: UK-based fire detection device specialist (detectors, sounders, modules) supplying open-protocol components into the same installer ecosystem that Protec targets.
- Advanced Electronics: UK fire detection and audio system manufacturer offering addressable panels and evacuation systems, closely matching Protec's product mix and customer base.
- Hochiki Europe: Japanese-owned but UK-headquartered fire detection manufacturer with strong presence in commercial and life-safety projects across Europe — directly competes on addressable detection and integration.
- Zeta Alarm Systems: UK fire alarm systems manufacturer serving commercial and industrial customers with a comparable product range and channel model.
Broad incumbents
- Notifier by Honeywell: Honeywell's fire detection brand competes directly with Protec in mid/large commercial and institutional projects, but benefits from Honeywell's global R&D and broader BMS portfolio.
- Siemens Smart Infrastructure (UK Fire): Global fire safety and building technologies incumbent with overlapping product portfolio and much larger international footprint, frequently winning large UK infrastructure tenders.
- Johnson Controls (Tyco Fire Protection): Global fire suppression and detection group combining Tyco, SimplexGrinnell, and Zettler heritage — competes with Protec on suppression, detection, and integrated life safety.
- Gent by Honeywell: Honeywell's heritage UK fire detection brand (S-Quad, Vigilon ranges), directly overlapping with Protec on addressable panels and emergency voice communication in UK commercial and public-sector projects.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Protec Fire Detection social profiles
Digital presenceProtec Fire Detection compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Protec Fire Detection financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Protec Fire Detection leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Protec Fire Detection funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Protec Fire Detection M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Protec Fire Detection
What does Protec Fire Detection do?
Protec Fire Detection provides full design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, and service capability for fire detection and security systems. Its portfolio covers addressable fire alarm panels (6500 and 6100) using the proprietary Algo-Tec 6000PLUS protocol, aspirating smoke detection (Cirrus HYBRID, ProPoint PLUS, Cirrus CCD), beam detection (FIREBEAM70), voice evacuation, gas detection, emergency lighting, security systems, and suppression solutions (sprinklers, gas, water mist, kitchen fire suppression). Delivered as turnkey projects and ongoing PPM/maintenance contracts for enterprise and government customers.
Is Protec Fire Detection a public or private company?
Protec Fire Detection is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Protec Fire Detection founded?
Protec Fire Detection was founded in 1969. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Protec Fire Detection based?
Protec Fire Detection is headquartered in Nelson, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Protec Fire Detection make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Equipment Supply is the primary driver. The others are installation and Project Management and service Support and Maintenance.
Who are Protec Fire Detection's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kentec Electronics, C-TEC (Computionics Limited), Apollo Fire Detectors, Advanced Electronics, Hochiki Europe and Zeta Alarm Systems. Broad incumbents are Notifier by Honeywell, Siemens Smart Infrastructure (UK Fire), Johnson Controls (Tyco Fire Protection) and Gent by Honeywell.
Does Protec Fire Detection have an API?
No public API is recorded for Protec Fire Detection.
What industry is Protec Fire Detection in?
Protec Fire Detection's product category is Fire Detection Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIAJAC, Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service), with a secondary code of HSAHAFAG, Testing, Inspection, Maintenance & Compliance Services (NFPA/Local Code). Its NAICS code is 334512 and its SIC code is 3823.